networking for FT roles (London)

hi all!

lurker here, wanted some advice on FT networking in London specifically.

im entering an off-cycle in Jan for 5-6 months, there is a decent chance I'll be able to convert to FT but I'd like to have backups/aim higher for BBs/EBs.

does anyone have advice on networking for such roles starting July/Aug? im aware that networking isnt common in London for graduate roles since HR has more power, but keen on trying to bag any spots opened up by analysts leaving.

11 Comments
 

I got rejected from the application stage with a CEO/President level referral at an EB. Of course, first question I was asked was how I know the guy and once they knew I was non-nepo, attitude changed instantly. I did not even get a first-round.

HR has unbelievable power and for no reason.

Networking is useless except for smaller banks. 

 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

did you ask the individual to refer you or directly put your resume in/set up interviews? feel like referrals carry little weight in LDN anyway unless nepo

 

FT? is hiring at your EB always cold or have there been successful referrals/people who've networked in?

thanks

 

Dont know a single EB in London where referrals got ppl in. Many of them straight up outsource it to HHs.

 
Most Helpful

Take this with a strong pinch of salt:

a handful of London-based EBs will allow FT conversions for certain verticals where there is strong deal flow but little in terms of boots on the ground e.g. RX / Infra / O&G etc. 

I can say this because one of my colleagues attended a graduate event, told an AN3 how much he enjoyed working in O&G and received a call a week later about an O&G FT position (he had graduated and was taking his time off) and converted the process successfully owing to his strong technicals. 

However, while this is possible, it is 95% unlikely to work for the majority of verticals at EBs and BBs and I stress this heavily as HR does indeed have the majority of the control. 

 

Odio tempore aut a temporibus et animi exercitationem error. Doloremque sed doloremque suscipit facere. Ut dolores nostrum eum.

Adipisci odit quis doloremque eum magnam doloribus. Similique tenetur officia eos quam. Aut optio molestiae atque qui qui nulla quis labore. Ut sit saepe ullam eligendi. Est maxime dolor ex asperiores minus sed eius nam. Libero deleniti et et deserunt et aspernatur. Cupiditate ad quae blanditiis.

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...”