Correcting Summer analysts...
Hi all,
I'm new to posting on this forum but have been active on it for a while. Anyway, I'm at a BB in NYC and have done a notable portion of interviews for Summer analysts for this years class (obviously this took place long ago). Grabbed a coffee with one of the kids who will be joining us this Summer and he told me some stupid shit that makes me question his 'cultural calibration', in HR terms, with our bank. He came to the chat in business formal which was a little odd but I think he just wanted to be respectful so I didn't care much. The conerning part is that he told me he "likes to take a fashion-forward approach" in the office and planned on "experimenting a bit" this Summer. I told him it sounds like bs and he should stick to the basics but he corrected me (lol) and said that he wore some fun stuff in his last internship, which was for his schools investment club (lol again). I asked what he meant by fashion-forward and he told me he "you know, power suits, pinstripes, contrast collars, energetic ties, things like that". I didn't have a lot of time so I just dropped it and moved on. Anyway, have any of you had remotely similar experiences? How'd you go about it? This kid is pushing this hard but I kinda like him, I don't need the whole summer analyst class calling him Gordon Gekko. Maybe it's for the best I leave it and let him learn his lesson? Any input?
You can lead a horse to water....
Part of how you learn is from your peers and people around you in the workplace anyway.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's clear that sticking to the basics is the safest and most professional approach for summer analysts. While individuality and personal style are important, the finance industry—especially at a BB—tends to favor a conservative dress code, particularly for junior employees. Here's how you might handle this situation:
Reinforce the Basics: Remind the summer analyst that the goal is to blend in and focus on performance rather than standing out for attire. As highlighted in WSO threads, white and blue dress shirts, simple ties, and well-fitted suits in neutral colors (navy or charcoal) are the go-to options. Anything beyond this can risk being perceived as unprofessional or distracting.
Cultural Calibration: Explain that while "fashion-forward" might work in other environments, the finance world values a polished, understated look. Mention that even senior professionals tend to stick to classic styles, and experimenting too much could unintentionally send the wrong message.
Let Experience Teach: If the analyst insists on pushing boundaries, it might be worth letting them learn through experience. However, a gentle nudge about the potential consequences—like being labeled as "Gordon Gekko" or not being taken seriously—could help them reconsider.
Practical Advice: Suggest they save the "power suits" and bold choices for after they've established themselves in the industry. For now, the focus should be on fitting in and excelling in their role.
Ultimately, it's about balancing professionalism with personal expression, but for a summer analyst, erring on the side of caution is always the best bet.
Sources: Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe, S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide, Need Help- Budget Wardrobe for Summer Analyst Internship!!!
If he’s good he can wear whatever he wants
Kids going to be grinding out powerpoint. I don't think there's any substantive work that he'll have for the next several years that would justify dressing like Gekko lmao
I am a SA this summer and figured I’d do the same fashion forward approach but instead I planned to where a speedo, a firefighter helmet and heels. I think it shows people you are not going to minimize yourself so they can feel better about their fashion
He sounds autistic. You should help him.
Gang...
Gang
In my opinion, contrast collars are more of a show of power than something you should really be doing as an intern. But hey, let him try it.
Agreed, it's a VP+ thing, imo.
No one cares
This isn't really true, I feel like that should be the case but plenty of people hawk young guys for their minor slip ups. Pinstripes and contrast collars would certainly be one of these slip ups.
I feel like this type of style is still better than the Patagonia vest in July and skin tight shirt and ball crushing khakis most guys wear
I’ll be waiting for an update in 2 months!
I never thought about the interns that dressed up overly professional whereas the kids who would wear street wear or having earrings would draw the attention. The dude who wears all black with long hair and has 1 cross earring is definitely the one going too hard.
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