Hi, i am a junior and unfortunately i've recently discovered this website and have really understood the importance of networking. I have seen all the posts on networking guides and how to approach it but I am worried that it is too late. All of the applications for summer 2015 are underway and will be due relatively soon. If i were to begin reaching out to alumni today how would I approach it? there just isnt the time for the slow long time relationship building at this point.
also im not really shooting for IBD more so equity research/S&T
Is there any point in starting to reach out to alumni now? and can it still be effective with a more agressive approach?
Thank you!!
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.
Go for it, never too late. If it's late in the recruiting game, aggressive is what you need to be. What you kill is what you eat.
Make sure you got your story & pitch down.
Definitely start working on your network.
On the other hand, don't overrate how critical networking is to getting an SA. Banks take plenty of SAs based on their resumes and performance in interviews ie the SAs don't absolutely need to leverage network to get in.
Networking can give you an edge in interview performance, as you can get guidance on what to ask, what to mention to demonstrate knowledge etc. WSO can be a useful networking tool for that (although I wouldn't recommend anyone treat WSO as a substitute for real life networking). I've been contacted by 4-5 people through WSO who have managed to guess what shop I work for, I've given them tips for interviews and, despite following my advice, some even got SA and lateral jobs with my bank.
Make use of the search function and archives on WSO before asking newbie questions that have been answered many times before, though.
It's always effective to network. You never know what might come up.
Too late to start networking? (Originally Posted: 01/11/2009)
I am a junior at a large state school, but is definetly a non target (think Uconn, UNH). Do you guys think it is too late to start networking with alums at boutiques for summer analyst positions?
Definitely not. An alum is one of the principal partners at BBH and I didn't contact him until maybe February? And he got me an interview right away.
As long as they're high up enough and they like you and you have a solid resume, you shouldn't worry about it. Top top banks yes its probably too late, but a lot of firms don't fill up their class until much later.
I think Houlin Lokey is like that too.
its never too late..and networking is for opportunities down the road not just something in the next 3-6 months.
We're about to enter a Great Depression. Don't you want a president who's already dressed for it?
Too late to network for summer 2010? (Originally Posted: 01/08/2010)
I am trying to find a summer internship at some MM and boutiques investment banks. I am currently a sophomore at a non-target and was gonna cold email some MDs, Directors, etc... Most of these banks do not have or list any type of summer sophomore internship programs. I know it might be too late (is it?) to began the network process where I build somewhat of a relationship with the person then eventually ask "how can I best position myself to secure a internship at your bank ...", so my question is should I:
OR
Thanks!
It's not too late. I know my MM bank hasn't really started to do much recruiting for the summer due to uncertainty on headcount for SAs, and I'd imagine it's similar across the boards. Try to get as many emails out as possible before the semester starts, and hopefully someone will like you enough to pass on your resume.
I would not go with (1)... don't want to seem too desperate this early. Network as you normally would (make it all about the contact... at first) and get him/her to like you, and then make a move. Butter 'em up and ask if the company is interviewing for summer positions, and take it from there.
Thank you for your response, it is a tremendous help. Would you recommend cold-emailing a MD or a analyst/associate at a boutique investment bank?
It isn't too late for you to change your username
its right about time
do you guys recommend cold-emailing some MD's at some boutique investment banks rather than the analysts, at this point?
No - most MDs won't have or take the time to respond to you. Analysts are your best shot, and hopefully you can find something in common with them (look for alumni, obviously).
But it definitely isn't too late or at a point where you need to start getting desperate. Most banks have their on-campus info sessions in January, so that is the prime time for meeting analysts to get your "in" - you aren't behind in the game by any means.
you on the mayan calendar or something??? try 2011
Is it too late to start networking now? (Originally Posted: 08/21/2012)
Hey everyone,
I'm a rising junior at a semi-target with a 3.5-3.7 gpa, and unfortunately I haven't started networking with anyone yet. Do I still have time to establish networking connections and have a chance at getting interviews from BBs for SA positions? If not, are my hopes of working in IBD pretty much over?
Also, I am planning on applying to offices in different cities in the world. Would I have to travel to each city to realistically establish connections?
Many thanks :D
Yes. Too late. Your hopes are over and you will never get a job in finance. You should cry yourself to sleep at night.
You haven't started networking yet!!!
Everyone I know has been networking since high school and they go to targets!
Stop being lazy, get of your ass start writing emails or pick up the phone.
never too late!
Kasper ww.gradnav.com
so much for "crazi4ib" haha.
I think theres an article on M&I that talks about being too "late" to the game. You should definitely check that out.
Better late than never. Get started today!
This has got to be the biggest misconception on WSO since it is preached so often (with good reason however). Because the truth is networking for the job you want (bulge bracket internships that you will only get junior year) while you are a freshman or sophomore is just ridiculous.
If you are just going in to your junior year then it is the absolutely perfect time to start networking from now till December. Honestly, any earlier is kinda a waste and is only good for getting your name out and also practicing how to network (they know who you are but won't really help you)
So it is the perfect time to start networking and you should get really good responses because you are a junior who they will be looking to recruit. Reach out to alumni a couple times and come November start pushing for interviews from them. Easy right?
Especially since the analysts you network with as a freshman won't even be working there by the time you start asking for help for your junior internship
If application deadlines are about a week away, is it too late to network with those banks? (Originally Posted: 01/13/2012)
Just freaking out a little because I did not realize the chnaces of getting an interview through OCR were so small. Any other suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks guys.
Can you (1) establish contact (2) build a relationship (3) get them to go to bat for you ...in a week? If so, you'r golden.
not likely, worth a shot though. People are a pain to follow up with and a week is so short a time span. You basically have to meet the person and made a good impression and make the ask for help in getting interview.
Some deadlines are later than others though.
Is a networking trip in November too late? (Originally Posted: 09/11/2012)
Not sure if this is the right forum. I was curious if there is still time to do a networking trip to meet with contacts. Based on the summer analyst recruitment timeline for the BB's, would the week of Thanksgiving be too late? My only concern is that applications will be closed by the time of my trip and the trip would not help for the immediate summer. I already did one trip, but would like to do a second one.
Applications close at the end of January, so it's not too late.
It might even be better to in November - if you go to early, by the time applications close they might forget who you are.
The reason I ask is that I was looking at the Barclays applications which went live on September 1st, and the deadlines for some of the scholarship and undergraduate immersion programs are on October 29th.
I was told by several people at BBs to start around Nov. Some banks are still trying to finish up their analyst class for next year.
If banks only start reviewing resumes in Nov/Dec, why do they start doing campus information sessions in Sep? I also heard that some banks do rolling admissions and that if they fill up their program in Nov, they will stop recruiting. Is there any truth in this?
too late to network (Originally Posted: 06/18/2011)
When do you guys think it is too late to get any helpful contacts by networking? Would trying to email alumni now if you are applying in the fall be helpful at all?
Dumb question. "Networking" is such a mis-understood concept on this website - it almost makes me think twice about the people that post here. Networking is simply interacting with and becoming friendly with people who are successful / more advanced in their careers and can provide some future benefit / opportunity. "Networking" is not some item that you can check off a list, like creating a resume, it is an ever evolving process and shouldn't be thought of as some task or process that needs to be started / maintained. It should be ingrained into how you operate on a daily basis.
Its like saying, well I'm 30 - should I stop talking to women and trying to meet a potential mate - I feel like all the good ones are married already and I am too late to the game. COME ON!
Well said!
Start now and never stop.
Damning replies, but absolutely spot on. Networking = life.
Thanks a lot, definitely a good point about networking, sometimes me and i think others get too caught up in just getting the first job and not looking past that.
I appreciate the the candor.
too late to network? (Originally Posted: 09/04/2012)
Canadian here - will it look stupid/rude now if i just directly email alumni at US banks and flat out ask for help getting an interview (but not as bluntly)?
I mean, its a bit too late to build the traditional networking relationship over a few months
Any advice is appreciated! thanks
Full time? It's kinda late.
Summer 2013? No.
If you are strong on paper (good GPA/work experience) and go to a school like Ivey where American banks actually recruit then just going to the info sessions and not being weird should be enough. Otherwise, beretta's post seems accurate to me.
It seems OP is networking for FT 2012?? I don't think emailing a stranger for help of getting an interview is a good idea. Tell your situation to the career services guys at your school and see if they have any good contacts, that's what they are there for.
What the fuck? Yes, it is a little late in the process, but I don't know why everyone is telling you to stop trying. I had a 15-minute conversation with a guy last week and he talked to HR right after. You might have to be a little more aggressive, but what do you have to lose?
It's not too late. Is it "late"? Yes, but better late than never; bankers at my firm are still taking calls, and while there are relatively few slots left for FT offers (had a high offer rate for my group), we'll still be interviewing and I wonder whose resumes are going to get pulled...
No, I don't think it is too late at all - I'm still scheduling calls. Just today, I reached out to an MD at a top independent firm (along the lines of Lazard/Evercore/Centerview), and am meeting with him tomorrow. To be fair, that's an exceptionally quick turnaround. But the greater point stands. Keep pushing, brother.
thanks a lot guys - good motivation!
What do you have to lose by trying? I don't even understand how this is a question.
It is never too late. I have networked for the past half year or so, but recently found I forgot one of the firms I meant to target, so I sent a cold e-mail to a banker I found on LinkedIn, and he was really helpful. My point is that you should not give up just because it seems late. You never know what you may find.
Too late to network...when? (Originally Posted: 01/29/2011)
When is it too late to reach out to BB's for informational interviews (with the hopes of getting flagged for an interview) I know there's still a lot of interviewing happening in Feb...so by end of Feb? Also, when are the latest Superdays? I had my superday at the end of Feb last year, anymore later than?
It;s never too late.
even when superdays are over? It won't be too late for fulltime but it would be for SA, right?
BB's may be tough b/c the hiring process is so structured but never too late to network at boutiques (occasionally even elite boutiques) and MM's. Spots come up all the time at those places. Think about it: what happens when kids back out after accepting an offer or lateral to a different firm or go to b-school? You just have to get lucky on the timing. Send out more emails and cold call more places and you will increase your odds.
futurectdoc is absolutely right.
i completely agree with the above. it's a function of exposure, tenacity, and borderline antisocial behavior; not to mention a dash of luck.
jimbo is correct: often the timing just is/isn't right, so a kid will/won't come up with something. who knows, maybe if you get your name and resume out there, and you stroke a couple guys' egos the right way, anything can happen.
you'll never know if you don't try, and all you really need is 1 to break in. best of luck.
What part of networking is antisocial !?
Sorry for my vagueness. I was referring to the manner in which avid IB job seekers sacrifice the better part of their social lives in order to lock down the Golden Offer Letter, whether it's for SA or FT. I remember during my SA search my fraternity brothers never saw me out partying, my girlfriend was pissed because we never went out, and my family thought I dropped off the face of the Earth. Which, to a certain extent I guess, was true.
I know it's not as trying for most that break in, but I was a non-target, no finance experience, avg gpa. I had to network day and night so that bankers took the place of my family/friends for a few months. Luckily, it paid off, but for a good portion of my junior year I had no social life. Funny how we busted our asses and gave up so much to work 100+ hours a week.
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