I was asked if I knew what the company does. I mentioned alpha factor research, only to be rewarded with a corporate monologue full of buzzwords like “innovative” and “cutting-edge,” as if that somehow clarified anything. The conversation went downhill from there: basic distinctions between investment banking divisions seemed to be breaking news, and a simple question about visa sponsorship turned into an impromptu immigration law seminar. After half an hour of circular talk and confusion, it became clear that curiosity and competence were both optional here.