Low networking response rate

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable tips to improve your networking strategy and boost your response rate:

1. Expand Beyond Alumni and Get Creative

• While alumni are a great starting point, don't limit yourself to them. Reach out to professionals with any shared connection, such as:
  • People from your hometown or who grew up in the same area.
  • Professionals who attended nearby target schools (e.g., if you're at a non-target in Illinois, reach out to Northwestern or University of Chicago alumni).
  • Individuals who participated in similar extracurriculars, studied abroad in the same country, or share other unique commonalities.
• Even reaching out to professionals in adjacent fields (e.g., Big 4 TAS, M&A tax, consulting) can lead to valuable referrals.

2. Leverage LinkedIn and Second-Degree Connections

• Use LinkedIn to identify 2nd and 3rd-degree connections. Look for bankers who share similar interests, career paths, or even LinkedIn posts. Mention these shared points in your outreach to make your message stand out.

3. Diversify Your Outreach

• Don’t just focus on senior bankers. Analysts and associates are often more approachable and involved in recruiting. Building relationships with them can be just as impactful.
• Network across all levels of the industry and allied professions. For example, lawyers, accountants, or consultants may have connections to bankers and can provide referrals.

4. Refine Your Email Strategy

• While tailoring emails is great, ensure your subject lines are compelling and concise. Examples:
  • "Fellow [Hometown] Native Interested in IB"
  • "Aspiring Sophomore Seeking Advice on Breaking into IB"
• Keep your emails short and to the point. Highlight your motivation, relevant experience, and a specific ask (e.g., a 15-minute call for advice).

5. Follow Up Strategically

• If you don’t get a response, follow up after 7-10 days. Keep the follow-up polite and professional, reiterating your interest and gratitude for their time.

6. Join Clubs and Events

• Even if you can’t join your school’s IB club until next semester, look for other ways to get involved:
  • Attend finance-related events, such as CFA society meetings or ULI (if interested in real estate).
  • Volunteer at industry-related organizations or affinity groups like Prospanica or CREW.
  • Check if your school has alumni mentoring programs or executive-in-residence events.

7. Track Your Efforts

• Use a detailed spreadsheet to track your outreach. Include names, firms, dates, and follow-up status. This will help you stay organized and identify patterns in response rates.

8. Be Persistent and Patient

• Networking is a numbers game, especially from a non-target. Keep refining your approach, and don’t get discouraged by low response rates. Persistence often pays off.

9. Consider In-Person Networking

• While introducing yourself to random bankers in Midtown might be extreme, attending career fairs (e.g., NABA, ALPFA, ASCEND) or finance-related conferences can help you make in-person connections.

By diversifying your approach, leveraging creative strategies, and staying consistent, you’ll increase your chances of breaking into IB. Keep at it—your motivation and effort will pay off!

Sources: Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, Some Thoughts on Networking, Should I get straight to the point in my cold email?