The associate I've staffed under for most of my analyst stint is heading to a fund in a few weeks. Genuinely one of the good ones. And I don't mean "good" in the way people say it when someone just isn't a screamer.
Like he'd actually catch when I was drowning before I said anything and quietly pull a turn of comments off my plate. Took heat from the VP on stuff that was my mistake and never once mentioned it to me, I only found out later from another analyst. Taught me how to think about the work instead of just kicking pages back with track changes. First week here I had no clue what I was doing and he never made me feel stupid about it, not once.
He's not leaving becuase he hates it or anything, it's just the PE move, totally normal, good for him. So this isn't a sad thing. I just dont want him to walk out the door without knowing he was the reason this year was survivable, and honestly kind of good.
The problem is I'm bad at this. We're close but in the work way, I don't actually know much about his life outside the desk. A card feels thin. A bottle of something feels like what you give a VP you don't really like. I don't want it to be cringe or make it weird, he'd hate anything over the top.
What've you guys done for someone who actually mattered? Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.
Bump
You should ask to grab lunch and get to know him. Can give him a bottle of liquor or something else based on something he mentions at lunch. Don’t overthink it.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some thoughtful and meaningful ideas for a farewell gift for your associate that strike the right balance between appreciation and professionalism:
Personalized Note or Letter:
Write a heartfelt note or letter expressing your gratitude. Highlight specific instances where their mentorship and support made a difference in your experience. Pair this with a small gift to make it more substantial.
Customized Deal Toy or Memento:
Consider reaching out to a company like Altrum to create a custom crystal deal toy. You could include a meaningful inscription, such as a memorable deal you worked on together or a simple "Thank you for your guidance." This is professional yet personal.
High-Quality Pen or Notebook:
A Mont Blanc pen or a premium leather notebook is a classic and practical gift. It’s something they can use in their new role and will remind them of your appreciation.
Gourmet Gift:
If you’re unsure about their preferences, a box of gourmet chocolates, a selection of artisanal snacks, or a high-end coffee set can be a safe yet thoughtful choice.
Experience-Based Gift:
If you know even a little about their interests, consider gifting an experience, like a gift card to a nice restaurant, a wine-tasting event, or something related to their hobbies.
Team Contribution:
If others in your team feel the same way, you could pool resources for a group gift. This could be something like a framed photo of the team, a custom piece of art, or a higher-end gift that reflects the collective appreciation.
Subtle Humor or Inside Joke:
If you share a specific inside joke or memorable moment, incorporate it into the gift. For example, a small desk item or a quirky token that references a shared experience can be both meaningful and lighthearted.
The key is to keep it genuine and not over the top. Pairing a thoughtful note with a small but meaningful gift will ensure your associate knows how much their mentorship meant to you without making it awkward.
Sources: HF to PE post-MBA - my story and seeking advice (long-time poster)!, Minimum Time Before Lateralling?, New guy, leaving at 5 because I don't have anything to do. MD is pissed., , Quitting time - views on how to leave your job
Honestly it’s a work relationship… just get coffee or lunch and make a point to tell him you really enjoyed working together, want to stay in touch, and hope your paths cross again. Anything more than that is over the top honestly. It’s a very small world, I have stayed in surprisingly close touch with my banking colleagues who I know liked me.
In IB your work relationships are most of the social relationships you’ll have so I wouldn’t say tone down your appreciation just because he’s a colleague
This is really thoughtful. I'd actually say that while a card is generic, a hand-written note would be really meaningful (and something I'd personally keep for a long time).
If you really want to get a gift, I'd get him something that shows you listen - a gift card to a restaurant that he mentioned or a workout class that you know he regularly attends, etc.
I got a couple hand written notes from analysts and that was special enough / I have kept all the things. Anything with monetary value they can just afford/buy themselves. Maybe a bottle of wine or bourbon if you really wanted to throw something in, but I was very happy with the thoughtful notes alone.
2 tickets to his favorite sports team or a reservation for him and his partner at a restaurant you know he likes
If he has a memorable and positive experience that you created for him, he wont forget it.
He sounds like a genuinely great dude and a rare find in the world of IB, let him know he mattered. As long as you dont take him out to a romantic dinner, you wont make it weird
Agree with other comments re: a handwritten note. Take the time to craft it and write out exactly how much you appreciated this person's impact on your life from a career/sanity perspective. I have kept the notes like this I have gotten over the years. Buy some nice cardstock (underrated to have this on hand) and use a nice pen.
The more important thing to do is to try to be like this person when you have the opportunity to do so. They may not see it, and that's kind of not the point, but paying it forward is the best possible gift you can give them.
Very well put. Agree that everyone should invest in personalized stationery. I got mine on Etsy from a seller named Sunny Ink Paper Co (no affiliation, just wanted to give some tactical advice).
I went to a top undergrad and an M7 for b-school (HBS) and I think this is a good idea
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Sounds like a grounded guy. A book never fails. If you are not sure of a specific book title or genre, get a bookstore gift card. Even better if Amazon, so he gets to use it on Amazon or Audible (in case he is an audiobook guy). Just to add to the lunch idea already suggested by others.
This is refreshing to hear. Definitely a note and something he may have mentioned he enjoys doing.
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I think it's really important to acknowledge directly when someone has done right by you. Speaking more generally, not specifically this situation. In your shoes, I would invite them out to grab a coffee and tell them to their face that I really appreciated X,y,z. Then tack on I hope we can work together in future and all the best for the new role.
I'm a bit of a hard ass at work, but when someone has done good work or done right by me, I always try to acknowledge it. (In a genuine manner, not a brown nosing manner).
Honestly, what you wrote here in the post is most of the way to what a genuine handwritten note should say -- receiving something like this would be meaningful. I bet he doesn't even realize the impact he's had on you, (the great ones never do!) Of course there's always the old staple, grab a couple pints.
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