How To Make A Good Impression At Info Session/Talks/etc.?

Hi,

So apparently, someone from McKinsey & Company's Operations department is coming to my school to give a talk about "lean transformation" or something like that. Unfortunately, its not an info session/recruiting event, so I was wondering about a couple of things:

  1. Is it even worth going to even though its not a recruiting thing and is simply just an informational speech? Although I am interested in the subject, I have class then, and frankly, I can read about this stuff myself, so I'm not sure how useful this will be (networking wise) unless I can somehow make an impression on the person. So basically, I need to assess whether its worth skipping class, especially since have a quiz that day too (I can drop 1 quiz though, and McKinsey doesn't come everyday)

  2. If it is worth going, what kinds of questions should I ask to improve the chances of me making a good impression and perhaps networking with this person in the future? The thing I'm concerned about is that this person isn't even an alumnus, so I'm not sure if I'd even be able to ask for an informational interview. Therefore, if I am going to make an impression, I need to do it right away and even that might be enough, so what should I do to make a solid impression?

thanks

23 Comments
 

I would try and see if a professor is acting as a liaison or something. I am sure a ton of people will be coming to hear that guy speak and the odds of you being able to get some solid face time with him are slim. If you reach out to the professor before the event it might give you some help when it comes time to try and speak to him.

 

Thanks! I talked to a few more experienced bankers and they said the same thing, I just gotta study up on the firm and sell myself

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You should shoot him an e-mail and let him know that you are planning to attend and wondered if he was going to be there. Even though he most likely isnt, its a good excuse to touch base. Also you can ask him what the timeline of their recruiting process is. Depends on how close you are with him at that point. Happy to answer additional questions if you need, PM me.

XX
 

dude chill the fuck out..its an info session, not a state of the union address.

but to qualm your fears, here are answers to your q's:

1) last 1.5-2hrs with Q&A session 2) 5 minutes before 3) the bank and role of analyst 4) sit anywhere you fucking want 5) don't bring anything, including a resume 6) ask a question if you have a question

 

Watch the Asian kids swarm to the speaker and as they're doing so, go talk to people who actually work there. That's how it's usually done.

 
Wasting TimeWatch the Asian kids swarm to the speaker and as they're doing so, go talk to people who actually work there. That's how it's usually done.

Don't stereotype asians a-hole.

 

HR lady does shit. As usual, an associate will lead the presentation and analysts will pitch in. Why don't you go to one and see for yourself?

 

During the recruiting season, I tried to check out every info session possible. The structure is typically like this:

5 min: welcome speech 10 min: video presentation 15 min: analysts/associates introduce themselves

Then the presentation was broken into small groups, where you can go to anyone for specific questions. A lot of my friends spend hours trying to meet the guys and impress them with the questions, but I really think it's useless. These analysts/associates have met so many people and there's no way they can remember your face. I really think people should just chill out about this info session crap because it won't help you during the interview process.

On the other hand, if you're invited to pre-interview dinner, where you get to have $100 Italian dinners and 2:1 candidate to banker ratios, then chances are that they will remember you and you better prepare for specific questions before the dinners.

Good luck everyone! I know recruiting is a painful process but it's only the first step into the hot burning sand!

 

Depending on the school, the interview is yours to lose at this point...especially if you are a decent candidate who attended the session.

if you stick out in somebody's mind as a real douchebag, or even rub off one analyst the wrong way, its likely you will get shitlisted. There are just too many qualified, normal people to take chances on somebody who is likely a tool.

 

I'd be careful about how you incorporate the quotes into your interview. Any forceful attempt to demonstrate that you've drank a bit too much of ________'s kool aid won't go over well either..

 

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