Hey Guys,
I'm currently a junior at a target recruiting for SA positions at BB S&T/Research desks or Elite Boutique(think Evercore/Greenhill/Moelis) IBD (the latter because I know a lot of 1st year analysts at these firms that can get me interviews).
My question is basically this: While I don't know which internship I'll be having this summer, I can say with some certainty that I will land at least one position in the above firms/roles (and if not, even MO/BO at a BB). Would it harm my chances of getting a return offer if I have to take a Friday off and fly to the South to attend my only sisters high school graduation ceremony? (grad ceremonies are taken very seriously in my family and people are flying in from around the country and the UK)
What do you guys think?
FYI, I'm strongly against this idea but I'm only asking this to prove to my dad that my arguments are legitimate. Obviously, I'd love to go if it wouldn't hurt my chances but I'm pretty sure it would.
Does your sister graduate high school in July or what?
She graduates like May 20th.
Just to clarify, it's not the graduation moment at her school but a separate party that my family is throwing to celebrate her graduation.
I wouldn't leave.
I dont know about everyone else, but I'd respect it. Family is important and these things don't happen all the time.
Not everyone is as understanding, though, so use caution.
No way should you go. If I was the manager I'd be pretty ticked off. There are 1000 other kids who would skip the graduation if they had to in order to get an offer. In my mind it's a no brainer.
This.
Analyst after bonus payout, fuck yeah I'd go. SA looking for return offer...I wouldn't even leave to go to my apartment.
You're going to miss more than just a graduation party (no matter how "important") when you're in IB. Your dad/family/gf/bf/etc will have to accept that sooner or later.
There were a number of kids in my program who skipped finals to start the internship. They took finals via special proctors in New York or via some video program. I would say this is a no.
This could fly at a regional boutique though.
Unfortunately, probably not going to fly.
Welcome to life in the industry. Sorta sucks that way
it depends on what it says on your contract, I had 2 days/ month on my contract last year, so I could take those off without a problem.
I would somewhat disagree with the above posters. When I did my internship, several of the people who got FT offers used their holidays to take days off for events like this.
However, I also think it heavily depends on your group and the deal flow at the time. If you're in the middle of working on a live deal, no way that you should be going. I would hope to be able to go, but I wouldn't count on it. Your dad should hopefully be able to understand this.
Easy answer is no, bad idea.
Right answer is that its going to completely depend on your group/manager/whatever. I personally would be fine with it as a) you probably aren't doing anything we can go without for a day and b) you only have one chance to experience some family type events. That being said there is almost no upside here for you and plenty of downside. Be cautious.
I disagree - there certainly is downside. Taking a day off for family reasons is respectable, especially with some notice. Worst comes to worst and you are very busy when the time comes around, you can work on the plane/from home, but you should be able to make it.
I would be careful about how you approach it though - I would suggest explaining the situation fully, and simply putting all your cards on the table, and saying that you understand that it may not be possible, but would really like to be there for your family. Pretty tough to say no to that, if you phrase things the right way.
Honestly depends on the timing of the party as well. Is this your first or second week on the job when people are judging you hard? Have you been pulling 110 hours a week cranking as hard as possible, doing an amazing job, and have developed a strong relationship with your team?
If this was week 6-7 and your superior has already seen that you're a strong performer and likes you a lot, you can probably get away with it if you approach it correctly and give an explanation for how you're going to make up the work (i.e. you'll be in all weekend so the work will be done by Monday). If it's week 1-3...I'd advise against making that your first impression.
^agree with above, although don't know much about S&T. For IBD, we had interns in our group take a day off here and there. And it didn't affect their chances at a FT offer because they were solid performers. If it is your 5th-6th week, I wouldn't completely rule it out. Don't commit to your family that you will be there, just tell them you'll try your best. If you see a window, grab the opportunity to leave. Offer to come back in that weekend / or do something in advance to make up for it.
Also, I wouldn't phrase it as a "family party", think of something more urgent. Just call in sick if nothing works lol. Seriously, I don't think its that big a deal.
I really do not think taking a day off is a good idea. Especially if it is in the first five weeks of the summer. It doesn't send a great message to how dedicated you are to the firm/your job. On the other hand, there are those that wouldn't mind. You need to tread carefully in handling the situation. If you are in a good group with a guy who is easy going and is a nice guy in general, then give it a shot. But if you have any doubts the guy might say no, I wouldn't bring it up and just bite the bullet. Think about your future, man..
Are you kidding? Of course you can and should go. I worked at a BB last summer and took a whole week off to attend a graduation AND I got a return offer. Everyone on here telling you not to is being overly cautious. Obviously missing any time is not ideal but there are other important things in life and any manager with half a soul will understand if you need to miss one day.
If your sister's party is during the first half of the internship, I wouldn't take it off (unless you call in sick). If you know that it'll be towards the end, then I would explain in detail upfront (before you even start and again at the start of the internship), so that everyone is aware, and I'd put in 110% percent until then. If you can't make it because you're slammed at the time, you can let your group know that you've decided to stay and maybe that'll earn you some bonus points...
If it's during the 2nd half of your internship, I would recommend going even if you're slammed. Once you start missing these family events, you'll create more excuses for missing future ones... Unless you're working on a deal of a century, updating comps or pitchbook for a 100th time can be done by someone else or when you get back!
I honestly don't think the reason is good enough. You will already have been at her graduation, it's just a family party. I had my grandmas 90th birthday during my internship and I didn't even think about going and everyone understood. If you had a good reason for taking a personal day I don't think it would be a problem. The only reason I've seen is people taking a day to take an exam, and they only gave them the exam day, so they had to study in their free time and fly in and out on the day.
depends on culture at firm, its probably gna be fine, ignore 99% of the posts in this thread, people in the US are crazy nutjob alcoholics, UK is more relaxed.
Also depends on team within firms you still get total retarded nutjobs that have no life and will look down upon you leaving for the day whilst others are fine with it.
I read the part about private family party, thats a bit thinner probably dont give that as actual reason if you want to go.
Lol at guy above me, not going for your granmas 90th birthday...
I think it depends completely on your group and superiors. I definitely would ask to go to attend the graduation though, don't mention the party. I actually think you'll have a better chance of pulling this off at a BB than a boutique, as boutiques usually are not as well staffed and you might have a tough time finding someone to cover for you that day.
Definitely depends on your group but I don't think it would be out of line to ask up front before you start and say that you'll only go if work happens to be light at the time. You're not going to look good asking about it but at least it shows that you are aware of the situation and willing to sacrifice.
it depends on your boss and culture of the firm. Where I did my SA stint it would of been perfectly OK and my boss would of encouraged it. I'm sure it's different elsewhere, but that's for you to figure out.
I missed a weekend due to a cousin's wedding. Unfortunately, got taken off helping on a potential IPO or PE spinoff. I also missed the last week of my SA due to a conflict with a university program (not the start of school). Got the offer still. I don't think it's a big deal if you let them know (soon after you get the offer of course). Unless you work for some incredible assholes, they will understand you missing a Friday/part of weekend for an important family gathering. However, they will not sympathize with you missing work on weekends due to weekend plans with friends or 4th of July on the lake, so forget about asking for things like that.
"I understand, family is important. Thank you for telling us in advance."- Paraphrased quote from an MD when I emailed him four months before my SA started concerning the above wedding
Live to work baby!!!
I'll go to your sister's graduation party instead.
End of argument.
Go through recruiting. See if you get the offer you believe you will be getting [job market is tougher than you think, and 'knowing people' only gets you so far... knowing people doesn't make the others like you] and see when it starts, then make the decision.
Not a biggie. I'd plan to go, but let your family know there is a possibility you wont be able to make it.
It's very situational, and depends on your group and how busy you are when time rolls around. Ignore the "don't even think about going" people. Seriously, is everyone on here a meek excel galley slave or what?
One of my buddies was allowed to take a week off during his internship (in order to go to ibiza) and he still got an offer. At that time he was a first year student and wasn't exactly the most knowledgeable guy but he is a nice guy and obviously got along well with his colleagues. And that is what really counts. I mean, seriously, no one really gives a rats ass if you take a day off or not. Its human. Believe it or not but most banker types are human and reasonable its just that many of them don't want to admit/show it.
Taking half day off as BB S&T SA (Originally Posted: 06/20/2015)
Is it ok for an SA to leave early one day to make it to an important doctors appointment? Would this destroy chances for a FT offer or would people be understanding?
It is obviously okay. Just tell you manager about the appointment as soon as you know the date and time.
I interned at a BB last summer and my request was denied for an eye doctor appointment even though my vision was getting blurry. My manager told me to talk to HR and I was told no.... Apparently I would miss too much time from my desk...
i call bs
taking a day off work during SA (Originally Posted: 05/06/2010)
how bad would it be to take a half day or day off work during the summer internship (it would be the third week of internship)? Reason is legit medical reasons which I have to fly out somewhere. If I explain it to HR/desk I'm working on will this be looked at really negatively?
I highly doubt you're going to be looked down upon if you had to take a day for medical reasons. My bank gives SAs 2 days over the summer.
Ok - the only reason I ask is because I would be taking a day off relatively early during the internship, probably when things are the most busy, so I'm a tad nervous. That's great that your bank gives 2 days off for SAs, I haven't received that kind of info from my bank yet.
We never got days off when i interned. They spoil you guys...
I personally missed no days during my SA stint.
However, I have had other intern friends who came in after a hard night of drinking and puked in the office (only to get sent home by manager later in the morning).
LOL. What type of internship was this?
Agreed. Make sure you let them know early and show proper documentation to authenticate your claim. Things happen all the time. If anything they will look at this favorably, because you plan ahead and you give them enough time to prepare for your absence.
If you explain right at the beginning what the situation is, they won't hold it against you. Just don't wait for the week of and you'll be fine.
Depending on when you have to take off on the third week, I would wait until Tuesday or Wednesday of your 2nd week to tell them. I wouldn't start working for them and then tell them your first day that you need a day off. I don't think you should have a problem no matter what you do, its just my personal opinion.
Hey Gekko, wouldn't it be better to inform them asap? I mean why hold out until the 2nd week when you know you have a doctors appointment before you even start your internship? Just curious.
I would have to take a day or two off if possible since one of my good friends has his wedding. Do you think this is possible. He is an analyst at the same bank though only in another office. Do you think this would be a problem in the decision for a FT offer?
what about if you need either a sat or sun off in a particular week? feasible to take it or not worth the downside?
Also very interested about the saturday/sunday issue.
I worked at a PE firm last summer and got hit with a really nasty drug allergy (hives head to toe, absolutely everywhere). They could not have been more accommodating and understanding of my situation. I missed three days and they only asked me how I was feeling when I got back.
no joke, when i was in Hong Kong, one of my fellow SA"s came down with Swine Flu. She missed two weeks. Got a FT offer.
Requesting Days Off as SA? (Originally Posted: 01/30/2014)
Say I needed a Friday off to get home for a wedding or something else important like that, Is it even possible to ask for a day or two off?
It obviously depends on your group, but I'd be cautious nonetheless. Even if they approve the day off, there's a chance you'll lose some goodwill among your colleagues
Seriously depends on group, your performance to the point when you take it/request it, and the timing of the visit. If it's in the first week, it might be less of an issue than if it's in the middle of the summer.
if you need a day off for wedding/funeral etc you definitely should not be in the office. make it clear you need the day off to your staffer, and leave.
no one will think less of you.
I took a Friday off as a SA in mid July and flew to Vegas for a friend's bday. This was fully disclosed to my group head and manager prior. I returned to a couple of high fives and got a return offer a couple of weeks later.
If you're killing it and your group likes you, nobody will care.
EDIT: Don't BS either. If you say you're taking a couple of days to travel to a funeral, DON'T COME BACK WITH A TAN. Nobody likes being lied to.
That's what i needed to hear, thanks.
This is a stupid thing to do. Only travel if you have to. Birthday is not one of them.
Necessary days off as an intern (Originally Posted: 05/09/2013)
I'm starting work soon, but I just got a letter saying I need to go in for a US Citizenship biometrics at 11 AM on a weekday- would I be able to take that off or would they be mad?
ALSO currently I'm taking time off and I need to go back to school to finalize my return for fall a few weeks before school starts in the summer and meet the dean, before Aug. 9. Would they allow me to take 1 day off and fly back the next day? or at least try to set it up on a weekend?
Try to postpone it - if this doesnt work out, ask your staffer / boss. Shouldnt be much of a deal as long as you have even tried to do it in your spare time (had to take half a day off during my banking internship as well)
Dilemma: Taking Day Off As Intern At BB? (Originally Posted: 04/06/2016)
If you don't mind letting your bosses know that you would rather go work for their competitor, I say go for it. If you'd like a return offer at your current bank, I'd probably just go to work that day.
This.
OP, are you being serious? You want to take a day off to go network with your employer's competitor? You already have an SA position at a BB. Why would you risk losing a return offer for what is essentially just a chance to get an interview?
On a similar note, what do you do if you get an interview somewhere during your SA? I've heard FT interviews start during the last week or so of internships. How do you take phone screens and go to superdays without jeopardizing your offer at your current SA firm?
Depends what BB you work at and how likely the chance of getting a return offer now is.
I hate to say it, but it's BAML. I don't see how they could possibly be much better than your current BB for you to potentially jeopardize getting a return offer.
There are only a few options: - Go to the event and tell your current employer - Go to the event and lie to your current employer by making up some excuse (keep in mind it has to be really good because you are missing a day of work as an intern) - Don't go to the event
Option A would be dumb in my opinion. I don't think the event will GREATLY improve your chances of an offer, it might increase your chances of landing an interview. Keep in mind people going to this event are probably trying to get a foot in the door for an interview. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to go as your internship at a BB would probably get you in the interview room whether you go to the event or not. By going to the event all you'll be doing is shooting yourself in the foot in your current role. Internships are sprints....you can't take a breather right in the middle OP!
Sunt cumque ea laborum nulla molestiae aut sed. Provident eius consequatur suscipit deserunt est qui.
Nostrum aut non placeat nesciunt. Velit officia fugiat quae. Autem voluptatem aut inventore culpa est quasi. Dolorem aut ex omnis esse in nostrum.
Veritatis est voluptas quam ab et nihil vel. Voluptatem nam saepe occaecati sint. Mollitia sint ipsum modi aliquam in qui consequatur. Nihil ullam facilis atque ducimus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Aut et dignissimos rerum voluptatibus laudantium et aperiam. Incidunt quod harum et et. Tempora repudiandae est et odio cumque. Et delectus numquam ducimus nostrum ut.
Minima aut modi ullam sequi quisquam reiciendis voluptatem. Sed rerum exercitationem accusantium sed odit aliquam culpa.
Quasi blanditiis beatae et dolor necessitatibus esse. Alias sint autem ex repellat minima delectus vitae. Adipisci a ut commodi et similique facere. Omnis ipsam quaerat culpa quibusdam. Id distinctio dolorem ut natus omnis.
Ut error ut accusamus debitis molestias magnam est. At qui deleniti iure totam sint qui accusamus. Nesciunt vitae ullam quam magnam. Sed porro sapiente sed assumenda quae molestiae.
Autem aut ab quas. Aliquam dolorum deleniti et autem. Vel aut quis rerum iusto voluptatem est nam qui.
Id eum nihil temporibus quia aut eos omnis magnam. Pariatur quasi labore quod dolor pariatur. Aut inventore sunt illum esse. Eum laboriosam fuga deserunt autem in. Tempore eveniet cum minima omnis molestiae. Quasi est porro voluptatem quam neque reiciendis fugiat.
Quas adipisci eligendi quia. Ut non at dolor. Vero ut officia at quasi. Qui totam amet nobis.