No return offer - What do I say in interviews?
I had a summer IB role at a lower middle market firm. On my first day, I was assigned to an analyst, and we got along well. I was excited, but after the first day, he worked from home for the rest of the summer since he was staffed on a big deal. Despite reaching out to offer help, he just told me he was busy and suggested I help other analysts and associates.
I asked around, but every analyst already had an intern, so I was mostly given insignificant tasks to keep me busy. I completed everything, but it felt like I wasn’t really contributing. As weeks passed, I started feeling like no one would notice if I just walked out. By the second week, I pulled an analyst aside and told him I’d like to help and thought I was supposed to be assisting him, but nothing changed. By the fourth week, I spoke to my manager, who admitted things were a mess and said he’d talk to someone, but again, nothing changed.
I eventually started reaching out to MDs because I wanted to learn and gain valuable experience. This worked to some extent, and I was able to get involved in a few deals. But by the end of the summer, I still wasn’t close with the analysts, and my confidence had dropped. While the other interns had been working with their analysts from day one, I was still scrambling to find meaningful work. I didn’t receive a return offer, and I never got feedback or heard from anyone after I left.
What do I say when asked why I didn’t receive a RO? Yes, I made some minor mistakes, but always accepted them. I pushed harder everyday and worked every weekend this summer - just asking people for work because I wanted to be involved and gain experience just like every other intern.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can address the situation in interviews:
Key Points to Address:
Context and Initial Enthusiasm:
Challenges Faced:
Proactive Measures:
Outcome and Reflection:
Sample Response:
"In my summer IB role at a lower middle market firm, I faced some unique challenges. Initially, I was assigned to an analyst who worked remotely due to a big deal, which limited my direct involvement. Despite reaching out to offer help, I found that other analysts already had interns, and I was often given minor tasks.
I took proactive steps by speaking to an analyst and my manager about my desire to contribute more meaningfully. I even reached out to MDs to get involved in deals, which helped to some extent. However, the overall situation didn't improve significantly, and I didn't receive a return offer.
Reflecting on this experience, I learned the importance of navigating workplace dynamics and continuously seeking feedback. I believe these lessons have made me more resilient and better prepared for future opportunities."
Additional Tips:
By framing your experience in this way, you can demonstrate your resilience, initiative, and ability to learn from challenging situations.
Sources: Why do people not get return offers?, no return offer, Q&A: I didn't get a return offer, Q&A: I didn't get a return offer, no return offer
I’m younger than you so nothing meaningful to add here, but just wanna say that’s brutal — I hope you get through this and place well.
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words. It was definitely tough and a hit to my self-esteem lol, but I’m starting to understand that, as WestCoast mentioned, some firms just don’t offer the same level of structure and experience.
update on this, did you place anywhere?
I would keep the story short and concise. They didn’t have enough work for you. You reached out to mds and analysts and did the best you could
this is why you want to recruit for BB now. You are eager for the world class training and mentorship that come with a structured analyst program
Sunt nulla tempora dolor dolores. Libero ex autem non quod illum accusamus vero. Est necessitatibus ut laborum non. Et iste vitae facere perferendis molestiae. Vero neque repellat ipsam officiis similique excepturi neque. Eveniet rerum quidem doloremque cupiditate asperiores.
Consequatur praesentium sunt quaerat quia sed iusto. Tempore quae iure est odit deleniti aspernatur. Officiis sit nobis quaerat quis. Consequatur voluptate repellat voluptas nisi est eaque perferendis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...