networking into boutique investment banks
Hey! I know a guy who knows a few people in a smaller city for boutique investment banks. How would I go about using him to network into the boutiques in this city? I'm also a student at a target school for many BB's, but despite fewer exit opportunities, I'm also considering boutiques simply because of the relatively easier lifestyle. Obviously, I need to show I'm a able to do the job/internship well, but I wouldn't think it's quite as competitive as the BB's in which you NEED 3.5+ GPA, strong prior work experience, strong leadership on campus, nail the brutal interviews, etc. Though my school is known to be rigorous academically, there are quite a few 3.7+ students gunning for IB jobs.
Boutique Networking...too early? (Originally Posted: 04/13/2012)
So my university utilizes a co-op program and a prestegious MMB (think Cowen, Jefferies, Piper Jaffray) has posted a 6 month analyst position for July-December. Odds are the position will be posted again for next January-June, which is what I would be applying for.
Is it too early to reach out and express my interest in the said position? When is an acceptable time to start contacting the employer?
Any advice?
Start now, but what you may want to do is see if you can meet with someone to learn more about the company and build an interpersonal relationship with him/her. Since you have time it'll be a more organic relationship because it won't seem like you're rushing to create a relationship. I'm no networking ninja but I find that having that time to get to know someone gives you the opportunity to become more than mere acquaintances.
It is never early or late to start networking. Always try to meet new people and expand your network.
Never too early
OP sorry you missed your time frame (srs)
Networking at Top Boutiques (Originally Posted: 06/11/2011)
I go to a top public school and I have found that it is much harder to find alumni at the top boutiques (Evercore, Greenhill, Moelis, Lazard, etc.) than at the BBs. Do you guys have any suggestions for how to network if I cannot find any alumni at a boutique in which I am interested?
Also, if the only alumni I can find at a boutique is an MD, is it acceptable to try and network with him/her?
Thanks for any and all advice.
First of all, I will suggest you to use linkedin. Try to connect with analysts and associates in top boutiques even they are not your alumnis. If they don't response, at least you got their name and office location. Call up the 800 number and try to talk with them. If they have no intention to network with you, that's fine. Delete them from your networking list and move to the next one.
Secondly, if you really want to work with top boutiques, try to use your network. Talk with people and see if they have some connection there. Ask professors at the meantime.
Regarding to the MD, you should definitely give a try. I doubt if he will respond, but trying won't hurt you anyway.
If anything, the alum being an MD is going to help you... I'm not really sure why you'd prefer the alumni to be analysts or associates?
And the obvious answer is to network with whomever will respond to your emails. Find some common ground (even if it's just saying you're interested in their industry group) and reach out.
Definitely network with the MD. Even if they can't get you a job a their firm, they could help you get something elsewhere
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Call your MD.
I wouldn't recommend cold contacting random people at elite shops, that would come off as retarded.
Thanks for the replies, I have not yet contacted the MD (waiting to meet up with an alum who is an analyst to ask his opinion), but I have had decent success cold contacting people at elite shops.
Oldmansacks, would you have any recommendations for how to network at a top boutique without cold contacting? I agree cold contacting seems silly but I don't see any other outlet and applying to these firms without having networked seems next to useless.
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Networking with regional boutiques? (Originally Posted: 09/16/2015)
Looking for an internship for sophomore summer, how would you go about networking with regional boutique shops to land a gig? Would you reach out to the more senior guys, ask to learn about their career etc and drop the question at the end of the chat? Would appreciate input on those who have been through the process
Depends if you're going for a formal or informal structure.
Can you elaborate on both please?
Best to try a boutique or non-traditional IBD since this is not the normal?
Networking: Finding the contact info of MDs at BBs and big boutiques? Bloomberg terminal? (Originally Posted: 09/08/2012)
Yeah, how would I find the contact info (email or direct line phone number) of managing directors from places like Goldman, Rothschild, Greenhill, Evercore, etc,.... or even regular, mid-sized boutiques like Houlihan?
I thought I saw a post on here that said you could use a Bloomberg Terminal to find that, but I don't have access to one...
Much better to email, you would definitely not want to interrupt during a firedrill.
When to start networking with Boutiques (Originally Posted: 12/28/2010)
When is the best time to start networking with boutiques for summer internships? Since they don't have formal recruiting processes should I just call them now or wait until summer is nearing? If I call them now what am i suppose to do?
I'm in a similar position, from what I know it's best to wait until after New Years. Personally this makes sense, and as does it practically as I still don't know anything about modeling. While I plan to start networking around February/March once I know LBOs, CAPM, EBITDAs, M&A theory, etc..., part of me thinks meeting with people might be more important. I would suggest to be prepared if you want to talk job offer, but be ready to schmooze if you just want to chit chat.
Networking - Elite boutiques (Originally Posted: 12/26/2009)
has anyone else encountered this? most of the alum i tried to contact in lower BBs and middle market firms have been very responsive and helpful, whereas it is rare that a GS/MS/JPM person will respond to an introductory email. elite boutiques like Evercore almost never respond; this has been the case across MD/VP/associate/analyst levels.
obviously my sample size is very small - anyone else?
No, I think it depends on the person, not the firm. Keep trying.
If anything I've found MS alums to be very helpful, whereas Citi alums are straight up tools. Just my experience so I agree with above that its individual based.
alums vary by school not firms
Senior in December, no job, how should I approach networking with boutiques for full time employment? (Originally Posted: 12/03/2014)
Hi,
Did somewhat extensive networking for SA and FT and came up relatively empty (had a few interviews and obviously no offers). Ok resume, non-target 3.6 GPA (2130 SAT), F500 and boutique IB on resume, some leadership, etc.
I was told to target MD/higher level people when talking to people at boutiques.
My typical networking temple is something like this (I would change it slightly depending if I was networking with alums, fraternity alums, Eagle Scouts, etc)
"Mr. _____
My name is wsrookie and I am a senior at XYZ that is interested in banking. I came across your profile on linkedin from a mutual connection/alumni group/fraternity group and figured I would try to reach out for some advice. I am interested in learning more about your career path and your time at ABC bank.
Would you be free for a brief phone call at some point in the near future? I appreciate any time you can spare.
Thanks, wsrookie"
Sometimes I'll attach my resume and say "I have attached my resume for your convenience" or something like that.
My question should I continue this or since the clock is starting to run out should I be more aggressive in asking for a job? I'm at least going to attach my resume to my emails going forward. But having networking calls/coffee visits have been hit or miss for me, and a lot of places (even boutiques) have their incoming analysts set already.
Should I try cold calling places and ask about openings?
Thanks!!!
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