Networking as an intern

To navigate networking effectively as a Summer Analyst at a BB in London, here’s a breakdown of strategies based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

• Setting up coffee chats with all ~40 FTs is unrealistic and unnecessary. Instead, focus on building meaningful relationships with key individuals:
  • Your deal team: Analysts, associates, and VPs you work with directly. These are the people who will have the most insight into your work ethic and performance.
  • MDs and senior bankers: While they may not work with you daily, a few well-timed coffee chats with MDs or senior VPs can leave a strong impression. Keep these interactions concise and professional.

2. Be Strategic About Networking

• Within your team: Start with the people you work with most closely. This ensures you’re not neglecting your immediate responsibilities while still building rapport.
• Across teams: Networking with other coverage teams is acceptable and can be beneficial, especially if you’re interested in exploring other groups. However, balance this carefully to avoid appearing disloyal to your current team.
• Timing: Use downtime (e.g., slower afternoons or post-deal closings) to schedule coffee chats. Avoid peak work hours to ensure you’re not compromising your deliverables.

3. Social Events Are Key

• Participate in all team and firm-wide social events. These are excellent opportunities to network informally without the pressure of one-on-one meetings. As highlighted in WSO threads, interns who skip social events often struggle to integrate and miss out on valuable connections.

4. Approach Networking with Confidence

• Don’t worry about making others feel “left out.” It’s understood that interns have limited time, and most people won’t expect to meet with you unless there’s a clear reason.
• If you’re interested in a specific group, it’s okay to reach out to someone in that team for a coffee chat. Just be transparent about your interest and respectful of their time.

5. Maximizing Return Offer Chances

• Your return offer will primarily depend on your performance and how well you integrate with your team. Networking with other groups can help if you’re considering switching teams, but it’s not a substitute for excelling in your current role.
• If you’re networking with other groups, focus on analysts and associates first. They’re more accessible and can provide insights into the group’s culture and opportunities.

6. Final Tips

• Always be professional and prepared for coffee chats. Have thoughtful questions ready and show genuine interest in their experiences.
• Don’t overextend yourself. Your primary focus should be on delivering high-quality work. Networking is important, but it should complement—not detract from—your performance.

By balancing your workload, networking strategically, and participating in social events, you’ll position yourself well for a return offer while building a strong professional network.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/networking-for-a-return-offer?customgpt=1, How the hell are return offer candidates going to be assessed this summer?, The Do's and Don'ts for Summer Analyst, Q&A: Incoming IB analyst – international student, survived FT recruiting twice…, Advice for summer and return offer rate?