Hella

Though it’s been a few days since my trip to New York, I wanted to take some time to reflect on my first experience in the city. Just to rehash, I headed up there last Thursday for a recruiting event with Lehman Brothers at their office on 7th Avenue.

I headed out of my apartment around 2:30 so I’d arrive at 30th Street Station with plenty of time to board my 3:01 Amtrak train to NYC. I got there with plenty of time to spare, got in the queue, and boarded the train. The ride up there was quick enough and not really eventful.

As I arrived in 30th Street Station, I surveyed the signs and found where I wanted to go. I’d checked with a friend more familiar with the city before I left. In addition to giving me a quick overview of the subway system, he also told me exactly what I’d need to do to get to my destination. His instructions were right on and after I found the Number 1 Red Line, I boarded the subway and headed Uptown.

I only went two stops and got out on 50th Street. As I came out of the subway stairwell, I immediately saw the Lehman Building. I guess I got lucky in that it wasn’t hard to find at all. With about 10 minutes to spare, I strolled around the block to check out the city. I spotted the UBS building and what looked like Radio City something. I’m not sure if that was the real place because I had absolutely no idea what to look for. Anyhow, I stood in front of the Time and Life building for about 5 minutes and sent out a few text messages to let my friends know I got there OK. Then I headed down to Lehman.

At Lehman, I was greeted by the doorman who asked why I was entering the building. I told him I was there for an event and he instructed me to go to the desk. At the desk, I told them I was there for an event on the 32nd floor and I picked up my nametag. After putting my bag through the metal detector, I headed up the elevator to 32. I checked my bag and then went into the reception room.

I was the 2nd recruit there and the Lehman folks were starting to show up as well. I helped myself to a soda as I started interacting with the other recruits. I had several nice conversations and got to meet students from Stern, Cornell, and Columbia. I was the only one there from Wharton, but I was representing!

Midway through the reception, two senior managers spoke to us about the company. They were both pretty entertaining and dropped quite a few jokes. They had a lot of good things to say and I enjoyed the speeches. Usually speeches at these type things drag on but I guess the more intimate setting (maybe 25-30 people total) made it more interesting. This was definitely the best recruiting event so far. Though they had a lot of appetizers, I didn’t partake.

8:00 rolled around and I dismissed myself after thanking a few folks for having me. One of the Lehman guys helped me with directions back to the subway stop and I boarded the train and headed two stops back Downtown to 34th Street and Penn Station. Again I had no problems. On the subway, I met a family from Oklahoma and they were surprised to learn I was from Texas and it was my first time in the city. We had a good chat.

I sat around in Penn Station for about 20 minutes while I waited for my train to arrive. I boarded it and headed back to Philadelphia. Upon arrival, I headed outside over to the subway. On my way down the stairs, I had a bit of an accident. Well, it’d been raining and my dress shoes have wooden soles and don’t provide the best traction. I landed plum FLAT on my ass in front of a few people. I’m sure it must have been a sight to behold as I was wearing my suit and carrying a bag. It hurt like all hell but I was more scared than anything. I got up, dusted myself off, and headed to the blue line. I caught the train back, walked the last few blocks home, and then went out for a nice relaxing chocolate milkshake at Little Pete’s.

Overall my first impressions of New York are great. From what little I saw, I can picture myself living there for the summer and a while after. Now to just get that summer offer.

Filed under: B-School