Has Networking Become Less Important?

I go to a non-target state school, and, like all non-targets, have been told to network relentlessly to be able to break in to IB. Since I go to a state school, networking has been tough since we do not have a very strong alumni base on the street and most bankers ignore my cold emails due to lack of prestige. I have not made many strong connections at banks yet, due to this fact. Finally I said screw it, and applied to a large BB (think GS/JPM/MS) online without having a single contact there. Within almost 24 hours I received an email back inviting me to do a HireVue. My question is, do you guys think networking matters less now than it did 10 years ago if you have a very good GPA since most banks now use websites and filter out candidates through certain criteria like that? Or did I just get lucky? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

8 Comments
 

To add a bit more insight here - you could theorhetically be able to break in through the Hirevue system but its not likely if no one in HR knows your name. You want to try and make some connection at the bank. Look to make connections with people who also didn't go to a target school as they will have sympathy for your cause. Agressively linkedin stalk people and then use the WSO email formats in the company database or on the posts on here to find how to format their emails. In you emails to them you can mention how you've had the chance to participate in a hirevue but would like to continue to learn more about the bank.. that way they know where you are in the process and that your resume is sitting with HR.

 

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