Crucial Question
I am somehow lucky enough to have set up a meeting with a partner and department CEO at a very elite Boutique think Perella Weinberg/Evercore /Centerview. Fully knowing the power that these guys have, I obviously want this to go as perfectly as possible. I am planning on simply making a connection with him and hopefully making him like me. I have an internship for this summer(I’m a freshman) but I was hoping he would help me in the future get a job at his firm. Is there any questions you would personally ask someone this this or how would you handle the meeting? Any advice would be totally appreciated. Thanks
I think you have the idea right. You should build a relationship and not just ask for help. Other people can fill in details and questions because I have no idea lol
Know what you want to do (internship-wise) if asked and be relaxed. Talking less is almost definitely going to be better for you. I've been in a similar situation. Anything else would depend on the nature of the connection. Was this a cold call, a distant connection, or a family friend type of thing?
And yes definitely have some questions at the ready if that's the direction the meeting is going in, but let him take the lead. Try and tailor these toward his background (e.g. how did your experience in [past role] help in your career progression?)
I forgot to add that. I got the meeting from a family connection so I think it will be more of a informal relaxed type of thing. This may be me overthinking but for everyone's experience, would you guys recommend asking to get a coffee or in his office? or does it not matter?
Ok, that makes it a bit easier. The mentality going in should still be to not screw up (i.e. play it safe), but you should be in good shape. Up to you on the coffee vs. office thing, but I would go with the office. These guys can be incredibly busy and that would probably be asking him to do less as he just has to block out time for your conversation, not for getting anywhere (even just downstairs or whatever). Up to you to read the situation though. Let us know how it goes
That should make it easier to build a relationship as well.
I had a informational with the Head of M&A (Think PJ, Jeffries, UBS) The key is to just stay calm and remember there just people too. The best advice I got in the informational was to not sound like a smart ass. He told me he respected the fact I didnt try to bullshit him like I knew everything about the deals they've recently done etc. Remember you are a freshmen... he doesnt expect you to know anything just sound interested and ask good questions... informationals like that dont come around everyday.
As said earlier, I would focus on just having a casual talk, like you would with your father, or a friend of your parents that you appreciate. Try to be smart, funny smart. Try to see what opinions he has and encens them. Of course you can talk business, but he obviously knows a lot more than you. People love to talk and be listened to, so ask the right questions that makes him want to talk, and simply listen.
I really would recommend not asking for help. He gets enough of these kids asking for that, just try to make him like you and remember you, and ask him if he's free for a coffee next time you bump into him. He'll help you by himself eventually.
Concerning the questions you can ask him, I think people love giving advice, especially the "what would you do different" type of questions. Everyone has already thought to themselves "if I could do this again with my today knowledge/confidence", and it gives him an opportunity to talk it out. You will learn a lot, and he will appreciate talking about it. Concerning the format of the question, I wouldn't ask it like that since it sounds too prepared, so try to bring it up naturally.
This is good advice.
Just be relaxed and as mentioned above let him do most of the talking. Ask about his background, what skills he found useful to get to his position etc. It would be helpful to read up on their recent deals or anything news related to the company.
Key is to be yourself, seem engaged and most importantly - do not waste his f*cking time.
office. people will remember if he introduces you to the associate/vp running your school's recruiting. if you have an internship lined up, ask what types of stuff you could do that would be realistic and transferable.
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