Uncommon questions to ask MD

I work in a very flat team. Everyone's super transparent and it's pretty easy to go up to and talk to senior team members. As a first-year analyst, I've sort of gathered and re-heard the same tidbits on "managing and understanding expectations", "how to succeed as a first-year analyst" and "what leads to long-term success in this industry". I also feel that VP's and up are semi-tired of answering these questions because senior analysts and associates already do a thorough job of it. 

My question is, if I'm having conversations and 1-1's with VP's and up, what sort of questions are worth their time? I'm talking Nardwuar-level shit. I feel that these people hold buckets of wisdom having been working in the space for so long and must have real illuminating stories. My question is also quite diverse. Questions regarding perspectives on life and relationships are more than welcome. I just really want to have a mutually fruitful discussion next time I ask someone to pick their brains.

3 Comments
 

I mean I'm not looking to bring this stuff up on a casual day, or at a post-work event. I was asking more for 1-1 15-minute meetings. If I've put down time on the calendar to have a meaningful discussion, might as well be prepared with questions rather than talking about how Brady and the Bucs are gonna do this year. Plenty of time to mull over that over drinks.

 

Earum officiis qui explicabo. Sint et ipsa recusandae qui. Dolores vel ea quos vitae voluptatem. Et incidunt rem totam quia id.

Blanditiis itaque optio aliquid non. Sint corrupti reprehenderit libero quasi soluta nulla eveniet. Est provident saepe incidunt cum quibusdam doloremque cumque sit. Sint veniam nam eveniet fugiat ad. Aliquam iusto temporibus consequatur qui vero unde quam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”