Learning and Teaching Every Day

Wednesday, February 2, 2011: 
Today I had my first talk with Alex, one of my investment banking mentors. I found out that I was the #2/3 person out of all the people he interviewed, which I don't think is too bad. That just means I need to practice a little more and work on the tips he gave me, and I'll be bumped up to #1 for other interviews. He also gave some advice for my upcoming William Blair interview. 

Thursday, February 3, 2011:
Today, I found out that William Blair isn't doing phone interviews. It's a shame that the cover letter wasn't read, it could have saved time, but I wasn't about to give up right away. It was a big enough step getting my foot in the door to even get a spot originally (a spot that is usually for juniors). So, as soon as I heard the news, I contacted the people I knew at Blair and an alum of Blair, along with my other mentors (basically anyone who could have input to help). They said they'd try to get me a first interview. I understand that with a position like this, that there are so many qualified candidates and competition that they probably won't take the time seeking someone out that they cannot meet in person, but it's better than nothing and worth a shot.

Next, I went to all my classes and after class headed over to my Ju Jit Su professor's studio that's near my house to meet up and get to Quito to teach my class. When I got there, he was just starting a class and asked if I wanted to train, so obviously I said yes. I was happily surprised that I was submitting basically everyone in the class with the exception of the professor. They were all beginners too, but it boosted my confidence. After class, Daniel (my professor), drove me to Quito where I taught an hour long take-down class. It was interesting meeting more people that liked fighting in some form and wanted to know what I had to say. At the end of the class, I think we were all friends because they all thought it was a great class and very useful. I just taught basic level changes, creating an angle, and a single leg to take down. I'm thinking one move a week until they know 3 or 4, then teach series. I got paid $20 and made some friends. It was a success.