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Read books in general so that you can talk intelligently about the industry. This is by no means meant to represent an
exhaustive list, but rather intended to provide an overview of books, websites and journals that second-years found useful
last year and finance professionals use regularly. We would be happy to hear about your favorites to further enhance this
list of resources for those recruits that come after you.
I would STRONGLY recommend reading the Dale Carnegie Book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. It
doesn't specifically deal with finance but it helps you frame your interactions with people (interviewers). I would
attribute a great deal of my success in interviewing to this book and have recommended it to friends who have all said
the same thing. It is part of many B school's curricula (not SOM) and widely read and followed by true relationship
managers. (TGF)
John Rolfe & Peter Troob, Monkey Business - Two very disgruntled ex-associates at DLJ recount there war stories.
Quite humorous. Actually contains one of the best accounts of what tasks an associate performs in an investment bank.
But, it is not necessarily a completely accurate view of the lifestyle that all associates live.
Michael Lewis, Liar's Poker - A hilarious account of the trading floor antics at Salomon Brothers in the 80's.
Required reading for those interested in sales/trading.
Roger Lowenstein, When Genius Failed - An in-depth look at how Long-Term Capital Management failed despite its
collection of Nobel Laureates and star traders; gives a good perspective on how hedge funds operate.
Financial Analysis for Managers, by Robert C. Higgins - This book can be particularly useful for those without prior
finance backgrounds. In straightforward language, Higgins sets out corporate financial and valuation principles in an
applied fashion and in a way which a corporate finance manager would use them. It is by no means the finance gospel
but it is clear application of financial theory.
Principles of Corporate Finance, Brealey and Meyers - It is the bible. It is as simple as that. This book is the reference
book for financial theory and a great guide as you work your way though that exhaustive list of SOM Finance Interview
Questions.
The Culture of Success, by Lisa Endlich - This book may be specific to Goldman Sachs and its culture but it is an
interesting look into the history one of Wall Streets marquee banks. There and the fact that the author is from the
trading side.
The House of Morgan by Ron Chernow - This book will not land you a job but it is a good perspective into the history
of banking in America. It is business history but it is good business history. Read it after you land the job.
Connie Bruck, The Predator's Ball.
Bryan Burroghs & John Heylar, Barbarians at the Gate - Lengthy and detailed, but a great look at the largest LBO in
historyAlso a movie, rent it if you have not seen it.
Randy Charles Epping, A Beginner's Guide to Global Economy.
Benjamin Graham, The Intelligent Investor - Wisdom on the value approach to investing.
Ace Greenberg, Memos from the Chairman - The Bear Stearns CEO's handbook, fun read, like an instruction book for
bankers.
Doug Henwood, Wall Street - Good book on Wall Street with a slightly Marxist bent. Do not read this right before you
interview.
Tim Koller, Jack Murrin & Tom Copeland, Valuation - the McKinsey guide to valuation, more theoretical than what
bankers actually do, but will give you the basics to handle interview questions.
Jeffrey Little & Lucien Rhodes, Understanding Wall Street - A beginner's guide.
Kenneth Morris, The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investment - Fundamentals in
understanding Wall Street.
Marian Naficy, The Fast Track: The Insiders Guide to Winning Jobs in Management Consulting, Investment Banking
and Securities Trading - a guide to careers in I-banking and consulting, a great read if you are interested in either.
Robert H. Parks, Unlocking the Secrets of Wall Street.
Jack D. Schwager, Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders - Successful trader profiles.
Roy Smith, Global Bankers - Overview of how global banking operates in the major financial services.
James B. Steward, Den of Thieves - Insider trading in the late-80's at Drexel Burnham.
John Train, The Money Masters - Profiles of successful investors and speculators.
Bruce Wasserstein, The Big Deal.
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