Interview Assessment #3 

Student: ​Maansi Chodavarapu 

Name of Person Interviewed:​ Mr. M 

Profession:​ Investment Banker 

Date of Interview:​ Wednesday, October 24, 2018 

Time:​ 3:30 p.m. 

Analysis: 

This was the first time that I was more excited than nervous for an interview! I 

think that I finally hit the point in my ISM journey that I feel relatively comfortable in a 

professional setting. This was especially important for this meeting because Mr. M 

seemed like a potential mentor for me, given his extensive experience in the 

Investment Banking field. When I walked into his office building, it was peaceful and 

welcoming, calming any lingering nerves. The interview with Mr. M was informative 

and not pressuring, which eased communication. Most notably, Mr. M talked about his 

entry into Investment Banking, described how the career changed his personality, and 

gave me valuable advice. 

Mr. M’s entry into Investment Banking was really unusual. He got a degree in 

Finance and then became a Financial Advisor. One day, his friend seeked his help to 

sell his laundromat. Through this process, Mr. M realized that he enjoyed Mergers and 

Acquisitions and decided to become an Investment Banker. Because he had prior 

financial experience, Mr. M was directly hired as a Director instead of an Analyst. Mr. 
M’s switch in careers shows the flexibility in the Financial field, which was relieving to 

me because I wanted to make sure that my job selection could be changed, given the 

wide range of opportunities offered with a degree in Finance.   

After moving into Investment Banking, Mr. M was a Director for over twenty 

years. According to him, time and experience in the field has actually changed his 

personality to be less patient and have better judgement. This was different insight 

than what I received from Mr. R, who said that he became a better listener. Mr. M 

explained that his experience has taught him to better differentiate those who are 

genuine with their commitment to sell or buy from those not as genuine. This trait 

allows him to better utilize his time and not waste time with the uncommitted - making 

him less patient. He also explained that his business personality differs from his actual 

personality at home, as he is more patient with family and friends, making sure that 

his personal relationships are not harmed. This information made me feel more 

confident about Investment Banking as a future. From what I understand, Investment 

Banking is a demanding career and requires a certain facade to be successful. I was 

initially worried that the stern and demanding personality required in the field would 

destroy my family life. But Mr. M’s balance between the two lives shows that one can 

adjust their personalities based on the environment. 

In addition to describing changes in his personality, Mr. M gave me valuable 

advice that applies to every career. He told me to never be afraid to ask for help. Most 

of the time, people who have a question or are stuck with an issue decide not to ask 

their colleagues for help, because they fear that it demeans them in their colleagues’ 
eyes. Mr. M explained that most people are actually happy to help because it gives 

them a sense of fulfillment. He also said that he likes people who ask for help because 

they demonstrate humility and lack of ego. This advice really struck a chord with me 

because I often fear to ask questions, since I feel like a burden to my teachers. After the 

interview, I have been asking my questions more openly because it allows me to 

complete my work with full clarity. 

Interviewing Mr. M gave me insight into the start of his Investment Banking, 

how the career changed his personality, and valuable advice applicable to all careers. 

Although Mr. M was nice and knowledgeable about my topic of study, I do not see him 

as a potential mentor anymore. His body language and interest levels during the 

meeting gave off a vibe of disinterest. In addition, I could not hold a proper 

conversation with him unlike Mr. R, as the meeting progressed as a series of questions. 

When talking about his career, he explained to me about how he works from home and 

travels frequently, which would make a mentorship inconvenient. I genuinely 

appreciated my interview with him, but I do not see him as a potential mentor 

anymore. Besides mentorship, I realized that I should try to find interviews with 

Investment Banker Analysts as they hold the entry level jobs, work the longest hours, 

and face the most stress. Starting as an Analyst would result in a traditional career 

progression, which both Mr. R and Mr. M did not have. Overall, this interview was 

really informational and gave me more insight into the field.