Asking an MD for an Informational Interview
Hey everyone,
So at a recent information session, I had a conversation with an MD that went pretty well and ended with me getting his contact information. I am about to follow up and I want to know if he is too senior for me to be asking for an informational interview with? I am an undergradute BTW.
I would say first off it depends how comfortable you are on the phone, and how confident you are in your ability to make a conversation and keep it going. If you feel good about these, I'd say absolutely go for it. I asked myself a similar question ("should I reach out or am I going to look stupid?") 100 times, and was more often than not pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I'd say most people, regardless of title, are generally good and willing to help. You're going to run into assholes in the process, and I would just cross their name out and move on. But, if you're wondering about initial contact, I think the answer is always "yes". I would argue that most MD's don't get contacted a lot for informational interviews, and they may be willing to help. As analysts, we get hit up a lot more. I had calls with a few people when I was networking that totally scared me going in (i.e. went to Harvard, head of a group, military experience, etc.), and often found that these guys were more helpful than the analysts. Short answer: go for it.
Totally agree. Tell him if he doesn't have time or can't make his schedule work, you'd love to be put in contact with an analyst/associate.
Of course it's fine. The MD is just another human being, not some god.
Send him a casual email like the following:
"Hi Mark the MD,
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with me the other day. I really enjoyed our conversation, especially the advice you gave me how to be a good analyst. Would you have some time this or next week for a quick coffee so that I can gain some more insight into Goldman Sachs and the IB industry in general? Thanks!
Best,
Pnng196"
Just because I know there are some people on WSO who might read this and take it too literally, do not say "Mark the MD." (Not saying you would, Sil, just mentioning it for OP.)
Good catch. I should have pointed it out :)
Shit....I may have already burned a bridge ....
"Hello Leon the CEO of Apollo"
You're actually better off having an info interview with an MD than with a jr. employee. With time you'll see these senior guys tend to be more approachable and helpful.
This. Analysts and associates do not have the power to get you interviews; an MD most certainly does.
Exactly. I don't understand the aversion to this. The same question seems to be posted all the time. In my short experience the more senior the person the more willing they were to talk to me and actually help
Definitely agree with what the people above said. Higher-ups (AVP, VP, SVP, MD, Head) are usually pretty helpful and resourceful if they have the time or willingness to dispense some useful advice and perspective (of course some will brush you off). Just be polite, ask intelligent questions, and listen and it should go pretty well. (Not saying that analysts and associates aren't helpful or resourceful)
If they do not get back to you right away, be patient. Most of these people are generally busy 24/7.
You will be nervous as fuck and will be afraid to look stupid, but it will be worth it. Remember that these MDs were once undergrad students and analysts. Also, after a few of these, it becomes less nerve racking.
Good Luck!
Is it silly to email a MD/high rank at a boutique about setting up an informational interview/session? (Originally Posted: 07/20/2014)
I'm entering my junior year and found myself with a ton of free time this summer and I've been putting a ton of it into research about breaking into IB. Several boutiques I would love to eventually work for have graduates from my school serving in high ranks (Lazard,Evercore and Moelis all have graduates from my school and are almost exclusively Econ majors such as myself). I had read on several websites such as WSO that contacting people at banks 3-6 months before SA internships recruiting begins is a wise idea, just to help getting noticed in the recruiting process. My question is how silly would I be if I emailed a MD/VP/other senior title about such an interview or just making a connection? I know many people stick to emailing Associates, but there are not as many of those who are alumni of my school. There are plenty of grads from my school at these banks in the offices I would like to work for (SF/LA offices) but most of whom I found are at the VP/MD/some Senior level. I apologize if this is the wrong board for this question.
Not silly at all...if they are alumni you should be fine....even if they're not you should still be fine
Thank you sir!
Email them. You go to their alma mater and see that they are in banking and you are interested in the field and want to learn more about it and hear about their path, how they got in and how they are seeing things. See how it goes. Don't keep the call too long. Try to get them talking about themselves, not just their job. Hopefully you can express interest in what they do or whatever. And if you can't take the information they give you and follow up a short while later for the internship.
When you follow up, emphasize how their story/guidance got you more interested and you really want to explore this as a potential career option (ie with an internship).
If they do not respond, email again. After that call them. Don't have their number? Call the general line and ask to speak with their assistant. Tell him/her who you are, you heard about the alum and that he is here and wanted to ask him about his industry and career path and that it would only be a 10 minute call (once these guys talk its a lot more).
If that doesn't work, move on to the next one.
Good Luck
yes. They are human, just mere mortals like us. A lot of students/early professionals think these higher ups are special and get intimidated talking to them, it's kind of like when kids bump into their teacher at the grocery store and go holy shit they go to the grocery store like us?!?
I've always had the most success by hitting up MDs and other high ranked people.
If they are part of the Alma Matter than it makes complete sense.. otherwise your wasting their time
I've successfully cold-emailed an MD that wasn't an alum of my school before. Although I did mention that I read his book...
That's who you want to talk to, not simply associates who tend to not have much pull. The worst that can happen is they don't respond or say no.
you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Contact them starting a conversation. They are normal people and if you have something interesting/useful to say they will respond 100% of the time. The mess about having to be alumni improves your chances is bs.
generally agreed with the above though if your school is big about alumni involvement (mine is) then it can make a huge difference on an individual basis. Some senior people go to significant lengths to meet/speak with kids from their alma mater (I can say that from personal experience).
Totally agree. A gentlemen agreed to sit down with me (which lasted almost 2 hours), and the only thing he knew about me is that I went to the same school as him and have decent grades. Safe to say that helped my chances
Should I ask HR or an MD for an informational interview? (Originally Posted: 12/19/2011)
I met a few MDs along with some summer analysts at a info session for a bb like two months ago. I did a pretty good job keeping in contact with the analysts and the HR reps, but the one follow up email I sent to the MDs wasn't replied to. I didn't think twice about it, but now I'm wondering if I should work on creating a stronger relationship with them instead. Would it be appropriate to try to set up an informational phone conversation with one of them for early January? Or would I be better off just asking HR to connect me to an analyst/associate?
anyone?
1.) It's not an informational interview. It's a "beer", or if you aren't 21, it's "coffee".
2.) Def. the MD.
3.) Don't expect him to help you. If he likes you, he will simply make sure you're considered as much as any other candidate. Actually, a VP, even maybe an Associate, can do that for you.
This, basically word for word. Ask for "advice" and try to work on developing a legit connection with the guy. Remember that he may not be able to hook it up for you, but down the road he might be able to, and he also may know a guy who knows a guy, ect.
Can't do coffee considering new York is a lengthy flight away. Phone has got to suffice. I doubt he even remembers me, how should I go about setting it up?
MD for sure
I don't think there's anything wrong with saying informational interview.
Just send an email, but keep it short. There's a rough template on Mergers and Inquisitions that worked well for me this past summer. Basically just introduce yourself, where you met, state your interest, ask for a couple of minutes to talk about their career/group/bank, and maybe propose a time.
How/when to ask MD at IB to interview for his group?-Informational interview (Originally Posted: 02/06/2014)
I have an informational interview with an MD at IBD. My initial plan was to speak to him, gain some rapport, and then ask him to possibly connect me with another group that I know is currently looking for an analyst.
I just found out what group he's in and saw that his group is also seeking an analyst.
How should I approach this situation? Should I flat out ask him at the end and just say hey I am really interested in your group and I'd love to be considered.
Or email him tomorrow with the thank you note BS and slip it in there?
I am going to be in NY in 2 weeks, so I could possibly mention to meet with his team?
Very, interested and just want to position myself as best as possible. Thanks guys.
dont beat around the bush just ask
It was setup as an informational interview. Just say it straight up at the beginning?
I've done many info interviews but haven't with a group that has a spot on, which is why I am asking this. I'm also an MSF with a couple internships (one IBD SA), so I need to position as best as possible cause it looks like they're seeking a lateral.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
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