Networking as a Freshman

Question

Hi All,
I’m looking for some insight about networking at a young age. Background info: I’m at a very non-target state school and might transfer if I could get into a top program. 
I’ve been in contact with quite a few bankers (mostly alum) and had mixed reviews. Many people have said I am too early in the process but others say it’s never too early.

I feel like establishing connections with people at banks now by reaching out for informational interviews is only a good thing. Is this the right thought process?

Additionally, what should my end game with networking be?

ebitda-d · Accepted Answer

I'm a nontarget junior who was in your shoes 2 years ago. First of all, I highly recommend transferring. My freshman year I made a lot of friends, was in a relationship, and built a lot of ties to my school, but as a junior I wish I transferred. It would have made everything a million times easier and if I put half the effort I did networking as a nontarget at a semi or full target than I could've ended up anywhere.

With that being said, I have an offer at a low tier BB this summer that I accepted so it is still very much possible from a nontarget.

AnonymousMonkey130 · Answer

This is some shit advice. Don't listen to the part about not reaching out to BBs/EBs. Work on your why banking, your story, and understanding what banking actually is. Once you have those three, start networking with analysts everywhere. Yes, you will learn as you go on how to be better at phone calls and coffee chats, this is why starting with analysts is ideal. As you get better then start reaching out to more senior people. 
Some of the most helpful people have been the ones that I networked with extremely early and saw how much I progressed from the time we first talked to follow ups.

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Networking as a Freshman

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Networking as a Freshman

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