Coffee chats in London

Hello I’m a student in the UK just about to start a finance degree at durham university. I’m doing early research on the industry to prepare and get ready for potential opportunities in the future.

I have three questions for anyone experienced that is currently or has previously worked in London:

1. Do Bankers in London still take coffee chats with university students and graduates looking to break into the industry ?

2. For those who have taken calls or meetings with students - what specifically made you agree to do the call or chat ? And equally, what would make you ignore an outreach completely ?

3. What is actually in it for you as a banker to take a coffee chat? Is it giving back, spotting talent early, firm culture - or something else entirely?

Any response is appreciated, thanks for your time.