What questions do you ask an executive in an informal meeting [as an MBA Intern]?

Question

There is an executive in my company that I schedule a meeting with tomorrow. The reason for my meeting is to 1) How he got to where he is 2) What advice would he have for me. I'm not a good conversationalist so I don't know how to exactly ask him these questions. Since it is informal, do I talk about football and stuff rather than just business? This is a wonderful company that I woul like to join full time after graduation next term. Please advise as to how I should go about this. Thanks in advance. - Michael

Answer 1

i'd certainly stick to business related conversation unless he strays from the topic. You are there to learn from this person, not to chat him up about sports. :)

ask him how he got his foot in the door initially. how about are there any other companies in this industry that he respects should you not be able to obtain permanent employment with your current company. can he recommend any supplemental courses to assist you in reaching your goals? finally, why not straight out asking him how you can join his team full time after school. Tell him how much you've enjoyed your time there, how much you believe in what he and the rest of the staff do, and how you know already that this company is the place for you.

Good luck.