So I wanted to share my introduction interview for an IB Off-Cycle internship in a BB I had today.
I got a mail from them 2 weeks ago, thanking my interest in the role and asking if I'll be available for that call within 2 weeks. I obviously confirmed.
And well, actually, it felt like the interview part was missing, and that it was more of an INTRODUCTION call.
So an associate called me, and right away told me briefly about himself, and about the work that they are doing in the office (which is mainly M&A and advisory. There is no investment management/ wealth management division here). The office is located in EMEA region.
Then he asked me to tell him about myself, and so I did.
He stressed that the fact that the off-cycle internship opening appeared in the website, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are recruiting at the moment, and that it’s good for them to have a list of candidates in case they will eventually decide to expand their operations and recruiting. He also mentioned that they are basically don't recruit individuals before they complete their bachelors (I only have my thesis left, and should submit online by March and graduate in June), which was a bit weird since internships are all about working while studying isn't it?
Beyond that, he mentioned that their internship lasts half a year, and that I should follow up with him and email him around mid-January, to see if there’s a clearer picture regarding their decision on whether recruiting or not.
At the end of the conversation, he asked me if I have any questions and I did asked few, which he replied to broadly. Overall it took 35 minutes.
From my side, it felt like a very general conversation and felt like it’s lacking a personal engagement. I mean, felt like the interviewer didn't try to get to know me or understand my qualities as if it was an actual interview for the role. All I was asked to do was telling about myself.
I will mention that this is a small office (3 bankers). The bank is one of the top 3.
I'm wondering whether he simply figured I'm not suitable just from telling about myself, or is actually just a pre-preparation for when the time to recruit will indeed arrive, due to uncertainty regarding operational expansion or whatever?
Happy to hear your thoughts!
Thanks.
