WSO Weekly Wrap-up

October 25, 2025

Hey WSO Monkey,

A little bit of everything this week… hard lessons from a failed startup, insights on the UK recruiting scene, some honest advice for struggling analysts, and a post about an odd HR negotiation call that struck a chord. Good mix of perspective and practical stuff.

-Patrick

Top Discussions

  1. My Startup Failed - Five Hard Lessons - "I didn't make it to the point where I had leverage over investors for fair terms. I had burned 2.5 years worth of my own savings, 401K, etc... and morale on the team was low because the funds were running dry. When we got to the legal block Winter '23, VC funding for seed evaporated and I had 'unfinished IP' without a balance sheet. I remember sitting in my in-law's basement when reality hit that I had busted out. 2.5 years of the hardest work of my life with no monetary success to speak of. And as true as it was in the beginning, it was in the end - nobody is coming to save you..."

  2. Project Finance Director - Ask Me Anything - "I am a Director within the Power and Renewables PF group at a bank. I don't see too many posts about project finance, so figured I would try to be a resource for folks who are interested in the career path or just curious about what it entails. I'm about 12 years out of school and have worked on both the developer and banking side. I focus on originating new loans for the bank."

  3. How to Improve as a Terrible Analyst? - "By virtue of many unnecessary layers of middle management, you will always have comments or “mistakes” because someone above you have to make themselves not redundant. Your goal is to get to a point where you never do the 1st type of mistake again and only deal with the second type - then you reputation and ranking will follow."

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🚀 Don’t Go It Alone
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Top Discussions (contd.)

  1. Q&A: Infrastructure M&A / Debt Structuring - "I’m an Investment Banking Associate based in Sydney, specialising in infrastructure, renewables, and digital assets. Over the past few years I’ve advised on M&A and debt transactions across ports, data centres, airports, distributed energy and transport - including mandates for mega-cap sponsors such as KKR and QIC. I’ve built and reviewed hundreds of detailed models - from DCFs and LBOs to complex corporate refinancings and portfolio valuations..."

  2. State of Recruiting in the UK - "Currently am an analyst at a BB and my brother is a warwick/LSE and have been hearing tons of stories on how more and more kids are trying to get an edge through applying as diversity or getting access to questions before interviews. Is this what it takes nowadays???"

  3. Unusual Negotiation Tactic by HR? Any Advice? - "The call went something like this: it was a HR person. We wanted to get some compliance/references checked before we make you the offer. No congratulations, no the team loved you nothing. Then, they dropped it was an Analyst 1 post at the most basic band of salaries. I do not have a chip on my shoulder about starting at this position and that position but from the interviews I had with the team members they somewhat hinted though never confirmed that it's more analyst 3/associate 0, though non-committal. I really do believe I can add value where a fresh undergraduate cannot because I have first hand industry experience and I have seen it translating in client calls + model builds..."

New Podcasts Coming in Hot 🔥

  • Boston College to Strategic Advisory | Chat with Rohan Ramesh | WSO Academy

  • Colby to Associate in Consulting at BCG | Chat with Luis | WSO Academy

Hot Jobs 💼

Experienced Analyst - "As an Investment Banking Analyst, you’ll work alongside senior-level management and play an integral role in supporting the full lifecycle of transactions. You will be challenged in a fast-paced environment by managing competing priorities and demonstrating initiative. Our culture is focused on creating “entrepreneurial bankers” and we strive to facilitate an environment that fosters professional and personal growth while leading with integrity..."

Finance Expert - "Mercor is hiring seasoned Finance professionals to join an exciting collaboration with a top AI research lab. The role involves contributing to the development and evaluation of advanced AI systems built to mimic real-world workflows across Investment Banking, Private Equity, Asset Management, and Equity Research. You'll help train, test, and calibrate AI agents on complex financial tasks derived from M&A, IPOs, debt offerings, equity research, pitchbook development, and more..."

General Finance Expert - "This role involves contributing to the development and evaluation of advanced AI systems designed to replicate real-world workflows across Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Strategic Finance, Corporate Finance, Treasury, and Budgeting & Forecasting..." 

Investment Services Expert - "This role involves contributing to the development and evaluation of advanced AI systems designed to replicate real-world workflows across investment banking, private equity, asset management, and equity research..."

WSO Mentor - "Are you an experienced professional with a background in investment banking, private equity, hedge funds, S&T, venture capital, asset management, equity research, quant finance, corporate dev, real estate finance, or top-tier consulting? Passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders? Wall Street Oasis (WSO) is expanding its Mentorship Program, and we're looking for outstanding professionals to join our mentor roster—an elite network supporting students and young professionals as they prepare for high-stakes careers. Whether you’re looking to give back, stay connected to rising talent, or sharpen your coaching skills, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact, remotely and on your schedule..."

Research Associate (Equity Small Mid Cap) - New York, NY - "This position will support the Small/Mid-Cap Equity research team and initially be responsible for covering multiple sectors in support of current team members."

On Deck - Training 🎓

All in Eastern Standard Time

Stay Strong,
Patrick Curtis
CEO and Founder, WallStreetOasis.com

WSO Mobile App: iOS | Android

PS - We're also always looking to add resume reviewers and WSO Mentors to our team. Set your own pay (from $40/hr to up to $400/hr) to increase or decrease mentee flow. To submit an application, go here.

PPS - Think you have an interesting story? Want to share it with our podcast listeners? Hit reply and let me know!




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