Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student
Journals of a "Non-Target" University Student
Networking in the Finance or Investment Banking industry is incredibly difficult. Whether you’re a rising sophomore trying to get your hand at any bank or company that will take you on as an intern or a graduating senior in a rush to secure your final internship or job that will kick start your career, networking is the key to getting there. But it’s not always easy, especially if you’re from what the Wall Streeters call a “non-target” university.
After months of research and testing different strategies I’ve compiled a list of unique networking concepts I think could take anyone’s networking to the next level. While I won’t give you a comprehensive step-by-step (that’s something you have to personalize to your strengths), this list will help you turn your networking into effective job-securing strategies.
Your Contacts
Building and compiling a list of warm connections that you can contact is pivotal in developing an effective networking method.
1. An important organizational strategy is building a list of contacts in an excel document and sorting each contact by defining characteristics. This is usually high value conversational information such as similar interests and hobbies, alumni status, or interesting career accomplishments. This helps you organize thoughts and conversational directors to effectively appeal to your connection.
2. Compiling in an excel sheet is especially beneficial because it optimizes self analysis process and monitoring results of each strategy you deploy. For example, if a certain networking template works incredibly well with bankers from a certain bank or state but only in that bank or state then I know to change strategies for potential contacts outside of those characteristics.
3. Finally go beyond the easy list. It’s common knowledge to use university alumni, former internship coordinators, and family or parental connections but most people will stop there. That’s usually not enough, especially if you come from a “non-target school.” Taking it a step forward and browsing through 2nd/3rd connections on LinkedIn to find bankers that to connect with by leveraging similar interests, LinkedIn posts, or career paths can revolutionize networking strategies
Building the Network
Now that you have a solid list its time to get up and network.
4. Creating the perfect template isn't the goal. It's to create a few great ones. You'll never find the one emailing or networking template that lands you every job or internship you want, but you can find 5-6 that work incredibly well. Your goal is to leverage those in a variety of situations based off the analysis you do as described in our first tip. There are plenty of templates out there that tell you exactly how to communicate effectively and earn a respectable return on networking, I recommend parsing through them and finding the top 5 templates you like to develop your personalized strategy.
5. Networking is about maximizing your initial outreach. Connections must mutual, not one sided. So what makes it interesting or valuable for potential connections to talk to you? The first step is playing your strengths. Do you work best in person or over email, are you spontaneous or do you prefer refining your discussion topics? Understanding these nuances can help you steer conversations onto your playing field. For example, if you’re better at creating connections in person than leverage that by setting up a coffee date. If you’re better at online networking than keep the connection to calls and emails.
Developing meaningful relationships
While having a network is incredibly important it doesn’t really mean anything unless you can transition those key short-term connections into meaningful long-term relationships. Keep in mind, we’re not building personal but business relationships so our goal isn’t to become their best friends, rather to engage with them in a professional manner.
7. Professional relationships come from a sense of mutual respect and value that you have to build on your own. Developing those requires a keen and rigorous demonstration of interest in self growth and career development, understanding of your industry, and respectable charisma are the basics that make up networking. Connections want to know that if they're investing resources into you, that you'll be able to leverage those resources effectively.
8. Finally displaying consistency is incredibly important in transitioning potential relationships from the initial rapport to long term connections in your network. Keep in contact. Follow up every 2-3 months with individuals that seemed interested in you. Send emails, set up coffee chats and phone calls, or even send a text message (if they’ve given you their number), anything to help remind connections about you and your interest in them and the industry. The relationship is professional so keep the conversation directed towards your career growth, industry trends and standards, and mini-asks (resume editing, career advice, etc)
~ That's my take on the topic I'd love to hear y'alls tips and thoughts on these strategies
yep I agree w/ the excel spreadsheet tip. when I was a freshman a senior in the finance club showed us his laptop - detailed spreadsheet of 100+ places he's applied to w/ all sorts of info.... its a numbers game one would argue. good tip.
i'd also argue it would be good to get to know the people that work in one's OCR office. getting to know them and having them in your, so to speak, 'corner' can be a good thing.
i'd add branding oneself, its is important b/c when you get to superdays everyone there can arguably do the job, its just a matter of how well you can connect to the interviewers. for some that connection could be going to the same school as the interviewer, it could be an inspiring story of going from a 3.0 freshman gpa to 3.7 by senior year, it could be on how you're big into volunteering / being well-rounded, and for a select few it could be simple name-dropping to the interviewer. to each their own I suppose.
I definitely agree with branding. Building a mutual connection is incredibly important and I think leveraging platforms like Linkedin to get a better insight into the minds of potential connections allows you to more effectively steer your branding strategy towards something that becomes appealing to interviewers and connections alike.
What do you mean by OCR office?
OCR = On-Campus Recruiting department of whichever place you are applying to
Very helpful! Thanks for sharing these tips
Not really sure how long this is sustainable.
I'm from a non-target and I met a Columbia professor + Columbia MBA at a CFA Society event. I read his book and reached out to thank him for writing it , he stopped responding after 2 emails. And this was just a book he wrote that was at the center of discussion.
People that matter don't really like to spend time on people that don't matter imho.
It's all about breadth I think. You're right of course most people at that caliber of success don't usually have the time, interest in helping students or individuals attempting to further their career. But what you've got to remember is all it takes is 1-2 positive responses to help you achieve your goals. Keep at it eventually you'll find he positive relationships that keep their interest. Also I like to use failed relationships as an opportunity to be self reflexive. Look back at conversations, events etc and see what you could have done to keep the mutual interest constant. Obviously sometimes that's not always possible but most of the time there's opportunities for effective improvement in your networking strategy!
Here is a story for you. 65 y.o., former Head of Global ER @ Credit Suisse. He landed me an interview with Jim Simons' family office. (which didn't go anywhere, unfortunately).
My referral to him was really far-fetched but he seemed to appreciate my attitude. Met with him for lunch about 3 times. We never discussed work or finance, only economy, politics, and art. When I asked for help, he didn't hesitate, saying I was a "great guy".
Caliber, selfishness or even the setting doesn't really matter, as long as you're coming with an attitude.
Non-Target Networking Tips (Originally Posted: 08/08/2015)
Hey Everyone,
This is my first post on Wall Street Oasis, however I have been browsing the forum for quite a few years now. Originally I was interested in investment banking, however my interests have recently shifted over to management consulting. This forum has been extremely helpful for me so I am now taking the opportunity to give back!
Brief background about myself: I am a rising junior at a large state university (think Arizona State, Michigan State). Basically, I come from a school that has virtually no consulting recruitment presence (not even Big 4). I knew my chances would be slim-to-none through just applying online, so a few months back, I took the initiative to reach out to consulting professionals through cold-emailing.
The following are 5 tips on how I was able to set up phone conversations with over 60 (yes, sixty) consultants at McKinsey & Company, The Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company. Many of these professionals have offered to help me practice with case questions as well as pass on my resume.
DISCLAIMER: As previously mentioned, I am only an incoming college junior. I have not worked for any of these firms - these are simply my OBSERVATIONS through my own networking experiences.
1. Don't limit yourself to just alumni networking, be creative
It is common sense to reach out to professionals with similar backgrounds as yourself, but please do not limit this to only alumni from your school! Coming from a non-target, this list is probably already small. Sure they may be your first priority, but they are not your only resource. Be creative and reach out to everyone who you think you may have the slightest connection with. Here are some examples:
-reach out to professionals who were raised in the same city as you -reach out to professionals who went to a target in your state (if you went to University of Illinois, reach out to Northwestern and University of Chicago alumni) -reach out to professionals who were in the same college organizations as you -reach out to professionals who studied abroad in the same country as you The list goes on and on...
These examples may seem obvious, yet I know so many consulting-wannabees who give up because a lack of school alumni. Mentioning these small connections in an email will vastly increase your response rate. Professionals don't just want to help out students who went to their alma mater - they want to help out students who remind them of themselves!
2. Customize your email title towards the targeted professional
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but make sure that your email title stands out! I talked to a Project Leader once who said he receives up to 10 cold-emails per week. You want to make sure he/she opens yours!
Wrong - Student Looking for Consulting Advice Right - Omega Alpha Sigma Student Looking for Consulting Advice (aimed towards Omega Alpha Sigma alumni) Right - Avid Skier College Student Looking for Consulting (aimed towards someone who was in Ski Club) You get the point...
3. Send your cold-emails out at optimal times
The key is to send out your email when a consultant is least preoccupied. If they are in the middle of working on a demanding project or they are in meetings all day, then they'll likely glimpse at your email and never remember to respond.
Monday mornings are a great time because this is usually when consultants are traveling. They will most likely have free time when they are traveling from their apartment to the airport, waiting at the airport, and then traveling from the destination airport to their final site. Similarly, Friday is a great day because most consultants will usually be at their home office doing less intensive work (wrapping up the week, catching up with others, creating their upcoming schedule).
4. Make sure you follow-up with those who don't respond
Like previously mentioned, sometimes professionals want to help out, but they just forget or don't have time to respond. My rule of thumb is to send out another email around a week later. This can be a simple
"Hi ________,
My name is ________, and around a week ago I sent you an email in regards to chatting about consulting. I know you're extremely busy, but I would still love the opportunity to learn more about you, your background, and your time with (insert firm here). Thanks and enjoy the rest of your day.
Best Regards, ____________"
I probably wouldn't follow-up anymore than once because that probably just means they don't want to talk. :)
5. Don't ask stupid questions, know your sh*t beforehand
A consultant isn't going to want to help you out if he/she thinks you know nothing about the firm/industry. Don't ask questions like "what type of projects are there in management consulting" or "can you tell me the structure of a super-day". Asking these questions makes you look like a buffoon because they can be found through an easy google search. Your goal is to ultimately come off as a likable and impressive candidate.
What do I mean by come off as a likable? Don't be that guy who just spews question after question without any additional insight. It's meant to be a conversation, not a Q&A. I've literally talked with a consultant about football for half an hour, and he ended up giving me a referral. This obviously is a rare case, but the point is that you want to mesh with who you're talking with.
What do I mean by come off as an impressive?? This goes back to knowing your sh*t. Let's say the consultant says that he's currently doing a due diligence project. A great question would then be "I know due diligence projects are known to be more time intensive, how have you been able to efficiently manage your time?" The consultant is now thinking, "wow, this kid has done his research" and is more likely to give a helping hand.
I have a lot more tips and experiences, but this is all for now. I may add a few more later if anyone finds this helpful. I hope to continue sharing my experiences as I get further on in the process (practicing cases, 1st round interviews, super-days). Thanks and good luck with your networking!
Loved the hustle, keep it up man. lots of good advice here and i'd love to see you add on more about cases and 1st rounds
Thanks man, I appreciate it! Good luck to you as well.
Keep us updated.
Really impressed by your hustle and positive attitude -- keep up the great work! Looking forward to hearing where you end up.
Thanks dcrowoar!
I have been getting a few messages asking more details about my academic background. I guess part of my success rate can be attributed to my actual stats: high GPA, high test scores, above average involvement, and part-time job. I do think this comes with the territory though. MBB already has an school brand elitist culture (I think more-so than even BB IB), so you really have to show that you're going above and beyond in as many categories as you can. However, I also think another huge factor has been my ability to convey enthusiasm and willingness to learn in my emails.
Feel free to continue personal messaging or commenting here if you have any questions. Thanks :)
Also, sorry for the double post, but could someone let me know how to bold and create banner headings?
Thanks for this write-up! Very helpful.
Thank you for your advice and good luck with the process
Or you can just take the heaviest hitting senior broker at your office out to lunch, pound some brews with him, and tell him his last deal w Macy's was childish. Then you'll get to hear how he rose to the top AND you'll score a free buzz (he's paying of course, cuz, grandeurity).
Group: Non-target Networking (Originally Posted: 11/25/2013)
This group/thread is for non-target alums and students alike to network and give each other tips on how to gain an edge.
I'd love to join this group.
I would like to join this group as well, have we over looked something for joining groups?
I would like to join this group as well.
I would love to join as well
@"Arya" @"IceMan3012" @"bloombergcentral" - this thread itself IS the group and is specifically for non-target networking, so feel free to ask or chat away :-)
LOL good deal, thanks for the clarification
Let's get some good juices flowing in here.
Came from a non-target from the NW, had the option to do FP&A for F500 companies or Big 4 advisory (region). Decide to risk it and came to NYC and work for a small consulting firm that does Financial Advisory. First client was at a MM and recently got into contact with a PrimeBrokerage (PB) MD by the sheerest of luck.(will update if things pan out well)
Always hustle, because someone else is. In a big metro city like NY, brand name school matters. But more importantly, bring the right attitude, a solid work ethic and a set of cajones, be prepared to make a name for yourself.
I'd like to join. Should we start a FB group, LinkedIn group or something?
Accept me as a member of this group please !
Let's get things started. I'm an incoming MM IBD analyst and broke in through a lot of networking. If anyone wants to connect, just shoot me a PM. Always open to meeting new people. I'd also be open to the LinkedIn idea. I believe @"WallStreetOasis.com" already has the LinkedIn group up and running.
Hi guys, I'm a freshman at a non-target state school with a decent business program. Finance major now, but looking to add Accounting or Information systems to that. Don't have an internship this summer, but will be working at the same summer job that I have been at for the last 3 years. What advice do you have for someone in my shoes? Also a linkedin page for this thread would be great.
Just so everyone is aware, there's a LinkedIn group for WSO and in that group, there's a discussion that has people willing to connect with other monkeys. I'd take advantage that if I were you guys and spread the word. The better someone is connected, the higher the chances of breaking in.
Thank you!
Connecting on LinkedIn sounds like a good idea. For an intro I am a first semester MS in Finance student at a school in DFW. I previously worked for an NHL and NBA franchise. After working long hours and poor pay, I figured out that you actually get compensated for the time worked in the world of finance so I am now back in school. As others have mentioned I have quickly figured out that networking is the way to go and made contact with some alumni that work at MS, several Hedge Funds and some MD's at smaller funds. If you really put in the effort to look for alumni you might be surprised to find people that you wouldn't have found just by relying on your Career Center at school. A lot of people fall through the cracks.
I'd like to join this group as well. Here's a brief intro. I'm currently working at a boutique investment bank in the south. I got accepted to a few good state schools, but decided to take a scholarship at a non-target school. When I graduated I worked at an investment management firm at first, but networked my way into a boutique.
@"ValueBanker14" @"MJK" I want to ask you guys something. I'll PM you guys.
Hey guys I am a Junior at a non-target in the New England area. Studying finance and currently interning at a large custody bank for the past 5 months. Iv done two other internships, one in M&A and the other an accounting internship at a large construction firm. This next few months will be big for me in trying to get into the industry. What advice do you guys have for someone in my position?
@"kkl061" & @"Husky7", shoot me PMs. Happy to give you guys some advice (to my best knowledge) and connect.
Shoot me a pm and I'll answer any questions you have. Sounds like you're in a good place.
Hey guys, new to WSO, but I've been reading for a while, and loving this already. I'm a rising sophomore at a non-target. Currently working a summer internship and heading to China for a program later in the summer. Looking to meet people for advice and discussion on breaking into IB, and networking with those non-target hustlers like myself. I am very interested in making a linkedin group for this/joining one if there is one already!
PM me if you think I can help. Always happy to help out a fellow non target.
Hey all,
Been reading these forums in my downtime and am loving the energy. Really fires me up to be a Finance major. That being said you guys seem really helpful and I would appreciate some advice.
I'm at a semi-non target school with a 3.7 GPA. Right now I'm in a summer internship for BAML Credit Risk. I've had two other past internships in boutique PWM and BO at a MM bank, respectively. I feel like I have a good foundation of experience but am a bit all over the place.
Using what I have, where do you guys think I can take this? Ideally I'd want to do BB S&T/IBD but feel as though my chances are slim UNLESS I could leverage my networking here at BAML. Do referrals work between offices or would I have to know someone directly on the desk? I see this risk internship as a stepping stone and am wondering how I could use this as leverage in some way since I'd like to move into FO.
If you guys have any insights I'd appreciate any wisdom you can throw my way.
I'd like to join this group as well. Quick background, I'm from a non-target school in Queens NY, rising junior and a Finance major looking for networking opportunities. Since I'm an international student (I know, I just made it this much harder for myself to land an internship in a BB), I've been looking for ways to land work experience and reach out to others in similar situations. I'm open to any tips/ suggestions and really looking forward to talking to you guys here!
I would also like to join the group. I will be attending well respected, but small and a non target, Liberal Arts College on a full ride. Majoring in Economics and a possible major in Computer Science. Very eager to talk to and learn from everyone as well
Hello all - looking to join the group here.
Quick story about me: I've recently graduated from a non target, 3.76 GPA majoring in Business Management. I've had the opportunity to study abroad in Shanghai, China and have 3 internships to date:
I've been interviewing all around but am curious on if I should hold out for the recruitment drives of the major firms that begin in the fall - and bide my time with some WSO Training courses (primarily financial valuation and modeling).
Would love to hear some feedback.
I'd like to join this group please
Hi all! Anyone here working in the Chicago area? I finish my masters in December and am hoping to find work in that area. Feel free to PM me or reply here.
Hey all,
I would like to join this group as well, I'm a upcoming junior and I go to a large public non-target school near Oklahoma City. Right now I'm interning at a small firm(non-finance) and would love to meet new people for advice and networking.
OU or UCO? Anyways, did you know that Tulsa has a an IB firm doing a 12 months part-time internship from August to August? I was interviewing for it, but I accepted a HF position in Florida.
Here is more information: http://www.clearridgecapital.com/careers.htm
I am a sophomore attending a nontarget in the state of Pennsylvania majoring in Finance and Accounting with minors in economics and math. This summer I did an internship for Ernst and Young, but after the internship concluded, I decided that I'd like to explore investment banking more so than accounting. I'd love to hear about others' experiences and what they've done to reach their goals.
Chicago native looking to break in to the industry. If there any other locals out there in the WSO universe, please PM me. I'd love to network.
A little background: •Graduated with a BSc in Finance back in 2011 from a school in Chicago, above a 3.0 but nothing to brag about. •Was active in the school's Student Finance Association •I've been working as a Financial Analyst for over two years now, not anything bank-related (small company first out of school, now a large health care organization.) •Unfortunately no relevant internship exerperience.
I would love to join this group and network. I am coming for a non-target school in Utah. I have interned with a VC firm and a hedge fund. I targeting Oil & Gas banking in Houston.
I would love to join this group and network. I am coming for a non-target school in Utah. I have interned with a VC firm and a hedge fund. I targeting Oil & Gas banking in Houston.
Definitely interested. I'm coming from a non-traditional background, with my education plans not settled but most likely school I'll be matriculating from is a non-target for finance, but very well connected and respected MBA program....so being able to use that network effectively is going to be the make or break factor for me.
How do we go about getting into this group?
I am a postgraduate with no experience.
I'm definitely in! 1st yr Operations analyst in Hong Kong
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Hey looking to get this going again PM me if interested in talking
I'll give this a shot to jump start the conversation. About me: currently in a Business Development role with a F500 O&G company (Equipment and Services...one of the majors) with a non-target, dual background in Finance (Energy focus) and Supply Chain Management. Finished a 2 Year Leadership Development Program prior to my current role in Biz Development.
My main focus is to transition to IB and as such, I've reached out to various people in Investment Banking and have been told to aim for BBs, get an MBA, or find someone else that is hiring because they are currently fully staffed.
What do I bring to the table? I have experience with sourcing for M&A deals and opportunities, I've also presented findings to executives and understand my sector well. Currently I am taking some courses online and going through an Investment Banking book to brush up on my finance and modeling skills.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated for someone looking to joining an IB. Thanks in advance.
This is a thread = group or how so? Naturally, communication is my love. Would love to chat with Global students in the same or different paths.
Hello All,
I would love to join the group, too ! !
Thanks, Vaibhav
Hello everyone, I am a junior at a private, non-target in Virginia and am looking to network with anyone in finance with an emphasis on private equity in the Charlotte, NC region.
Thanks!
Thing is, if you're from a non-target you need another reason that people should talk with you beside that they're coming to your school.
Some non-targets have great alumni networks. Great. Use them.
If not you need to find something else. It's easier for me because I'm a veteran, and the veteran network is extremely powerful and responsive.
You don't have either? make something else. Join a fraternity: that's a great way to tap into a "universal" network with people from all sorts of different schools at different firms. Participate in large charitable organizations, that's another commonality you can build. Play a sport: if you've got the balls for it, sports like Rugby or Badminton can be a great way to both put sports on your resume, have fun, and build a commonality with the (surprisingly large number of) athletes on Wall Street.
Even being a non-target itself can be a great commonality for some people.
Just make sure that you've got some "hook" that makes you interesting. Even that can go a long way
For example, I'm in the process with a well reputed MM firm, with zero networking or OCR opportunities done, simply because I had something very unique in my background that caught their attention. Not that I'd recommend counting on that happening but you will need that to make people move the cursor up towards"reply" on that email.
are you in mba or undergrad?
Hey guys,
Any older recent graduates here? I just finished school in Feb and moving to the Boston area soon for better chances of landing a job in IB/AM. Anyone in a similar situation? Would love to network with you guys if possible.
Okay, anyone want to network here or on linkedin? Either way please let me know.
Thanks!
Tail of the tape: Undergraduate (life sciences) Worked in the pharma/biotech/technology industries Graduate (MBA class of 2015 non target school) Looking to break into the financial industry (Ideal Asset Management) Currently offered Financial advisory role but have to study/take the exams for series 7, 66 and life and health insurance (non sponsored have to pay for myself).
Any help would be very helpful.
I had trouble finding you guys on linkedin, there are others which use the same name, can you include the link? Plus the ones that I found do not have a group to join only to follow.
Thanks!
Hello, I went to a non-target undergrad then went on to a target masters, spent a year in management consulting before moving on and becoming a public finance associate at a middle market investment bank. I'm looking to pay it forward, because plenty of people lent me a hand along the way.
Could you pm me?
I think this is great.
I'm going to be a junior at a non-target in the South, our career center is not the best. Finance and Accounting double major with 3.8 GPA. Currently working a summer internship at a F500.
Still trying to decide what I want to do, whether something in finance or accounting.
If there are any professionals that would like to share their story please do!
Would love to connect with everyone here!
At the end of the day, we're all selfish, and if someone is going to help you, there is at least, perhaps in a minimal way, some selfish benefit to them. Maybe a VP getting you a job or interview will make him feel good about doing something good for about a day or two. Maybe you remind an MD about himself when he was younger. Maybe an alum wants to get more guys from his school and show his colleague that went to a rival school whats up and that his school's analysts are the best. Even if someone does good for you, there is something that they take away from it. When you give a homeless guy a dollar, there is some level of consumption to it. You saw his face, and for the next 25 minutes you feel good and that dollar that you spend giving it to him is almost some sort of "happiness" that you are buying for yourself.
Figure out what selfish benefits the other person will have when they help you, and capitalize on it.
Networking Outside of Your State as a Non-Target (Originally Posted: 07/04/2016)
So there are plenty of threads on this site regarding how to network, how to cold-email, etc. However, I can't help but feel that as a non-target student (who therefore has no access to good OCR) in a state that has very little finance, I'm at a massive disadvantage when it comes to networking. Sure I can e-mail VPs and Associates in NYC, Chicago, LA, Dallas, etc. but really, coffee meet ups together are impossible and any interview would involve them flying me over before having met me. In addition, I feel that there may be a subconscious bias against me for being too far away.
Given the geographic hurdles, what is the best method for a person like myself, who goes to a non-target in a barren state? Most of the positions I'm interested in are located in NY, LA, SF, Chicago, and the like.
Any insights are appreciated.
You have informational interviews over the phone with as many people as you can, then when you've spoken to a lot of people, follow up with them in a couple of months and say you're interested in planning a trip to NY to meet with them. Schedule all the coffee calls over a span of one week.
There are a lot of guides on this. Yes, it'll cost some money to fly out and meet all of them, but they'll see your dedication, and as long as you're doing well in school and having good conversations with the people you meet, it'll probably be worth it in the end.
Are there alumni from your school or do you mean just reaching out to random/loose-connection people?
Thanks for the advice guys. I mean alumni mainly, as I doubt randos would even respond.
Follow up/piggy back question: What if my school doesn't offer an alumni network and searching on my own hasn't produced any people in the financial industry with any clout?
You can always reach out to people at other non targets or go to target schools in your region
Advice for Networking Moving Forward - Non-Target Not Near NYC (Originally Posted: 04/17/2017)
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Adding up to the spreadsheet point - use your calendar apps to set follow-up reminders. Schedule them a year ahead, and stick to the game plan. Attach e-mails to those reminders, so you never lose track of the conversation. If you spoke in person - make notes, and open your follow-up on those.
I also recommend using the same routine for your job applications.
I was also a student at a non-target in the Southeast. Ultimately got my door in because of an alumni working IB. He was impressed that as a sophomore studying at our infamous party school, I took the time and effort to find and connect with him. Chances are, unless if your school really is completely non-target to the extent that it's nearly unknown, there's bound of be some people working either on the street or with experiences on the street. Reach out and don't be afraid. Especially since you're from a non-target, it's expected that the few alumni on the street wouldn't have as many students knocking on their LinkedIn page, as opposed to in HYP.
Join the investing/finance/banking club in your school, or start one if there's not an active one. Keep a nigh-perfect GPA. Be casual when talking to bankers (especially the upper level ones). Polish up your story. Join the CFA society or any other major event around your city (this is in spite of the fact that you will most likely never get the CFA, but I digress).
Networking Help - Non-target with few alumni (Originally Posted: 06/15/2010)
Hola,
I go to a non target, but there's a few (NYC at BBs. I'm starting to reach out to them and start networking, but not all of them are in IBD which is what I'm aiming for. Some are S&T, ER, and only maybe 3 are IBD. As much as I'd like to be, I'm really not interested in ER, and I don't think trading is for me. Should I only reach out to the alum that are IBD? If not, how can I ask an ER guy about IBD without being rude? Am I just limited here? Thanks
Focus on the three that are in investment banking then. As to the others they likely have contacts in investment banking and if nothing else they may be able to give you some guidance. Don't discount the other careers out of hand especially if they can get you an internship position or set you up within that field.
Beggars can't be choosers man. Why are you so set on IB? Lots of kids would kill to have potential contacts in ER or S&T.
Networking is more than just asking someone to help you get a job. Go to the other guys, say you are interested in banking but you want to learn more about ER, S&T, whatever. Give them open, unbiased ears and see what they have to say. Maybe they will tell you something you didn't know about ER/S&T that you might find interesting. And if you meet with them and afterward are sure that you don't like what they do, tell them that you aren't sure if you are definitely interested in that field, and ask them if they know someone in another area that you could talk to.
Yep, I second the previous comments. You never know what those ppl's networks can lead to.
Networking Advice - Undergrad at a non target b school (Originally Posted: 08/17/2011)
I got my undergrad at a non target b school with a finance degree. I had a decent gpa, and have some solid work experience. I accepted an internship at a high-end PE firm that I landed through some networking connections. Summer is winding down, and there are no internal permanent positions for me here. Any tips on how I should approach different level professionals (ie prob approach a senior level guy differently than an analyst) about helping me land some interviews/positions, these guys are all obviously pretty connected in the industry.
you should go talk to the person you are the most comfortable with in your work environment. pick the person that you are "closest" to and bring it up casually.
If possible, try to go to lunch with as many people as possible and connect with them. I've found if you are physically outside of the office people are more willing to talk and since you're young they will be more than willing to give advice / try to help you succeed if they like you.
Sry wrong post
Non-Target Junior Seeking Networking Advice (Originally Posted: 12/21/2011)
Hey all,
I'm a junior studying finance at a non-target in NY. I have a 3.8+ and worked PWM at a MM firm last summer in NYC. I'm passionate about finance and ibanking and am looking for a SA spot at either a BB or top boutique this summer.
Recently I've been "networking like a ninja" and have sent out numerous emails to bankers across all the boutiques. A banker at Greenhill (think MD level) reached out to me and replied saying that he would help, and offered to set up a time to meet for coffee and discuss my interests in finance. Naturally, I replied immediately offering possible times.
It's now been two weeks and I haven't gotten any further response. Should I e-mail him again/give him a call, or just give up? I know Greenhill is a top-flight boutique and I'm really anxious for any shot at getting a position for the summer.
Thanks for your advice!
Not sure why you would even consider giving up when he agreed to meet up. He's probably busy, email again after Christmas or New Years.
Don't wait. Email him right away, and then again later if you must.
Haha networking like a ninja....someone likes the MnI guide!
Umm did this MD also happen to be an amateur pilot?
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/two-greenhill-mds-die-in-plane-cr…
[quote=EPS]Umm did this MD also happen to be an amateur pilot?
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/two-greenhill-mds-die-in-plane-cr…]
That was someone's family you're fucked up....
awkward
"Greenhill is a top-flight"
is this a sick joke
email him after Christmas, he is just busy
Non-target Freshman networking help (Originally Posted: 01/10/2013)
I'm preparing to e-mail my resume to a bunch of boutiques with a paragraph or so message in it. I'm wondering if I should ask for an informational phone session, or just be straight up and ask for an internship?
Talk over the phone or meet in person if they work in your current city. After you know them a little better then ask for any possible summer opportunities.
Roll Tide
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