Seven Secret Skills of Highly Effective Bankers

1. Good/passable writer. This is usually not something that analysts are judged on, but do not underestimate how important writing becomes later on. If you can’t write, you’ll just be a quant jock.
2. Culturally and socially astute. Many of you have come from humble beginnings. But as you rise through the ranks and get richer, you need to step up your knowledge to learn about things like art and wine. It sounds like a stereotype, but it’s true.
3. Able to delegate. This doesn’t apply for analysts, of course.
4. Baller. If single, must be able to hit on members of the opposite sex. Benefit of having a gf/bf is that you can always pass on this type of thing. Related to this is the ability to be attractive and appealing even if you’re not.
5. Cannot be pee shy. Business takes place everywhere. You must be able to keep the conversation going from the dinner table to the urinal and to dinner again.
6. Alcohol tolerance. We’re not talking about shots here, but you should be able to handle a good amount and still stay on the ball.
7. Ability to look older than you are. Also important as you get more responsibility. Glasses, style of dress, briefcases … all help project a more mature you.

There you go.. dedicated to my good friend zhuo liujie, who always wanted to become a banker and probably will become one (and end up being my CFO next time...) (Quoted)