starting early

good question, I'm also wondering what is considered 'early'.

it's too early

start in the fall

I found my internship for January 2009 but I think it's too early for the summer.

Is it a good time to start contacting alumni right now to set up informational interviews and then come the fall you can send them your resume?

I think it'd be good to establish a rapport with the alums. Ask them questions (genuine ones) and just talk to them like normal people without the whole job angle. In the fall, maybe ask them to critique your resume. Every bank has very structured recruiting programs and they most likely will not interview you early, even if an MD pushes your resume over. Just wait for your school's resume drop date (assuming you go to a target).

HR right now is busy dealing with a few things: 1) Deciding summer offers. 2) Dealing with the incoming FT class. 3) Depending on the university, recruiting for their wintern programs. 4) Gearing up for FT recruiting for the rising seniors.

Summer recruiting doesn't start until January at the earliest (from what I remember anyway).

Or you could contact who you want and ask them when?
You can develop some rapport with them at the same time.

But, ya, it's stupid early.

You guys also suggest contacting boutiques later this fall, or only spring semester?

While most of the interviews at my school were in January, several firms had resume drop dates in November - December and a couple with info sessions around then as well.

i was wondering the same exact thing. thanks for the advice.