Done networking deals as a freshman

The greatest thing I learned in business school so far is the magic of networking.

So I now have a guaranteed interview once I'm a sophomore/junior at DB/CS/UBS and then one at EVR/Moelis and then one at Jef/Baird etc. And I only started seriously in january. Is it really that hard being from a non-target when you have a 3.95 to break into IBD? I'm confused guys, cause I thought it would be harder. Please note I am not being cocky. I'm just surprised it was done so easily, and I haven't even talked to alumni at Merrill or Blackstone.

11 Comments
 

Yeah, I figured, but I only mentioned half the ones I thought I would get just in case. At each of those firms, I have more than one person who mentioned that they will be ones who are responsible for getting me in. So with that kinda promise, I was just feeling on top of stuff, even though I'm not satisfied with what i've done so far. So many more people to reach out to and mine is a COMPLETE non-target. Think large public univ with not so strong business school.

Achiever in college from freshman year: Rainmaker. Hustler in college from junior year: More than you initially hoped for. Dreamer in college from senior year: Top closer for 4 man boutique in Idaho in toilet lid M&A Everyone else: Dunkin Donuts.
 

lol do not count your eggs until they're hatched. i've had people forward my resume and tell me i'm guaranteed an interview and not work out.

 

It's great that you've networked so hard and established good relationships at all the above places. I'd say that while you have a good chance at securing interviews at these places (maybe not sophomore year but definitely come junior year), do NOT GET COMPLACENT. Pursue good internships in the meantime, keep up the GPA and get 1 or 2 strong on-campus leadership positions.

Position yourself as best as you can, and that coupled with these contacts will make sure the interviews are as near guaranteed as possible - because nothing in life is guaranteed.

 
couchyit's just an interview? there's still like a 2% chance you'll land the offer even with the interview..

This is exactly right. Getting the interview from non-core is difficult, but you still have to get through first round interviews and superdays. You will run through non-core super days, getting the interviews is hard but you will still have a long way to go.

 

You are an anomaly, or a super human.

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."
 
Best Response

Ut quisquam eligendi voluptatem ut. Qui mollitia enim tempore fugit qui officia. Sunt totam ut doloribus exercitationem. Unde eum est et est esse. Explicabo enim reiciendis vitae beatae minus vel cum.

Achiever in college from freshman year: Rainmaker. Hustler in college from junior year: More than you initially hoped for. Dreamer in college from senior year: Top closer for 4 man boutique in Idaho in toilet lid M&A Everyone else: Dunkin Donuts.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”