“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Gotta get a Tumi Alpha Continental carry-on. Things are built to last. I've probably lugged mine on 100+ flights across North Merica, Europe and Asia over the last four years without so much as a scratch or loose screw.
B&R is the shit - I have one and it's been fantastic. Full of little details for the business traveler. Been on the road for 1.5 years straight, every week and it's never failed me.
For my laptop bag, I have a Tumi cause I thought it looked a bit nicer than the B&R. Both are solid brands though.
Which model of the B&R do you have pr4mence?
B&R over tumi for carry-ons. The lifetime warranty is hard to beat, and the Domestic carry-On Expandable Upright (U122CX) fits most sizers. Highly recommended.
I haven't found briefcases better than Tumi's--the Tumi zippers and pockets are in a league on their own. You can get the "older" versions on sale now because they came up with (uglier-looking) Alpha 2's very recently.
Any particular reason you went for the Baseline over the Transcend? I know it's geared more towards business travel and has the expandable feature but you can easily add ~$200 to the final price.
Also, any need for a consultant in a North American office to opt for an international sized carry-on? I see you went with the domestic.
I'm not a consultant but I think I'm going to pick one of those up. Thanks for sharing, +1
I have the Travelpro Platinum Magna 21" carry-on. Got it on sale for half the price of a Tumi or B&R, and it has a lifetime warranty along with great construction and magnetically aligned wheels.
Another vote for the BR U122CX
Do you think the $169 extra is really worth the few added features of the U122CX over the Transcend TU222X?
1) I think the Baseline looks much better than the Transcend 2) I like the internal organization of the Baseline a lot better
No one can answer the question for you. if you like the Transcend, get it--it's a good deal with the sale. Or man up, pay the extra $169, and get the Baseline.I'd just say that $169 is not that much money (it's one bad night out), especially given how much you're going to be using your bag.
I'd also just double-check that the Transcend doesn't have issues with the sizers as the dimensions are slightly different from the U112cx
The Transcend is an inch longer on the exterior dimension, which I expect would cause some problems in the overhead bin. I haven't had a problem with the Baseilne, but it's been pretty snug a few times. The biggest factor for me is the corners. I'm a big guy (48L suit) and the rounded corners on the Transcend means my jackets/shirts don't really fit (width of jacket vs. length of bag). The square corners on the Baseline create a lot more usable space.
Rimowa for function and quality Ghurka for overpriced quality and style
I never understood some people's obsession with Rimowa (especially Europeans). You lose the front pockets and space (because Rimowas are four wheelers). Not to mention that four wheelers are terrible on carpeted floors, which many hotels are.
I think hard-top four wheelers makes perfect sense for larger, checked luggage, but I see very little benefit for carry ons.
+100 to all your points
I use a Victorinox NXT 22 inch. It was a dead heat between that one and the Briggs and Riley - I very briefly looked at Tumi but don't understand why the price premium was even remotely justified. If I had to do it all over, I would still either get the Swiss or the B&R, but maybe the 21 inch vs the 22. Some planes (older 737s, most of the MD80's) don't fit my bag wheels or handles first so I have to be the dickhead that puts the bag in sideways. The 21 would help that but not solve completely.
Fully agree with karl_pinkington. Since Tumi (quietly) changed their warranty terms a couple of years back, it doesn't seem the plausible choice other than for prestige/ conformity reasons. Not saying that they might be loser in terms of enforcement of their own terms - but who wants to rely on that when choices at lower price points are abound.
Agree, that the NXT 22" has to go sideways on some aircrafts, but never had "official" problems anywhere in the world due to bigger size.
@"pnb2002": one can get Rimowas as 2 wheelers and also with front pockets (questionable design though). Their warranty and service is top notch, especially if one lives close to Cologne where they have their service center.
I would suggest the Samsonite polycarbonate spinners. So far I am happy with my luggage choice.
Shameless plug for @"TheKing"'s Matador collection.
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/ex-pe-guy-launches-a-briefcase-co…
exactly what i was thinking
Guys, if you don't want to be immediately recognizable as a junior consultant/middle manager/traveling salesperson, get something without wheels.
Classic styles can be found here, for example: http://www.swaineadeneybrigg.com/store/swaine-adeney/holdalls/
Of course, expensive and less convenient, but come on, show some style.
When you're traveling every week, function > form. You must love ironing.
Junior consultant, eh? Every partner I know totes a 15 year old black Tumi rollaboard. Shoot, a significant %age have done away with the briefcase entirely in favor of this:
http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=35722616&prodFindSrc=pa…
When you fly everyday to check on all of the work you've sold, the evidence suggests that it's the right equipment.
Hahaha... Last time I ironed my own shirts = 15+ years ago. Oh yes, I know 1-2 fellow partners too that carry these unbelievably ugly backpacks and somehow believe it's ok. Too each their own, but to me it's a question of self-respect to not let practicality dictate you have to look like a total chump.
I've heard from many consultants that wheels are super important. Wheel quality is one of the most crucial aspects of a suitcase. Weak ones will break, and floppy ones will cause strain on your body from constantly pushing the suitcase in different directions to correct for it straying off-course. I just bought a suitcase with magnetically aligned wheels and the thing is super smooth with minimal strain.
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