Coming off as more mature as PE associate
Curious if anyone has any tips for coming off as more senior/mature. I’m a 2nd-year associate at a buyout shop and have received feedback that I sometimes come across as being fresh out of school. My firm’s culture is pretty icy and sharp-elbowed, so I feel pressure to carry myself as someone who's a bit older to fit in if that makes sense.
I’m naturally more laid-back outside of work / most of my friends are in their mid 20s and hitting the bars all the time, so any tips on striking the right balance between being myself and not coming off as the "kid" of the group would be greatly appreciated. Would be particularly helpful to hear from anyone who's recently made the Sr. Associate to VP transition.
Can you give examples of what you do that makes them say this? That make it easier as it’s a pretty broad question
Assuming you haven't been saying anything egregious, it sounds like they're asking you to kill your personality...
My advice would be find a different fund to work for. They sound pretty lame.
Appreciate the reply. I asked for specific feedback and didn't get anything direct. Just said it was the general "vibe I give off". I just think I don't give off that cool, collected, smooth type of energy a lot of the mid to senior guys do. Agree it's basically an ask to kill my personality. People operate pretty robotically.
Try addy or vyvanse
Have you tried complaining about your wife?
Most PE shops are full of people that are pretty robotic (or maybe conform to become that way), and require drinking copious amounts of kool aid. I don’t know if you’ll find many that are better fit tbh.
I’ve received similar feedback. I think it comes down to making sure you’re not being too casual.
Always act and dress like you would in front of clients when you were in banking. And don’t make any jokes or off-kilter remarks.
Basically just shun your personality and become a soulless corporate drone.
The same personality could help once you’re higher up? at my firm the MDs with quickly more laid back personalities win most of the deals versus the cookie cutter ones. No CEO wants to interact daily with a NPC.
I am also the least type A at my firm. Things I do to come of more serious is walk faster at random points of the day, always be dressed up, hold longer eye contact when im bored and someone is explaining something. I also stay at lunch for 10 mins or shorter periods of time where I can be my true self in small doses.
If it makes you feel any better we hired someone who complained about “not having maids” outside of Asia because we thought that was funny. You’ll find your people!
I can’t tell if that second paragraph is trolling or serious
Grow out a beard if you’re baby faced right now
It seems people are recommending being well-dressed and acting serious throughout, i.e. none of the typical banking bullpen fun, also given you’re interacting with older people on average.
How does this change at social events, ie. Ski trip or team Christmas dinner?
Do you feel there are genuine workplace friendships like in banking or is it all more competitive given less promotions?
And do you have any other recommendations on how to come across more senior when presenting or on email?
Some generic comments w/o knowing exactly what your firm is calling out:
This is such a thing and has nothing to do with "corporate drones"
hairstyle clothing tone word choice presence looks (facial hair can help) all matter
This industry sucks
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