My Path Into Investment Banking
And What It Taught Me
A mix of discipline, curiosity, a few detours, and a lot of work. Here’s the story that shaped me as a person and how I work, learn, and teach today."
Before Uni
My First Failure
I failed my Gymnasium entrance exam in 2007, and shortly after that we moved to New Jersey. During that time my German slipped so much that I once spelled Vater with an F.
When we returned to Switzerland, I was allowed into Gymnasium on probation. I worked my way through it step by step — catching up, adapting, and finding my rhythm.
Thailand
My First Fight
At 18, I booked a one-way ticket to Thailand. Three months of Muay Thai. Discipline from scratch. Training until my shins hurt — and then training a little more. Stepping into a ring for the first time and winning by elbow knockout.
It was the first moment where I realised: I could push far past whatever I thought my limits were.
Luxembourg
First Corporate Job
Right after Thailand, I flew to Luxembourg for my first internship at (former) Credit Suisse. Not IB. Nothing glamorous. Projects & Solutions: printing, sorting, observing, learning.
It wasn’t important what exactly the job was — it was important that I saw what "work" really means. Before that, the only job I’d had was being a janitor at Phonak (Sonova) during my Gymnasium summer breaks.
Swiss Army
Officer at 19
In 2014, I became an officer in the Swiss Armed Forces at 19. Leading soldiers that were 5-10 years older than me. Long days. Very short nights. And a new weight: responsibility.
That year shaped my operating system for every degree, job, or project that followed: clarity, structure, discipline.
University
Study, Study, Study
When I started studying, I didn’t even know what Investment Banking was. And no, I'm not even joking. So if you're in the same boat, don't worry, you can get there too.
I focused on doing well and being structured in the way I learned — and it worked. I graduated from my UZH Banking & Finance Bachelor's with a 5.8/6.0 (best of my year).
Alongside my studies, I was a Teaching Assistant in Microeconomics and Corporate Finance, worked nights literally printing annual reports at Credit Suisse, and took a Working Student role at PPC Metrics supporting institutional investors.
These experiences led to internships in tax law, blockchain, and two roles at KPMG. Those positions at KPMG weren't luck — three friends and I won the KPMG International Case Competition in Switzerland and placed second globally in Kuala Lumpur.
Chile
Valuation of a Football Club
My second KPMG internship in Deal Advisory sent my oldest friend and me to Chile. A completely different world — and real cross-border corporate finance.
I even ended up valuing a football club using a DCF. The kind of story you simply can’t make up — and one that interviewers remembered.
First IB Interviews
Reality Check
Despite everything I had done academically and professionally, IB interviews hit hard. Technical. Competitive. Well beyond anything from lectures. So naturally, I didn't get the job on my first try. Nor the second or third.
None of my experiences screamed “textbook IB path.” I had to make them coherent, relevant, and intentional. So I learned how to storytell my background properly — to turn an unconventional path into a compelling IB narrative.
That — coupled with hours of studying and networking — changed everything. Interviews came. Offers followed. I chose UBS Zurich — for the people, the culture, and the deal exposure.
UBS Large Cap
Taking on Extra Roles
At UBS, I worked on high-profile transactions (e.g., Dufry/Autogrill merger, Arbonia’s Climate Division sale). But I didn’t "only" work on deals.
And no, I'm not even joking. So if you're in the same boat, don't worry, you can get there too. I namely volunteered to support with the team's recruiting efforts. A few months later, I became the intern line manager and intern staffer — and I kept those roles for nearly 3 years.. Eventually, I built a 10 week internal learning & development program from scratch that UBS still uses today. Week after week, I taught interns the practical skills I once wished someone had taught me.
2025
From Banker To Entrepreneur
After 10 intense years of studying, hustling, and banking, I stepped out — not because I was tired of IB, but because I wanted to build something of my own.
I travelled, trained new martial arts (Colombian Esgrima, BJJ, Capoeira, Georgian Wrestling), rebuilt myself physically and mentally, and shared personal stories via @fightwith.nico.
I later co-founded @culebracigars.ch — a cigar brand built from scratch with my oldest friend. Having my very own cigar is a dream come true.
Back To Uni
But As Guest Speaker
Then something unexpected happened.
HSG invited me back to teach an MBF seminar — just five years after I sat there as a student. And I recognised the same gap I once struggled with: students lacked practical IB insights.
So I developed this program. Immediately three students signed up and worked 1:1 with me. All of them now have internships lined up.
Next, I reached out to Bocconi. Despite having graduated during COVID without ever attending in person, I got to fly there and teach an in-person seminar. Sidenote: I graduated during COVID without ever attending in person, therefore walking into that same university as a guest speaker — not a student — was surreal.
Real Practical Insights
NeverBanked is the system I wish I had at 18, 20, 22, 25. A bridge between theory and reality. Between wanting an IB career and performing like someone who deserves one.
Everything I teach comes from real experience, real mistakes, real lessons.
