Bullfit: Figuring out fit
Ahh... February. We're all sitting on our offers and waiting for our relocation bonuses so we can blow them on a night out and new loafers. Absolutely fantastic.
So, given that I am sitting in snowy rural CT contemplating my existence on Earth, obviously I have been perusing the conversation on WSO. Looking through the jumble of seemingly confused individuals with tons of offers, people are asking about where to go. Many of the responses are based on things like "culture" and "fit". This isn't wrong, but it is incomplete, and here is why:
1. You can't figure out 100% of a firm's culture by what you read on the internet
This isn't to say that there isn't useful information on the web, there is, but you need to actually have conversations with real people if you're going to find out what the situation on the ground is. There is so much hearsay and nonsense around on the web that it is hard to get a glimpse of the truth. Add that to how much bankers like to be dramatic, and you run the risk of getting the wrong impression of a place. Go network and find out the truth.
2. You can't figure out 100% of a firm's culture by networking
Ah ha, tricked you there. Because while networking can help you take a step in the direction of enlightenment, you really never know what "fit" is going to be like. This is simply because things change: perhaps the team gets a new MD, or the deal flow dries up. Assuming that you are going to fit based on on what is going on today is dangerous if things change quickly. Going in with a recognition of how dynamic this industry is makes a ton of sense.
3. "Fit" can be nebulous within a group
Perhaps you get along with one MD and his people, and you don't with another MD and her people. Within the same group. You never know- and that it is ok. If you've made it this far, you're probably a pretty flexible person. Take a deep breath and don't go in with too many assumptions.
Where fit really seems to matter: fit as a self fulfilling prophesy. Fit is far too nuanced to have a simple definition, but the truth is that many firms do have some sort of ethos that they try and cultivate. This ideal will never be personified by everyone, but it can really be in the back of peoples' minds.
TL;DR: Fit absolutely matters, but don't be so arrogant as to think that you can figure it out based on three emails, a WSO forum search, and one coffee break.