Who is this for? This simulation is designed for students, recent graduates, and job-seekers. It is particularly beneficial for candidates from non-target universities, career-changers, or those not typically considered by traditional IB and PE recruitment processes.

What is the cost? It’s completely free for students and job seekers.

How long does the simulation take and what do I need? The simulation takes 2.5 hours. To ensure a smooth start, please log in a few minutes early. Because this is a live, team-based experience, we unfortunately can’t accommodate late joiners. You’ll need a reliable internet connection, your camera on, and a laptop or desktop computer (no mobile devices or tablets).

Do I need finance knowledge? No prior experience is required, but it may help to familiarize yourself with EBITDA and EV/EBITDA multiples.

How many attempts can I make? You can attempt the simulation as many times as you like, though most repeat participants see only marginal improvements. Your last score is the one considered by the system for referrals.

What happens during the simulation? You’ll join a team to manage a real-world M&A transaction. Depending on your role, you may be a sell-side banker, corporate manager, debt underwriter, or on a PE team. You’ll start by analyzing the transaction and conducting due diligence - sometimes working independently, sometimes collaborating with your team. Next, you’ll move on to deal structuring, where you’ll meet other teams representing different stakeholders. After closing the deal, you’ll complete a peer and self-assessment, select your preferred financial fields and where you can legally work, and choose whether to allow your candidacy to be presented to employers.

Where can I get hired? Currently, we work with clients in the UK, EU, and USA, but we are expanding globally. At the end of the simulation, you will be asked which industries interest you and in which regions you are legally authorized to work.

How do I get fast tracked? You have to perform extremely well in at least one of our assessment categories. The market is very competitive, and you must be at the very top in one of the assessment categories. We don’t provide the exact percentage, as some financial institutions prefer to see more candidates while others focus on only the very top performers. After receiving performance metrics of top-performing candidates, financial institutions may reach out directly if they believe in your potential. This may be for an intern or analyst program or another entry-level position. Given the competitiveness of securing front-office finance roles, you are highly encouraged to explore other avenues in addition to this simulation.

How long can I be recommended after participating in the simulation? We will recommend you for up to 1 year after you participate. After that, if you are still job-seeking or looking to transition, you’ll need to re-take the simulation to renew your recommendation eligibility.

Which employers are in the network? We work with leading investment banks, private equity firms, corporate finance boutiques, and other financial institutions.

How can I avoid being recommended to my current or previous employer? Your CV is automatically reviewed to ensure we do not recommend you to companies you currently work for or have worked for in the past.

I found a role, can I disable being recommended? Yes. If you no longer wish to be recommended, simply log in to your profile and disable the recommendation feature.

How will I be assessed? Your performance will be evaluated on criteria similar to those used by most employers, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, leadership, and adaptability. We measure the quality of your decisions, the speed of your work, your collaboration style, your negotiation skills, and your overall outcomes. The resulting profile data is far more comprehensive than standard recruitment metrics and forms the basis of our partnerships with employers.

Will I receive feedback on my performance? Yes. You will receive high-level feedback on how you performed across key assessment categories, as well as recommendations for improvement.

How do I perform well? Be authentic, maintain a positive attitude, and collaborate effectively. Avoid dominating discussions. You will encounter a lot of information - sometimes contradictory - and may face conflicts that need resolution. Focus on the most relevant aspects of the task to achieve the best results.

Will I receive a certificate or proof of completion? Yes. Upon completing the simulation, you will receive a digital certificate that you can add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.