IB & PE Questions

Hi guys, I have been browsing this site for quite some time and have found what people talk about on this forum be very insightful. This is my very first post on WSO and would highly appreciate if someone can provide some insight or advice.

I just graduated from GWU (ranked around 50) with a major in Finance and International Business. I am interested in getting an entry level analyst position with a regional boutique shop in the DC area. However, I have never done an banking internship, only worked for a few professors at my school and an information management internship in the federal government. With my background, I know it's rather hard to break into IB, so I am setting my eyes on a regional boutique. Here are some questions I have for you guys.

1. I have heard mixed reviews on boutique shops, what is the general consensus in terms of the compensation, work hours, the learning experience, and the exit opportunity? To clarify, I am okay with working 80 hours a week on a regular basis, and occasionally 90 or even 100 hours on bad weeks, but I still would want to have some time outside of work for other things.

2. How big of a difference is there between regional boutique, top boutique and BB with respect to the amount of training they provide to newcomers? I have done Wall Street Prep training, so I know how to model based on the situations given in the course pack, but I am afraid that this not enough.

3. On the technical side, should I get VBA down beforehand? I have also heard that powerpoint is extremely useful in IB, but how specifically is it used? I know how to create decent power point slides, but should I sign up for a MS certificate course and become certified?

4. I hope to move into Private Equity after Investment Banking. Is it possible to break into P/E without prior investment banking experience? And what are the odds of this happening?

5. How well regarded are CFA and CAIA certificates in the IB & P/E industry? I plan to get certified in both, which is another reason that I want to be in boutique to have some time to study in the near future.

6. What is work culture in boutique firms?

7. I have noticed that a lot of people say M&A and Restructuring groups offer the best learning experience and most boutique shops do that. However, which industry groups teach you more as a stater? And how would work culture vary across all industry groups?

8. How useful are the interview packages offered by BIWS, WSO, WSP?

I certainly understand that answering these questions would take some time out of your schedules, but would be grateful if anyone would want to be helpful.

Thank you guys in advance!