AM + WM Coffee Chats

Based on the most helpful WSO content, alumni connections can indeed play a significant role in networking for both Investment Banking (IB) and Wealth Management (WM). However, it is not strictly true that only alumni from your school have influence in the interview or internship process.

For Wealth Management (WM), as with IB, networking is about building relationships and making a strong impression. Even if someone is not from your alumni base, they can still advocate for you if they see potential and are impressed by your approach. For example, a professional from NYU could still have a say or provide a referral if they believe in your capabilities and are willing to support you.

The key is to approach coffee chats with the goal of building genuine connections, seeking advice, and demonstrating your interest and qualifications. Alumni connections might make the initial outreach easier, but professionals from other schools can also be valuable contacts if you approach them respectfully and strategically.

Sources: 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), Q&A: From Corporate Finance to Corporate Strategy (Supply), Affordability vs Better Opportunities, Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate, Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto)