One VP says I’m doing well, but another told me I need to step up. How should I handle the mixed feedback during my IB internship?

Hey,
Getting mixed feedback during an IB internship is completely normal. Different VPs tend to value different things, so it's not unusual at all.

Rather than comparing what each VP said, I’d suggest following up directly with the one who told you to step up. Ask in a calm and open way if they can clarify what areas they think you should focus on. For example:
"Thanks for the feedback. I really want to improve. Are there specific areas where you'd like to see more from me?"

It’s best not to bring up that someone else said you’re doing well, that can come across as defensive. And even when things are going well, there’s always room to grow. That’s exactly what internships are for.

Asking for specifics and showing you're eager to learn makes a strong impression. It signals maturity and coachability, which matter just as much as technical skills.

You're already on the right track by taking the feedback seriously.

Rita

Great that you’re getting feedback! That’s actually a sign people are invested in your growth.

In IB, part of the challenge isn’t just doing good work, it’s learning how to manage multiple stakeholders with different expectations. So if one VP says you’re doing well and another wants more, see that as a chance to calibrate and adapt your style.

I’d recommend treating the “step up” comment as a prompt to clarify what they specifically care about (speed? attention to detail? initiative?) and then try to incorporate that without neglecting what’s already working.

Ultimately, being able to take varied feedback and adjust on the fly is exactly what analysts need to succeed. If you approach it that way, you’ll stand out.

Oh, that's a tough spot to be in during your internship! It's definitely not uncommon to get different feedback from different people, but it can feel confusing and a bit disheartening.
My advice would be to chat with each of them separately. For the one who said you're doing well, try to get specific examples of what you nailed. That helps you know what to keep doing. Then, with the other VP, ask for really clear, concrete examples of what they'd like to see you improve. Don't be afraid to ask for suggestions on how to "step up."Understanding both perspectives will help you figure out how to navigate things. It's all part of learning the ropes! What kind of feedback did they give you specifically?

Hi,

Getting mixed feedback like that can definitely feel confusing, but it’s also a chance to grow. I’d recommend taking both perspectives seriously without letting either define you entirely. Try to understand specifically what the VP who said you need to “step up” means are there particular skills or behaviors they expect more of? It might help to have a candid conversation with them to clarify expectations and ask for actionable advice.

At the same time, recognize what you’re doing well from the other VP’s feedback and keep building on those strengths. Balancing both views shows you’re open to learning and adaptable, which is exactly what IB teams value. Ultimately, using the feedback as fuel to improve rather than letting it discourage you will help you make the most of your internship experience.

Hi There!

Mixed feedback during an investment banking internship is more common than it seems, and it’s important to approach it with maturity and curiosity rather than frustration. Start by reflecting on the specific feedback you received — what the VP who asked you to “step up” might have seen differently. Were there moments where you could have been more proactive, more detail-oriented, or quicker to follow up? Use that as a chance to course-correct and show responsiveness.

At the same time, don’t ignore the positive feedback either. It’s a good sign that at least one senior is noticing your strengths. Consider asking both VPs for quick check-ins. Thank them for their feedback, and ask for specific examples so you know exactly how to improve. This shows professionalism, self-awareness, and willingness to grow — qualities that often matter just as much as technical performance. Balancing different expectations is part of the job, and the way you respond will leave a lasting impression.