Lunch/Exposure with Upper Management?

OCB,

I think today's the perfect day to comment on this, considering I just had two impromptu meetings with some today. Btw, I'm a summer intern as well. It depends on the strength of alumni network your school has, as well as how genuine you are. First off, define upper management to me. Are you talking Director of Trading, C-suite level, or somewhere in the MD range? I will try span my advice to both, but I'm probably going to stick mainly to the MD/Head of XYZ Trading level (not C-Suite). Some tips:

(1) DO try to get a referral. Of course, try your hardest to get a referral if you know someone who works with said person. What I did this morning is look up the head that I'm trying to meet, then used the company directory to find someone at the analyst/associate level down the totem pole. I send my email out to him/her and make sure to ask to be introduced to their team. This has allowed me to meet their boss every time. Then, when you send a follow-up email, make sure to remember something from your target guy. Or if the head seems pretty accessible (like the alum that you speak of), just send the email to him/her directly. (2) DO know what's going on in their space. Try to scan (or dare I say it, actually read) a research report or relevant information about their space. If they are really upper management level (C-suite, etc.), make sure to read a little into the division's strategy, etc. (3) DO bring multiple people. When it comes to the ultra-busy of upper management (Director of XYZ, C-Suite, big shots), the greatest tip is to offer to bring 3-5 students. Everyone has told me that doing this is a much better use of their time and they're willing to find a hour or so of time to do so. Also, it helps with #4 because you shouldn't all run out of intelligent things to say (even though my group did last week). (4) DO ask to meet other alums. After meeting a group on the floor, my main point of contact walked me around that trading floor and introduced me to every alum from my school who was sitting at his/her desk (and he's not even an alum). I got a ton of leads and didn't even ask for it. If you happen to be in a conversation with someone (especially if on another floor or area of floor), be sure to ask if there are any other alums from your school nearby. (4) DON'T waste his/her time. An MD once told me, "You can definitely reach out to someone at my level, or even above me. But make sure that if you ask for 15 minutes, you have 15 minutes of (relevant) things to talk about. Don't waste anyone's time. Period." This is my biggest issue. I'm pretty good at reaching out, but run low on things to actually speak about. (5) DON'T spend too much time away from your desk. I'm only adding this because my group was super busy all day (myself included) but I had scheduled three meetings with other groups throughout the day. Make sure your group is okay with your branching off and make sure to spread them out. (6) DON'T be afraid to branch out. Enough said.

As my parting comment, I'll provide an example of an email I sent out today. (It should be pretty short, especially for trading type. Should get a little more formal as you move up the chain.) I'm happy to answer any questions, PMs, or even meet with you in a group with anyone I know if we're at the same bank.

Hello First Name, I'm interning on the XYZ desk this summer and [was given your name by Person (cc'd)/noticed you graduated from X University/heard your question on the morning call]. I'm studying Major at X University. I'm interested in [whatever they do] and would like to sit down over coffee or swing by your desk to chat for 15 minutes about what you do. If possible, let me know some times that will work for you [or they'll forward to their assistant to set something up] over the next few weeks. Best (or Go [Mascot], if your school is super spirited), Luckynum7