I missed a networking call

Im screaming on the inside and out. I missed a call with an Alumni who I actually have shared interest with and works at an MBB that my school is a target for. I genuinely mixed up the times and just wrote down the zone. I really was actually curious about her work and I wanted to learn more about it. I apologized but she hasn’t replied. What should I do? Will this keep me from getting a first round?

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1) Relax, this is one of the types of mistakes lots of people make when networking - you're on well-tread ground! In the future, make sure to ask about timezones (I know I've forgotten to before)

2) No, this will almost certainly not keep you from getting a first round! The person may or may not be willing to reschedule, I probably wouldn't ask again, but it won't prevent you but from getting a first round. If they're not involved in recruiting from your campus, just move on. If they are involved, try to have a positive interaction during campus recruiting (of course beginning with an apology if it's a 1:1 interaction)

 

I second this sentiment. The alumnus knows you're human, she has probably done the same. She may be a bit annoyed or bitter in the moment, but that's just a natural response. It will not keep you from getting first round. Also, if you emailed her, she may be preoccupied with a client project, meeting or some other task. I would send a follow up in a week or two (around 6-9pm). I once sent an email to an alumnus I had a few chats with and he responded back about four weeks later since the email was buried in his inbox. So 90% of the time, the not replying isn't personal - it's just the nature of the work environment.

 

It depends. If she is a part of the recruiting team, then you need to do everything possible to rescue that relationship. I lead MBB recruiting at my MBA alma mater and if someone no showed for a coffee chat or office hours, they are automatically disqualified unless they have a damn good reason. If she is just someone who you were trying to network to better understand the firm, apologize and move on.

 

This person just started so they aren’t  apart of the recruiting team, but I'm only a sophomore and I qualify for the diversity programs that help with junior summer interviews, but what if I recruit senior year and she is. 

 

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The answer to your question is 1) network 2) get involved 3) beef up your resume 4) repeat -happypantsmcgee WSO is not your personal search function.

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