I have a coffee scheduled with a first year analyst/intern at a small regional boutique. HELP!

Hi Guys, What should I say? I am really nervous and was hoping some of you on the internet could help me with what questions I should ask. I am a non-target (think Devry/UPhoenix) with a 2.87 GPA. Wasn't able to land a summer intern at JPM/GS/MS during undergrad, unfortunately. I sent out like 100 applications.. This guy works in Ops and could be very helpful for getting me into the front office. Should I buy the coffee, or should I let him buy it? How do I start the conversation.. Thanks in advance, Cheers.

6 Comments
 
"Lance Johnson" If we're going to troll, can we at least put more effort into it than "I have a 2.87 at DeVry, can I break into IB?"

Bro, anything's possible. OP, go for it. You can only shoot your shot, and you miss 100% you don't take, it's math!

But seriously, offer to buy the coffee, if he refuses, don't argue.

Just note, it's going to be harder to climb from where you are than an icy uphill on pavement.

TBH, just let that sparkling personality shine. Don't expect to break in tomorrow, you're better off making enough of a connection to call on this guy later down the road, when you get on your footing.

Don't make it all about an internship immediately, because it's highly unlikely unless things go perfectly.

If you want to feel better about this, you will probably not get an internship from this talk. So, it's not a big deal. Just be polite and professional.

 

Sed fugit ratione est architecto dolores non. Autem officiis et accusantium quae nulla distinctio.

Ut aspernatur quia placeat vitae. Eum id quod eos aliquid ad ratione qui eos. Voluptatem dicta voluptas officia unde sit. Fugit ipsam molestiae iure officia asperiores. Et doloremque cupiditate est nobis earum quasi atque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”