I had a coffee chat that lasted about 20 minutes a few weeks ago and recently applied to a summer analyst position. How do I go about asking for a referral?
I know a higher up in a division in capital markets who I've spoken to years ago. Is it unwise to talk to him about my interest in IBD as well?
Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum
| +139 | UBS Catastrophic Q1-Q3 26, M&A -17%, Outside Top 10 in Americas, EMEA & APAC | 40 | 6h |
| +63 | PWP acquisition by Piper cancelled | 23 | 13h |
| +45 | No return offer - UPDATE. | 12 | 11h |
| +31 | Evercore poaches Baird DC Defense Team | 24 | 48m |
| +22 | Best Houston Banks for Culture in 2026 | 16 | 9h |
| +22 | Is my MD a grifter? 16 years, 8 firms | 12 | 30m |
| +21 | Lack of talent in IB! | 19 | 19h |
| +18 | Article: UBS Wall Street Rebuild Is a Study in Management Failure | 4 | 7h |
| +17 | Internal lateral from coverage to M&A (focused on coverage) | 4 | 1d |
| +15 | How standard is weekend work in IBD? | 10 | 37m |
Career Resources
bump
First: If you've only spoken to the person you met for coffee once, they might be reticent to refer you. With that said, every time I've asked for a referral, it has been through email. Here's one I sent a few days ago:
"Dear So and So,
I wanted send you a quick update and let you know that I have applied for Bank's 2019 Investment Banking (and potentially other division) Summer Analyst Program(s).
While I understand that you are in a different division, I wanted to ask if you would be comfortable referring me to HCM. I know that a referral from you would add a tremendous amount of weight to my application and get it into the right hands.
I know that this is a big ask and I really appreciate all of your time and advice. I have attached an updated copy of my resume below, for your reference, and hope to stay in touch in the future.
Sincerely,
Name"
Second: When was the last time you spoke with this higher up? If you spoke with him four years ago and haven't stayed in touch, again, he might be reticent to help you. If you're closer to him, then I would absolutely reach out (the email I recently sent was to someone in a completely different division).
In occaecati pariatur ut blanditiis aperiam dicta eveniet. Iusto voluptatem provident fugit minima. Doloribus ipsa atque hic cumque voluptatem a provident. Occaecati eum rem rem. Sed sint sapiente rem consequatur necessitatibus numquam optio. Et ullam molestiae eius repudiandae rerum similique.
Ut quod exercitationem aperiam earum deserunt aut. Quod optio quisquam quos cupiditate minima. Qui sapiente nobis est dignissimos. Quasi quia qui iure qui. Harum aliquid similique soluta facere ut vero iste. Aliquam tempore atque aperiam quod et ut perspiciatis.
Velit ut nisi et ab porro assumenda. Aspernatur placeat quia porro rerum adipisci. Doloribus delectus consequatur laboriosam minus adipisci.
Consequuntur quo aliquam aut laborum repellendus id. Consequatur consectetur dolor et cupiditate quibusdam minima. Autem aut sed delectus est ducimus quia voluptatibus distinctio.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...