9 Comments
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Ved Shankar's avatar

Really relate to the difference between the 1st and 2nd year and how you 'calm' down and focus on what you want in the buffet.

Ria Singh's avatar

Highly agree, I feel like as a non-linear who went to a top full-time MBA program, building a personal brand and navigating the "in-between" is the key!

Hannah Zhang's avatar

yes! welcome Ria

Geeta Sneha's avatar

Love the honest take from your perspective, Hannah! As I navigate through the job market right now, this makes so much sense.

Melody Ng's avatar

Enjoyed reading this as someone who has decided to pass on business school, while I watched basically of my peers go. Good thought process that you laid out and what you got out of it.

Hannah Zhang's avatar

good for you! sounds like the right decision

The Buyout Notebook's avatar

I’m new here. I am seeking a job at investment banking, I have zero experience but what I have a is a qualified education on finance background and going to write CAIA exam on march 2026, I liked your journey and that’s why I’m here on this post asking your expertise not only you but everyone, I heard it’s a very competitive job, I’m very passionate about it. This year I am planning to move to another city after completing my CAIA Level one. I definitely need a support.

https://substack.com/@intrinsicnotes/note/p-184839030?r=736u1b&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

Writings off the Wall's avatar

Here from LinkedIn! It’s fascinating how much knowledge is gatekept from us if you just don’t work in a particular industry, thanks for writing about it so that more people can learn and grow!

Hannah Zhang's avatar

totally! thanks for being here