'The Making of an Investment Banker,' With Jim Donovan

UVA Law adjunct professor Jim Donovan, vice chairman of global client coverage at Goldman Sachs, discusses what it takes to become an effective investment banker during a talk at UVA’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. (University of Virginia School of Law, Oct. 4, 2023)

[RationalArgumentMan]

This guy has never used a filler word in his life

[rute]

Jim Donovan seems like the type of guy to have a business card with subtle off-white coloring and tasteful thickness.

[myfriedscallmeguido]

Interview:
1. Read the WSJ every day. One article on macro economics, one on an especific company transaction, one on the op ed page.
2. Get familiar with the 3 financial statements.
3. Get the interviewer to talk about themself.
4. Ask open ended questions.

7:02 Keeping the job:
1. Find a role model. Whoever is the best.
2. Make it clear that you have no ego. No task is beneath you.
3. Take notes. It conveys seriousness, shows the importance you assign to the topic, gives confidence that you are not going to forget. Recap the meeting at the end.
4. Work hard.
5. First impressions die hard. Be very responsive, especially early on.
6. Never stop learning.

14:04 How to excell:
1. Give your client advise that is the best for them, even (and more so) if it's contrary to your interest.
2. Take a position. (Assume the responsability on the matter)
3. Embrace and relish in adversity.
4. Master discipline.
5. Excell on the merits.
6. Never, ever, give up. Don't take no for an answer.

[FM-dmxj]

Please post way more Jim Donovan lectures and speeches!

[madferit]

Look how prepared he was. He learnt by heart the structure of the presentation with no slides at all. 4 key topics, each one had a certain amount of advices. Amazing brain, you can clearly see what Leadership means here. He is like a military General.

[Ashkan]

He missed one important skill to become an elite investment banker: Getting a table at Dorsia.

[realprofessoroak]

I wish my lectures in college were this good. Clear, succinct, and actually valuable content from someone that has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

[goatmentator]

This guy never has a problem getting into Dorsia.

[sergeykulik]

I am not an investment banker, but his lectures on the industry and work ethics has been revolutionary in looking at client relationships for me.

[TK-neyo]

I've listened to Jim's other talks on Youtube. I always walked away with helpful advice to apply in other areas of life. Great talk!

[erickvillegas]

Thank you so much for this, I’ve watched his other speeches countless times; great to see more of him!

[wb]

I see Jim Donavan and liked the video instantly. Keep posting more of his lectures!

[JHei]

I've been waiting for a long time for a continuation of Jim Donovan's videos!! Everyone should check out his lectures "Secrets to Optimal Client Service", "Are You Destined to Deal?" and "Managing Client Relationships ".

Thanks to the University of Virginia School of Law for posting this!

[Cheesyfruitball]

Jim Donovan gives incredible lectures! My only wish is that we had more of them. I’ve watched all of them so far and have learned a lot, keep ‘em comin!!

[Luke.F]

I love those videos! We ask for more of Jim Donovan.

[felipeassme]

We need more lectures from Jim Donovan. Thanks!

[Blashmack]

Jim is a hitter. I can tell that this is another classic, definitely saving it.

[jordansmith]

Need more Jim Donovan content! This guy’s solid.

[danteramirez]

Extremely grateful Jim Donovan is willing to share his immense amount of wisdom and knowledge with all of us. Timeless and incredible advice for people of all professions to follow.

Thank you Jim for dedicating so much to your craft and passing down to others what you learned along the way. Very grateful to hear your talks.

[serdar]

After this video I subscriped the WSJ Newsletter.