<p>I have a scheduled chat tomorrow afternoon over the phone with a VP in M&A at a major bank (no joke, sort of a family connection, but have never talked to or met this person before and we're not related). It will be short because he is a very busy person, but what should I ask/talk about in those 5-10 minutes? Future of the industry sounds so bland. Keep in mind that my overall goal is to ask for an internship opportunity (but not during our first phone conversation).</p>
<p>Just ask, he’ll be expecting it. The way to put it is: how should I go about finding an internship. If he wants to or can help, he will then say so.</p>
<p>You are right on to not go directly for the payload - as in do not immediately ask for an internship opportunity or a resume review. Instead, ask him his opinion on what he looks for in quality analysts, what types of mistakes interns typically make (and how to avoid them), what he thinks the best channels to go through would be - in other words, if you don’ t go to a Target what other channels are there to go through besides the resume drop - anyone else he would recommend reaching out to, etc. This last question (regardless of phrasing) also begins to (or does) open the door to your banker offering some help or at least additional contacts. </p>
<p>Also, remember to be relaxed and be yourself - this is a good opportunity, so try to have a bit of fun with it and make the most of it. Finally, send the thank you letter within a day of touching base and feel free to include a follow-up question to keep the convo going.</p>