So I'm a freshman in a a semi-target university and I was going to some info and networking sessions with a BB. They brought in a MD from Sales and I was standing in a networking circle with him and we were basically discussing what he looked for in applicants, because we had made eye contact and he asked me what was on my mind (there were about 12 other people in this particular circle). I asked him as an interviewer what he liked the most in applicants and he told me "I like people who have a clue, so get a clue (my name). Get a clue, (my name), get a clue." He went on to talk about how people he interviews have no idea what the Fed Funds Rate is at or who Ben Bernanke is and those are examples of people who don't have clues.
Now, I'm wondering if being told to get a clue can ever not be a bad thing. Obviously it wasn't said in a hostile way, because I'm hopefully not stupid enough to not pick up on that. The only things I can think of that might have caused this were my: 1) Asking the question itself; 2) My not being dressed to impress, but there were other people not wearing power suits there so I don't really think this one is likely.
I sent him a follow-up email thanking him for his time, and he didn't respond (not that I expected him to). So what do you make of what he said? I'm just really worried that this MD is going to remember me if he's still in that position in two years and he thinks I'm a stupid douche.
LOL he was very very informative actually. you should be grateful he gave you such advice. every alum from a big bank gave us stupid useless advice like "work hard in school. join a club." generic crap. your guy gave you real shit.
oh and by the way, if you have no idea if he was criticizing you or not, then you need to GET A CLUE!!
Indeed, this is good advice. The work hard in school, join a club line usually comes from people that don't have a clue or people who are truly not interested in your success and just want to get the meeting over with. Take the MD's advice as a hint that he's interested in your career success. Heed his advice. It'll put you head and shoulders above the competition. Good luck
I hate clues, its always the old women with the knife in the library. Damn it.
Relax, it doesn't sound like the comment was personal. The MD was just trying to say that you should do your research and prepare thoroughly for your interviews.
Get a clue goddammit. I can't believe people show up at a BB hoping to get in without knowing who Bernanke is or what the Fed Funds rate is
I obviously knew what/who they were. I had just never heard "get a clue" used in anything but a "what the fuck is wrong with you" way. Maybe it's because I'm from New Jersey.
Hey on the bright side, he will definately remember your name!
lolbaringslol, if the conversation went as you described then you have nothing to worry about. He wasn't telling you to get a clue because of anything that you did. He had no way of knowing whether or not you "have a clue," he was just giving you advice and wording it in a funny way, he clearly has a personality...
there is one answer to this
someone telling you to get a clue is telling you they think, for at least that moment, that you are a friggin idiot
it means, not only have you not solved the problem, but you don't even have a hint of what might lead you to the answer
it is a quite telling insult that goes deep
the fact that he repeated it like 3-4 times, can't be good either
depends on who's delivering the message too and what the insult is for i suppose too
maybe the a-hole giving the insult isn't fit for life
don't take it too hard
fact is that if you kick ass at work, they will love you and little things are soon forgotten
my suggestion is that you focus on being the best damned analyst he's ever seen and blow him away
probably ought to stop wasting your time surfing the web and checking WSO all day long :)
He's saying it that way so it'll stick to you and that you won't forget it. And from the looks of it, he did great job. Now when you go in for interviews, you will want to be prepared and know what you're going to say. He made you uncomfortable so that you'll remember what he said.
From context, this is some of the best advice you can receive. He is not saying it in a negative way toward you from what I can tell, seeing as how he expanded on it instead of just leaving. He is saying that people he interviews often don't "have a clue" when it comes to the actual position they are interviewing for. I have seen it many times, where someone comes in with a 3.8 GPA or higher and thinks it will suffice in the interview and land them the job, that is not the case. This advice is similar to the advice of research the company position and industry prior to interviewing. You will come in stronger than any 3.8 GPA target interviewee that does not have any idea what they are talking about. Sure, they can pass technical, and if you can too then you would have a leg up if you can get on a personal level with the interviewer. If you can speak to specifics about the industry, deals they have done, buy/sell ratings, FED rate, recent corporate news...etc... anything that shows you took the time and effort to learn about the industry and the company and they aren't just another company on your checklist. Again, I do not think it was a negative, but actually really solid advice and a generalization he notices from interviewees.
Great job on bumping a 10-year old thread....
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