Networking as a FT professional

Just started in SS ER, and was curious about how to approach networking that I'm no longer in school? As a student, it was easy to reach out as you come across as nascent and just wanting to learn and seek mentorship. Now that I've graduated, I don't think this has the same charm. What's the best way to approach people that work at funds you find to have an interesting strategy or be interested in working for in the future?

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I'd give a few months before networking just until you can somewhat speak to your job. At that point it similar to college imo but less room to bs. Reach out, tell them it interests you/why "Im XXX, I do SS research covering XXX. I was looking around XXXX and noticed ____ about your fund (specific holding, strategy, etc.).that seemed interesting. If you have the time, I would like chance to speak with you. Im free between XXX and XX on MWF.)

Biggest thing is just dont bullshit and research the company ahead of time. college kids usually just bullshit and thats somewhat expected, but not for professionals, especially if your job is going to be doing 90% research.

If there isnt a particular reason for a fund other than its hiring, then be up front. You can say:

"I came across your fund from XXX job posting. Admitedley I dont know much about it. I did take a look at your website and holdings to get a sense of your strategy. I do like investing/pub mkts and I want to move to buyside so now Im just trying to gauge of what its like. Can you tell me what you can just generally about your fund, strategy, your day to day, etc." 

 

zero chance anyone on buyside responds to this....i mean maybe really bored nobodies that are probably trying to move back into sellside cause they're about to get fired so they're trying to get in good with you

SS ER you network by making a name for yourself and doing good work/coming off well in client interactions. a perquisite is your boss lets you as a jr  have client interactions to start which may not always happen

 

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