How do you characterize investment banking around unsophisticated/trashy family?

I didn't have anyone tune me into IB during undergrad and I've ended in law school. I've witnessed friends attend IB feeders and they're doing really, really well (I wish I knew then what I know now). So I planted the seed with my 18-yo cousin, a freshman at a top target, encouraging him to seriously consider IB, join some clubs, etc. He seems enthusiastic but our families are working class, a bit Hillbilly Elegy-ish. His dad knows absolutely nothing about banking and just thinks it's all evil parasites (and like not in a humorous way). His immediate family was pretty vicious over Thanksgiving, which is discouraging as hell as he's the first kid from his immediate family to attend college. Wondering if you all have any talking points to hit over upcoming holidays that could get his less sophisticated family to chill and be more supportive. Thank you.

7 Comments
 

Tell them to go to hell and read the Wall Street Journal so they can actually know what's going on in the world. Just kidding. Seriously, it's going to be very hard to do, as it's very hard to change people's minds. The best thing to do is to sympathize with their feelings, or at least pretend to, and then ask them if you could show them what banking and finance is really all about. I have somewhat they same problem with people in my life, they make judgements without really knowing what they are talking about. Try to educate them.

Array
 

Perhaps he doesn't want the first generation college kid in his extended family to have his perspective tainted by an ignorant family...

My little cousin is wrapping up college application process but he appreciated my help in talking about the pros and cons of different cities / schools / programs he was considering. I mean obviously it isn't the only thing we talk about but if he wants to know I'm more than happy to help since I don't always have time to talk to him over the phone regularly.

 
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So, I'll admit I didn't read anything before posting. I thought this was exactly the same as the other million of these posts. I'll configure what I said more specific to this.

I just don't think anyone should emphasize explaining stuff like this to family. As far as the cousin goes, he's an adult now. Adamantly stick to lines like "finance is global influence", whatever truisms you can come up with, and that's it. The choice comes down to him, though, and if he's too pussy to go against his parents, then he's never going to do something different.

If he wants a career of that caliber, he'll follow your advice and you will probably see him call you up later on, which will be a 1v1 conversation, where parent's voices don't matter. As far as holiday events, make jokes to make light of it and change the subject.

Does no one really make fun of themselves? It's charming and people love it.

 

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