FT Recruiting Backup Plan for a Summer Offer With a Low Return Rate?

I have an offer at a “top-tier” bank for next summer that I’m really excited about, and I’d happily return full-time if given the opportunity. However, based on what I’ve heard from upperclassmen and other information I’ve found, the recent return-offer rate was around 30%.

My priority is to perform well and earn the return offer, but I also want to be realistic and have a backup plan. Does it make sense to start networking with other banks before the internship even begins, or should I wait until the summer to assess the situation?

For anyone who’s been in a similar position, how did you approach FT recruiting while staying focused on your internship? Particularly curious about timing and how to handle the optics of networking elsewhere when you already have a summer offer.

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