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.

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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.

 
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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.

 

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