Reminder to say Thanks

Dear Hardos of Wall St,

This entire game we're all playing, it's fucking tough - no matter what stage of your career you're at. Grades, recruiting, internships, laterals, promotions, layoffs - it's all overwhelming and it's incredible how much support you can get from strangers on WSO, random people on LinkedIn, uni alumni, and seniors at your firm.

So please, for the love of Carry, say thanks. Go through your emails, call records, messages - remind yourself of all the people who gave you advice, courage, and guidance at all stages of your career, no matter how long ago, and say thanks - no strings attached. It's never too late.

It costs nothing and it means the world to the person receiving it. If you're a half decent person, you're probably giving back too by mentoring/helping out the next generation of students and juniors - and you know how nice is it to know your time/advice is appreciated. Many people here have probably responded to 100 coffee chats over their careers, and never heard back from 90 people after they got what they wanted/moved on. 

If you're new to this, here is a template for dummies:

"Hey man, it's been a while! Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice you gave me back when I was starting out/before I got this role. It meant the world and I'm very happy how things turned out. Truly hope you're doing well and wish you the best!"

You can even ask for a coffee and catch up again.

Don't just do it to build your network or relationships or to gloat, do it simply because it's a nice thing to do. We could all use a little bit of kindness around here.

Thanks,

A

15 Comments
 

Thanks for writing this.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

A little gratitude goes a long way (not just professionally to the people who pulled you up)

Tell everyone in your life that you’re thankful for them. Let that one person you have always really respected but have never been that close to know you’re thankful. What about that younger peer of yours that you have always been a little tougher on because you see them like a little sibling? Show your gratitude. You never know how it may brighten somebody’s day, and they may just pay the favor forward.

Great post! WSO needs more fantastic, positive advice like this. +SB

 

i did this recently to a sr MD at a BB. I first networked with him when I was a sophomore and met with him once or twice. I gave him an overview on the past couple of years and thanked him for bearing with me when i was younger and more naïve. He said it made his day 

Go all the way
 

Yup. And the reverse is also true. I will never forget going to bay for one of my bschool alumni and getting her the internship offer and not hearing a peep. She didn’t tell me she got the offer, and never reached out during the summer. I wouldn’t go to bat for her in the future that’s for sure. A simple one line thank you email would have made the difference.

 

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