How to Transition from Processor to Thinker
The surest way to be viewed as an all-star is to consistently perform the duties of the role one level above you. Learn how AI has shortened the curve from data processor to strategic thinker in 2026.
The Insider's Compass
From crafting the perfect "Coffee Chat" email to surviving the Analyst gauntlet - get the definitive insider's compass to breaking in, moving up, and exiting to Private Equity, Hedge Funds or Corporate.

Your roadmap from breaking in to moving up
Forget generic advice. Get the exact "Cold Email" templates that get replies from MDs, master the "Airport Test" for Superdays, and learn the specific "Core School" vs. "Non-Target" strategies you need to get the interview.
A raw look at the 100-hour work week. Learn to master financial models, databases, slide creation, deal organization (the analyst's lifeline), navigate office politics from intern to MDs, and why turning comments accurately is your fastest path to promotion.
Don't get caught flat-footed. We decode the hyper-accelerated "On-Cycle" PE recruiting timeline, the difference between Mega-Funds and Middle Market, and how to position yourself for coveted exit opportunities.
The "Email Sanity Check": 9 rules to prevent career-ending "Reply All" mistakes.
The "Mouse-Free" Challenge: Why mastering Excel shortcuts isn't just about speed – it's about sleep.
The "Data Dive" Protocol: How to unearth critical info when Google fails you.
MD Archetypes: How to spot the difference between a "Rising Star" and a "Dinosaur" – and why your bonus depends on it.
The "Downstream" Strategy: How to break in via regional boutiques if you missed the Bulge Bracket wave.
Connect directly with Brett Robinson who's dedicated to giving back to aspiring bankers. Get personalized guidance, insider perspectives, and strategic advice to navigate your path into investment banking.
Weekly insights on deal dynamics, interview prep, and career navigation.
The surest way to be viewed as an all-star is to consistently perform the duties of the role one level above you. Learn how AI has shortened the curve from data processor to strategic thinker in 2026.
A lateral move isn't just a job change; it's a career accelerant. Master the playbook for navigating the off-cycle market and securing a seat at a premier platform.
Over 100,000 students compete for roughly 1,000 summer internship spots each year. That's an acceptance rate below 1%. Here's how your college choice gives you an unfair advantage.
Forget the movies. Here is an expert's breakdown of what investment banking actually is, written specifically for ambitious high school students planning their future careers.
Master the coffee chat with the exact email templates, questions, and follow-up strategies that MDs actually respond to. Move from "Online Applicant #4,000" to "Internal Referral."
Investment banking recruiting starts earlier than you think. Here's exactly what you should be doing in high school to put yourself in the top 1% of candidates before you even step on campus.
Master your summer analyst internship with this comprehensive checklist covering professionalism, workflow execution, communication etiquette, and the all-star mindset to convert your offer.
Master pro forma capitalization with the Premium Chocolate Company case study. Learn how to calculate Enterprise Value, analyze special dividends, and understand EBITDA multiples like a Managing Director.
Stop chasing prestige rankings. Learn which banking tier actually fits your personality and career goals—from Goldman Sachs to Evercore to William Blair.
Choosing a college is your first major career investment. Here's the Top 20 Core Schools cheat sheet and why your college choice determines your recruiting path.
You walk out. The latch clicks. For you, the interview is over. For us, it has just begun. Here's what MDs actually discuss in the 3-5 minute debrief that decides your fate.
Over 100,000 students apply for 1,000 spots each year. If you're not at a target school, the online portal is a black hole. Here's the guerilla playbook for non-target students.
Most candidates panic and memorize 400 definitions. Then they freeze when asked a nuanced question. Bankers want thinkers, not robots. Here's how to pivot from memorization to mastery.
Two months into your banking job, headhunters call about a role starting in two years. Welcome to PE recruiting—where the game starts terrifyingly early.
Banks receive tens of thousands of resumes for ~1,000 spots. If you want to break in, you need a champion on the inside. Here's the exact playbook.
Deals are sprawling, messy marathons lasting 4-6 months. Learn the unvarnished roadmap from Kick-Off to Closing Dinner and where you fit in each phase.
Your first three months will define your reputation. Learn the unspoken rules, the "fire drill" rhythm, and how to avoid career-ending mistakes.
The most common opening question has a hidden structure. Here's how MDs actually evaluate your answer and what separates top candidates from the rest.
Join hundreds of aspiring bankers who've used this book to land offers at Goldman, JP Morgan, and elite boutiques.
Buy on Amazon