Customer Reviews

Vault Guide to the Top Finance Firms

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I think positive reviews for these books come from "Vault Staff" The book is tiny and thin, with doublespaced paragraphs to attempt to beef it up. So, each page is in this book has approximately 1/3 of a page's worth of information.

Having said that, we are treated to about 20 pages of information on the financial industry. We are treated to information like "the stock market is where shares of stock - pieces of ownership in companies - are traded every day." No mention of currency markets.

Then, we have 30 pages listing the jobs. The jobs listed include "trader" and each of one, yes one SHORT paragraph describing what they do.

Finally, a list of investment banks (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley) with a 1 to 3 pages describing what it's like to work there (long hours).

Most of this information is common knowledge to people who have half a clue about the industry - TIAA pays less than Goldman: who knew?

One great thing about this book is the advertisements: Not just for other Vault products and sites, but for a few investment banks and recruiters - this may be be the opportunity the readers are hoping for.

I don't normally write reviews, but I just got this book and had to write. The book has detailed insider accounts of life inside every major investment banking firms, including its history, areas of specialization, and tips on the hiring and interviewing process. Highly recommended for job seekers and consultants alike.

I found this book to be immensely helpful to distinguishing the various investment banks and commercial banks. There are also specific tips for each company on what they look for in the job interview. Particularly as wall street is downsizing, I think the Vault book provided me with the edge I needed to land my job in a tough job market.