Mom is friends with an MD from GS... how do I approach this?
I am a freshman at a semi-target. My mom is friends with an MD at GS and she told him im pursuing a career in IB. He gave me his email and told me to reach out to him.
I realize he can’t instantly get me a job or internship. I just don’t know how to approach this email. I obviously want to introduce myself, and learn from him. But I have no idea what to say or do. Thanks so much.
“Friends”
get your mum to bang him. Blackmail him by threatening to tell his wife. FT secured.
A great contact to utilize. You should first email him introducing yourself, and asking to set up an introductory call / meeting. Tell him that you have interest in the industry and would look forward to learning more from him, as he has extensive expertise and experience.
Over the next few years maintain a connection with him, reaching out approx. every 3 months to keep the relationship fresh. Try to set up lunches, golfing, fishing (any hobby that you both like) and get to know each other on personal level. If he likes you, by the time you need internships and full-time opportunities, I'm sure he will do what he can to help.
Best of luck with this.
Getting some Forest Gump vibes here.
"Is there a... Mr. AdderallMonkey?"
Dude, he is banging your mom, the least you could do is ask him for a favor...
A lot of good points mentioned above but I like action points so here are a few things that I would suggest:
If he is really close with your mom, be direct with him. If you want to be in M&A, and that is your preference, just be frank with it. And also check which business unit he is in, let's say he is in ECM or Principal Investment Group, don't ask him to refer to M&A since you are more likely to be placed into a group that he is working with. The unit that he is working at should be your first choice, only then move to whatever unit you want.
Be specific in your requests. If you are already good with technical, ask him to refer you to meet with people who are involved in recruiting or specific units that you want so that you are on their radar when the time comes. And once again, double check which units he is close with and that he is reachable. Again if he is close to M&A desk's MD and there is an opening, ask for that. Don't ask for cross-boarder China M&A when there is no such desk and also he doesn't have any relationship there.
If you feel that it is stuck and no going anywhere at GS, focus on a sector - let's say Consumer. Then ask him to refer you to people at other banks who are covering consumer - be it a coverage desk, M&A, industry desk, research.
If he is one of those, I don't like you to use my connections to get you a job directly then use all of his time to help you craft resume, practice interviews and also make case studies that you can use for your future interviews. Used to have a mentor at PwC who was like that.
Pic of said mom?