Accidentally cc’d sell side’s bankers when sending a draft NBO to a client. For context, working on the same buy side right now and deal is still going. Didnt get yelled or anything, just to talked to my MD. Rly worried abt the return offer now.
Anyone been in the same situation?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, mistakes like this can happen, especially during the steep learning curve of an internship. While it's not ideal to accidentally CC the sell-side bankers when sending a draft NBO to a client, the fact that you weren't yelled at and only had a conversation with your MD suggests that the situation might not be as catastrophic as you fear.
Here are a few key takeaways and advice:
Mistakes Are Common in IB: As highlighted in WSO threads, errors in pitches, models, or communication are not uncommon in investment banking. Even seasoned professionals make mistakes. The key is how you handle them.
Own Up and Learn: It's crucial to take responsibility for the mistake, show that you understand its implications, and demonstrate that you're taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again. This aligns with advice from WSO threads emphasizing accountability and learning from errors.
Impact on Return Offer: While mistakes can raise concerns, return offers are typically based on overall performance, attitude, and how you handle challenges. If this is an isolated incident and you’ve otherwise been performing well, it’s unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
Proactive Measures: Moving forward, double-check all communications, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Consider implementing a personal checklist or asking a colleague to review critical emails before sending.
Perspective: As noted in WSO discussions, the industry values resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks. Use this as an opportunity to show growth and maturity.
In short, while the mistake might feel significant now, it’s not uncommon, and how you respond will likely matter more than the error itself. Keep your head up, focus on delivering strong work, and demonstrate that you’ve learned from the experience.
Sources: Investment Bankers - Career Mistakes, Cold Call Email Mistake Made - Sharing Response (Advice) Received, Mistakes in pitches / models - who is responsible, Am I missing something about buyside exits?, Why Buy-Side M&A is So Important
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