How to recruit from a non-target?

Non target state school here, landed an offer NYC (GUG/CITI/JEF) in a recent previous cycle.

Networking is best after school starts in September with probably the best response rate in October. Focus on networking from Sept - Dec with most of your effort in Oct and Nov.

I know the target school near me says their students shouldn’t reach out to alum until after thanksgiving, so that’s worth noting.

Feel free to PM me

Del

also non-target and landed an offer this past recruiting cycle. i second all the other comments and say i had the best response rate in oct/nov/dec and most apps were released dec/jan/feb so it played out nicely. i will say there is such a thing as too early and it's hard to maintain connections over 6 months if you were to start rn. 

Non-target here who landed a "tier one" RX offer. 

Agree with everyone above in that it's too early to start networking for SA 27. I'd hold off until September to start. This will give you time to better understand what's actually going on. Here are a couple more tips I found helpful:

Start in August with any school alumni who are no longer in banking. This shouldn't be a forced attempt to have them forward you on to their former place of work. Instead, it's meant to get some of those first-call jitters out of the way, and help build up your ability to talk on the phone. It's also helpful because they will be more candid with their thoughts on the industry and will likely leave you with some good points to reference in future calls. 

Also, the number one way to stand out on a networking call is to ask intelligent and thoughtful follow-ups after they answer your question. Regardless of the subject matter, nobody wants to be on the other end of a barrage of questions, especially from a non-target who cold emailed them. Instead, take time to learn about whatever group you're networking for, and be able to hold a natural conversation on a topic. The banker will always know more than you, but it's refreshing for them to know you aren't just asking questions from ChatGPT. This is a skill that comes with practice, so make sure to practice before diving straight into calls. Do not have your first call be with your number one bank. 
 

Overall, don't overthink it. Just be a genuine and interested person, and you'll be a breath of fresh air from the robotic hardos. 
  

2-4 internships is good enough to show you have decent experience. Sounds like you’re doing well with finance clubs as well. 

When it comes to networking it’s never too early. I feel like you can always reach out to analysts and associates and try to fill up your every day calendar, especially over the summer. Always prep for your calls one day in advance so that you have the ability to jump from one call to another. I made sure to continue this through out the semester and although I put classes on the back burner, I was able to manage all As and get what I wanted. I think you’re gonna do great and just keep your head high and follow a weekly routine and you should be on the right track.

Major non target state school, landed MM Chicago this past spring. No real point in networking now IMO, due to current SA's still there. Doesn't hurt to wait until school starts and you're maybe more "in the loop" in regard to when banks are ready to start etc. The summer is the perfect opportunity to just read and learn about the industry. Learn the guides, read the WSJ, use the time with zero/very little responsibilities to put yourself ahead of everyone else. Talk with students who did get an offer last year and those that are coming back from internships, they'll have the best advice for you. Good luck!

also recruited from a non-target and ended up receiving an offer at an investment bank that offers above street comp. 

would suggest you study up your technicals this summer and go light on networking. when the fall kicks in, have a list of alumni and other individuals at targeted BBs/EBs/MMs and send out mass emails on a weekly basis for coffee chats.