How casual to be with first year analysts?

I’m a BB intern from a target school. As such, there are a lot of alumni from my school at this BB, in the IBD, and even in my group. A lot of first year analysts who talk more casually to me than they do to the other interns (I assume bc of that school bond)

How casually can I talk to them? I’ve been just mirroring the level of formality with which they speak with me—light cussing, open conversation, etc—but unsure if I should be being more conservative. I don’t speak like this with people who don’t speak like this to me first, alum or not.

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It’s totally alright to be casual with them. Only thing I would say is don’t tease or roast them too heavily.  lot of people in this industry have big egos and while they can crack jokes about you, people tend to have a “who do you think you are” attitude when you respond back to someone more senior, unless you know them very well and are very close.


Also, just make sure you can lock in when you need to. You don’t want to be the guy who is chill with everyone but can’t lock in.

 

More unsolicited advice, at group events, especially at an event with alcohol, I do not want to talk to you about PE recruiting or my PE offer or HF recruiting or etc. I have zero interest in that conversation.

I am happy to give you advice about our group, especially qualitative and social advice, such as group gossip, who I like and who I don’t like working for, etc. but I do not want to talk hardo recruiting nonsense while I’m drinking.

 

Of course. Even though I’m chill w them I’d never have the balls to roast them, I still treat them with an extra level of respect given they’re my superiors. Quick follow up: what about when it comes to things like parties/drinking? I don’t bring it up myself, but some have been asking me (in a normal, friendly way—the way you chat w your friends) about how the social life back at school is and if I’m excited for the parties/events senior year. I answer their questions honestly but without significant detail, but wondering if I should be even more vague?

 

Lol please do not be overly casual. Typically, the moment you try to be too casual it looks forced and/or you overstep the boundary. Remember that until you get under the group full time (if your goal is to return), everyday is an interview to an extent. Personally enjoying my setup with my current SA (ignore title, 2nd year analyst) where I can be as casual as I want, and he cracks a joke or two before we get back to work. I prefer this than always having to remind him to focus up.

 

Be good to get along with and likable, but maintain an heir of professionalism in your interactions.

People are testing if you can be sociable but not so much so that you embarrass yourself, share too much, etc. You get a right to be more laid back as you move up in your position, and if you’re too chill/unprofessional people will think you have an ego.

 

Refer to everyone as Sir or Ma'am and if you use their names make sure you're using their Surname, not first names (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.). Do not make direct eye contact and only speak when spoken to. 

This is the way.

 

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