As the title states, through some incredibly fortunate connections and networking I have the opportunity to have lunch with the MD of a MM bank. The nature of the connection leads me to believe it will be mostly informal, but what would you do to prepare if you were in my shoes? This is in LA, and the meeting is at a relatively informal location so how would you dress? Any advice you can impart would be much appreciated!
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suit no tie
I know ding dong said suit no tie, but I would just say suit and tie. Most MD's I meet with are wearing ties usually coming from client meetings. Don't stress about what you are wearing too much, just wear a suit and tie look good and be confident.
Actually, just realized you said LA. Not sure how "dress" "culture" is in LA so maybe my advice means nothing.
If the place is informal and you are in college just dress nice. Doesn't have to be a suit and tie. Khakis and a button down should do the trick. Its not a job interview, so I would actually advise against a suit and tie in this case and its probably too hot in LA to wear any kind of jacket anyway unless you have to for work.
Having good questions prepared is the best way to impress and get the most from the meeting. What are questions you have that only he could answer? Anything you could research on your own or get from an analyst/associate is a waste of his time. Questions where you're looking for wisdom instead of factual answers are ideal. Ask him about his career path and what he thinks would be different if he was starting out today vs when he got his start. Have him describe the culture of his firm and why he chose his MM firm instead of another career. Describe your career goals and then ask him what he thinks is most important for you to get where you want to go.
I'd go with suit and tie. Better to be over dressed than under dressed.
Every coffee chat I've had with analysts have been suit and tie. With an MD I wouldn't risk showing up any less professional.
If you feel like its informal, always go for suits, no tie, did this for any networking meeting. You will be looking great without being too serious due to the tie. Anyway, wear what will make you comfy, if you do not feel good without a tie, wear one.
More important is to ask good questions. Ask about how he got into the business...and what he could have done differently in his early years (in retrospect) that would have made his career move up faster / better. Ask what kind of problems/ issues his team tends to have with junior people and what he wishes his junior people did a better job at.
True story: in college I had my first coffee chat with an MD and wore a baseball cap. still makes me cringe
I know everyone is giving advice on what to wear, what questions to ask, etc. These are relevant aspects, but not what I would focus on. Personally I would prep by doing some basic research: What are their interests/hobbies? Where did they go to school/grow up? What charities do they support?
Questions like these are how you make a real connection. Whether or not you have a tie on doesn't matter much. Think about ways you can connect with them on a personal level and add value to their lives, and you will stand out.
Lunch With Harris Williams MD next week--How should I prepare? (Originally Posted: 10/30/2011)
I have lunch with HW MD. Built the contact through networking. I am interested in SA position.
How should I prepare?
Thanks in advance
MD's don't care about how well you know how to build a dcf; just know what's going on in the global markets and be LIKABLE.
Seriously, how many MD's are gonna pull for you if you're not likable?
don't forget to bring a bat
LOL
Fuck beat me to it.
khakis + boatshoes + button down + hangover = frat
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