Hi guys, I am currently an incoming msf student at georgetown recruiting for SA 27. Obviously, both are very important, but would you spend most of the day networking or refining technicals? And how many calls do you think is the bare minimum in order to get a “safe” amount of interviews lets say 8 interviews?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you should approach this:
Networking vs. Technicals
Both are critical, but the balance depends on your current strengths and weaknesses: - If your technicals are weak: Prioritize refining them. You need to confidently walk through standard interview questions like paper LBOs, DCFs, and case studies. Not being able to handle these is a dealbreaker. - If your technicals are solid: Shift focus to networking. Building relationships can help you secure interviews, especially if you're coming from a non-target background.
Networking Strategy
Networking is about quality, not just quantity. Here are some tips: 1. Mindset: Approach networking with the perspective that you're showing enthusiasm, competence, and a desire to learn. You're not offering much value yet, but you're demonstrating potential. 2. Calls: There's no magic number, but aim for consistency. Some WSO threads suggest that even if networking doesn't directly lead to offers, it prepares you to speak with professionals and builds confidence. A "safe" number of calls could be 20-30 meaningful conversations, but focus on making each one count. 3. Follow-ups: Always follow up after calls or meetings. Not following up is a major deal killer.
Technical Prep
Balancing Both
By combining strong technical skills with effective networking, you'll maximize your chances of landing those 8 interviews. Good luck!
Sources: Recruiting Tips for Summer Analyst Prospects, 10 Friendly Reminders While Networking for SA Programs (from a BB Analyst Perspective), How To Really Network And Land That Offer, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/my-2-cents-on-sa-recruiting-from-a-non-target-background?customgpt=1
Technicals. Better to actually know what you're doing instead of marketing an incomplete product. Cold interviews are still fairly common.
I pretty much know like 95% of the guide and heard that i should just network before SA 27 apps open up. Someone told me to do atleast 100 coffee chats to get a good amount of interviews. Do you think that’s true and what i should be focusing on now? Just because i want to have as many interviews as possible to get my offer, as this is my last chance to break into IB as an incoming Georgetown MSF student
You need to balance your time here. If you were at a target undergrad, I'd say go all-in on technicals since getting interviews should be easy without networking (I basically didn't network at all...the W undergrad name hard-carried me), but since you're at more of a semi-target, half the challenge is getting the interview in the first place, so you do need to spend some time networking most likely.
If you're already comfortable with 95% of the guide, start networking more so you can begin securing interviews with specific firms / groups. That will allow you to tailor your technical prep more. For example, if you get an interview with a sponsors group, you'll probably want to brush up on LBO / leverage technicals more. If you get an interview with a TMT coverage group, you'll want to brush up on SaaS fundamentals more. Etc. Etc.
Otherwise, you kind of hit a wall with basic technical prep. You also just need some interview reps to really see what it's like. Don't be afraid to apply to boutiques just to get interview practice.
Thanks for the advice! Right now, I haven't really been tailoring my prep just because I heard most SA positions are generalist and should keep my options open, but not sure on that. Do you think I should just target one coverage/product group specifically and not network with as many bankers within that bank as possible? I'm averaging around 10 calls a week and trying to reach 80+ to maximize the amount of interviews I can get. On a second note, is getting interviews based on explicit referrals where a banker's like I'll push you through the process? Or do they not explicitly tell you and can you still get an interview at a bank where no one told you they'll flag your resume, etc? Just wanted more clarity on that and thanks!
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