This process is insane! It is the first full week of classes. I’ve been to seven presentations so far. Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, Bank of America… It all starts to run together and sound almost identical. I feel almost like I’m in autopilot. “I would love to work at (fill in the blank). I know that the recruiters must be tired of hearing the same inane questions constantly. The food selection is usually pretty good, though you’re only supposed to eat if you don’t plan on working at the company giving the presentation. Most people naively go for the drinks, and think it makes them look more “banker” to walk around with Scotch. It’s all very entertaining!
In between presentations I actually attend classes, though studying has been kept to an absolute minimum (out of necessity). I have no memory of boredom. I look into my planner constantly because I have no idea where I am supposed to be, but I know that I’m late. At any one time, I have three company presentations to choose from, two group meetings to attend, and lots of reading to catch up on. I got lucky and avoided any cold calls this week, because it would have been pitifully obvious how comprehensive my reading was.
I was the Student Ambassador at the CSFB Presentation last night. I was offered the opportunity to escort the CEO, Brady Dougan, out to his car. I spent the entirety of his talk trying to think of what I could say that wouldn’t make me look like the peon I am. Just when I started to break out in hives, he left, unescorted. I was too relieved to be disappointed. What was supposed to be a two hour time commitment ended four hours later with me carrying boxes of pamphlets from the Quad Club back to Hyde Park Center. Is this really helping me to get to know recruiters?
I pledged my $400 for club memberships. I’m now a member of the Investment Banking Group, the Investment management Group, the Management Consulting Group, the African American MBA Association, and the Chicago Women in Business. I figured I would cover all bases, and then I should be able to attend any and every event on campus for free. Who knows how I’ll feel next year…