Using Fake ID while networking?
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Most of the decent bar/restaurant don't check ID. Just don't go to clubs, etc.
Like above poster said. If your dressed professionally, most spots won't check id.
Go with coffee. No one of age wants to be out drinking with someone using a fake ID.
I disagree, it really depends on the person. Personally, I believe resourcefulness is one of the most important quality to succeed at an entry level finance job and I would be really turned off if I offered to grab drinks with someone and they replied that they couldn't because they're not 21. Not having a proper fake ID shows a serious lack of resourcefulness.
And of the off chance that we would be denied service due to the fake ID, worst thing that could happen is a bit of embarrassment on the part of the student and a good story to tell. Honestly, I just couldn't hold it against a 20 year old to have a fake ID, it's just normal to have at that age.
I think it's generally better to network over drinks if you have the chance. Also, if someone offers to have drinks with you, it's often so they can leave the office early (or are so fed up with work that they need a distraction for a bit) so I would try to follow their lead as much as possible. Should always think of maximizing your chances.
There are numerous stories of interns not getting return offers due to "Minor in Posession" and other trivial offenses. Go for coffee.
Getting coffee for networking is also a better habit in general. Alcoholism runs rampant on wall street. Nothing wrong with drinking occasionally for fun on the weekends. But try not to make it your de rigeur activity, especially for professional events.
Although I agree with you regarding underage drinking and personally don't care at all, I think it's bad advice as a VP in PE to say that you would ding someone for not having a fake and not pretending to be 21 in order to network.
I also find it surprising that you wouldn't be more worried about the liability that's involved with getting drinks with a minor. For example, some kid asks you to get drinks, you agree assuming that he/she is over 21. You get to the bar, have a drink or two, things are going well and then for some reason the kid gets carded and turns out he has a fake. Bar reports him to police, you're involved, you have to say that you had no idea he/she was underage which is fishy... Does beer vs coffee really make that much of a difference for a 30 min convo with a student who wants to network and learn?
I wouldn't care if someone used as fake as I had one when I was in undergrad. But to the OP, as someone who is under 21 you should tread lightly and ask for coffee first. If the persons pushes for drinks you can mention that you'd be happy to do so, have a fake, have done it before, whatever, but I'd make sure that the person you're meeting is ok with it. As evidenced by mtnmmnn, some won't care at all; however, I personally know some VPs/MDs etc who would be very against going out and getting drinks with a minor and it would absolutely damage your chances to work with them.
Have to respectfully disagree with this here. I personally view fake ID as an infringement on ethics and maybe I'm a little anal but the risk of being caught with a fake ID as a VP in PE isn't even in the same stadium as losing out on a few beers... what's the upside? Certainly a lot of downside if caught. Let's just say even if your partners don't care, I'm sure some LPs would. Imo, optics is equally important in our business.
I fully agree however that networking over drinks is better but I also hold the law and ethics to the highest standard. Again, just my take.
I've been in this position before, the waitress didn't even ask for my id. She just figured since I was dressed in a suit etc and was with the group of regular bankers, that I was of age.
As ever in finance, consider the risk/reward. Reward is extremely mininal whereas risk is high, therefore don't do it.
That also answers 95% of the inane questions on this forum about clothes and 'should I do X?'
Don't do it, just grab coffee. People might laugh and think it's funny if you get denied, but they'll question your judgment after the fact. I'm late 20s and though I remember what it was like to be under aged, I don't want to be associated with something like that anymore. A 23 year old may feel differently, but I would really think about the risk / reward here and realize that with almost 100% certainty, it's not worth it.
Unless you ooze confidence, getting coffee comes off as weak and boring. Odd suggestions from the above posters unless you're trying to pitch an energy drink sales pyramid scheme to a 19 year old.
Go with the fake ID. It shows effort, resourcefulness and (most importantly) balls.
Important note: playing it safe will always produce mediocre returns, so feel free to frequent Starbucks if it aligns with your goals.
having a fake works in your favor. not having one either will not change older ppl's opinion of you or in many cases hurt it.
"the beverage will not make or break your case"
See line 1, sentence 1 - "Unless you ooze confidence, getting coffee comes off as weak and boring."
Resourcefulness - "the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties."
Alcohol is a proven social tool. If two people have the same skills, the one who uses external tools available (fake ID and alcohol) to them will always beat out the one who sticks to his/her own skills.
If you have confidence in your fake, and it has worked in various college bars/clubs, I see no problem with using it.
I always had an older friend group, so I had a fake since I was 17. It got to the point I actually started to believe I was 21+. Let's just say the bouncers at my local spots were pretty surprised I was celebrating my 21st when they considered me a regular for 3+ years.
Exactly. My friend and I bought fakes from the same person when we were 19. He was always nervous and acted sketchy when buying alcohol so he eventually got caught at a liquor store and they took the card (don't know if the store can legally take it, but thats beside the point).
Go for coffee or lunch..better be safe than sorry and looking like a fool!
I'd be fucking pissed if I bought someone a beer and found out later that they're underaged. Especially if I was doing this person a favor. It's one thing to sneak a beer to my little cousin; it's another to risk my career over some shit like this.
What would you do if the bartender calls you on your fake and calls the cops on you and the other party? Sure this is a pretty low risk, but pretty awful ramifications for your career search if it happens.
Absolutely agree. Plus, it's a bad idea to make assumptions about how the contact might react given that this is probably the first time the OP is meeting him/her.
Depending on the place, OP could agree to meet for drinks and then just order something non-alcoholic.
Just remember one thing. Even Bernie Madoff used his real name while networking.
Questions like this remind me of the casting couch. "Should I suck a dick to get the role?"
I didn't know networking over drinks was appropriate... Should I mention, "if you're ever free to have a drink..." instead of coffee? This is news
I'll bite.
As someone reaching out to network with others (while a student, at least) – the safest bet is to invite them to chat over coffee. You don't know if they drink, some don't, it could be interpreted poorly, etc. However, to contrast with many others in the thread, networking over drinks with some professionals is deemed normal. It all depends on who the individual is, what they offer, etc. I will agree that it is unprofessional for a senior professional to take a kid out for drinks, especially when under 21, but it happens, and it happens a lot.
Regarding the fake ID situation – Once upon a time, I had a bouncer take my fake at a bar – I was months away from turning 21, and was wearing a suit. First time I ever had my ID taken in 2-3 years of using it, and thankfully was with a friend, instead of coworkers. It could easily be embarrassing.. Just think before you do something OP, and make sure that whatever you do, your risk/reward is good. Some will laugh, some will find it funny, and some will permanently ding you.
Side note: Once, a friend of mine was invited to catch up by a VP at a BB after meeting her at a OCR session. Sent a google invite to a steakhouse in midtown, met and sat at the bar, and he ordered her drinks knowing full well she was under 21. It all depends – sometimes it's better safe than sorry.
As for your beer dates you have set up – majority of places really won't check depending on where you're working, and most of the people you meet with likely won't know/won't clarify if you're 21, just assume. They probably want to get out of the office for a bit and relax while chatting with someone they can relate to. Be in a suit (obviously), be respectful, don't look like you're 16, and you'll be okay.
Move to Europe. People here are allowed to drink alcohol with 16. Life in America must suck lol
Absolutely! In Germany it's allowed to buy alcohol when you're 16! That's why I was so angry with al these US laws. Just think of it like that: being just 16-18 years old, you wanna have fun, go to different parties, concerts and other stuff, but you can't do it without your id confirming you're 21, it's a total confusion for me. So, when I was a teen I did also have the same point of view. That's why I bought https://my21blog.com/california-fake-id/</a">fake id in california, which had been done properly and I had managed to visit every event and not be caught. Great article, besides!
I've never had a student ask me to network over drinks and would think that was pretty weird to begin with. I don't have time for that kind of shit, let alone the fact that you're putting the other person in an awkward dilemma if you get caught either by them or the bar. Just ask for coffee. Feel lucky if they just accept a 15 minute phone call instead.
Just go for coffee.
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