Hi all,
I’m weighing an offer from Barclays for their IBD program in London. The team seemed nice during interviews but I’m curious what the analyst experience is really like there. Is the learning curve steep and do analysts get actual deal exposure early on? Also, how is the mentorship culture?
Big congratulations! 🥳 An offer from Barclays IBD in London is a strong achievement.
Building on what Simon shared, I would say that from what I have seen, the analyst experience at Barclays can be very rewarding, especially if you are the type who learns by doing.
The learning curve is definitely steep, but I know a few analysts who got real deal exposure within the first few months, particularly in leaner groups. One person I spoke to supported a live M&A pitch early on and said it was intense but exciting and gave them a huge boost in confidence.
On mentorship, I agree it depends somewhat on the group, but overall I have heard good things. Staffers and VPs tend to be accessible, and if you show initiative and stay curious, people are usually willing to support your development.
What stands out to me is that if the vibe felt good during interviews and the people came across as engaged and authentic, that often reflects the day-to-day culture more than any formal description.
Best regards. 😊
Congrats on the offer! Barclays IBD London offers a strong analyst experience overall. The learning curve is steep, like at most top banks, but analysts often get early exposure to live deals, especially in leaner teams. Expect long hours, but also real responsibility over time.
Mentorship varies by group, but generally there’s a solid support system, with staffers and seniors invested in analyst development. If you liked the vibe during interviews, that’s a good sign! Culture can differ a lot across banks, so that matters.
Hey!
Barclays' Investment Banking Analyst experience in London offers a dynamic and hands-on environment. As part of the two-year Investment Banking Expert Programme, analysts are integral to deal teams from day one, engaging in live projects and collaborating closely with senior professionals across various sectors, including M&A, capital raising, and structured solutions. This structure provides early exposure to real transactions, fostering rapid skill development.
The mentorship culture at Barclays is notably supportive and inclusive. Analysts often report a collegial atmosphere where senior bankers are approachable and invested in junior development.
Many analysts have the opportunity to interact directly with clients and participate in significant deal-making processes, enhancing their professional growth. However, it's important to be prepared for demanding hours, which are typical in the industry, and a culture that emphasizes face time
Hey!
At Barclays IBD in London, analysts typically face a steep learning curve, especially during live deals, but the experience offers significant hands-on exposure early on. You can expect to be involved in financial modeling, pitch preparation, and due diligence tasks from the start, which accelerates skill development. Deal exposure can vary by team and product group, with some coverage or M&A teams providing more transactional experience than others. Mentorship is generally supportive, though much of the learning is on-the-job, so proactive engagement with senior bankers and asking for feedback is key to maximizing growth and navigating the fast-paced environment effectively.
