Information Session Overview: What to Wear & What to Ask
Is business casual good enough for an information session ?
and I know we shouldn't corner the presenter and show off,so what are the good topics to talk about ?
What to Wear to Bank Info Session
First, you should check the flyer or information about the information session as often details the dress code. However, it is usually safe to go one level above what the listed dress code is. IE if the dress code says to dress casual, wear business casual (with no jacket) and if it says dress business causal go professional. It will always be acceptable to be somewhat more formal than the rest of the participants and with a jacket / tie you can always take it off to switch to being less formal.
Sometimes they'll tell you what dress is. Best bet is to go with a jacket and take the jacket off if you're feeling overdressed; you don't want to look like the fool who is obviously a poseur and just walked in from his English seminar. Make sure you don't show up the folks there, but they'll typically be in suits.
I would STRONGLY urge you to wear business formal. I just attended my university's IB info session, and towards the end, the Senior Associate, and a VP at GS, specifically mentioned that they disliked the fact that some students didn't wear a suit. Again, it totally depends on the speakers preferences, but remember it's better to overdress than under dress and look incompetent.
What to Ask During Networking Sessions?
While it may not seem this way, how you conduct yourself in these networking sessions can impact your career prospects. If you annoy an employee or say something outrageous they could remember you and actively work against you in your recruiting process.
It is important to avoid asking questions that are meant to showcase some positive element about you (ie how much you love math or how much you read the news). You should also avoid asking highly technical questions.
Another word of advice, please refrain from asking questions just to highlight your presence. One guy asked ridiculously stupid questions, trying to act smart by mentioning he reads the markets religiously, but the speaker (top PE guy) could see right through him, and I'm sure he won't be working there any time soon. Try to be as conservative as possible, and during the presentations, try to come up with actual questions you're interested in knowing. Also, try to sit in the second row.
User @Ballyho128" advised showing a genuine interest in their work:
I always say, show interest in what the presenter does. Even if their job function could not be more boring if they tried, show interest. They'll like you (people love it when other people show interest in them), and you'll learn a little something into the bargain. If you can nod knowingly if they mention an article in the WSJ, or can pull a few interesting tidbits to add to their discussion of their field showing you have an interest, so much the better.
It is important to be an active listener and try to ask questions in a conversation based on what the speaker just said - avoid having a mental list of robotic questions to ask.
If employee seems like they are trying to move on or end the conversation - respect that.
Always remember to ask for a business card!
What is an Employer Information Session?
For those new to the Wall Street networking scene, an information session is generally when bank or financial firm representatives come to target school campuses to introduce the firm to students and provide an opportunity for students to network with firm representatives. These usually happen ahead of completing first round interviews for candidates at the school.
Sometimes these events are open to all students and sometimes they are invite only.
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Sometimes they'll tell you what dress is. Best bet is to go with a jacket and take the jacket off if you're feeling overdressed; you don't want to look like the fool who is obviously a poseur and just walked in from his English seminar. Make sure you don't show up the folks there, but they'll typically be in suits.
I always say, show interest in what the presenter does. Even if their job function could not be more boring if they tried, show interest. They'll like you (people love it when other people show interest in them), and you'll learn a little something into the bargain. If you can nod knowingly if they mention an article in the WSJ, or can pull a few interesting tidbits to add to their discussion of their field showing you have an interest, so much the better.
I would STRONGLY urge you to wear business formal. I just attended my university's IB info session, and towards the end, the Senior Associate, and a VP at GS, specifically mentioned that they disliked the fact that some students didn't wear a suit. Again, it totally depends on the speakers preferences, but remember it's better to overdress than under dress and look incompetent.
Another word of advice, please refrain from asking questions just to highlight your presence. One guy asked ridiculously stupid questions, trying to act smart by mentioning he reads the markets religiously, but the speaker (top PE guy) could see right through him, and I'm sure he won't be working there any time soon. Try to be as conservative as possible, and during the presentations, try to come up with actual questions you're interested in knowing. Also, try to sit in the second row.
Seriously?
Ask about favorite sex positions.
LOL
Jesus, just ask stuff that you have a genuine interest in knowing. Ask, I have been reading a lot of the credit market "melt down" how has this effected your deal flow? What is your deal flow usually like? How did you pick your industry group, is it easy to change groups or locations..?
There are only two things that are important about info sessions. One is that you show up. The second is that you do not say anything stupid.
Its possible that maybe one or two candidates will really make a connection with someone and have a lightly higher chance of getting an interview. But even then, that is one out of a 100, and its basically the equivalent of adding 0.1 on to the GPA. If you can't think of questions, just listen. Much better not to risk pissing someone off.
I just went to a goldman info session and the attire ranged from suits to jeans. To be safe, I would go with the nicer side of business casual but it did not seem necessary to make the jump to formal.
info sessions are a waste of time
the people who are never going to make the cut are at the info session, theh people who are going to get the job are 1) at their extracurricular activities 2) building an orfanage in uganda 3) studying to maintain their 3.93 gpa 4) obsessing about the 1 B+ they got to fuck up their perfect 4.0
p.s.- my brother is like the #4 mentioned above...4.0 B.a, 4.0 JD...but not 4.00, 4.00.... this is talked to death...he could always round to a 4.0 but could never say straight A's...
p.s.s.- the people likely to get the job say 'my lines are as straight as my A's' (in reference to the cocaine they are doing, true story)
Most banks like to keep track of who comes to their informational sessions through sign in sheets. Whether it's an active decision or subconscious one, if a recruiter or resume-screener sees a particular name multiple times, they are more likely to pay it more attention than a name they only see once.
Regardless of how important GPA is, a perfect 4.0 is by no means a prerequisite for banking. In fact, I would guarantee you that perfect 4.00s or even 4.0s are in the minority in banking.
From the people I know in banking (which varies greatly from intern to associate, target to non-target, 3.5 to 3.94), the majority of people found the time to attend informational sessions at their school.
P.S. it's orphanage P.P.S. it's P.P.S.
We try to record who goes to our info sessions and it helps. Business casual is fine. I wouldn't go business formal, no one expects you to be in business formal (unless it is specifically requested).
Of course, whenever you put yourself in front of people you risk looking like a retard. I remember an info session I went to when I was in school and an eager to please student kept asking the guy questions like: "What are your plans to take advantage of the global economy, specifically China?" to which the guy (who was an analyst or associate) responded, "We're already in China ... and that isn't really the purpose of this info session." My point being, the rule "there are no stupid questions" does not apply in info sessions.
Been on several threads. This is the dress code i'm going with. Most people last year showed up in whatever college wear they were wearing that day. I'll take off my jacket if its awkward. Thanks.
Completely agree with wannabebanker. And -- anyone who types p.s.s clearly doesn't understand what they are typing. Not that it matters, but kinda funny in a post where he is going balls-to-the-wall or nothing.
IBD informational interview Questions (Originally Posted: 07/03/2011)
I have a number of informational interviews set up over the course of the next few weeks with some senior bankers so I was wondering: What are some great questions to ask during an informational interview? As is presently, I plan on asking about their career path, the corporate culture of their firm and how a student would position himself/herself as a competitive candidate during the interview process. I have a couple interviews over coffee arranged so I need 30 minutes worth of questions (so probably like 6 or 7 questions with some follow up questions/general improv chit chat). What are some good questions that are maybe a little outside the box in order to have these people remember me when I follow up? Is it appropriate to ask their general thoughts on certain ipo's that have occurred recently in their industry (ie linkedin)? Any help would be appreciated.
good question...would like to know this as well. and how do you approach them after for positions?
If you can't hold a 30 minute conversation with a senior banker you're fucked. The last "informational interview" aka "conversation" I had with a senior bank was supposed to be 30 minutes long. It ended up lasting an hour and 30 minutes.
Now to compensate for my douche bag tirade. Here you go:
Do you think I'm attractive? I can pitch or catch. Do you think these pants make my butt look big? Is it okay for employees to date one another? (wink) My dicks hard, want to see it?
YOUR WELCOME.
Ya, I've had hour and a half conversations with associates, but if a senior banker has an hour and a half to talk with some kid, he's probably pretty shitty at his job. You only have so much time to get a lot of information out of a banker and to make an impression at the same time. The idea of choosing questions carefully with some help/input from some smart people on this site isn't the worst thing to do. From the looks of it, you're from the "dirty south". Maybe its a "dirty south" thing but in the Northeast we think before we speak.
Use the search button, this question has already been answered before.
A bit of help: -Be humble -Try to make any connections as quick as possible -Always ask them Qs about their career, and ask for advice on what you can do to get into XYZ -If there
s a silence, just ask a Q, have 5-10 Qs just-incase there is silence (so how did your school help you get into XYZ, what made you start to like finance, why finance, what are your career goals, what are the exit opportunities in xyz field...) I just came up with these at the time of my head, but they are pretty standard questions if you are stumbed -Senior ppl are very easy to talk too, just listen and youll be fine -For God`s sake do not be late -Thank them at the end for the time, and ask for a favour at the end (reference, potential connection with someone else..) -TBH, people remember people man, your spending 30 minutes, what you need to do is follow-up as recruiting section comes up soonerGood luck
you should aim for 15-20 min convo, you don't want to run out of questions, save some for 1-3 follow up questions then you make your ask for an interview.
I'm curious, how do you manage to set up in-person meetings with bankers? What kind of times do you generally shoot for?
I've only had informational interviews over the phone so far because I feel like there's no way an extremely busy MD (sometimes it's taken days just to reach them on the phone) is going to meet a random kid like me just because we went to the same school.
Also, anyone who says "my lines are as straight as my A's" is a huge tool.
What to wear to informational interview? (Originally Posted: 06/23/2011)
I have an informational interview setup in two weeks with a banker in Atlanta. What should I be wearing? Is a suit and tie too much?
Atlanta is a little different. I suggest something like this: http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm7dqr2v7b1qce9rxo1_400.jpg
[quote=prospie]Atlanta is a little different. I suggest something like this: http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm7dqr2v7b1qce9rxo1_400.jpg[/quote]
LOL! Haha, but seriously-- for informational interviews, I'd treat it only a half step below formal ones-- wear the tie, lose the jacket.
I'd lose the tie as well. Lightly starched light blue dress shirt, black dress pants with some black johnston & murphy's. That's just me though, I hate ties.
http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2008/10/Douche%20Wal%20Mart.jpg
Hah, dude in the first pic probably went to U(sic)GA.
S&T? Crisp dress shirt and slacks
Banking? Add a tie
Thank you for the help. I think I will go with slacks, dress shirt, and tie.
Don't wear black dress pants.
Never ear a tie without a jacket.
Milirary PE guy has the right idea. Or you can just wear a navy suit, patterned shirt (see below) and no tie.
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Se…
Gotta wear a jacket with a tie... If you don't want to wear a jacket, I'd say go with navy pants and a white/light blue shirt. I'd rather wear the full suit, just me though.
Thank you for the help. Military_PE_Guy, would it mattered if I did not wear the blazer?
MD informational interview Questions? (Originally Posted: 07/16/2013)
Hey guys,
I've got an informational interview coming up this week with a MM MD in sales and trading and I don't know what to talk to him about.
Of course I'd love to leverage this into a possible internship down the road.
Any questions I should be asking?
Laffont's Career Advice
His advice: "The career advice I would have for people, is you need to do two things when you graduate. You need to do them both passionately. You need to do one thing passionately that is the obvious thing that you are supposed to do after you graduate (if you are in business, go to Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley). At the same time you do that, in my mind, you need to do one thing completely off the beaten path, but also passionately.”
If you're seeking an investment career, he strongly advocated going to the big investment banks for 2-3 years in a "competitive" environment because you'll get the training you need, you'll see if you have the passion for it, and you'll learn a lot.
On seizing the moment: "When someone opens a door for you.. and everyone in life will have a few times doors opened... you have to come to that meeting prepared to achieve one thing. For me, I knew I would speak with (Julian Robertson) for 1 minute, I went right for it (asking for a job)."
^ Lol, what?
I am so confused
cracking up hahaha
What should I ask during an informational interview? (Originally Posted: 07/26/2011)
I'm having an informational interview with an asset manager that has experience managing a large portfolio at a large bank. I currently work with him at my internship, which is at a large corporation's treasury department.
I'm not clueless on what to talk about. But, I thought you guys might have some good suggestions on good questions to ask that can reveal some useful knowledge.
Ask about their background. Always. Then ask questions you want to know the answer to
Surprised no one wrote "search" yet. You just need to steer the conversation the way D M said. Start by asking about their background in detail. Then talk a little bit about yours and why you are interested in the industry. Always look for points to show you aren't a robot. Try to connect on sports, music, movies, etc. Remember the key is to show you're smart and hard working, but most of all you want to be interesting so they remember who you are.
Also, Search.
questions to ask in informational interview (Originally Posted: 01/05/2013)
Hi everyone.
One of the alums I emailed said he could talk to me about his firm tomorrow over the phone. Do you guys know any good questions to ask during the phone call?
What was your path to where you are now? How to prepare to land whichever position you're applying? One greatest piece of advice? What do you need to be doing to get what you're trying to land? Is (your prospective route) still a good choice? I could rattle of dozens of these..
Questions to ask during an informational interview for someone who is not a student and not currently working in finance? (Originally Posted: 10/31/2013)
What questions would you ask? Feel free to put it in bullet point format.
If the person has a similar background to yours ( hes a CPA in addition to his position) ask," So I noticed your a CPA I am majoring in accounting, how do guys/ accountants like us get into IB or whatever industry you want to get into." not only does that show your interested in them but now you have categorized yourself and the person interviewed together as from the same thread. Also the WSO networking guide has a TON of stuff for these same exact situations. I suggest you get that, cause it has an abundance of knowledge that can help out your exact situation.
Depends on the level of seniority and what industry they're in... For IB some good starting points are:
• How much did you make last year? • How much will I make as an analyst? • What % of your analysts made it to megafunds last year? • Are Ferragamo's too bold for a summer intern?
You want to keep it casual
lmao
If you can try to start the conversation on a casual note - by asking how their day was or something easy. Then ask about their background. From there you should be trying to get this person to like you through showing appreciation and interest in the things they've done. You'll typically get an opportunity to talk about yourself and why you're interested. You should also be ready for questions to be thrown back your way as well. Also ask about what they do outside of work.
Advice on asking for referrals during informational interview (Originally Posted: 02/25/2016)
Hi guys,
I have a question about asking for referrals. One of my alumni refers me to his colleague and I have a phone call with him tonight. Is it OK to ask referrals from him? I was wondering if I could ask referrals from him since he was a referral from my alumnus. What if he refers me to another colleague in his group after the call tonight? Can I ask for referrals from that colleague?
I know it's a stupid question but any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Are you talking about internal referrals with your application? Never ask, if they want to help you they will offer. Don't make it awkward by asking for a favor from someone you just met.
Sorry for the confusion. I'm talking about asking him if he knows someone else who might be willing to speak with me.
What would you ask in an informational interview with someone that dinged you before? (Originally Posted: 08/19/2012)
I know about the search function. I used it, you don't have to tell me that.
I have an information interview with an MD that dinged me once before. I'm curious in such a unique situation what would you ask the person? I already have a few questions in mind.
Depending on how well you know each other, I would spin the discussion to be more about you. Be very candid with him and hope he reciprocates.
"What should I work on?" "How do I get from point A to point B"
Thanks for the late response. I have seriously contemplated the "What should I work on question?" have trepidation in regards to asking it and how to ask it. I already know the guy so little point in asking about him at this point.
I know you are a straight up guy and you won't bullshit me. Please tell me what I should work on to improve my chances with your group/firm/whatever?
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