Informational Phone Interview with Investment Banking Principal
I have an informational interview coming up with a principal at William Blair/Baird/HL and I am wondering what questions to ask. I know I should ask him about his background and qualities they look for in analyst at his firm, but what other questions would be good to ask? Also, I know recruiting season is coming to an end, would it be wise to ask for a referral for this summer or wait and ask for one in the future as a lot of firms already filled their 2016 SA class. I am a junior looking for a SA IBD role.
Don't ask questions just to ask questions. The point of an informational interview is to satisfy what you're curious about. Ask him things you're genuinely interested in knowing about, and treat it like a normal conversation. And if this is the first time you're speaking with him, don't just ask for a referral, ask for him to refer you to other people at the firm or on his team that he thinks it would be beneficial for you to speak to.
informational interview With Partner of Boutique IB Firm (Originally Posted: 10/15/2015)
This is my first informational interview and I'm not sure what to say/talk about. She is supposed to be treating me to lunch and I don't want to come across as a jackass. Any advice/ideas?
You want to be a banker supposedly, right? Aren't you interested in what that entails?
I mean you can talk about the Mets for 5 minutes if you want...
URGENT: informational interview TOMORROW w/ Sr. MD - need to be very direct; please help (Originally Posted: 11/14/2011)
I was referred to a Sr. Managing Director / Head of Investment Banking at a reputable MM IB in the region I live in. I have an informational interview with him tomorrow via phone. I was introduced to him by an alum who's a Principal at a MM PE firm, and the told the Sr. MD what I'm seeking.
I'm a non target junior seeking a winter internship this winter break, and if I can get an opportunity with this bank it'll be outstanding for myself and my resume come SA recruiting / FT (sr year).
What's the best way to approach this? How should I go about "asking" for a winter internship? I'm willing to work unpaid, but obviously dont want to sound desperate so I won't offer to work for free right away. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated!
Won't name the MM firm but it's in the Virginia/DC area
you've got to be smooth like james bond.
You mean FBR?
.
Any constructive feedback anyone? really want to make this right for the possibility of a winter internship
I worked at a DC MM, PM me and I will give you a call.
Info. Interview with Head of IB (Originally Posted: 05/27/2015)
I've been a long time reader of WSO and I've read plenty of networking and informational interview forums. I'm currently interning at a private equity firm and am trying to break into IB for FT when I graduate in the fall.
With that being said, I was able to set up a meeting with the Head of IB and the Head of Fixed Income for a fairly large MM bank (through a mutual friend).
I've read plenty of forums for advice on talking with lower positions (analysts, associates) but nothing on the much higher positions. Obviously I want to make a good impression on them and was wondering if anyone had suggestions or advice.
Thanks.
Do your research on the firm and ask insightful questions. Insightful = come up with genuine, thoughtful questions you have related to aspects of the fixed income business. Try to make a connection by personalizing the conversation as much as possible. Hopefully you have some mutual interests outside of business. He doesn't owe you anything, so certainly don't have any expectations for personal advancement. Make an effort to followup every 3 months or so with updates on your end, and ask if anything has changed for him.
Thanks for the advice. In terms of further networking within the firm I know a good practice is to ask for a referral to someone else for a different viewpoint, but since I am meeting with Head of Cap. Markets and Head of IB should I ask for referrals still?
I imagine they mostly would recommend me to other MDs as opposed to analysts and associates.
"informational interview" with Head of Global Strategy (Originally Posted: 09/15/2013)
Hello WSO - I've been applying to IB's, Asset Managers and any advisory firms in general where I can find opportunities in banking or equity research.
I've also been cold-emailing and trying to leverage any network opportunities I can find.
As you all know, cold-emailing does not always, rarely if at all, prove to be the most fruitful way of getting an opportunity to at least gain an informational interview - especially without a referral or contact at the institution.
Anyway, after about a month of applications, emails and a few phone calls I received a response from a global head of strategy at a firm more well known for trading in large quantities and providing research/strategy for clients.
The man I emailed as it turns out, is regularly on Bloomberg/CNBC/Fox Business News and is obviously respected. I emailed the individual because I was interested in his position and his knowledge/responsibilities relating to strategy. The email was more structured towards asking for a job, which I know is a no-no, and it likely came off sounding a little bit desperate as I explained that I would be willing to come on as a graduate intern, part-time and even consider an unpaid opportunity. I did attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample without even asking if he wanted it or could send it to someone.
Anyway - he ends up emailing me back and saying he appreciated the interest but there were currently no opportunities, but offered to have me come down and "show me around" the place and "host me for a few hours".
Of course I am going - and will have my story/resume/everything planned out but I had a few questions...
Is it likely that he reviewed the resume/CVL/Writing Sample and decided that even though there were no positions open, he would bring me in because he liked my credentials?
Or is it more of the case that he either felt bad or it was just my lucky day?
So any answers/tips/advice would be appreciated
with a person of that position, you never know if he might be able to refer you to his "Friends" at other firms. make a good impression, and the least you can gain is talking to a pretty respected guy in the industry.
gluck
Yeah, good first impression is everything in person - I don't think he was feeling bad about the situation.
Meeting MD of Top Asset Manager for informational interview (Originally Posted: 03/11/2011)
Okay with a bit of networking, I have a scheduled phone call with the MD of an Asset Management firm, at the BB level. He has worked as MD for several AM before..Barclays, State Street..etc..AUM > $1.5T
I am a student and my end goal is to land an internship. He heads the entire division of Canada.
What Qs should I be asking. How should I approach the informational interview.
Thank you in advance, Z
how he got to where he is. how you can improve your resume to get to where he is. what he enjoys most about his job/relate it to your interests. if he asks you where you think the markets are going, respond with your answer, then ask where he thinks theyre going.
You'll make a lasting impression if he sees things you can bond through.
informational interview with an ED (Originally Posted: 08/12/2014)
Hi everyone,
has anyone done an informational interview with an BB Executive Director before?? What would an ED expect from a student that would be applying for summer internships? I've been in a couple with analysts, and had associates over the phone, but no-one above the associate level ... Any tips guys??
Thanks a lot, have a great day!
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