First Year College Student Attending Info Sessions

Ask them that type of questions you should ask and then ask them those questions.

fu

haha.

Seriously though...this is fantastic that you're attending these events. Ask questions that you're genuinely interested in finding more information about.

The earlier you learn about Financial Services, the easier it will be for you to narrow down a career that's a good fit for you, as we all know that as a fresh grad, you have a unique "in" to various divisions vs. an experienced candidate.

Be aggressive, engage yourself, smile.

honestly, having done a few of these things (on both sides), im not sure if i would be able to take a freshman seriously. it seems a bit early for me. but, hey, if you can be energetic and bright and driven (something i wasnt when i was a freshman), then go for it.

They aren't going to want to "exchange contact information," with anyone (especially a freshman). It will be packed, and you'll probably be lucky to get much 1 on 1 interaction.

Depending on who it is, some MD will probably read a script along the lines of "We're great because of our people. You may be worried about joining X due to the current market conditions, but believe me, in the marketplace today, and in conditions like this, our clients need our services more than ever." You'll stand there in your suit, trying to take them seriously.

Then, you'll then probably have an opportunity to "schmooze" with some younger bankers, who will stand there and smile and spew some BS about how they love their jobs, all the while wondering why they have to listen to other people talk about their career aspirations when they are simply hoping to have a job by this time next week.

Really, save yourself the time. Just my opinion...

Even if you don't have 10 insightful and well thought out questions to ask, you should still go.

its true they wont take a freshman seriously and it may very well be true that the bankers u speak with will be laid off by the end of 2008. Keep in mind that firms will do cuts in Nov/Dec right before bonuses come out.

Anyway, collect their business cards. Start building a relationship with the analysts and associates via phone calls and informal informationals. Don't be too aggressive, if they don't reply, move on and try again in a 2-3 months intervals. After all you are a freshmen and you have time. Then after you feel comfortable talking and meeting with the junior bankers, make your way up the totem pole and network with the senior guys. By the way, whenever speaking with someone in any career field don't ask certain questions or bring up certain issues (are you scared you're going to lose your job, is ur firm going to go under, how much do really make, is it worth it if you don't get your bonus, what are you going to do if you lose ur job, etc.).

The reason I suggest you go to this is because now that at least three banks probably won't be hiring (ML, BSC, LEH) this makes the pool a whole lot smaller for the next year to 3 years and you'll need all the help you can get to break in (even if you go to a top school).

Also, since you are a freshman, with the right network and right grades, you may be able to wrangle a summer internship in trading or banking which could lead interviews for junior year internships or a follow on junior year internship with the same firm ultimately leading to a guaranteed offer.