I've recently started a strong networking push, reaching out to several alumni at different banks. For the most part, the conversations usually go really well, so I typically ask for a referral at the end. I say something along the lines of "Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, this has been very helpfull. Do you know anyone else that may be helpful for me to speak with?", to which I usually get a bit of an awkward response. Should I refine my request to a specific division? Or is asking for a referral in this manner inappropriate?
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I think the way you are approaching it is best - I personally find it very off putting when people explicitly ask for a referral. Asking for recs on other people to speak to as you are already doing is always a good option, or you can work in something like "do you have any recommendations on how I should proceed with my recruiting process" and let it be an organic thing.
One thing I would do is reflect on if the conversations really are going as well as you think they are. That can obviously be a bit challenging when you haven't broken in yet, but perhaps the reason you're usually getting an awkward response is because the conversations aren't going that well from the other person's perspective, or even if they go well, maybe you come across as being not ready yet - this can be things like asking questions that are too basic, or clearly not knowing what investment banking is.
Good question, from my experience networking it definitely helps just to make the referral ask sound a little more "humbler" than usual (not saying you're not humble or anything like that). I usually say "I know this is a tough ask, and feel free to say now, but do you happen to know anyone else at the firm I could do something similar with and continue learning more?" Usually works 99% of the time haha
This is a good point - throwing in things like "if you are comfortable doing so" goes a long way into not coming off as needy / entitled.
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