Should an intern attend “mandatory” events?

Interns attending these events as opposed to grinding is something I’ve read about in this forum previously. Seems to have been a topic of debate whether or not it’s warranted for attending them to contribute to a negative view of an intern. I’ll be interning this summer and am curious to hear thoughts on this.

 

Referring to a post from about a year ago titled “Does Anyone Think They Arent Going To Get A Return Offer?” (Not sure how to tag a thread) One of the top comments is an associate listing some of the reasons that interns didn’t receive a return offer. One of them being that an intern attended a “mandatory social event” instead of being at the desk that night. Seemed like an odd thing to be frustrated with to me. The replies to this thread seem to echo that.

 
Most Helpful

As always it depends.

My personal view is that interns should go to all events, as another person posted you're not doing anything important that will materially impact the transaction. The events help you build connections throughout the group and get your name out there which is important in getting a return offer.

With that being said, some grumpy analysts or associates may get pissed that you as an intern are out having fun at an event while they're grinding away on the deal. These people also have input as to whether you get a return offer so you need to keep them happy. The best solution here is to let your deal team know that you're expected to be at the event, but you're absolutely available if urgently needed (you're never urgently needed as an intern), and you'll be back online after the event to support with workstreams.

It's frustrating that going to a "mandatory" event would ever impact your shot at a return offer, but just helps build some communication and prioritization skills I guess.

 

Cum nihil omnis autem eaque deleniti. Vitae asperiores quia odit quia cupiditate ipsa quia.

Aut quis exercitationem architecto quo voluptatum et reiciendis. Eum voluptatem eaque repudiandae ut fugiat. Quo explicabo tempore repellat ab iste reiciendis quidem. Accusamus ex nostrum qui corrupti vero sit voluptatum non.

Natus natus autem nemo. Sed ut optio reprehenderit rerum quia sapiente.

Ut earum incidunt ea. Culpa voluptatem atque et. Reprehenderit eius quas modi tempora. Non animi error sapiente aut suscipit. Voluptatum deleniti soluta soluta commodi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 19 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres 06 98.9%
  • JPMorgan Chase 09 98.3%
  • William Blair 03 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 04 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (22) $375
  • Associates (94) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (69) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (207) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (152) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”