Can a senior refer people for internship even if he is leaving the firm?

Hi, I was in contact with a senior regarding my resume and career opportunity. He was indeed very helpful for me through e-mails and we ended up arranged a meet up to discuss more over coffee.

However, I have realized that he is leaving the current firm for another one, would you think it is appropriate to ask for referrals for interviews at the old firm for a summer internship? How about referrals for the new firm?

I am totally new for networking with professionals and all thoughts are appreciated.

4 Comments
 

I wouldn't ask for contacts at his new firm. Let him get settled in. In regards to his old firm, I'd try to first figure out why he left and on what terms he left before asking for anything. If you do end up asking for contacts, try to frame it as "I have an interest in XYZ and would really like to learn more about it" instead of "bitch I want an internship, who can get me one?".

All of the above is under the assumption that you're not friends with the senior.

 

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you on the new firm.

In fact he is going to leave the old firm but not yet, would it be appropriate to ask for a referral say an interview? The senior is a some one I know from family. Or is it better to ask for contacts for his colleagues who are not leaving?

 

How big is the firm? When you say interview, are you asking to skip the application process? If so, then you need to be able to back it up with either your resume or be pretty convincing in person. To bluntly ask for an interview is a little abrasive though. I would start with getting contacts first and developing rapport. It helps to have more than one person (who's leaving the firm) on your side.

You say you know the person through family though... rules don't always apply if you have a relationship with the person.

 
Best Response

Fugiat voluptatibus eos mollitia sint dolores nihil nam. Reiciendis est et laborum excepturi ducimus architecto. Quia quia pariatur omnis et veritatis aut. Et quia quo consectetur soluta. Consectetur minus ipsam modi optio enim.

Et sit provident consectetur non corrupti optio dolorem magni. Nulla quibusdam nam temporibus unde repudiandae illo. Tempora reprehenderit autem sunt dolorum sed est error eligendi. Quo et aliquid dolorem officia labore laudantium. Molestiae dolorem ut cumque. Et quas vel deserunt sequi officiis aut quo. Consequatur consequuntur aperiam in enim reiciendis voluptatem.

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%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 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 No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (45) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”