So I've been compiling a list of small investment banks in hopes of contacting the alumni. For whatever reason my school has a ton of MBAs on Wall Street but very few BA/BS grads, especially compared to Harvard and Wharton. Are MBAs still strong connections? Personal opinions from MBAs and others would be greatly appreciated.
Also regarding networking, I'm not sure which level would be most beneficial to contact. I found a lot of alumni at the CEO/COO/Partner/Director level. If I mess up with them, then I'm probably done with that firm. Then again, if I succeed then I stand an amazing chance of getting an internship. On the other hand, analysts and associates are probably more willing to help and give advice. Any experience on that would also be appreciated.
one MBA helped me majorly once. others have been nice and polite. (and I would say the MBA program for my school is top 10; so I expected them to be snooty).
i've had numerous mba alums be extremely helpful.
I no longer work in IB but as an MBA, I would be helpful but probably not go too far out of my way. I think it really depends.
Personally, I would be far more willing to help others from my MBA program than undergrads but maybe my school was unique in that interaction with most of the undergrad community was fairly non-existent.
This sounds selfish but I think it’s generally true: most MBAs (late 20s/early 30s) have already worked for a few years and appreciate the value of networking, reciprocal relationships, “I scratch your back, you scratch mine down the road”, etc.
While I hate to generalize, a fair amount of 21-22 year old undergrads who have not experienced professional life are not the best at networking. I’ve really gone out of my way to help some out and literally never heard from them again….I mean no follow-up, no thank you, nothing.
In short, if I’m putting my own reputation at risk to help someone, I at least know that an MBA from my program (current or alumni) will be grateful and not embarrass me. While I have no idea about a 22 year old undergraduate.
I would definitely still reach out….some will certainly help while others won’t reply genuinely. It really depends on your school, the dynamic with the MBA program vs. undergrads, and if it’s generally a tightly-knit community.
Just my $0.02 based on personal experience so don’t think my thoughts apply to every school/your situation may be different.
Regarding MBA alums- I wouldn't expect them to be nearly as responsive, but it is definitely worth reaching out. Regarding networking with senior people- I would always network with analysts and associates first (if there are some at the firm). Have them suggest that you talk to the senior people or email the senior people later in the process being able to say that you have spoken with x,y, and z. Always be careful and polite, and don't expect a response as they are very busy. If there only are very senior people at the firm, then your only option is to reach out to them.
I think you are third on the totem pole behind their fellow MBA alumni and their undergrad alumni in some order. That doesn't mean they won't help you. Also depends on the school - some schools are much more integrated between the university and the b-school. At Chicago it's not very well integrated, but I would still go out of my way to help an undergrad, but probably with less effort.
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