I'm an SA, and I think my group thinks I'm stupid

My group never gives me anything to do. I did one thing wrong, but they never even told me about it, I had to ask if there were any mistakes. I'm probably smarter than the other interns (including an associate summer), but they aren't even letting me do things, just sit there and stare at the screen.

What do I do to make them trust me/get assignments?

8 Comments
 
Best Response

Just keep asking them for work. There's really not much you can do. Keep a positive and upbeat attitude. Your attitude really is key. Take whatever they end up giving you and tell them you'll do anything to help. Don't scoff and the stupid small tasks they give, as you'll work yourself up. I'd recommend talking to the staffer and let him know you really want to try and contribute more.

For the analysts, it's pretty tough figuring out how to give SAs work. A significant amount of them don't know what to give and how to give it. It's tough because teaching someone else to do it takes double the time, and afterwards, you still have to check the work and most likely redo some things. And it's his ass on the line. So you can see why some analysts would prefer to just knock it out themselves.

It takes time for analysts to learn how to effectively teach SAs and still be efficient. Don't just sit there and look at your screen. If the analsyts continue not giving you work, start working your way up the ladder asking associates, VPs and MDs if there's anything you can help with. It's your summer and your responsibility to learn as much as possible, so don't let some analysts ruin it for you and be your excuse.

 

Maybe there just isn't that much work? Interns are pretty often more trouble than they're worth, so the team just might be too busy to help train and set you with a task right now.

A few things though: -Since when does being smart have anything to do with being a good ibanker? -I hope you don't give off that attitude of superiority - that's way more off-putting than a few honest mistakes.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. As far as a superior attitude goes, I have nothing to back my claims up except the schools the others go to, and have never said anything besides where I go and what I study.

 
johnjacobjingleI'm probably smarter than the other interns (including an associate summer)
johnjacobjingleAs far as a superior attitude goes, I have nothing to back my claims up except the schools the others go to

Wow, you sound like a fucking tool.

 
b2
johnjacobjingleI'm probably smarter than the other interns (including an associate summer)
johnjacobjingleAs far as a superior attitude goes, I have nothing to back my claims up except the schools the others go to

Wow, you sound like a fucking tool.

you two would probably get along like a house on fire then b2

 

Typically, when I get a new analyst or an intern in the group, I provide a huge packet of 101 books, sample pitches and models or anything else they can play with for a little bit. It gets them familiar with the group, and what you do. When I have a few minutes of downtime, I usually go back and ask what questions they have (not "do you have any questions? No? great! don't bug me"). If you haven't gotten sample materials, ask for it.

Other things you can do is listen on calls. Mute your phone, and listen in. If you overhear someone talking about a conference call, ask if you cna listen in. Most likely they'll say yes.

Finally, if you see someone has a few extra minutes, just grab them and ask questions. You're here to learn, and by asking questions, it looks like you're eager to learn, and their more willing to teach you and provide you with more useful assignments.

Enjoy your summer!

 

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