Did I network too much? Are they annoyed?
Hey Guys,
Currently interning in Europe at a BB and I try my hardest to network. I got the tipp at the beginning of my stint that I should pick 1 or 2 target vp's or MD's to network, so I did. I tried to speak to them on a daily basis about valuation and economics politics and stuff, so I could show that I am a diversed person. We had lot of good small talks, and I tried to maintain talking to them about stuff other than work every day since my first week (its been 5 now).
The other interns and analysts seem to be annoyed by my aggressive behavior but I can't read the MDs and VPs. Sometimes they seem like they don't want to talk to me so I went away from speaking about world politics to asking them if they feel well and about the well being of their families and stuff (to show some empathy when I saw that the MD was kind of sad).
Just wanted to hear if what I am doing is still considered fine or way over the top?
Thank you guys!
Are you a chick? I think you are a dude; chicks can get away with asking bullshit personal questions like that; guys can ask but the emo questioning needs to be genuine, subtle and infrequent
I am a big ass dude, so yeah I kinda get your argument but did not feel like they were uncomfortable.
You don't need to be talking to them everyday. If you don't have anything valid to say, don't say anything at all.
He said he's currently working there. Going two weeks without speaking to anyone at your firm would be a little weird.
I am not even sure if world politics are the right topics in the work place to be honest.
Politics and the well-being of your superior's family are very odd conversations to have for 'small talk'
Yes, you most likely are being a bit too ambitious in your daily discussions with them. Try for once every week or so unless you are on a deal with them and it's work related. Also, try to network with the analysts / associates as well - that may be easier for you than trying to BS economic politics and family stuff. Try to talk to them about recent sports games or a fun hobby they or you may have, or a shared interest.
MDs and VPs aren't really open to talking with interns unless the office is small, and/or there's a lot of free time. I thought BBs have structured networking events?
Anyways, ideally you should keep it at twice a week - maybe Tuesday and Friday.
Networking is not a 'thing' you can do too much of like drinking or eating - it's just social skills and widening your circle (innuendo not intended).
You know that in Europe this networking/a** licking stuff does not cut, right?
This x1000
So you say you're trying to show empathy, but yet you're kind of calculating how it will show that you care and how that will lead to you getting what you want... I get the feeling you're really missing the point.
Networking isn't something where you have to check off a certain number of interactions like you're getting graded on an assignment, or have to shoot for a highly respected person like you're an olympic diver. Networking is just building relationships and this generally works best organically. If you're overthinking and calculating it, you're doing it wrong. It's easy to see when this is happening and it can make the people you're networking with feel used. Most people don't have patience for that.
I once sniffed my bosses ass, does that check the box towards being a networking guru?
Depends what it smelled like.
.....post halal-guys
I am seriously not sure if this is a troll or not. However, I will assume that you are genuinely asking for help and I will give some advice.
First, the fact that you are writing this post probably means that you are trying too hard, I mean why are you even thinking about this in the first place? People can feel it when others are sucking up to them and it is annoying as fuck.
Just be a normal person and interact with them when it makes sense. An example of this would be if you bump into them in the hallways and ask them whats up or how was their weekend. Now please don't take this literally and start asking them all the time or trying to plan when they will be in the hallways so you can bump into them and such. Just be normal and genuine and it will go a long way.
To put it simply here, please stop because you are becoming an annoyance.
Blanditiis omnis voluptatem harum corporis ad consequatur soluta. Delectus cumque est est qui aperiam quisquam. Incidunt eligendi necessitatibus animi assumenda.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...