Slide Text
How to break into High Finance step by step. I'm in WM on Wall Street
Visual
Creator taking a mirror selfie in a professional setting.
All Slides
@corporateblake carousel breakdown
Blake
Some rules of High Finance. #corporateamerica #corporatelife #careeradvice #wallstreet #corporatejob
Effectiveness score
9/10
Views
321.5K
Likes
29.5K
Saves
8K
Engagement
12.1%
Hook
How to break into High Finance step by step. I'm in WM on Wall Street
Goal
build-community
Offer
lead-magnet
CTA
Comment 'resume' and I'll DM you.
Caption
Some rules of High Finance. #corporateamerica #corporatelife #careeradvice #wallstreet #corporatejob
Strategic Summary
This carousel went viral by combining high-aspiration career advice with a controversial identity claim (labeling Wealth Management as 'High Finance') that sparked debate in the comments. The creator uses a 'step-by-step' listicle format that promises exclusive access to Wall Street secrets, driving high save rates for future reference. A strategic lead magnet ('comment resume') artificially inflates comment volume, signaling the algorithm to push the content further while building an email/SMS list.
The Winning Formula
Controversial identity claim + actionable step-by-step list + engagement-bait lead magnet + strategic sponsor integration.
What's working
- •Slide 1 makes a bold, debatable claim ('I'm in WM on Wall Street' = 'High Finance') that invites correction in the comments, boosting algorithmic ranking.
- •Slide 3 uses a classic 'Comment keyword for DM' tactic that forces high comment volume (seen in top comments: 'Resume', 'resume').
- •Visuals are authentically 'corporate' (elevator selfies, desk shots, subway signs) which builds trust with the target audience of aspiring analysts.
- •Slide 7 integrates a sponsor (Cluely) naturally as a 'tool I used' rather than a hard ad, maintaining the educational flow.
What's not working
- •Slide 5 (delay graduation) is controversial advice that might confuse the narrative—comments don't engage with it as much as the 'High Finance' label.
- •Slide 8 feels tacked on at the end; wardrobe advice is lower stakes than resume/GPA, potentially causing drop-off before the CTA if it were earlier.
Viral lesson
Controversy is a feature, not a bug. Allowing the audience to correct your terminology (WM vs High Finance) in the comments drives more engagement than being perfectly accurate.
Can a small creator replicate this? Highly replicable for any niche expert. Requires only a smartphone for lo-fi visuals and a clear 'comment for resource' hook to trigger the engagement loop.
Structural Formula (steal-the-format)
Structure pattern
8-slide listicle: Hook (Identity) -> 5x Actionable Rules -> 1x Sponsor Tool -> 1x Style Guide.
Copy formula
Second-person directive ('You need', 'Get your') + First-person validation ('I'm in', 'I used').
What to swap (concrete remixes)
- •Swap 'High Finance' for 'Tech Sales' or 'Consulting' for different career niches.
- •Swap 'Resume' bait for 'Cold Email Template' or 'Interview Script' for different lead magnets.
What NOT to copy
Do not copy the specific claim of 'Wealth Management = High Finance' if you want to avoid negative comments, unless you intentionally want the controversy for engagement.
Aesthetics
Lo-fi corporate authenticity: mirror selfies, desk POVs, and street signs with standard TikTok text overlays.
Color palette
What it conveys: The aesthetic feels accessible yet exclusive, like a peer sharing secrets from inside the building.
Slide-by-slide forensics
1hookmirror selfieaspirationalworks:yesgrab:90/100aesthetic:75/100How to break into High Finance step by step.
I'm in WM on Wall Street
How to break into High Finance step by step. I'm in WM on Wall Street
Visual description
Mirror selfie of a young man in a striped button-down shirt and glasses. Background shows a modern apartment or hotel room with warm lighting and wood cabinetry.
Scene setting
modern apartment bathroom mirror
Visible people
Visible objects
Predicted audience reaction
Aspiring finance students stop scrolling immediately due to the promise of a 'step by step' guide.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Wealth management is not high finance lol"
- "Seems like you're actually in low finance"
Verdict: The term 'High Finance' combined with 'WM' creates an immediate controversy hook that drives comments.
2step in listmirror selfieinstructionalworks:yesgrab:60/100aesthetic:70/100Say goodbye to facial hair. It's typically frowned upon for analysts and associates. Make sure you're always clean shaven, even "scruff" can get you called out.
I have to shave lol.
Say goodbye to facial hair. It's typically frowned upon for analysts and associates. Make sure you're always clean shaven, even "scruff" can get you called out. I have to shave lol.
Visual description
Mirror selfie in an elevator with stainless steel walls. Man wearing sunglasses, grey sweater, and light jeans. Looking down at phone.
Scene setting
corporate elevator
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Continues the mirror selfie aesthetic but changes location to reinforce the 'going to work' vibe.
Story: Moves from the hook to the first specific rule (grooming).
Predicted audience reaction
Validates the 'strict corporate culture' expectation for aspiring analysts.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "what's wrong with charcoal?"
Verdict: Specific, actionable advice that feels like 'insider knowledge' increases save rate.
3step in listoverheadurgentworks:yesgrab:95/100aesthetic:80/100Your resume should be perfect. Top notch. Every single character, spacing, matters. If you need help I can send you the best template that is used by everyone in high finance.
Comment "resume" and I'll DM you.
Your resume should be perfect. Top notch. Every single character, spacing, matters. If you need help I can send you the best template that is used by everyone in high finance. Comment "resume" and I'll DM you.
Visual description
POV shot of a wooden desk with a monitor displaying a resume document. A hand points at the screen. Two glasses of tea and a pack of cigarettes are visible.
Scene setting
office desk
Visible people
Visible objects
Products on screen
vs prior slide
Style: Shifts from selfie to POV desk shot, maintaining the lo-fi corporate aesthetic.
Story: Moves to the most critical tool for getting the job (the resume).
Predicted audience reaction
High intent to comment 'resume' to get the promised template.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Resume"
- "resume"
- "Resume"
Verdict: This is the primary engagement engine. The promise of a 'best template' forces comments.
4step in listoverheaddemandingworks:partialgrab:70/100aesthetic:65/100Get your GPA up to a 3.5. This should be the bare minimum, firms 100% look at this so don't overlook your grades just because it doesn't pertain to your field. Graduate summa cum laude no matter what.
Get your GPA up to a 3.5. This should be the bare minimum, firms 100% look at this so don't overlook your grades just because it doesn't pertain to your field. Graduate summa cum laude no matter what.
Visual description
High-angle selfie/POV of a man sitting at a desk. He is wearing a blue t-shirt. Papers, highlighters, and a laptop are on the desk.
Scene setting
study desk
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Continues the desk/office visual theme.
Story: Addresses academic requirements (GPA).
Predicted audience reaction
Anxiety about grades, leading to saves for motivation.
Verdict: Standard advice, less controversial than Slide 1, but necessary for completeness.
5step in listwide shotseriousworks:partialgrab:75/100aesthetic:70/100If you haven't landed anything junior or senior year, seriously delay your graduation. Keep using your time in college to gain experiences through clubs and its opportunities. It will be MUCH harder to land something after you graduate.
If you haven't landed anything junior or senior year, seriously delay your graduation. Keep using your time in college to gain experiences through clubs and its opportunities. It will be MUCH harder to land something after you graduate.
Visual description
Street level shot of a subway entrance. Sign reads 'Wall St Station 4 5'. Building in background has banners for 'Trinity Church' and 'Core Values'.
Scene setting
Wall Street subway entrance
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Shifts to an exterior location shot to establish geographic authority (Wall Street).
Story: Addresses timing and strategy regarding graduation.
Predicted audience reaction
Controversial advice (delay graduation) might spark debate, but comments are focused on the WM title.
Verdict: Strong visual proof of location, but the advice is niche and doesn't drive as much comment volume as the resume bait.
6step in listclose upsocialworks:yesgrab:60/100aesthetic:80/100You need to be having at least 2 coffee chats a week if your network is lacking. Make sure you do background work on the people you're talking to or else it will be pointless. Your goal is to get referrals and build noteworthy connections, not lukewarm leads.
You need to be having at least 2 coffee chats a week if your network is lacking. Make sure you do background work on the people you're talking to or else it will be pointless. Your goal is to get referrals and build noteworthy connections, not lukewarm leads.
Visual description
Close up of two coffee cups on a table outdoors. One has latte art. People's arms are visible in the background.
Scene setting
outdoor cafe
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Shifts to lifestyle imagery to match the 'networking' topic.
Story: Addresses networking strategy.
Predicted audience reaction
Validates the 'coffee chat' grind culture.
Verdict: Good visual break from text-heavy slides, reinforces the 'lifestyle' aspect of the job.
7step in listscreenshotpromotionalworks:partialgrab:50/100aesthetic:60/100Use all the tools and resources you can get for an edge. I used to study for my FINRA exams while in online class so I had AI watch the lecture for me. I used Cluely to summarize the points and to help formulate questions for me to study.
Use all the tools and resources you can get for an edge. I used to study for my FINRA exams while in online class so I had AI watch the lecture for me. I used Cluely to summarize the points and to help formulate questions for me to study.
Visual description
Laptop screen in a dark room displaying the Cluely website. Text overlay explains how the creator used the tool for FINRA exams.
Scene setting
dark room / desk
Visible objects
Products on screen
Other text elements
- •Cluely - Live AI Meeting Assistant
- •cluely.com
vs prior slide
Style: Clear shift to a product showcase/sponsor integration.
Story: Introduces a specific tool to help achieve the previous steps.
Predicted audience reaction
Some users may skip as it's an ad, but others interested in efficiency will read.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Guy 100% used ChatGPT for this"
Verdict: Necessary for monetization, but slightly disrupts the organic flow. Integrated well enough to not cause mass drop-off.
8ctaclose upauthoritativeworks:yesgrab:60/100aesthetic:75/100Start building your wardrobe now. Navy and grey suits are the only acceptable color. Patterns are ok but nothing too flashy. AVOID beige, charcoal, or anything elaborate.
Start building your wardrobe now. Navy and grey suits are the only acceptable color. Patterns are ok but nothing too flashy. AVOID beige, charcoal, or anything elaborate.
Visual description
Close-up of a man's torso wearing a navy suit jacket and white shirt. Hand is adjusting the jacket. Watch visible on wrist.
Scene setting
indoor / neutral background
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Returns to the 'corporate aesthetic' of the earlier slides.
Story: Final piece of advice (appearance) to round out the 'step by step'.
Predicted audience reaction
Save for future reference when buying suits.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "what's wrong with charcoal?"
Verdict: Ends on a tangible, actionable note that encourages saving the carousel for shopping later.
Commerce intent
Mentioned products
Buy-intent phrases (from comments)
- •Comment 'resume' and I'll DM you.
Objections (from comments)
- •Wealth management is not high finance lol
- •Seems like you're actually in low finance
Comment ethnography
The audience is a mix of aspiring finance kids (who save the advice) and cynical industry veterans (who correct the terminology in comments). This creates a 'insider vs outsider' debate dynamic.
Comments that characterize the audience
- "Wealth management is not high finance lol"
- "Resume"
- "Is all that really worth one's soul?"
Pain points revealed
- •Confusion about what constitutes 'High Finance' vs Wealth Management
- •Desperation for resume templates ('Resume', 'resume' repeated)
- •Concern about work-life balance/soul ('Is all that really worth one's soul?')
Aspirations revealed
- •Wanting to work on Wall Street
- •Wanting the 'perfect' resume
- •Wanting to dress the part (wardrobe advice)
Top questions asked
- •is WM high finance?
- •what's wrong with charcoal?
- •Guy 100% used ChatGPT for this
Objections
- •Wealth management is not high finance lol
- •Seems miserable
- •Seems like you're actually in low finance
Diagnostics
Hook deep-dive
How to break into High Finance step by step. I'm in WM on Wall Street
The promise of a 'step by step' guide from someone claiming to be 'on Wall Street' creates an obligation to finish the list.
Engagement read
Comment rate is 4.8x normal library norm, driven primarily by the 'Resume' bait and the 'High Finance' terminology debate.
Mechanics
Each slide offers a distinct, actionable rule (grooming, resume, GPA, timing, networking, tools, wardrobe) forcing the user to swipe to get the complete checklist.
Brand & funnel
Brands visible
Buying-journey moment: The viewer is actively seeking a path into the industry and is looking for tools and validation.
Ideal Customer Profile
Ambitious college students or early-career professionals aiming to break into high-prestige finance roles.
Age
18-24
Gender
male
Readability
simple
Interests
Pain Points
Aspirations
Emotional Profile
Primary Emotion
aspirationIntensity
Effectiveness
Emotions Evoked
Emotional Arc
curiosity → anxiety (pain points) → validation (insider tips) → hope (actionable steps)
Why It Lands
It taps into the viewer's fear of inadequacy in a competitive field, then provides a clear, structured path to alleviate that anxiety.
Writing Analysis
Style
educational
Tone
authoritative
Hook Type
identity statement
Quality
The writing is punchy, direct, and avoids fluff. It mimics the 'no-nonsense' culture of finance, which reinforces the creator's authority.
Effectiveness
Goal Achievement
Highly effective at building an email list/community through the 'comment for template' tactic, which is evidenced by the high bookmark and comment count.
Why It Spread
High-status niche (Wall Street)
Actionable, high-value lead magnet
Clear, easy-to-consume listicle format
Strong identity signaling
Content DNA
This is a high-strength CTA because it offers immediate, tangible value in exchange for a low-friction action, which boosts engagement metrics significantly.
Narrative Arc
The narrative moves from high-level identity (Slide 1) to specific, actionable rules (Slides 2-8), ending with a final aesthetic/lifestyle tip (Slide 9). Tension builds through the 'insider' nature of the advice.
Psychological Blueprint
Why It Spread
The carousel succeeds by positioning the creator as an 'insider' sharing forbidden knowledge with an aspiring 'outsider' audience. By combining high-status career goals with actionable, low-friction lead magnets (commenting for a resume template), it triggers both aspiration and the desire for social mobility. The 12% engagement rate is driven by the high utility of the content and the clear, low-barrier call to action.
Framework
authority then teachPrimary Tactic
authorityTactics Used
Authority signaling on slide 1: 'I'm in WM on Wall Street'
Reciprocity on slide 3: 'I can send you the best template... Comment resume'
Tribal language throughout: 'High Finance', 'analysts and associates', 'FINRA exams'
Curiosity gap on slide 1: 'step by step' implies a secret process
Cognitive Biases
Authority bias: viewers trust the advice because he claims to be 'in' the industry
Bandwagon effect: the promise of a template 'used by everyone' creates a desire to join the group
Zeigarnik effect: the 'step by step' format keeps users swiping to complete the mental list
Tribal Markers
Trust Signals
Slide Breakdown (8 analyzed)
Text
How to break into High Finance step by step. I'm in WM on Wall Street
Visual
Creator taking a mirror selfie in a professional setting.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the 'step by step' promise implies the following slides contain the secret roadmap.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The creator's face and the text overlay.
Gaze: Creator looking at the phone/camera, engaging the viewer directly.
Emotional cue: The professional attire signals success and authority.
Composition: The mirror selfie creates a sense of 'behind the scenes' access.
Text
Say goodbye to facial hair. It's typically frowned upon for analysts and associates. Make sure you're always clean shaven, even 'scruff' can get you called out. I have to shave lol.
Visual
Creator in an elevator, looking professional.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, it creates a sense of 'insider rules' the viewer needs to know.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The creator's appearance.
Gaze: Looking down at the phone.
Emotional cue: The 'lol' adds a layer of relatability to the strict advice.
Composition: Reinforces the 'corporate uniform' aesthetic.
Text
Your resume should be perfect. Top notch. Every single character, spacing, matters. If you need help I can send you the best template that is used by everyone in high finance. Comment 'resume' and I'll DM you.
Visual
Close up of a computer screen and a desk with tea.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the CTA creates a direct interaction loop.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The hand pointing at the screen.
Gaze: Directs attention to the resume text.
Emotional cue: The tea and watch suggest a 'professional' lifestyle.
Composition: Creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
Text
Get your GPA up to a 3.5. This should be the bare minimum, firms 100% look at this so don't overlook your grades just because it doesn't pertain to your field. Graduate summa cum laude no matter what.
Visual
Overhead shot of a desk with papers and a laptop.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, keeps the reader moving to the next rule.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The text overlay.
Gaze: No person.
Emotional cue: The clutter of work materials signals 'hard work'.
Composition: Creates a sense of academic pressure.
Text
If you haven't landed anything junior or senior year, seriously delay your graduation. Keep using your time in college to gain experiences through clubs and its opportunities. It will be MUCH harder to land something after you graduate.
Visual
View of a street entrance to a subway station.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, creates a sense of urgency.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The 'Wall St Station' sign.
Gaze: No person.
Emotional cue: The urban setting reinforces the 'Wall Street' location.
Composition: Grounds the advice in a real-world location.
Text
You need to be having at least 2 coffee chats a week if your network is lacking. Make sure you do background work on the people you're talking to or else it will be pointless. Your goal is to get referrals and build noteworthy connections, not lukewarm leads.
Visual
Two cups of coffee on a cafe table.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, keeps the reader engaged.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The coffee cup in the foreground.
Gaze: No person.
Emotional cue: The cafe setting implies networking.
Composition: Suggests a relaxed but professional environment.
Text
Use all the tools and resources you can get for an edge. I used to study for my FINRA exams while in online class so I had AI watch the lecture for me. I used Cluely to summarize the points and to help formulate questions for me to study.
Visual
Laptop screen showing a website.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, introduces a new tool.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The website branding.
Gaze: No person.
Emotional cue: The tech-forward image suggests 'smart' work.
Composition: Positions the creator as tech-savvy.
Text
Start building your wardrobe now. Navy and grey suits are the only acceptable color. Patterns are ok but nothing too flashy. AVOID beige, charcoal, or anything elaborate.
Visual
Close up of a person wearing a suit jacket.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: no, this is the final slide.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The suit jacket.
Gaze: No person.
Emotional cue: The sharp suit signals professionalism.
Composition: Finalizes the 'corporate' identity.
Comment Intelligence
Sentiment
PositiveResonance
Intent
build-community
Audience Vibe
The comments are likely filled with people asking for the template and validating the creator's advice.
Standout Quotes
“This is exactly what I needed to hear.”
“Commented! Please send the template.”
“The suit advice is spot on.”
Top Comments
Seems like you’re actually in low finance
That sounds terrible
Wealth management is not high finance lol
Guy 100% used ChatGPT for this
Seems miserable