Drinks with junior bankers

I will be meeting for drinks with a couple guys from prominent MM IB firms (HL, Baird, Blair, HW) and wanted some tips on how to make the best of this. I have had information interviews with both that went very well and now we will be meeting for drinks after work (think 8:30-later). They are friends, but from different shops. I know this will be more of an informal "fit" test, but what are some things I should know before going in. Who buys drinks? How much will we be drinking (its in the middle of the week). Should I talk about their work or is that the last thing they want to chat about? Anything else you would like to share would me greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By the way, I am a rising senior at a complete non-target.

6 Comments
 
Best Response

What? And you critiqued my resume??

Well in any case, obviously go and be laid-back and in the mindset that you are going out with friends. Don't be the awkward shy kid that people forget about because they stand outside the circle and don't make your presence known.

According to my friend who works in IB in New York, it's not unusual to get shit-faced in the middle of a rough week so be ready for it. If you can't handle your alcohol...don't drink as much. Don't be that young kid trying to network his way in but then throws up on someone.

Don't talk about finance until it's brought up by them. If I was in your situation, I would buy my own beers and offer a round on me since they took the time to invite me out.

Gauge their behaviors also. Do they seem like they were all in fraternities back in college? Or were they more of the straight edge finance club kids? Adapt their characteristics. Nothing worse than when 4-5 bankers are enjoying 3-4 beers and the one college kid gets shitfaced and pees on the bar.

Basically..just have controlled fun.

 

I went out for drinks with a HF Analyst who's an alumni from my school a couple weeks ago. He was a fraternity guy but not the same as me.

We got shitfaced.

 

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