Networking during IB Prod. Control internship

Hey,

So I started my 6 mo. internship 3 days ago and it's going great. I haven't been able to do much yet though, as my computer session/account/email have not been activated yet. Since my role is IB FX DERIVS PRODUCT CONTROL, I can't do much without a working computer.

So basically I've been reading documents and observing my colleague that sits next to me (asking questions, discussing topics,...) during this time.

Apparently these computer problems and account activation issues are quite common, not only for first time employees (a dude in my team told me he had to wait 1 month to have everything activated) but also for everyone in this division. Something to do with big changes in the bank, especially IB, and the fact that quite a few IT/HR people are not in the same country.

Here's my question though:

My line manager, who's awesome btw, asked me something about networking and if I had already met a few people and all. I said that yeah I've been talking with a few people. BUT I've only been there 3 days. I've basically been talking with my 2 bosses, talked a bit with 2 guys from my team, talked to a couple other dudes for 5 minutes and that's it. (I know about 6 names so far, I must have met 30 people so far (only handshakes when I was introduced on the first day). Is it ok if I go up to somebody in my team who's name I can't remember and say something like "what's your name again?" blablahblah " ah yes, how's it going?") .

Is that what I'm "supposed" to do? What exactly does networking mean (I'm a newbie, this is my first finance experience)? Talk with as many people as possible and build relationships? Or am I supposed to blatantly go up to anyone and talk? even if he's not in the same team?

I just would like to get my hands dirty before I start going around talking to random people you know...

thanks guys

1 Comments
 

Et veritatis dolorem ea alias harum maxime. Ipsa quos voluptas consectetur.

Prospective Banker. Gentleman. Bodybuilder.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”