Hey fellow Monkeys! I am an incoming SA this summer at one of the EB (Think PJT/EVR/LAZ). I am wondering if there’s any tips for getting the return offer? I’m recently very terrified of the ideas of not getting an return offer, especially I am an international student so there might be some cultural barriers. I am wondering if anyone could share some tips/stories for securing the return offer. Thank you so much!
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Here are 4 things I noticed that resulted in people from my intern class not getting returns
1. Cockyness: You're an intern and even if you're the most prepared intern of all time you still know very little. Please be humble, it comes across as extremely cringe if an intern is a know-it-all.
2. Professionalism: There is always someone who gets cut because they can't control themselves at an event with drinks. Events with drinking can be legitimate tests to see if you can be trusted in social settings. Either limit your drinking or understand how you act with 3+ drinks in your system. During my internship, I was in a situation where bonuses were given out and a lot of people from the group went out for drinks, and multiple rounds of drinks were bought for the interns. Some of the interns refused (smart: because they understood their tolerance), some of the interns accepted (smart: handled the alcohol well), and some of the interns accepted and got hammered (stupid: acted unprofessional)
3. Obvious Questions: They always tell you to "ask lots of questions" but don't ask stupid questions that are easily Googleable. If your mentor during the internship is slammed with work please don't go up and ask them what the Excel shortcut is to remove gridlines.
4. Unrelatable: One example I've seen of this is where the analysts who are mentors are super busy and are frustrated with their jobs at the moment, and the interns are all giddy about doing lots of work. If your analyst is hating their job, don't act like staying up till 2 am turning comments is the most fun thing in the world. Know when to express interest/passion for the job and know when to relate to burnt-out/frustrated co-workers. If my intern is alongside me with the attitude of 'this is brutal but I'm here to help get this work done' at 2 am, I would be stoked. If my intern is alongside me with the attitude of 'Boy I'm so excited to be here at 2 am moving logos! I love this job!!', I am probably going to dislike them.
Thank you so much for sharing!! Sincerely appreciate such an information.
Hey there! Navigating an SA position, especially at a prestigious EB like PJT, EVR, or LAZ, can indeed be daunting, but with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances of securing that coveted return offer. Here are some tips that have been highlighted in the WSO forums and discussions:
Excel in Your Work: This goes without saying, but your primary focus should be on delivering high-quality work consistently. Make sure you're thorough with your tasks, double-check your work for errors, and always aim to exceed expectations.
Be Proactive: Don't wait for work to come to you. Show initiative by asking for more responsibilities, offering help to your team, and always looking for ways to contribute more. This demonstrates your eagerness and commitment to the role.
Learn and Adapt Quickly: Given that you're concerned about not being an Excel/modeling guru, take this time to brush up on those skills. Utilize resources like WSO's financial modeling courses or the Excel resources available on the site. Showing improvement and a willingness to learn can make a big difference.
Network Internally: Build relationships within your team and across other departments. Networking isn't just for securing a position; it's also about building a support system within the firm that can vouch for your work ethic and fit within the company culture.
Understand the Culture: As an international student, take the time to observe and understand the firm's culture. Adapt to it while also bringing your unique perspective to the table. This can help you navigate potential cultural barriers more effectively.
Seek Feedback Regularly: Don't wait for formal reviews to find out how you're doing. Ask for feedback from your supervisors and peers regularly and use it constructively to improve your performance.
Stay Positive and Professional: The hours can be long and the work demanding, but maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor throughout your internship can set you apart.
Remember, securing a return offer is not just about hard skills but also about fitting in with the firm's culture and demonstrating your potential as a valuable long-term asset. Good luck, and make the most of your summer analyst experience!
Sources: My Advice for International Students in the US (F-1 Visa, OPT, CPT, H-1B), International students, non-diversity at target schools, how was/is your IB/PE recruiting process?, Intern Return Offer Rate, Advice for summer and return offer rate?, Tips to a SA for a Return Offer
U have to be really bad to not get a return from EBs tbh. Dont stress and don't act like a dickhead and u should be good
Is this really true?
yeah they hire to convert
yes they try to convert 100% of their class each year, unlike JPM/MS/literally any MM who are quick to drop you if they aren’t feeling the market
Depends on location
thank you so much for this info! I will definitely do my best during the summer
Which team are you joining at the EB. Is it generalist M&A, RX, or something else?
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Literally just be likable, do your job and be coachable. Don’t stress out about it, you’ll be fine
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