Hey everyone,
My last few questions got tremendous answers (especially by @SSits" and @DickFuld" ) so I figured I'd ask for advice again. My IBD internship at a BB in continental Europe will come to an end in about a month and a half (started in february). I am attending a 2 years masters programme at a top target in the UK afterwards (LSE/Oxbridge), and not 100% sure if I want to stay in banking/finance.
I have worked quite closely with the associates here, as it is a small division (10~ people) and I sit in the same office as them. I also chased tail with one of the associates, so we're on good terms. At least half of my assignments comes from one of the VP's directly, the rest from the associates. I get along well with everyone from the secretary to the MD, so I wonder who to ask for a letter of recommendation. I am guessing that the associates' letters would like even more enthusiastic, and I would have more input in the writing process "could you write XYZ?". However, the VP's or the MD obviously has a more senior position, which may also count for something. I expect their letters to be quite warm as well.
In conclusion, who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation?
For those interested, this is the thread in which SSits gave his great advice: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/who-to-ask-for-work
and this is the thread in which DickFuld and mezzaninestrat gave me a stern but fair talking to: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/need-help-choosing-between-intern…
What do you need a letter of recommendation for?
I will be studying for two more years at the masters programme. At the BB they said that they will not offer me a job offer without a masters. I think a lot can change in two years, and I am not 100% sure if I want to start my professional career in continental europe instead of say London/the US, so a letter of recommendation will allow me to secure future opportunities.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't collect letters of recommendation in case I need them later. My advice would be to stay in touch with the people and then ask if/when you actually need the letters. Additionally, this can help the author customize is or her letter for the role you're actually seeking.
Hmm. That's interesting. I figured that as I'm still fresh on their minds, I should try to "secure" their recommendation now. The views in this thread are pretty unanimous though - I'll ask them for a recommendation when I apply for internships in a few months. It is not considered to be rude to ask for recommendations for PE firms/MBB/other banks from your old bank? I would hate to cause offense.
As @DickFuld said, you probably don't even need to ask. Just give them a heads up on what you're doing and maybe ask if you can list them as a reference in case the new gig calls. Some places do, some places don't.
The only time I've asked for actual letters of recommendation is when I applied to grad school. Time isn't a factor either. Maybe that changes person to person, but I'd argue that my recommendations got better over time.
I agree with CRE. If you want, you can ask them to write you a recommendation on LinkedIn but I wouldn't just ask for a letter of rec to hold onto.
Letter of Recommendation - Prestige vs. Content (Originally Posted: 10/27/2015)
I'm applying to jobs out of undergrad now and previously did a summer internship at a large Hedge Fund (think Bluecrest or Soros) and received a recommendation letter which was a little more conservative and short (probably due to the nature of the business).
My question is would you send in that one to potential employers due to the prestige of the firm or a letter with more praise and content but from a much smaller firm.
Thanks a lot in advance
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