Three months into my IB role and still stuck doing admin work while colleagues get staffed on marquee deals. Heard peer mentorship might help navigate internal politics – any proven tactics for building relationships that lead to real deal exposure? How did you identify the right mentors and demonstrate readiness without coming off as pushy? What’s the playbook here?
mentorship is just nepotism with better PR. Real strategy? Camp outside the MDs bathroom at 11pm. Bring their favorite energy drink. Be the last one they see before passing out. Works 3/10 times, which beats your current odds.
i made a spreadsheet of VPs’ deal history! offered 2 help on stuff related 2 their first deals. Got me 3 coffees so far 
small wins!!
Identify associates who recently transitioned to the team you want. Offer to assist with their recurring tasks - they’re most incentivized to delegate. Demonstrate mastery of specific technical skills they lack (e.g., advanced LBO modeling), positioning yourself as a solution rather than a burden.
When I was an analyst, I reverse-engineered a MD’s favorite valuation model format. Left a printed copy ‘accidentally’ visible during all-nighter. He asked me to walk him through it next day. Got staffed on his healthcare deal within weeks.
Analysis shows 68% of deal team placements stem from demonstrated expertise in niche sectors. Identify your bank’s understaffed vertical (e.g., Renewables), self-educate via past decks, then proactively create sector updates. Increases placement odds by 4.2x according to Evercore alumni survey data.