Any Pointers?

Hi all.

I’m an entrepreneur that’s fascinated by the current inefficiencies of the recruiting process in finance.

I’ve been looking to create a better way for young people to connect and recruit, and think a pay for mentorship service, wherein you can pay students who have interned at the firms you want to work at for bespoke advice on who to connect with, how to format resume, etc. Currently, the app is barebones - a page for mentors, and then a page for your chats with the mentors you’re paying. Mentor prices will vary depending on the quality of their experiences.

So this is my question.. is there anything you all would really value in an app like this… what would you most appreciate on a service that is LinkedIn but better, because I know we’re all tired of wasting hours connecting and getting no responses. Also, how much would you pay for a connection?

I’d appreciate any advice.

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some pointers to refine your app idea and make it more appealing to your target audience:

Key Features to Add:

  1. Verified Mentor Credentials: Ensure mentors' experiences are verified (e.g., internships at top firms, successful full-time offers). This builds trust and justifies pricing.
  2. Customizable Search Filters: Allow users to filter mentors by firm, role, location, or specific expertise (e.g., resume reviews, technical prep, networking strategies).
  3. Structured Session Options: Offer predefined session types like mock interviews, resume reviews, or networking strategy calls. This helps mentees know what to expect.
  4. Feedback and Ratings System: Let mentees rate mentors and provide feedback. High ratings can boost mentor visibility and credibility.
  5. Resource Library: Include templates (e.g., resumes, cover letters) and guides (e.g., networking tips, interview prep) as part of the service.
  6. Group Sessions or Webinars: Offer lower-cost group sessions for common topics like "Breaking into IB from a Non-Target" or "PE Interview Prep."
  7. Integration with Networking Tools: Add features like a CRM-style dashboard to track connections, follow-ups, and networking progress.
  8. Gamification: Introduce badges or rewards for mentees who complete milestones (e.g., securing an interview, landing an offer).

Pricing Insights:

  • Mentor Pricing: Allow mentors to set their rates, but provide guidance based on experience tiers (e.g., $30–$50 for interns, $75–$150 for full-time analysts/associates).
  • Platform Fee: Charge a small platform fee (e.g., 10–20%) to sustain the app while keeping it affordable for mentees.
  • Subscription Model: Offer a subscription option for unlimited access to certain features or discounted mentor sessions.

Differentiation from LinkedIn:

  • Direct Access: Unlike LinkedIn, where responses are hit-or-miss, your app guarantees access to mentors who are incentivized to help.
  • Tailored Advice: Focus on bespoke, actionable advice rather than generic networking.
  • Efficiency: Streamline the process with features like instant booking, pre-session questionnaires, and post-session summaries.

Challenges to Address:

  1. Mentor Quality Control: Ensure mentors provide value and don’t just recycle generic advice.
  2. Scalability: As the app grows, maintaining quality and vetting mentors will be critical.
  3. Pricing Sensitivity: Test pricing models to find the sweet spot between affordability for mentees and fair compensation for mentors.

How Much Would People Pay?

  • Based on WSO threads, mentees are willing to pay $50–$150 per session for high-quality advice, depending on the mentor's experience and the session's value. Group sessions or webinars could be priced lower, around $20–$50 per participant.

By addressing these points, your app could become a go-to platform for finance recruiting, offering a more efficient and personalized alternative to LinkedIn. Good luck with your venture!

Sources: Major Changes to WSO Mentors Service, Major Changes to WSO Mentors Service, Rate us on iTunes for a chance to win a FREE Resume Review or 1hr Mentor Session ($149-$199 value),

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

u are building a machine to get interns fired.
​every bank's employment contract explicitly forbids monetizing the firm's brand or selling "access" to recruiting processes.
no rational incoming analyst will risk a $180k seat for a $30 consulting fee from a sophomore.
​the only mentors who will sign up are the ones who don't understand risk management. and you don't want advice from them.
dead on arrival

 
Most Helpful

Agree DOA. This one super tough and reality is from banks perspective these processes aren’t broken and most bank have very adept campus recruiting teams and have no problems filling seats - so this side of the market has a different problem in funneling down hundreds of resumes to some small number granted an interview. Offering access for some small amount definitely a non-starter and not worth the bank paperwork for an Outside Business Interest that would likely get declined.  You may also likely go offsides with some schools campus recruiting programs though would double check that. Given above and solid pipeline if you were not able to deliver you also likely start to get hit with reputational issues for not delivering and potential predatory actions / charges. 

 

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