Do people give each other presents on their birthdays in IB?

Got an offer from a bank, I'll be joining in a week and the birthday of a 2 year analyst is coming soon. Is it common for people in IB to give each other presents? Alternatively, do you give presents to everyone 'above' you in the hierarchy of the team or just to the MD? When or how is it considered ass-licking? Thanks. If it matters for context, I am located in the UK

13 Comments
 

Yes. At the very least, a hand written card and a wrapped gift are expected. Additionally, send a calendar invite for a pint after work to the team.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
Funniest

The card is essential. If you don't form a meaningful connection in those two weeks which you can reflect on through prose, you aren't going to make it.

As far as gift value tiers:

  • Analyst - $50
  • Associate - $100
  • VP - $250
  • MD - $1000

Adjust accordingly for the exchange rate. Also, don't forget the flowers

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
"CRE" Also, don't forget the flowers

You had me in first half, not gonna lie

 
Most Helpful

In all seriousness, since you've been a good sport, don't get anyone a present. There's an off chance the person will think it's weird that you even know it's his or her birthday, but a 100% chance that they'll think it's weird and that you're weird if you give them a gift. Plus, in America at least, there's inevitably going to be some boomer tryhard who thinks you're being childish for even acknowledging that birthdays are worthy of celebrating anyhow.

Once you're full time, you're more than welcome to buy a good friend a drink after work, or buy treats for your team (small cake, cookies, etc.) in order to have an excuse to eat a dessert, but for the most part you're just going to be giving them a head nod in the morning, saying "Happy Birthday," and then moving on like it's any other day.

As an intern, though, you should just go about your business. If someone else says "Happy Birthday," to that person, you can follow up with the same.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Do you even know the guy? Why would you gift someone something you don't know?

Just toss him a BJ if you're looking for something to give

 

Tbh I'm mainly just curious if it's common to gift presents to everyone in the team (once you all know each other)

 

It is, once you fully know them and have some work experience with them. My jokes are bad today, because it's fucking 100 degrees outside.

 

Wait is this a thing? The people I work with don’t even know my birthday and most of my friends don’t know either...I didn’t know birthday gifts (w the exception of GF) are even a thing past like 18 y.o.

 

depends on culture really. on my team if it was the birthday of someone junior then some of the other analysts would grab a D/MDs corporate card and run out to buy a bunch of desserts + drinks for everyone. would even sing happy birthday in the bullpen sometimes deadass. sounds cringe but really good for morale on the day.

Array
 

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