Networking: How early is too early
Currently 2.5 years away from graduation, this summer I will be interning in a MM regional midwestern buyside firm. Small shop that will give me a good deal of responsibility and build up a skill set and experience in the industry. From a state non-target, good grades and very good finance-relevant EC. Interned at a regional PWM last summer. Ideally looking to work in distressed debt/HY after graduation.
Basically I wanted to know how early is too early to reach out to people outside my alumni network in NY/Chi? Should I wait until halfway through/after the internship so I have tangible experiences to show and better demonstrate my interest?
I don't want to jump the gun and get ignored due to lack of experience, but I also want to get ahead of the competition and start networking early.
TL;DR should I start networking after recruiting is over for this cycle or should I wait until the end of the summer when I have internship experience and a small, but something tangible to talk about, skill set.
thanks in advance, longtime lurker and this website has been an amazing resource.





you're still in uni yet have
you're still in uni yet have "CFA" after your name? que?
Not my actual name. He's a
Not my actual name. He's a quarterback that was a huge bust and is broke about 5 years after making a shitload of money. Probably not somebody that is going to be passing CFA exams any time soon.
Not exactly what Oreos
Not exactly what Oreos meant...
Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
Nit-picking aside, network
Nit-picking aside, network now, do it in earnest, with commitment, and most importantly, with a desire to learn, not to get an internship.
It's never too early. Try to
It's never too early. Try to meet people who are 2 years your senior - those people will be 1st year analysts when you're a junior.
Start networking as soon as
Start networking as soon as you get out of the womb. It can't hurt.