17 Thoughtful Questions To Ask JR & SR Bankers During IB Summer Internship Networking

“So….How does your wife feel about your work-life balance being a banker for the past 20yr?”

Networking was my favorite part of my IB internship last summer.

The nerves before chatting with the intimidating MD rain-makers were real. I wanted more than anything to make a good impression.

I’m no pro, but figured I’d share the questions that sparked the most insightful convos for me.


My Goals for JR vs. SR convos:

  • SR bankers - High-level career & role advice. Firm perspective can’t find online
  • JR bankers - Tactical advice for analyst/intern role, group placement, professional dev.

SR Banker Questions

  • Background / Career Journey / Firm Questions
    • How figured out vertical to focus on & when JRs should start thinking about specializing
    • What excites them most about banking & has kept them in in for so long
    • How roles & responsibilities evolved while climbing ranks & challenges each new position
    • Thoughts on MBA (if they have one) and if worth it in this day & age
    • Vision for where they think firm / group will grow near future
  • High-Level Advice
    • Most important traits that allowed them to keep climbing ranks & get promoted
    • What makes BEST JR bankers stand out from the GOOD
    • How to make the most of the short summer internship / where to focus
    • If they have had any career mentors & best advice for finding one

JR Banker Questions

  • Their Experience
    • How group placement & staffing works
    • Types of deals they get exposure to & which people / types of projects they like most
    • Heard that it takes 6 months to get up to speed - any advice on how to accelerate that
  • Tactical Advice / Firm Logistics
    • What annoys them most about interns & how to build trust of bankers during internship
    • Best pieces of advice for securing return offer
    • How to approach the final project
  • Professional Development
    • If have mentors / SR bankers they gravitate towards & how to cultivate that relationship
    • Tips managing personal life transitioning from college lifestyle to banking schedule

Would love to see what others have to add to this.

 

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