How to Break Into Investment Banking: What Top Interns Do Differently — Market Maker

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In this episode, Anthony speaks with Ela Saruhanoglu, an LSE Management student who secured a full-time investment banking role at J.P. Morgan for 2026 after converting her summer internship. Despite not having a traditional finance background or spring week, Ela shares how she built technical skills from scratch, leveraged curiosity, used productivity hacks, and developed a mindset that set her apart.

(00:00) Ella’s Journey to J.P. Morgan

(01:21) Why Finance?

(04:39) Learning Technicals

(06:18) Purposeful Productivity

(11:14) Balancing Uni & Applications

(13:54) No Spring Week, No Problem

(17:01) Preparing Ahead of Time

(20:25) Managing Imposter Syndrome

(24:05) Internship Tips: Visibility, Mindset, Speed

(26:35) Knowing You Why