Your question is Why Investment Banking. Take a moment with it on the right.
Talk me through your thinking if you like. When you're confident, submit your answer and I'll grade it like a real screen (7/10 or better passes).
Why investment banking?
Asked in the 30-minute associate call stage, this question explores your career motivation and understanding of the investment banking industry. The interviewer is assessing whether you can explain why banking is the right fit, rather than offering a generic interest in finance or prestige. A strong response should connect your prior experiences to the work Lazard performs, demonstrate informed expectations about the analyst or associate role, and explain why you are pursuing banking now. Keep the answer concise and specific, with a clear progression from past experience to future goals.