MD Referral's Tangibility?

Happy Friday Monkeys,

As the title says, I was curious as to what tangibility a referral from an MD has in the summer analyst recruiting process. I'm a sophomore at a target that has networked pretty well over the past few months and have been very fortunate enough to get referrals from MDs at 2 EBs and 1 BB who are pretty significant rainmakers in their respective groups. In addition, I've obviously also gone through the ranks with analysts, associates, and VPs. 

My main concern is that these referrals will make my interview process more difficult. I've heard a couple of stories from peers/WSO/online that mention interview questions and leniency were harder, as they expected more from someone who was referred by XYZ important person. As a student, my GPA and other quantifiables pass the eye test; however, I have a lot of law experience as opposed to actual applied finance experience outside of a deal sourcing position and a startup in which I managed LP agreements for SWFs and the biggest endowments (which is a great talking point and serves as my "catalyst" in finance. I know my techs and have been studying extensively over the past few months, but I wouldn't say I'm as technically sharp as my peers. 

If anyone has any background on interviewing at a firm with an MD referral, I would be grateful to hear any insight or have someone tell me if I'm being too neurotic. 

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Not OP but was referred by MD at Deutsche Bank. DB sent me an email saying that an employee referred me with the MD's name.

With MD's it can get tricky if you don't know them on a personal level. These people obviously have high EQ and maybe IQ so don't try and ask them some really hardo question that sounds like you don't even know what you're asking about. Just be as calm as you can, speak to them like they're a regular person, and don't press them for the referral. MDs know how valuable their opinion is. 

 

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