jack.daniels:

anyone have advice as to how to appear more pleasant when you want to punch assoc. in face?

That's your issue. You don't even respect authority despite the fact that you're the lowest of the low. Do whatever anyone tells you to do with a fucking smile on your face as if you're ready to eat shit. It's a vicious circle. The more you bitch, the shittier work you get.

Get a better attitude?

Smile more, yes them to death, give the "right answers" if they say do you know about xyz and you don't say "no, but I will look it up". Be polite, hide your anger/dissatisfaction.

Change up your attitude. You're lucky you're even there. Plenty of kids who can replace you for FT.

Just keep your head up and say the right things, even when you hate saying them. One of the 1st year analysts I'm working with is a major fucking asshole, but I pretend to like him even when he gives me attitude for no reason. It pisses me off just thinking about him but, hey, what can I do right? That's the life of being a summer intern.

not sure what magical answer you're looking for - seems obvious. just know that this is absolutely not a small thing - attitude is extremely important. when you come in FT, people's technical skills (after training) will be solid and eventually everyone will be up to speed with formatting, speed, modeling, etc. such that ultimately attitude will be one of the key differentiators between analysts.

i mean i think people generally like me. i go out with the analysts and have fun and i also get my work done. i'm just bad at hiding how i feel when i'm annoyed. i guess my question was more so are there any tips on how you guys get through shitty days/take shit without wanting to talk back?

...just don't act annoyed? surely if you're smart enough to land this gig, you're smart enough to keep your feelings to yourself. accept that you're the lowest rung on the ladder and smile because you can use the phrase "summering at a BB." if you'd like further instruction, literally, the following is a list of things you shouldn't do when you're assigned some menial task or you catch some flack from higher up.

do not: sigh, roll your eyes (even if you don't think they can see you), make a face, change your tone of voice, use sarcasm, slump your shoulders, or otherwise allow your body language to betray your irritation.

do: smile, make eye contact, thank people for whatever work they send your way (even if you hate that fucker's guts), show your appreciation and display genuine enthusiasm, which should naturally carry through to your body language.

if you really annoyed, work twice as hard on your assignments and imagine how fucking sweet it'll be to get a FT.

Keep doing what you are doing. I will happily take your spot come FT recruiting!

jack.daniels:

i mean i think people generally like me. i go out with the analysts and have fun and i also get my work done. i'm just bad at hiding how i feel when i'm annoyed. i guess my question was more so are there any tips on how you guys get through shitty days/take shit without wanting to talk back?

lol

futurectdoc:

you don't say "no, but I will look it up".

Shouldn't you actually do this?? If you really don't know the answer, I highly suggest not bullshiting and pretend you do. Telling the truth always wins, even if it makes you look bad at that particular time.

[quote=madmoney15]

Shouldn't you actually do this?? If you really don't know the answer, I highly suggest not bullshiting and pretend you do. Telling the truth always wins, even if it makes you look bad at that particular time.

Lol re-read the post

haha wtf... you should of put a comma after you don't. It threw me for a loop.

For a SA attitude is 90% of the job, and as a result it is 90% of whether or not you get the offer. You absolutely need to have a better attitude on the job, but based on what you said so far you would have a horrible time as a FT analyst. If you cannot even hide your attitude as a summer you will be a very bitter FT analyst. Just suck it up and get the offer this summer, and then leverage the offer for another gig when you get back to school this fall.

Yeah you should really just relax and just take it as it is. It's just a small time period and if you already got feedback that you'r attitude is bad then you may be on the verge of not getting an offer. No matter what happens, just stay positive and don't let stuff get to you.

When you fuck up, don't make excuses. Just say it won't happen again, and if the mistake warrants it, ask how you can avoid making it next time.

When someone asks you to do something, say "no problem," or "absolutely" and try to sound enthusiastic.

Don't be overly sarcastic, sigh heavily when giving/doing work, grimace, roll your eyes, smash your keyboard, pound your desk, etc...

Don't BS people if you don't know an answer.

When someone explains something to you, a) seem interested and b) ask questions.

Go for drinks if/when invited.

But honestly, you probably have a bad attitude because you don't really care. I find it hard to believe someone who cares or is genuinely interested could have a bad attitude. If that's the case, just move over and let someone more deserving take your spot.

You're probably walking around with a pissed off look on your face even though you don't mean to. Like everyone else has said, just smile more and quit acting like there is a constant bag of shit under your nose.

Get your shit together. This is how people get canned in the FT world

Lol a lot of school kids hating on poor op.

Everyone sane hates banking ( if you don't you should probably get yourself checked). Getting told you have a bad attitude halfway through summer is suboptimal because 4 weeks in you should still be keen.

Just force yourself to smile this will also lighten your mood. You have 6 weeks left that's a very short period of time. Do the best work you can, you can get away with a worse attitude than others if you do much better work than them. It's not easy to distinguish yourself through good work in banking unfortunately since anyone can do it, but if you just put in more hours than anyone else you can over deliver that way.

Work on your sense of humor.

jack.daniels:

Summering at a bb, got informal feedback today from our analysts to get some insight before official mid-summer reviews in a week. I was told I make it obvious when I'm frustrated and that I don't have a great attitude. I've never verbalized annoyance, but I suppose I don't hide it either.
Don't want senior people to pick up on this, anyone have advice as to how to appear more pleasant when you want to punch assoc. in face? I actually do like my internship, but apparently i act like i despise life or something while at work.

Start by having a good attitude in this forum :). I immediately could tell where the feedback was coming from based on your tone in this post. For example, when you say, "but apparently i act like i despise life or something while at work," you sound like you despise the feedback they gave you: the exact wrong approach to take.

Instead of thinking about the feedback like that, think of it as, "I appreciate that the associates gave me this informal feedback before my formal review, and if they gave me the feedback there must be a reason." I second the above, smile more, say hi to people, and at least pretend you enjoy your work, cuz if you don't, it might be better for you to not get a return offer. Best luck.

I hate to be cynical/pessimistic, but you're on the chopping block now and the remaining few weeks will be your last shot at a FT offer.

Be nice, smile, eat shit for a while. You're just an intern, so appreciate what you have now and keep gunning without all the exasperation/sighing.

OP is either really stupid or a troll

Don't bitch about simple things. Do all the work and seem at least happy.

I have had the misfortune of having to work with a number of people I couldn't stand over the years. Sometimes shoulder to shoulder. So I get how a guy might be on the rag during the day.

Here is my suggestion. There is a book called : The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy. Yes, this little gem is in the self help section. It was originally given to me by a man with grade 6 who had built a fortune as a developer and was an outstanding individual in his own right. (and still is)

I read the chapter on harmonious human relations daily when I first started in the business. It kept me moving forward in a tough environment with a couple of people I could barely control my disdain for.

I suggest you do the same...(the reading the chapter part) and keep reading it until it's hammered into your mind.

stop being a brat and harden the F up

I'm willing to bet that majority of the people telling this kid to harden up are the same people(read:kids) that are not even social enough to get into his situation.

tell yourself its never an easy day.

Maybe you suffer from Bitch Resting Face.

bfin:

I'm willing to bet that majority of the people telling this kid to harden up are the same people(read:kids) that are not even social enough to get into his situation.

I agree. Telling the OP to just "harden up" isn't advice at all. It's like people post here for help to solve a problem and some people's advice is "Solve the problem!". How does that help?

It's no secret that work sometimes sucks. Sometimes people above us make us miserable.You have to realize that there's a reason why they have to pay you to do this crap. Your employer is going to tell you how they want you to do your job whether you agree with them or not. If the analysts tell you to stop looking miserable, then make an effort to stop looking miserable. It doesn't matter if you actually think you look miserable or not. They pay you. Your opinion doesn't matter. In this case these analysts that gave you this feedback are trying to help you. Be appreciative of that fact. Start being mindful of how you're communicating. For example look at your prior communications (emails) with people and try to figure out where you could've made your wording more enthusiastic. Yeah it will take more energy to do this but clearly you haven't been communicating to peoples liking.

When you get feedback like "You need to change X" the worst attitude to have is "I don't think X is a problem". I mean for instance:

I've never verbalized annoyance, but I suppose I don't hide it either.

I take that you get "offended" when you are offered criticism, even if in the constructive form. It's quite natural and expected for youngsters these days to display such reactions given that they definitely do carry a more "entitled" ego.

But that's ok - we all need to start somewhere. I think the fact you received this feedback is actually a very valuable milestone in your life. It's human instinct to feel uncomfortable, displeased, and reject criticism, regardless of the form. But in order to succeed, you really need to manage how to reciprocate in these situations. Even though you may not verbally express your discontent, it's hard to hide visual cues you give off from your face if you aren't genuinely accepting of criticism. You need to adapt and learn to conquer two things going forward:

1) Be able to accept constructive criticism with a positive attitude, and ultimately; 2) Be able to accept any criticism with a level head.

Not suggesting that you accept criticism freely with disregard of your own beliefs, but you should always treat it objectively without bringing in negative emotions.

thank you all so much for the advice. definitely need to realize that i basically have no say at work and i'm someones bitch 24/7. smiling does help

jack.daniels:

thank you all so much for the advice. I REALIZE that i basically have no say at work and I'M PRIVILEGED to have this opportunity. I'LL BE SMILING MORE NOW THAT I REALIZE THAT.

Further note: If you go in with the attitude of you get too rather than you got too; your reviews are going to be so much better. Good luck.

madmoney15:

jack.daniels:

thank you all so much for the advice. I REALIZE that i basically have no say at work and I'M PRIVILEGED to have this opportunity. I'LL BE SMILING MORE NOW THAT I REALIZE THAT.

Fair. Will be working on this quite a bit

Are you a competitive person? I know I am. If you're having trouble during the day, just keep thinking of how many other kids are submitting their application at that second to take your spot. Are you going to let them or are you going to bust your ass to make sure they can only dream of where you're at? Your call.

madmoney15:

Are you a competitive person? I know I am. If you're having trouble during the day, just keep thinking of how many other kids are submitting their application at that second to take your spot. Are you going to let them or are you going to bust your ass to make sure they can only dream of where you're at? Your call.

That's a lot easier said than done. I'm okay 95% of the time but it's those moments where you have to redo something 3 times or you get yelled at for something small that are difficult to control. or if you get staffed friday at 6 pm. When you're working 16 hours a day, the one time you roll your eyes or look annoyed doesn't seem like a big deal relative to the 50 times that day that i've smiled and accepted work. but you are all right that it does stand out and that there are people willing to do anything for this job. sometimes it's just hard to remember why

honestly, start networking and recruiting with other firms on the street. imo if you have that perception right now its going to be pretty difficult to overturn it the rest of the summer.

it's hasn't even been 1 month. i think i am okay. i have gotten positive feedback as well. it was just something one person said that i want to fix before it does get out of hand

One thing I try to do is to practice not taking things personal. Life is hard enough and I can't be waste time taking things personal, even if they are. I always try and assume the best and take it smiling.

Try it.

You need to change your tune ASAP my friend. Attitude is near the absolute top of the list especially for interns and/or first years whose sole job is to walk through walls of poop. You will absolutely kneecap yourself before you even get started if you don't change that opinion of you. Bad attitude = first impression = reputation = no one wants to work with you = no good projects = no success stories = continuously put on crap pitches not deals = limited exit opps = you screwed yourself. What you need to realize is that you are already crushed, you just don't know exactly how. So try to have fun with it. Enjoy living in the bubble of the IB analyst at a good bank. You can pick your head up and think about life after the first 6 months / year. In the meantime just buy into it and try to enjoy the ride as much as possible. Joke with your analyst buddies. Don't take yourself so seriously. Laugh that you are reformatting boxes at 3AM for the 5th time.

Your biggest problem is that you aren't Johnny Walker.

The simple solution is to stop "not hiding it either." If you like the internship, then I'm not sure what your problem is. Stop being a prick.

You should walk into your bosses office and tell him to shove his opinion up his asshole, obviously. Is this a serious post? How do I appear pleasant at work?

I hate how fake American corporate culture is

peinvestor2012:

Ibracadabra:

I hate how fake American corporate culture is

I hate Latinos.

Love Latinas tho.

Too bad, they are not fond of North Americans typically

Doesn't the term "Latinos" encompass Mexico/Central America... which is part of NA?

Ibracadabra:

peinvestor2012:

Ibracadabra:

I hate how fake American corporate culture is

I hate Latinos.

Love Latinas tho.

Too bad, they are not fond of North Americans typically

My Johnson disagrees with that statement

Ibracadabra:

I hate how fake American corporate culture is

It's only a problem if you decide to make yourself miserable by obsessing over the fact that your job isn't perfect like you thought it would be. Sometimes you have to drink the kool aid for your own sanity.

just shut up and deal is the best method.

Unfortunately, people's perceptions are quite subjective and can be based on random one-time things. Like you said, they might focus on the one negative, but forget the 50 positives. For example, if you showed a lot of interest in a more meaningful project, and then less interest (or indifference) when asked to correct markups, if the contrast is noticeable they could say: "oh this guy doesn't seem willing to take the bad with the good with this job, so his attitude sucks".

Anyway, if they gave you that criticism, you'll have to work on showing you "get it". Gotta show you're grateful for being there. It's a frustrating job - getting more-than-necessary number of iterations of the most inane markup edits, minor formatting back and forths, etc etc. Just know everyone else thinks so, but you just to try and focus on the positives.

Just don't be a dick.

It's amazing how people are shredding the OP apart in this post. Some of the comments on here...

As someone in a very similar situation, I can relate. And guess what? I appreciate the OP actually wanting to improve. It's not as simple as "get a better attitude". Many people have suggested the solution as smiling as if his life depended on it - that's the answer. No matter how much shit you get, you gotta keep that fucking smile on your face. And it's not that the OP walks around frowning and groaning and moaning all day. He seems to be a good lad who jokes around with other analysts and basically gets along with people well. But when something happens that he is unhappy with, that shows on his face. That's all. It's human nature.

To OP, you're gonna have to draw a line between cases where you're getting shit that you can take in, and cases where shit is being shoved down the throat. If it's the former, just keep calm and accept it with a smile. When it's the latter, go to a secluded place and freak the fuck out. Don't bottle it up. Punch a wall if you have to. But when you come back in, you've gotta be the fucking zen master.

All the best, mate, and hang in there. It's said that a poker face can be one of your biggest strengths in business or career. See what you can do to get it.

CAinPE:

It's amazing how people are shredding the OP apart in this post. Some of the comments on here...

As someone in a very similar situation, I can relate. And guess what? I appreciate the OP actually wanting to improve. It's not as simple as "get a better attitude". Many people have suggested the solution as smiling as if his life depended on it - that's the answer. No matter how much shit you get, you gotta keep that fucking smile on your face. And it's not that the OP walks around frowning and groaning and moaning all day. He seems to be a good lad who jokes around with other analysts and basically gets along with people well. But when something happens that he is unhappy with, that shows on his face. That's all. It's human nature.

To OP, you're gonna have to draw a line between cases where you're getting shit that you can take in, and cases where shit is being shoved down the throat. If it's the former, just keep calm and accept it with a smile. When it's the latter, go to a secluded place and freak the fuck out. Don't bottle it up. Punch a wall if you have to. But when you come back in, you've gotta be the fucking zen master.

All the best, mate, and hang in there. It's said that a poker face can be one of your biggest strengths in business or career. See what you can do to get it.