Big Networking Opportunity - What would you do?

Hello,

I'm a university graduate from London top 3 (LSE, UCL, Imperial) and am recruiting for MBB. For context, I'm applying to a BA position in this current recruitment cycle (deadline in 10 days) and come from a STEM background with a business/finance minor. 

By some miracle, I have managed to get two 30-min sessions for a networking call, with an Associate Partner and Senior EM and McKinsey. As excited as I am, I have secured these calls last-minute and I've realised that I have absolutely no idea what to say in order to come across well/impress these people.

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone has in terms of A) Crafting the right questions, and B) Planning out the conversation in the right way to make best use of the 20-30 minute time slots.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

3 Comments
 

Hey there,

First off, congrats on securing those networking calls! That's a big step. Now, let's make sure you're prepared to make the most of them.

A) Crafting the right questions: - Ask about their personal experiences at McKinsey. What projects have they found most rewarding? What's been their biggest challenge and how did they overcome it? - Inquire about the culture. How would they describe the team dynamics? What's the work-life balance like? - Show curiosity about the role you're applying for. What skills do they think are crucial for success in the BA position? What does a typical day look like?

B) Planning out the conversation: - Start with a brief introduction about yourself. Keep it concise but engaging. - Transition into your questions. Make sure to actively listen to their responses and ask follow-up questions if appropriate. - Towards the end, express your enthusiasm for the role and ask for any advice they might have for the application process. - Finally, thank them for their time and express hope to stay in touch.

Remember, these calls are not just about impressing them, but also about learning as much as you can about the role and the company. So, be genuine, be curious, and be yourself. Good luck!

Sources: How to Network and Tips on Networking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/networking-for-a-return-offer?customgpt=1, NYC Networking Day Trip: Thoughts?, How to turn a Networking Event into a Game

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