This common interview question put you in a tough spot. You need to discuss your ultimate career goals while also balancing the needs of the position you are interviewing for and the needs of Barclays Leveraged Finance. But remember that within investment banking, it's understood that analysts likely will progress in their career and likely won't stay there forever, given the industry's high demands and grueling hours. Your interviewer knows this, so be honest about future steps you foresee after working a few years as an analyst.

You might be interested in pursuing an MBA at a top-rated business school. Or, perhaps you have your sights set on a lucrative career in Private Equity or M&A, both popular career paths for many LF analysts. And If you do foresee a long career at Barclays, by all means, share your intended career trajectory! Many analysts find fulfillment within the LF space and progress to associate and managing director roles with time.