How do I ask my current CEO for a referral?

Hello WSO,

I'm just a monkey who is in his junior year at a non target university. I currently work as a financial analyst intern at an oil and gas operator mainly working in acquisitions and investor relations with about 1 year of experience here. My current CEO was an investment banker and has a ton of contacts. I would love to ask him for referrals but I'm afraid of a) getting fired. b) my CEO thinking I am not grateful for the opportunity or the firm where I currently work at.

Would anyone here be able to perhaps help me in wording my request to him? Or give me tips?

 

It's a fairly small oil and gas operator (20 people in our location). CEO's office is right across the hall from my office. We catch each other all the time and I've asked him about his experience in IB before but never made my ask for referrals.

EDIT: I must mention I'm extremely interested in pursuing energy groups in IB.

 

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