When attending networking events or informational interviews with investment bankers, it can be tricky to know what good questions to ask. You want to make a good impression and show your interest in the industry, while also gaining valuable insights. Here are 4 effective questions to ask investment bankers during a networking interview:
Ask about their career path and biggest lessons learned
Most investment bankers are happy to share their own career journey and the key lessons they’ve learned along the way. You could ask something like: “Could you walk me through your career path and how you got to your current role?” This shows interest in their experience and can reveal the skills and competencies required to advance. Listen for transferable skills like communication, leadership, critical thinking. You can also ask what their biggest career lessons have been or what they know now that they wish they knew earlier. This provides perspectives on both hard and soft skills needed to succeed.
Inquire about details of a typical day or week
Getting a sense of a typical workday helps you understand the reality of the job. You could ask: “Could you walk me through what a typical day or week looks like in your role?” Listen for the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Also note the work style – is it very structured or flexible, solitary or collaborative? What do they spend the most or least time on? You’ll get insights into work/life balance as well. Knowing typical schedules and rhythms of the work will help you assess fit.
Ask for advice to prepare for recruitment
It’s appropriate to ask seasoned professionals for advice on preparing for recruitment. For example: “What skills or experiences do you think are most important for aspiring investment bankers to develop?” Or “What’s your best advice for standing out in the recruitment process?” They’ll likely point to technical skills like financial modeling and valuation. But also listen for soft skills like communication, resilience, teamwork. Take notes so you can strengthen your profile in those areas. You might also ask how best to research firms and practice case interviews.
Inquire about industry trends and future opportunities
Getting their insights on industry trends allows you to demonstrate commercial awareness. You could ask: “What major trends or developments in the industry most excite or concern you?” Or “Where do you see the greatest opportunities or innovations in the next 5-10 years?” Listen for how macro conditions and emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, ESG are transforming roles. This shows you’re looking ahead and thinking big picture about where the industry is going. It will spur ideas about how to position yourself for future opportunities.
Asking thoughtful questions at networking events is crucial for learning from investment bankers’ experience. Inquire about career journeys, typical workdays, recruitment preparation, and industry trends. This provides valuable insights while demonstrating your genuine interest.