“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
No harm in trying - worst case scenario is they immediately delete your email/voicemail and totally forget about you.
Thank you, that was my general thought process as well
Go for it. Keep it short and to the point, don't attach your resume. Ask for a call for advice.
I have cold emailed founders of 3 prominent hedge funds that are in my network and got replies within 20 minutes. Don't be intimidated but know your audience
You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain. Worst case, they ignore you and life goes on. Like mentioned above, just remember that you're emailing an MD/Partner. If you get a response and they are ready to get on the phone in a few hours, you should be ready too and dont make him/her feel like they wasted their time. Also, from my experience with MD/Partners, less of them reply (unless alumni) but they are often willing to help more.
Boutique ibank Directors/MDs (Originally Posted: 01/29/2008)
Do VP/Directors at boutique/MM ibanks have the power or authority to hire someone right on the spot? I have a lot of informational meetings with alumni and I was just curios if they could actually do this, given that the meeting goes really well of course. Any thoughts?
P.S. I'm a sophomore.
No, but they do have the ability to go to bat for you. In doing so, they could bring you in for an early superday weeks or months before any of the formal recruiting beings. When it comes to that, unless you're a douche and really rub someone the wrong way, you're practically guaranteed an offer. After all, look around you at your competition... oh wait, there is none... you're the only one in the office. That being said, don't take an early superday for granted if you do get one. Value it with your life...
Contact a Partner of a nice boutique coming from your school? (Originally Posted: 10/27/2009)
I have seen in the NY Times/WSJ/FT a partner of a nice boutique in NYC coming from my school and I am wondering How should I contact him?
He is a native french speaker and so am I but now he's been working for more than 15 years in NYC...Should I speak with him in english? or should I talk to him directly in french?
Besides, should I tell him that I heard about him and the firm through an article in the NY Times/WSJ/FT? and/or should I tell him that I know someone working there (and also coming from my school) who told me about him?
Thx for the advice.
Should you talk to him with a French accent?
LMAO!!!
Ridiculous things here on WSO
this has got to be flame d00d.
Talk to him in French with a Spanish accent. Then he'll think you speak three languages.
Actually I speak three languages and I do speak spanish :)
Talk to him like you normally speak. Don't put on an accent and don't converse in French at the outset. Bring up that you're a native speaker and tell him that a mutual friend told you about him so you thought you'd reach out to him for advice.
Only if it is Lazard would I speak in French.
Try to break the ice with a joke. Maybe something like:
"Hey do you know why French tanks have 6 gears in the front and 1 in the back?"
Answer: "In case the enemy attacks from behind!!!"
Also use a frog-like French chortle and blame those stupid "americahns" for the economic crisis. Tell him to help a fellow freedom fighter out.
There is no need for the Thx.
There is no need for the Thx.
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