Etiquette at investment banking milkround events

Getting into investment banking is tough and only the tenacious succeed. Therefore, milkround networking events are a chance to get a leg up, even if that means being less than gracious towards your fellow students.

Am I right? Um, no. As this e-mail leaked from Columbia Business School on Wall Street blog Dealbreaker shows, employing overly aggressive tactics towards potential employers at networking events is, well, embarrassing.

Students at Columbia have "already managed to become notorious for their willingness to elbow their peers out of the circle around senior bankers and virtually attack the bankers with questions, thus preventing other students from networking and participating in the conversation".

Not a good image to present of yourself and, what's more, it's not even very affective, because "such behavior shows that you are aggressive and non-collegial, and therefore not a pleasant person to work 100-hour weeks with".

Columbia was so shamed by this behaviour, that it's produced a (long) list of 'milkround etiquette', which it is demanding its students follow.

Here it is (burn it into your memory banks):

"· If you see a classmate standing behind you, step aside and let them in the circle around the banker - it shows team work.

· Ask a couple of questions and then move on or remain silent and let your classmates interact as well.

· If there are 6-7 students around 1 banker, you do not want to ask more than one or two questions.

· If there are 2-3 students you can ask a few more questions if you feel you are bonding well, but always be considerate toward your classmates - use your best judgment.

· If you feel you have spend a good 15-20 minutes with one banker, it is ok to excuse yourself politely and ask for a business card.

· If the banker has run out of business cards and you have one, offer to share with your classmates.

· Remember that these events are also meant to screen for those who can one day win business from clients - treat the recruiters the way you would treat a multi-billion dollar client.

· Do not monopolize recruiter's time - especially the senior bankers. Talk to the junior bankers as well - they often are take the first stab at drafting invite only lists.

· Do not be fake and superficial in your attempt to shine - bankers interact with tens of people on a daily basis and can easily spot fake from genuine behavior.

· Do not overwhelm bankers with questions when they are taking a small break (i.e. chewing food) - remember they are also human beings and have had a very long day at work.

· Do not get drunk or gobble down food in front of bankers no matter how hungry and tired you are.

· Do not be intimidated to let your personality shine - being stuck-up is never a good strategy - be pleasant, be fun, smile, and stay professional."