Bankers - How do you explain what you do for a living without being pretentious?
My family thinks I'm a bank teller....how do you tell them you do something a little bit more sophisticated than that without sounding like a self-absorbed prick...am sick of fumbling around words and when i say Investment Banker they just think I'm doing equity research
Helping companies to sell / acquire other companies
You think thats enough? Feels like when i try that one people think I'm BSing
Then shouldn’t you ask yourself what about your personality/demeanor would lead them to think that you are lying?
Assuming you do mainly M&A this is the easiest explanation, whether they believe you do it or not. In the case they are really into the topic you can expand further by referencing examples of transactions you could read in the FT headers / describe a not vanilla deal you did. I would not worry too much. If they think you are BS just stop this topic and talk about something else
If you want a quick one liner, my go to used to be “corporate mergers and acquisitions” (and/or IPOs). But tbh, most people won’t know or care so I usually just say “I work in finance” and if they ask further questions I’ll tell them.
Thanks, I think the "I work in finance" move is a strong one. Keeps it lowkey and if they want to keep going, they can take the convo there
Helping companies grow by either buying other companies or raising money through debt or selling ownership.
You don't.
I say I'm in finance. I feel like saying "investment banker" sounds pretentious.
Occasionally people will ask me what I actually do as an IBanker. I just tell people I'm essentially a real estate broker but instead of helping people buy/sell homes we help investors buy/sell companies.
Rerum placeat accusantium debitis porro qui. Delectus quos exercitationem quos totam. Aliquid esse iste non maxime ex hic et. Eum perspiciatis nihil magnam. Quae sunt voluptas aliquid inventore.
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...