What would you do if you were sitting next to a BB senior banker on an airplane?
I’m a student at one of those non-target schools in NY. As the semester was over, I flew back home to see my family. On my first flight, I sat next to this mid-aged gentleman who dressed in a full suit. I didn’t pay attention to him until my eyes caught “Goldman Sachs,” “JP Morgan,” “Barclays,” and “Bank of America Merrill Lynch” on those papers that he was reading and note-taking the whole time. From my past experiences, I immediately knew that these are research reports. I turned over and talked to him. It was a short conversation but I found out that he works for one of those BBs – IBD.
I would have kept the conversation longer if he didn’t seem so busy with reading and note-taking these research reports. At least I introduced myself and he also introduced his first name in return. Before he left the airplane, he said “good luck!” Did I screw it up? I didn’t get anything out of it because I didn’t want to disturb him. What’s your opinions? What would you do if you were me?
if he was sitting in coach then he isn't a rain maker anyways
He was flying commercial.. that was the first give away!
Try and ask for a card next time. Say something along the lines of, I'm interested in the field and learning more, would you have 15 minutes over the next week or two for an informational call?
I've actually met several contacts whom I regret not keeping in touch with after I got their cards.
I was thinking of the card but I had no idea how to ask. Thanks man!
It was a small plane, like a jet (for short flying route). There is only one class.
I had a similar situation on the LIRR. I didn't get to talk to him though because he was on his cellphone talking up how to divvy up the bonus pool the whole time. He was also pissed off because he had to leave work on a weekday because his house in the Hamptons got flooded and I happened to be dressed like a homeless person that day. It was probably best to not say anything given the circumstances.
So how you dress normally?
When I roll out of bed hungover and I have nothing important to be dressed up for... yes.
Tell him about my time at the OWS rallies for the entire flight
You have to go for "the ask". Phrase it however you want but you need to get his contact info. You're a kid trying to break into finance and suddenly find yourself sat next to someone that has the power to help you. He knows exactly what you're thinking and how nervous you are and there's no hiding it. Just ask.
what I'd do is do it at the end of the flight unless he/she says something during the flight that gives you an opening. that way, you're not disturbing the work/sleep and you can always bail if it gets awkward.
I'd say something like: I couldn't help but noticing what you were reading had names like JPM bac bcs etc, what do you do? if it's something you're interested in, ask if they're local. if yes, ask for a meeting over coffee, if no, ask if you can have their card & call them if you're ever in their area.
That is a good idea
Basically hope that he doesn't breath too loud.
The first time I went home for Thanksgiving I sat next to this guy in a suit (no tie) and his wife, and if I remember correctly his children were across the aisle. I was wearing thw sweatshirt of my school (target) and randomly opened up a conversation with "headed back home for the weekend?" I politely spoke back and we got into a short exchange of basic info (what year I was in, which city I live in, what I was studying, etc.)
In hindsight I should have asked him what he did, considering the city he said he lived/worked in. Something about his demeanor seemed very Wall Street/finance.
Two thoughts you should keep in mind every time you talk to someone: What do you have to lose? You miss 100% of the shots you don't take
I would kill myself because that would mean I would have to be flying commercial.
I'd spit on my palms and get to work. Only one way to get ahead in this game.
So not a networking story, but one of my co-workers got fired (not laid off, shit canned) from my bank. A year or two later he was on a flight and when he looked over he saw his old MD sitting in the seat next to him. Easily his most awkward flight ever.
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