While much of your internship will involve on-the-job training, there are several things you can do beforehand to set yourself up for success. This comprehensive guide covers excel shortcuts and powerpoint tips which will help you make the most of your training days and impress your colleagues from day one.
1. Master Excel Shortcuts
As an investment banking intern, you’ll spend a significant amount of time working in Excel. Familiarizing yourself with common shortcuts and formulas can save you time and demonstrate your technical proficiency. Here are some essential shortcuts to know:
Editing and Formatting Shortcuts
| Function | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Ctrl+C |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Ctrl+V |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Ctrl+Z |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | Ctrl+Y |
| Bold | Ctrl+B | ⌘+B |
| Italic | Ctrl+I | ⌘+I |
| Underline | Ctrl+U | ⌘+U |
| Number format | Ctrl+Shift+! | Ctrl+Shift+! |
| Percent format | Ctrl+Shift+% | Ctrl+Shift+% |
| Date format | Ctrl+Shift+# | Ctrl+Shift+# |
Navigation and Selection Shortcuts
| Function | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Select entire column/row | Ctrl+Shift+Down/Up Arrow | Ctrl+Shift+Down/Up Arrow |
| Move between worksheets | Ctrl+PgDn/PgUp | Ctrl+Fn+Down/Up |
| Go to cell A1 | Ctrl+Home | Fn+Ctrl+Left |
| Go to last cell in worksheet | Ctrl+End | Fn+Ctrl+Right |
| Select a cell range | Shift+Arrows | Shift+Arrows |
| Select all | Ctrl+A | ⌘+A |
Data Editing and Formula Shortcuts
| Function | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Fill down from cell above | Ctrl+D | Ctrl+D |
| Fill right from cell left | Ctrl+R | Ctrl+R |
| Start a formula | = | = |
| Insert autosum formula | Alt+= | ⌘+Shift+T |
| Anchor cells (A$1$), toggle anchors (edit mode) | F4 | F4 |
| Insert a function | Shift+F3 | Shift+F3 |
Hiding and Unhiding Shortcuts
| Function | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Hide rows | Ctrl+9 | Ctrl+9 |
| Unhide rows | Ctrl+Shift+9 | Ctrl+Shift+9 |
| Hide columns | Ctrl+0 | Ctrl+0 |
| Unhide columns | Ctrl+Shift+0 | Ctrl+Shift+0 |
Window Management Shortcuts
| Function | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Switch between open workbooks | Ctrl+F6 | Ctrl+` |
| Minimize current workbook window | Ctrl+F9 | |
| Maximize current workbook window | Ctrl+F10 |
2. Get Familiar with PowerPoint
In addition to Excel, PowerPoint is another tool you’ll use frequently to create presentations for clients and colleagues. Take some time to explore the various features and templates available, and practice creating a few slides to get comfortable with the software.
3. Review Technical Pre-Work
Many investment banks provide interns with technical pre-work or training materials to review before starting. Make sure to complete any assigned readings or modules, and take notes on key concepts and formulas. This will give you a solid foundation to build upon during your training days.
4. Refresh Your Interview Technical Prep
If it’s been a while since you interviewed for your internship, it’s a good idea to review any technical concepts or questions you prepared for. This could include topics like financial statement analysis, valuation methodologies, and market trends. Refreshing your knowledge of these areas will help you participate more actively in training sessions and make a positive impression on your team.
5. Stay Informed About Current Market News
Staying up-to-date on current market news and trends is essential for any aspiring investment banker. Read financial publications like the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Bloomberg, and take note of any significant deals, IPOs, or market movements. Being able to discuss recent developments intelligently will show that you’re engaged and eager to learn.
Remember, a well-prepared intern makes the best impression during training, setting the tone for the entire internship. By mastering excel shortcuts, familiarizing yourself with PowerPoint, reviewing technical pre-work, refreshing your interview prep, and staying informed about the market, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way and potentially secure a full-time offer at the end of the summer.
Good luck, and enjoy this exciting new chapter in your professional development!
Thank you @JoannaWalker for giving me the idea for this blog!
