Networking Advice for Breaking in from IB, Where to go from here? Help Appreciated

Hi guys, currently in an EB Tech banking IB program (Analyst 2) desperately trying to GTFO ASAP and into VC. Not interested in growth equity or PE (Although I get blasted for these opportunities 24/7 but no VC) 


I have done my best to network with various associates / juniors at VC funds. These calls go good, very casual and conversational. I have a decent-ish network now, having done a lot of calls, but I need advice on where to go from here. I assume I should probably not just blast my network saying "Please let me know if your firm is hiring", but does anyone know any casual / sort of discrete ways to do this? Or what has been effective follow-ups / ways to ask? 


I usually end my calls with if you were in my shoes trying to get into a seat like yours, what steps would you be taking right now, and I've gotten some helpful stuff on more networking, keeping an eye out on postings on various blogs, etc. So that question should definitely illustrate I am looking to work for them ASAP lol but wanted to hear others advice. Thanks guys. 

 

Hey there, fellow finance enthusiast! It sounds like you're already doing a great job with networking and making connections in the VC world. That's a big part of the battle, so kudos to you!

Now, as for your question on how to subtly hint that you're looking for opportunities, here's a little trick I've picked up from my time in the WSO jungle. Instead of directly asking if their firm is hiring, you could ask them about the typical hiring cycle in their company or the VC industry in general. This way, you're not only showing your interest but also gathering valuable information.

Another approach could be to ask for their advice on how to make the transition from IB to VC. This could lead to them offering to refer you if there are open positions in their firm.

Remember, the key is to be genuine and show that you're eager to learn and grow. And don't forget to follow up! A simple email thanking them for their time and advice can go a long way.

Lastly, don't get discouraged if things don't pan out immediately. The path to VC is often unstructured and requires patience and persistence. Keep learning, keep networking, and when the right opportunity comes along, you'll be ready to seize it.

Keep swinging from those branches, and you'll land on the right one soon!

Sources: Biotech finance: from IB to VC / HF to funded startup, Transitioning Veteran Advice Please, Quitting major Investment Bank in NYC after 2 months...?, Q&A - From Non-Target to VP at EB

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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