Coffee chats during freshman summer

I didn’t do any coffee chatting over my freshman summer, and I’m kind of panicking now than my sophomore year is starting and recruitment is coming up. School hasn’t started yet, and I already feel behind. What do you guys thinking about how important coffee chatting during freshman summer is?

3 Comments
 

Coffee chatting during your freshman summer can be helpful, but it's not the end-all-be-all for your recruiting success. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:

  1. It's Never Too Late to Start Networking: While starting earlier can give you a head start, the key is to begin now. Networking is a long-term game, and building genuine relationships matters more than when you start. Focus on reaching out to people in your target industry, being respectful, and showing genuine interest in their experiences.

  2. Quality Over Quantity: Instead of panicking and reaching out to everyone, prioritize meaningful connections. As highlighted in WSO threads, approach people with thoughtful questions and avoid making it seem like you're only after referrals. Aim to build rapport and learn from their experiences.

  3. Sophomore Year is Crucial: Many users on WSO emphasize that sophomore year is a pivotal time for networking and internships. Use this time wisely to attend events, schedule coffee chats, and participate in relevant programs. Even if you missed out during your freshman summer, you can still make significant progress now.

  4. Focus on the Right Approach: When reaching out for coffee chats, make it about learning and advice rather than directly asking for favors. For example, ask about their career path, the skills they value in their team, or industry trends. This approach is more likely to leave a positive impression.

  5. Leverage Your School Resources: If you're at a target or semi-target school, take advantage of on-campus networking events, alumni connections, and career services. These can be excellent opportunities to meet professionals and build relationships.

Remember, the most important thing is to start now and stay consistent. Good luck!

Sources: Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate, Rock Bottom but ain't giving up, How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, Socially rejected in banking? How to make friends?, Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting

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

Obviously you want to but you can very well still succeed without chatting people freshman sum. All will depend on the volume/strength of connections u make from now until apps/interviews

 

Minus quis nam dicta sint. Libero accusamus et illo accusamus. Quam blanditiis nemo quos maxime soluta fugiat. Consequatur iure sit non est. Facilis consequatur sit nostrum similique necessitatibus eaque. Odit ipsum quia doloribus eligendi.

Quisquam atque aut quia distinctio. Cum non nihil repudiandae et ducimus rerum laboriosam ad. Possimus eos sunt esse. Amet deleniti molestiae id ipsam. Recusandae nemo qui non laborum.

Quos at praesentium impedit doloribus et et voluptas. Sint tenetur quisquam veniam provident est. Perferendis optio tenetur qui similique fuga. Harum quibusdam quasi quis in.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”