Networking at an Ivy League
I know there are probably a lot of posts about the topic but I'm not sure how to find them. I will be an incoming freshman at an Ivy League, and I'm interested in doing IB. I just have no idea about the concept of networking. Like when does it happen? How does it happen? What do I say? Everyone talks about how great target unis are for networking, but I just don't know how they practically work.
If any of you is willing to shed light, it would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Lol just be human
Local Ivy League student discovers the concept of friendship
SB'd + bump. Would also love colour on who to network with, especially for non-structured internship opportunities.
It’s an underrated question lmao… I’d recommend starting with current upper classmen at your school (think club leaders, incoming SAs, etc). If you’re just trying to learn more about IB, they tend to be easier to talk to and more “forgiving” if you don’t have much industry knowledge already (that’s just coming from my experience starting out with networking). Once you start feeling more confident in holding a professional convo and how the process works you could prolly expand to alumni and ppl w more IB industry experience when you’re recruiting for on-cycle. Hope this helps
Look to build a network of alumni and professionals in the field you ideally want to work in. Networking should be about getting to know people and building relationships with others that in the future might be beneficial. Look to coffee chat or get to know seniors, club execs and incoming summer analysts from your school. Once you have a bit of experience or looking to recruit more intensely, begin networking with working analysts and maybe some associates. If done well, it should be a human experience and not a chore. This guide is great for coffee chats if you are a bit confused about what to discuss. https://www.peakframeworks.com/post/investment-banking-coffee-chat-ques…
Going to take a shot whilst cosplaying as APAE.
Congratulations on matriculating to an ivy. The friends and memories you make there will last forever, and as someone in the industry now, it goes by quick so cherish it.
Presumably you are a high school senior right now. Here's my advise: take a long duration approach to connecting with and staying in touch with interesting people, while developing yourself to be the person you want to become (and figuring out who that is exactly along the way). Note I did not and will not use the word networking.
It is fantastic that you are thinking about how to make the most out of your rare and special opportunity. Preparedness is the most valuable attribute a student can have to improve their odds at reaching their goals in every field. In that vein, I'll take a two pronged approach here. The first consideration is how you can best spend your time from now until September. The second is how to make the most of your time while at school and beyond.
April - August: Here is my $.02. If you do only one thing before matriculating, let it be having fun. Life is short, and the period of hs senior spring + summer should be spent experiencing your "coming of age" with your friends. Forget about ivy league, forget about "networking", focus on the now. If you feel like you're in a good place with that, you could possibly be well served to explore your interests (in this case this includes business / finance). Two ideas: look into local businesses. See if they have any summer opportunities. Use your friends' parents or your own to leverage introductions and go from there. The other idea is to read and put ideas into action. Get a subscription to the WSJ until you matriculate (pretty sure you can get a deal for like $4 a month for a few months). Read as much as you can and whatever interests you. Write down questions. Discuss these ideas with your parents. Etc.
While at school: You likely know this, but attending an ivy provides serious value in a broad alumni network and ample opportunities to engage with current students. The posters above correctly identified connecting with upperclassmen in clubs you're interested in or jobs you desire. Sure, go ahead and do that, but I would recommend making efforts to put yourself in as many situations as possible to meet new people and do things together with them. This could mean intramural soccer, joining greek life, doing a play, joining student govt, joining an entrepreneurship club. Do all of those things and make it a point to stay connected with people. You're in a fantastic position where you can meet someone and spend four years building a lasting relationship together. That will pay dividends down the line.
For efforts related to IB specifically, repeat what I wrote above but for areas in which there is a great density of bankers. Investing clubs are likely your best bet. Don't worry about networking for your IB job. If that still interests you in 14 months, then you'll have the network to leverage to learn how to pursue that. For now focus on people and learning.
Best of luck.
Some incomings network with current students to try to get into clubs, and people will give you the time of day but also laugh at how much of a tryhard you are. I’d recommend if you really want to go all out, just observe who seems cracked and what clubs they’re in then beeline for those at the actual club recruiting events once you get on campus. Once you’re in clubs upperclassmen can help you with networking regarding internships, but generally no rush on that
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