Finally got a connection... now need tips.

So, through a family member I finally got some sort of viable connection with a banker. My cousin's friend is MD at a major BB and has agreed to speak with me if i need any help. What's the best way to show my interest in IB and securing a possible SA position with his bank? How often should I send e-mails or keep in touch before/during recruiting season?

If anyone else was in a similar situation and got a SA or FT position our of it I'd love to hear about it and any tips & tricks for me would be awesome!

 

ask him directly for a possible job since he's sincere in helping you out. is this guy in your city? if not, call him instead of email. send emails at least once a week to show your persistence. recruiting season starts in feb. so send at least 4 emails in jan.

 

The best way to show interest is to know all the basics and then do some research on the bank. Look up some recent deals and learn about them and also see if you can get some information on the person's background. Definitely try to meet up in person so he can actually get to know you and will feel comfortable helping you out. Remember you have to show that you are willing to work hard and that you are both smart and personable. Also use your cousin to get some feedback if they are good friends. I think just stay in touch regularly and try to form some semblance of a friendship so don't only talk about work but actually get to know the guy. Good luck man.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it.

I used Bloomberg to pull up all the recent deals and find out more about the banker's background... found his industry, where he's worked and school etc. I'm about to send him an e-mail thanking him for agreeing to speak with me, tell him a little about myself and my intentions to get a SA position. Also, asked if we could talk over the phone or in person (might be hard though because we're 4000km apart lol).

I prepared some questions regarding his background, bank and deals. Any questions you guys recommend that are not work related? like FlySoHigh said, to develop a more personal and friendly relationship rather than just strictly business?

 

Hey guys, I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am in a similar situation. I have a few contacts who are the only (front office) alumni at their respective banks. I already talked to them this past summer, so should I try and get them to introduce me to other people at their firm to show my interest or should I just work through them? And when is the best time to try and push my resume through? If I do it too early will they forget and just leave it on their desktops? This is for an SA btw.

 
drstrangelove:
Hey guys, I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am in a similar situation. I have a few contacts who are the only (front office) alumni at their respective banks. I already talked to them this past summer, so should I try and get them to introduce me to other people at their firm to show my interest or should I just work through them? And when is the best time to try and push my resume through? If I do it too early will they forget and just leave it on their desktops? This is for an SA btw.
What did you talk to them about? Have you stayed in touch with them? The best time is right before and during recruiting season. Give me a little more info and I’ll try to give you some advice.
 
FlySoHigh:
drstrangelove:
Hey guys, I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am in a similar situation. I have a few contacts who are the only (front office) alumni at their respective banks. I already talked to them this past summer, so should I try and get them to introduce me to other people at their firm to show my interest or should I just work through them? And when is the best time to try and push my resume through? If I do it too early will they forget and just leave it on their desktops? This is for an SA btw.
What did you talk to them about? Have you stayed in touch with them? The best time is right before and during recruiting season. Give me a little more info and I’ll try to give you some advice.

I basically had an informational interview with all of them. It was mostly about what they did but I always included a "What can I do to position myself best for an internship at this firm" question. For the guys I talked to in NY, I told them I was coming down for a weekend networking trip and they agreed to meet me, so I'm going to do that within the next few months, so I guess I can get a better feel for them then.

But also some of my contacts are in London and theres really no feasible way for me to make it out there to see them in person but I'd love a job in London. Should I schedule another call to talk about the recruiting process and made my intentions clear?

edit: I'll be honest, I kind of fucked up in terms of keeping in contact. I sent a thank you email after I am done and I usually stop it there because I don't want to pester these guys. I talked to them this past summer, but I'll try and meet the ones I can in person and talk to the ones I can over the phone.

 
Best Response

I would wait until you talk on the phone or meet in person to develop the relationship a bit further. Don't say in your first email "Whats your favorite sports team". In my experience the email is usually just to set up the call and for follow ups. The main "getting to know you" part of networking occurs over the phone and if possible in person.

Once your on the call introduce yourself and mention your interests. He will usually take interest in one of them and you guys can talk about it a little bit and that kind of gets things going. You actually have a mutual friend in your cousin so you could talk about something related to him too. The most common connection point, at least for me, was just talking about sports. Just ask him about his background and what he likes to do away from work. If you've done a study abroad or traveling on your own that usually is a good talking point too.

 
FlySoHigh:
I would wait until you talk on the phone or meet in person to develop the relationship a bit further. Don't say in your first email "Whats your favorite sports team". In my experience the email is usually just to set up the call and for follow ups. The main "getting to know you" part of networking occurs over the phone and if possible in person.

Once your on the call introduce yourself and mention your interests. He will usually take interest in one of them and you guys can talk about it a little bit and that kind of gets things going. You actually have a mutual friend in your cousin so you could talk about something related to him too. The most common connection point, at least for me, was just talking about sports. Just ask him about his background and what he likes to do away from work. If you've done a study abroad or traveling on your own that usually is a good talking point too.

Awesome, that actually helps me out a lot, thanks! I think I'm going to follow what you said and use this first e-mail to set up a call/meeting and then ask my questions on the phone and also try to develop a bit of the relationship. I'm usually quite personable and easy to talk to so I should be okay if I be myself and not try to be anybody else.

 
punpryde:
FlySoHigh:
I would wait until you talk on the phone or meet in person to develop the relationship a bit further. Don't say in your first email "Whats your favorite sports team". In my experience the email is usually just to set up the call and for follow ups. The main "getting to know you" part of networking occurs over the phone and if possible in person.

Once your on the call introduce yourself and mention your interests. He will usually take interest in one of them and you guys can talk about it a little bit and that kind of gets things going. You actually have a mutual friend in your cousin so you could talk about something related to him too. The most common connection point, at least for me, was just talking about sports. Just ask him about his background and what he likes to do away from work. If you've done a study abroad or traveling on your own that usually is a good talking point too.

Awesome, that actually helps me out a lot, thanks! I think I'm going to follow what you said and use this first e-mail to set up a call/meeting and then ask my questions on the phone and also try to develop a bit of the relationship. I'm usually quite personable and easy to talk to so I should be okay if I be myself and not try to be anybody else.

Yeah you'll be fine. Just take interest in his background and try to find some common interests. Try to sound interested and insightful but don't come across as some know-it-all because honestly you don't know anything until you start working.

 

drstrangelove:

I think you have a solid opportunity. When you come down to NY make sure you know your shit. Since you already talked to them about what they did and stuff its time to talk more about specifics. You want to talk about specific deals the group works on and show your understanding of the industry. Basically you need to impress them, especially in this environment. Since it’s for a SA position feel free to say you have an interest in banking (or whatever they do) and to ask to speak to anyone else that can be helpful in helping you learn more about the industry.

Ask them again what you can do to secure an internship and make sure to say why this firm is a great fit for you and how valuable it is for you to learn here. Again always come across as hard working, smart, and personable, and develop a relationship where the person wants to help you out. I would probably send them an email a month or so before letting them know you are coming and then just confirm it as the date gets closer since banking schedules can get very hectic. Make sure they get a copy of your resume and make sure to stay in touch with them after the meeting. Ask them closer to recruiting season what positions are open and if it would be OK to send them your resume for that position (they will not have your resume handy despite you giving it to them). They may refer you to HR or they may just say sure that’s fine and then you will have a much better chance.

As far as London yeah schedule a call and make your intentions clear. Say how much you would enjoy the experience of working in a different country and how you think international experience is extremely valuable. Ask about what will be available and about recruiting and try to get your resume forwarded.

 

Guys, my rambling aside, this is all about selling yourself and believing in yourself. Networking is actually pretty basic but requires a solid amount of effort. Learn as much as you can about the industry, practice talking to people, practice interviewing, and develop yourself as a person. If you put in the time to reach out to as many people as you can, and you are a smart, interesting person you will find an opportunity. It might not be the exact opportunity you had hoped for but you will be given a chance. Once you get that chance it’s up to you to bust your ass and find your way to your goals. Good Luck.

 

Hey FlySoHigh, just providing an update. The MD called me the other day, for the first time. Now I realize how busy they are since it take the MD so long to get back in touch with me. I was still ecstatic that he wanted to talk. Everything went quite well imo, and the MD said he'd be happy to pass my resume along within his BB and to other friends he may have at other banks. This was our first time speaking also, such a nice guy! Time to start brushing up on my valuation methods and other IB stuff, just in case I get an interview for an SA position. Any further advice?

 

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