I have been curious on this topic for some time now. I mean, it is perhaps easy to identify rising "stars" in tradition positions: people who make exceptional profits (although IIRC analysts are REALLY limited in what they can trade, right?).
But what about some less easy to quantify positions? For example, what would make an M&A Analyst/Associate a rising star?
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Pretty easy to tell.
http://gawker.com/topic/the-bitter-investment-banker-email-016011.php
The Star.
But seriously, if you spend 12 hours a day working with someone it is pretty easy to tell how good and dedicated they are. Also after a certain tipping point, rep becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy I think (of course to a point). Seen it in action- analyst X and Y do identical things, X is because "oh he wasn't given proper direction by the new associate" and Y is because "oh he has poor attention to detail and is careless." Here's a hint, poor attention to detail is the absolute death knell of an analyst anywhere. Nothing you can do will compensate for that.
[quote=ideating] http://gawker.com/topic/the-bitter-investment-banker-email-016011.php[/…] Wow, that was one of the best articles I have read in a while. The guy actually makes you feel his pain/despair/depression. I thought it was incredible. Thanks for sharing !
The same guy went on to write a book: http://www.amazon.com/Bank-Novel-David-Bledin/dp/031601673X/ref=pd_bbs_…
How to be a star? (Originally Posted: 06/05/2013)
Just started a F500 FLDP internship last week. I'm a rising junior and want to go into IBD next summer.
After finishing up with orientation, I realize that most kids, if not all kids have 1)top GPA 2)Very good EC 3)good interpersonal/communication skills.
Evereyone seems smart and capable. I honestly can't say that I'm "better" than anyone else. My question isn't just specific to Corp Fin. I know that the competition will be only stiffer and my peers will be brighter in IBD and PE.
So...how exactly do you stand out as an intern? How do you snag that return offer and be seen as a star?
Don't focus on being a star.
Whether you become a "star" or an energy suck depends on how well your peers like you. Not necessarily how good you are at your internship. Tips:
Have a good attitude and DON'T turn down work. If you're super swamped, show your work commitments to your staffer and ask whether he/she thinks it would be good for you to jump on this other deal/pitch. One summer we had stood out because he had a jar of candies by his desk. Associates/Analysts/VPs would stop by, grab something and talk to him. We loved it - bankers are hardened salesmen, but they're human. Try to get to know us. Having a good attitude is the first step.
Be honest. Integrity is everything and if you're swamped, you're swamped. Don't give someone a deadline you know you can't make. No one likes that.
Be transparent. Let the other team know how you're doing. It's better for the teams to be aware of how you're doing on your projects. Nothing's worse than showing up to deadline with a shitty model that no one else had a chance to help you with because you told us "everything's fine"
If you have nothing to do, grab coffee with the bankers. Again, we're real people and grabbing coffee with the team to tell us that you enjoy the summer (or wish some things were different) keeps us in the loop and allows us to change things around (in case you want different projects/exposure) and pound the table for you (because you told us you wanted to come back).
Know that you'll make mistakes. I remember my summer - I thought I was a finance whiz. Showed up, and first day had to put together a Dilution/Accretion model. Thought "wtf"?? It'll happen to you. Don't freak out, but don't be afraid to make mistakes. Just don't, and repeat this statement in your head everday, make the same mistake twice.
Be organized. You'll be on a few projects at the same time. Keep tabs on project numbers, progress, and what's left for you to do.
Be confident, but not full of yourself. We get kids from Ivies, HBS, W, CBS, etc. Doesn't matter how great you think your background is, if you're an ass, I don't want to work with you. If I don't want to work with you, I won't pound the table for yo. If I don't pound the table for you, other guys in the group won't pound the table for you. Be humble, willing to learn, but don't lack on self esteem.
These are just tips on how to get the job done. How well you execute on the quals will go a long way. You'll "crush" your internship if you don't f*ck up and leave with everyone sad to see you go.
Don't need your advice but SB for you. Really hit all the points with no BS -- I couldn't agree more that attitude, humility and realism are most important for an SA. NOT being a finance whiz.
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