If you are meeting a MD what questions would you ask
Hi,
A couple of guys and I are meeting a MD from a major bank.
What questions would you ask him?
Hi,
A couple of guys and I are meeting a MD from a major bank.
What questions would you ask him?
Career Resources
bump
Ask a few questions about his career and what he does, maybe some technicals to show that you know the product, apart from that....sports, cars, whatever.
I would ask for specific details on compensation. Also, a "Why your investment bank?" never fails.
^good advice above
I would also ask about their background, as people love to talk about themselves.
Meeting with MD of Real Estate PE- Need help with questions (Originally Posted: 10/10/2013)
Hey,
I got this great opportunity to meet with an MD of a REPE firm, but I feel like I am lacking in information and questions to ask him specifically about real estate within the private equity spectrum. Would anyone be willing to suggest some good questions to ask?
I will do my own due diligence to get better background information, but this is a great opportunity for me and would love for some suggestions on things to ask.
Most of my questions thus far just general "PE" related, and the better the questions, the more conversational it becomes which is great.
Thanks guys
This question would be much easier to answer if we knew what property types or geographic area(s) the fund typically targets.
Fund size, and acquisition criteria will help you out a lot. Some funds list both on their web site.
They focus on distressed and undervalued debt and equity opportunities in the U.S., Asia and Europe.They also focus on real estate, securitized loan obligations, and investments in other funds.
Meeting with MD - Any tips? (Originally Posted: 07/17/2007)
Next week I have a lunch meeting with a managing director at a BB. Obviously, I want to somehow turn this into an interview/full time job. Any tips for stuff I shouldn't do or questions/convo I should definitely talk about/ask.
What type of stuff just pisses off bankers and I should definitely avoid. I'm thinking I'll just keep the convo pretty casual, just shoot the shit and have a good lunch with him. Then at the end I will bring up graduation, jobs, etc and hand him my resume.
When it's lunch, it's okay to discuss business, but don't let that be the topic of the entire period. You're last few sentences above are dead on. Have lunch and then work on a 60 second sound byte at the end that sells you, shows your interest and "tactfully" places your resume into his hands at the end of the lunch. Always finish lunch with some type of follow up request.
Try to talk about him, don't focus to much on you. MD meet candidates all the time, it's so borring for them and they will remember 5% of them maximum...try to find some common ground on some extra-curricular activity you have. He will remember you way easier. Sell yourself but not only that.
I was thinking of starting off the conversation by asking him to tell me his "story" and journey to where he is today. So mostly I will just be listening. If there is a common area, or a spot in the conversation where I can chime in, I definitely will.
Anything else
Meeting with boutique MD! (Originally Posted: 10/25/2011)
First off, I'd like to mention that this is my first post on wso. I've mostly been reading and have learned a lot so thank you fellow monkeys!!! After countless cold-emails, I finally managed to get a response from an MD at a boutique who would like to meet with me at the office. I go to a non-target so this means a lot to me.
I mentioned in the e-mail that I wanted to just meet up and talk about his experiences in the industry. Does the fact that he wants to meet at their offices mean I should dress up and perhaps bring a resume? How should I go about this, any advice would be great!!
You should definitely dress up for any meeting with an MD - even at a boutique. He may be wearing jeans, but you need to be in a full suit. Bringing a resume is also a good idea - cover letter is probably unnecessary.
Be ready to discuss your experiences and ask him good, relevant questions about his experiences and his firm specifically. At the end of the meeting, if it hasn't gotten to this already, make sure you ask about any opportunities his firm might have. If you don't ask, he'll assume you don't want it enough. MDs generally aren't stupid - he realizes your meeting involves pitching him your services - and he'll treat it like an informal interview. You should treat it the same way.
Sovjet, thanks for the prompt response, the advice is great!!
I agree that I should be asking him questions about his experiences/the firm, however do you think he's going to ask me questions - more specifically technical ones? Or should I have a general understanding of the current markets/eco conditions for now...
I wouldn't expect anything too technical but you should prepare yourself anyway. Even if he doesn't ask you technical questions you have to give your own input on the current conditions so it looks like you know the industry. Be well prepared, it will show him that you actually want a job.
Expect the unexpected, but I wouldn't normally expect technical questions from an MD at an informational interview. He might ask you a little bit about your interests in IB in general, your experiences, why his firm specifically, and your goals. This'll help him judge whether or not you're even in the right ballpark. Technicals are usually reserved for more formal interviews (which you will have, if you impress). He'll be more concerned with fit and the desire to learn/work at his firm specifically.
One nuanced tip as a caveat to the above:
Don't be a tool when asking questions (aka, ask the right questions). If he's an MD that specializes in medical devices in the mountain region, don't ask him how a potential Greek default will impact his business. Basically, don't make it seem like all you did was read the headlines of the Journal that morning and know nothing else. Don't pretend to be knowledgeable about anything. It's much better to show interest by asking him to clarify specific details while he's talking, then to ask him a question out of left field. Keep it micro.
Just something I've noticed.
Thanks guys this is all very helpful, I appreciate the input!!!!
Sovjet, good response.
Infiniti, how did you structure your cold email to the MD? I've only been contacting boutiques and MMs that are actively posting positions but I think I may have more luck networking into a boutique that hires on an ad-hoc basis.
aempirei,
I basically started off by introducing myself (school, major etc), then proceeded with my interest in their firm/IB, and concluded by asking to meet shortly to talk about their experiences in the industry and with the bank. Don't make it seem like you are just seeking an interview, especially with a cold e-mail.
Be prepared to "tell your story" and talk about your personal work experience. Make sure to research the boutique extensively before hand (know what kind of deals they do/what industry/any specialties) along with the MD's background.
Try to turn it into a conversation and it'll be much easier, be likeable and enthusiastic. Let him know you're very interested in banking and would love an opportunity to interview for any position at his firm.
Definitely wear a suit, as for your resume, you can always email it to him afterwards (which is easier so he can forward it to the correct people).
good luck
Thanks gstackle!!
Anybody know of any good specific questions to ask?
Asking about specific deals is usually good - it shows interest and if you can discuss it somewhat intelligently, it shows understanding.
Asking about his experiences with the firm, the firm's strengths, where he sees the firm going, and how he sees the market for boutique M&A expanding is also solid.
Normally, if you're doing an interview with an analyst/associate, it's relevant to ask about their recruitment experiences, how they broke in, etc. Because he's an MD, he'd be too far removed from that - so I'd stay away from those types of questions.
To sum it all up, anything to do with specific deals and the firm's general outlook internally and externally is a solid bet.
He's not an analyst but you still need to make a connection on a friendly level as well. He will be much more likely to recommend you if he thinks you are smart AND he likes you. So try to find some general common interests and talk about that as well. He is an MD but no one wants to talk finance all the time and the ones I've met would much rather talk about sports or something like that. Not saying you should spend the entire conversation talking about the NFL but showing more of your casual side lets him know you as a person. Sports and travel were the main casual talking points I usually used and it always helped make a connection or "lighten" the conversation a bit.
Everything Sovjet mentioned are good topics. You don't have to talk about how he broke in but you can ask about his background and experience in the industry.
about to have a meeting with an MD (alumni) (Originally Posted: 10/16/2007)
Guys,
I am about to have a meeting with a meeting with a MD(Alumni) ... How can I impress him?? I need to get an I banking Job asap.. Waht questions can I ask or discuss to impress him ? Please advice guys..
To be honest, it is rarely what you ask that matters, but rather, how you ask it...show passion! The best questions are always the ones that you really want to know the answers to. That way, you find yourself listening to the answers, rather than nodding along every 10 seconds, like most people do. Then, he will really be impressed.
Have a very good understanding of the current credit situation. Be able to aske intelligent questions on how his / her firm fits into the mess. Ask insightful questions about their current deals.
Meeting with MD - Advice to stand out? (Originally Posted: 01/13/2009)
Hi All,
Just made a lunch plan with a MD. He hired me into the firm, and set some time to catch up with us(the rest he hired). Any advice on what i can say to stand out and really make a relationship? I would like to make this in to a connection rather than a never speak again. thanks all.
Just be yourself and don't try too hard. If you want it to be a relationship you have to prove you are a likable person. You have the job, you aren't interviewing, so just be confident, and treat it as lunch with a friend rather than lunch with an interviewer. Listen intently to what he has to say, allow him to talk about himself, and answer any questions he asks you. I would see if you can talk a little more about your personal lives than in an interview and see if you guys have something in common that you can for a relationship over (sports, hobbies, vacations, etc).
NEVER lose your BlackBerry www.conveniencesoftware.com
Meeting with MD of BB (Originally Posted: 12/08/2008)
Alright so, a relative of mine gave me the contact information of an MD of a BB's corporate finance division. I've had good rapport with him through emails and Ive spoke on the phone with him once for 20 minutes a couple of months ago. We are meeting this week, and he wants to talk to me face to face before he helps me out.
Does anyone have any ideas on how/if i should prepare? Should i touch up on my dcf analysis/ accounting statements etc...? Is there any thing I should know about corporate finance? Any other suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks
knowing technical finance stuff is not top priority of the list of things you should know
just know why you want to do this, and what are qualities you have to offer. make sure to show motivation and strong interest
and maybe have a good understanding of the financial world/news
Don't worry about it.... just chill out it's just a meeting, you don't have to know the technical finance stuff, just be aware of what's going on with the markets and try to discuss the current market environment. Also speak proper English "I have spoken" rather than "I have spoke".
Don't go there as if it's a job opportunity, just be yourself and you will do fine
meeting with an md (Originally Posted: 01/03/2012)
I have a meeting with an MD from a middle market bank in NY this week to discuss a summer analyst opportunity. I arranged this using a family connection. What should I expect?
Try to keep it informal and ask him as many questions as you can about what he does and how he got to where he is. Seem interested and make every effort to get a good conversation going (shouldn't be too difficult since he will probably be relaxed.) If this guy is through a connection he is probably just doing a quick check to make sure there is no reason he can't bring you on. I doubt it will come to technical questions but know those just in case. Your goal here is to keep it informal and make him like you. Make sure to do research on the firm and ask lots of intelligent questions (but not those douchey, overly complicated, suck-up questions.) Good luck!
I would still treat it as a semi-interview - you make good impression on him, and he'll get you a first-round interview or recommend you speak to the right HR person/recruiter.
Generally, MD's love to talk about their experience, so after a quick introduction about yourself, your career goals, etc., ask him about his experiences (do some research on what sector/group he's in, what deals they've done, etc.), what he likes about his role, what qualities he looks for in his analysts, etc.
Meeting With an MD 1 on 1 (Originally Posted: 07/17/2007)
I am a summer intern at a BB and am meeting with an MD at my bank from my school, what do I talk to him about? How much pull would an MD have in getting me into a different division even if it is not their own division? Would they be offended if I told them I wanted to do something else not in their division? Just to clarify I am not in his division now anyways but is it appropriate at some point to mention how I am interested in XYZ and if he could help me get in there even though that it is not his division? Should I ask questions about his division first before steering the convo to what I really want to do?
All my interviews were through networking, and most were with MD's. Here's how I would approach it:
--don't mislead him at any point thinking he's interviewing someone for his division --show that you know a little bit about the MD's division, ask intelligent questions --show an interest in what you're doing now and be good at it --be able to draw a logical connection as to how the skill set you have/are developing now connects to the work that you want to do --be charming
Don't worry about offending anyone, there's no chance of that, but accept that by not going for what he's in charge of you're taking the risk that he'll just flick your resume off to HR or whomever if he doesn't know anyone in your target group. In any case, it's a good contact and you never know when it will come in handy.
meeting with MD BB (Originally Posted: 04/27/2012)
I had a meeting with an MD who is best friend's with one of my family members. He is based in Europe and my family member told me that he's a close friend and will hook me up. He seemed in a bit of a rush (maybe in the middle of a deal?)
When I got on a call with him, it was very brief and short (10 minutes) and we discussed where I'm at, my current position, etc. I'm working at the Big 4 and I'm the lead sr. auditor on an international BB, writing my CFA in June and currently just got my CPA.
We discussed my skill set and how there is big demand for people actually familiar with tech who also have skills in finance/accounting. He said research, VC, Hedge-funds, IB's have huge demands for this right now.
When I asked him to tell me a bit more about how he got to where he is, etc. he said that was a discussion over drinks, not on the phone - he asked me to send him CV, and that he would put me in touch with the right people, and when I fly out to Europe that he can introduce me to everybody.
Thoughts? Good or bad?
Good.
I was a little rattled that the call was so short.
I get my CPA in a few weeks, writing CFA in june. When do you guys think I should send my CV? Now? or in a few weeks when I officially have my CPA? or hold off altogether until I get my June level 1 completed?
Send it now with L1 candidates wording as per the standards, as he asked for it right? Once certs. have been gained, prompt with updated CV.
How should I approach this meet-up with MD? (Originally Posted: 06/27/2010)
So I met this MD a year ago during a networking session and he helped me got an internship last summer. Throughout the year I kept contact with him through email on a regular friendly basis (but updating on my side and talking about his firm most of the time)
However, this summer, I chose not to intern at his firm. The MD knows that as I explained through the email, but he doesn't know I will be interning in his No.1 competitor...
He will be in town next week (during my first week of training) and ask me if I wanna meet up. How should I approach this meeting? I suppose it will be on a friendly basis (haven't met him in person more than a year)? What should I talk about? I can't keep talking about his competitor and I don't feel like asking too much about his firm (that makes me like a traitor of my current firm?)
Obviously I hope there are still chances at his firm if I don't get a return offer from my current firm. But more importantly I just want to keep a good relationship as friend since he is a really nice guy (is that even possible? an MD of European Head and a university student......?) How can I deliver that message ?
Thanks in advance
You haven't done anything wrong here. Just treat him like a friend instead of like someone who's interviewing you.
Assuming this guy works on Wall Street, he won't give a shit that you aren't at his firm.
if you see him as a mentor and he treats you like a mentee, there's nothing wrong with having a casual/friendly chat. see how the conversation goes as you never know, he may bring up the subject of your internship this summer and start giving you some good advice. at the end of the day, if you are talented, he may still recruit you once you have done an internship at his "no. 1 competitor" just so you would have a more diverse training background than say your peers who only have interned at 1 shop.
Meeting a MD - Friends Dad (Originally Posted: 07/11/2012)
Long time lurker, first time poster
A little background: I'm from Sydney, Australia - first year at university. Go to the top uni for finance/commerce in Australia
Anyway, I'm meeting my friend's dad next week, and wanted to get some tips on what i should ask him, as I've never done something like this before. He used to be a MD at DB for over 10 years in the securitised products division (and before that debt capital markets), but now is doing non-profit work
In Australia they don't really offer internships for first year students, but do you think i should try and get some work experience, and how should i hint at it etc?
and in terms of networking, would it be fine to ask for his email/number?
any other tips or topics would be great
thanks
Show him your hungry for knowledge and experience and see if he knows anyone still in the industry he could connect you with. If internships aren't common in Australia for freshmen, try to back door your way in by "shadowing" someone for a couple days a week. Use him as a center of influence and pick his brain for contacts/advice. You have a huge leg up comparetivley speaking than most kids your age. Ask him his story and how the path he took. Find out what you should be doing between now and graduation that will give you the best position to get to where you want to go.
People love to talk about themselves and give advice to young go-getters like yourself. They see themselves in you and generally love to help.
Networking, well getting hammered at homecoming weekend with alumni of my fraternity is how I got my job. My boss was wearing USMA rowing hat, and I asked if he had family who attended Westpoint. I mentioned my service and 1 week later I found myself at Star Diner (Eggs and Legs type of joint) with an offer.
Morale of the story, If you start early and network/meet as many people as possible all throughout college, study hard, good things will happen for you.
Advice on meeting with a MD? (Originally Posted: 01/30/2009)
I'm still a college student(senior) and am fortunate to have an informal 30mins meeting with a MD level guy next week. Could any of you give me some suggestions about questions I should ask or things I should talk about? I don't think I could get an offer or even an interview from the meeting, but I really want to leave him a good impression through this opportunity and hope it would help later on. Appreciate any inputs. Thanks!
Basically, be intelligent, ask about his life, ask for advice, treat him like a normal person, don't feel a need to impress him, don't try to sell yourself, be knowledgeable about his firm but if he tells you something you know don't mention it, have about ten open ended questions ready to go to keep conversation flowing, don't talk about his firm's bonus/comp situation, know why you are interested in finance, be able to discuss the days news, stuff like that. Here are some other times it has been asked:
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/meeting-with-md-of-bb http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/quick-question-meeting-with-md http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/meeting-with-md-0#comments http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/about-to-have-a-meeting-with-an-m… http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/meeting-with-an-md-1-on-1 http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/meeting-with-md-0 http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/lunch-with-md-clothes http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/talking-with-an-md http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/etiquette
drexel, that's fantastic. I had a similar idea but was too lazy to execute.
The first time i met an md i was nervous as shit, but as you meet more of them you realize they are just people too, and if they are willing to meet, they are usually willing to help.
I don't know how you were introduced to the md (cold calling? networking? alum? family friend?) I feel like you should prepare differently depending on how you got the meeting, in terms of your talking points (pick points of common interest, ex for alum talk about the school and what it was like when he went to school or w/e). For me, I brushed up on some recent news about the firm and just had a good story for myself (why finance, why this division, why this firm).
Also, youd be surprised how easily you can get an interview just by talking to one md. they know a lot of people and as long as you can impress the md, or even just have a good conversation, they usually will ask for your resume without you bringing it up and offer to pass it along to the right people.
Be professional. Don't sound like a little kid. You want to be personable, but don't be annoying.
Meeting with MD, need advice please! (Originally Posted: 07/15/2013)
Hey guys hope you're all doing well. I am currently an investment banking summer analyst at a lower middle market firm in NYC. (rising senior at semi-target) I am trying to network for full-time recruiting and I was lucky enough to get a "meeting" with a senior managing director at great boutique firm (HLHZ, Lazard, Perella).
I am of Middle Eastern descent and this MD is also Middle Eastern and splits his time between London and the Middle East. On our phone call he described how he needed analysts to train in NY/London for a year and then spend a year with him in the middle east. He said that I fit the profile well and that if I was serious about this, he could pitch me to NY MD's.
Now, I'm a humanities major and I'm still a little green on describing my experience. (just being honest) I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice, or more importantly, tell me what NOT to do during our half hour schedule meeting.
Thanks guys!
this seems like a pretty good niche, not many people can really fit your profile so perfectly. I would just try to be likable and appear knowledgable about the deals that this MD has worked on.
Sounds like he thinks you fit the bill as someone he wants to work in NY/London and then ultimately the Middle East. Obviously coming from Middle Eastern descent, you would have an easier time living and working in the Middle East.
My advice would be to appear likeable and ADAPTABLE. Since you'll be working in a few different locations, portray that you're a flexible and adaptable guy who handles stress and change well. Portray your excitement to experience new places, as well as the IBD industry. Obviously as a humanities major, you won't be expected to have that much in-depth knowledge of IBD...but this could work in your favor because you if show up to the meeting and can hold a conversation that involves technicals, you'll be impressive.
~GrandJury
Hey guys,
Thanks a lot! Grandjury, I saw that you mentioned technicals? I saw that Emirates NBD, which is a private bank, is acquiring some BB's commercial banks in the UAE. I saw this deal on Perella's website under selected transactions. How do I go about asking him intelligent questions about that deal? Should I ask him what's the hold up or what challenges they are facing with closing the deal? Thanks!
Technicals as in basic accounting and finance knowledge.
And just mention that you were browsing through some finance articles/company website and saw that information and found it intriguing, and that you would love to hear his perspective about it.
~GrandJury
Guys, help me out here? Meeting up with MD soon, special situation. (Originally Posted: 02/03/2011)
Hey guys. This is the third time I'm trying to post this in the past 2 days. Spam filter was blocking it. Anyway, It would be extremely helpful if you guys could help me out by referring to the last post here: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/so-what-should-i-do? I'm also not from the US, by the way.
Thanks in advance. I bought some SBs to credit the constructive comments too, but my account hasn't been updated with them yet. :(.
There are a ton of comments there. Why do you want more?
Appreciate the reply, but refer to the second last comment, please. It's an update.
I'll copy paste it here:
You should definitely suit-up (open collar if you're that concerned about it). There is no excuse to wear jeans...ever...in a professional setting.
Also, don't ask for anything. Just offer that you are willing to help in anyway that you are needed. If he offers you some work at the firm he started, smile and take it. Once you're in, ask to help out with any work he has going on at LAZ/BX. Do this only after you've proven yourself as a competent intern.
I'm not in IB, but all of this is pretty common sense and applies to all professions.
Ah, I'll keep that in mind. I've a charcoal colored one, will use that.
Yeah, if he gives me something at the boutique I prob wouldn't push it. Just looking for the exposure right now anyway.
Btw, MBP, our short PM exchange was one of the reasons I chose to do this. Feel indebted, waiting for my credits to be updated. Cheers.
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