During my internship, one of the VPs told me I need to be “more proactive,” but I’m not sure what that really means. I thought I was doing okay. Anyone been in a similar situation and turned things around?
Hey! totally get where you're coming from. "Be more proactive" can feel super vague, but from my experience it usually means you should think a step ahead: anticipating what the team might need, asking for work when things are slow, or even prepping drafts before you're asked. Don’t take it as a personal knock – lots of interns hear this. Best thing you can do now is reflect on when you waited vs. took initiative, and next time, show you're switched on and eager to help.
Hope this helps!
Hi there!
I completely second others' thoughts here.
When you receive feedback like “be more proactive,” it generally means taking more initiative. To improve, seek clarification from the VP or your manager on specific examples of how you could be more proactive. This might include anticipating tasks, suggesting improvements, or offering help without being asked. Being proactive also involves improving your time management and being efficient, so you’re always thinking one step ahead and ready to tackle the next task.
To demonstrate growth, regularly check in for feedback and reflect on your own performance. Take ownership of your responsibilities and show initiative by volunteering for additional tasks or offering solutions when challenges arise. Use the feedback as motivation to adjust your approach, and most importantly, demonstrate through actions that you are actively working to improve. By embracing this feedback and making adjustments, you’ll not only meet expectations but also showcase your ability to adapt and grow in a fast-paced environment like investment banking.
Best of luck!
Pretty much what Natalie said: Anticipate needs, don't wait around for instructions and show ownership of your work.
You can turn it around by asking thoughtful questions ("Would it help if I did X?" instead of "What should I do next?") and communicating with your team (give updates before they ask and flag issues early and offer help (e.g. formatting or QC) once you're done with your work).
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing you care and think like a full-time analyst. Small shifts can make a big impression.
Receiving feedback like “be more proactive” during an investment banking internship can feel vague, but it’s a chance to grow and demonstrate adaptability. In this context, proactivity often means anticipating team needs, taking initiative on tasks without being asked, and seeking ways to add value—such as volunteering for deal-related work, suggesting process improvements, or proactively clarifying unclear instructions. Reflect on specific moments: were you waiting for direction when you could’ve researched a client’s industry or double-checked a model? To turn it around, ask the VP for clarification in a constructive way, e.g., “Could you share an example of where I could’ve been more proactive?” This shows humility and a willingness to improve, key traits in IB’s high-pressure environment.
To recover, focus on small, visible actions: arrive early to prep pitchbook materials, offer to summarize market updates, or ask colleagues how you can support them. Track your contributions to discuss in future feedback sessions—e.g., “I streamlined a client deck, saving the team two hours.” If you’re aiming for a return offer, network with other team members to build advocates who can vouch for your growth. Many interns have turned vague feedback into success by showing quick adaptation; for instance, proactively managing a task list or seeking mentorship from analysts can demonstrate initiative. Stay resilient, keep a positive attitude, and use the feedback as a roadmap to stand out before the internship ends.
