Meet Ngo Minh Anh: A Rising Star in Investment Banking
At just 23 years old, Ngo Minh Anh is making waves in the finance world, having already secured a position at Deutsche Bank, one of the most prestigious investment banks globally. Her journey is not just a tale of professional success but a compelling story of resilience, intelligence, and hard work.
Academic Excellence at UPenn
Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in 2024 with a stellar GPA of 3.84/4, Anh has proven herself in one of the top-ranked Ivy League institutions. UPenn is consistently lauded by U.S. News and World Report as a leader in higher education, solidifying Anh’s academic background as a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
Securing an Internship: The Starting Point
Anh’s foray into the world of finance began in earnest during her sophomore year when she applied for an internship at Deutsche Bank. The application process was rigorous, starting with a personal profile and a recommendation letter. She recalls a pivotal moment when she had a phone interview with a UPenn alumnus who worked at the bank, which served as a stepping stone to her final round of interviews.
The final interview stage was intense, involving 3-4 back-to-back interviews across multiple departments. Adapting quickly to the virtual format necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Anh faced a particularly tough question regarding a money flow model. While she stumbled initially, she took the initiative to follow up with a comprehensive email detailing her approach, demonstrating her determination to learn and improve.
The Internship: A Gateway to Greatness
Just one day after her final interview, Anh received her internship offer from Deutsche Bank. Her responsibilities during the internship ranged from building complex business models to preparing crucial meeting documents. It was during her third-year summer internship that she evaluated a company’s acquisition value at an astounding $2.7 billion—exactly what the business was later sold for.
“Many people asked if I had insider information, but it was purely thorough research combined with rigorous modeling,” Anh explained, highlighting her analytical skills.
Early Job Offer: An Exceptional Achievement
The day after completing her internship, she received a formal job offer from Deutsche Bank—a notable achievement for anyone, let alone a student still pursuing her degree. Anh credits this success to her drive for independent learning and her knack for building financial models, often supplemented by conversations with her Vietnamese contacts in the financial sector.
Balancing Academics and Extracurricular Activities
While excelling academically and professionally, Anh also prioritized extracurricular activities. From the age of 8, she practiced karate, ultimately competing for the UPenn karate team and winning several medals. In addition, she served as the vice president of UPenn’s startup club and chaired the Model United Nations among Ivy League schools. One creative entrepreneurial project involved making cakes using Vietnamese ingredients and French techniques, which won her a $2,500 prize from the startup club.
Lauren Hooks, director of UPenn’s Food Innovation Laboratory, acknowledged Anh’s unique approach to blending culinary arts with Vietnamese culture, praising her work ethic and her ability to foster a collaborative atmosphere.
Navigating the Early Days at Deutsche Bank
While the transition to a full-time role at Deutsche Bank marked a significant milestone in Anh’s career, it did not come without challenges. In her early days, she often faced the daunting pressure of working up to 80 hours a week, leaving her with a mere 3-4 hours of sleep each night. However, Anh demonstrated her adaptability by establishing a structured timetable, neatly balancing her work commitments with her passions like karate, baking, and even marathon running.
Looking to the Future
Now settled into her role at Deutsche Bank, Anh is contemplating a return to Vietnam. She aims to take her wealth of experience back home, particularly in offering consultations for both the finance and food and beverage sectors. Her journey thus far not only showcases her remarkable talent but also reflects the potential impact she aims to make in various industries moving forward.