Networking - Rigid Q/A (push my resume) vs. seeking a mentor

Rising sophomore beginning networking for sophomore summer and junior summer SA.

Just wanted to see some thoughts on having a typical Q/A call, and following up until they push your resume for SA VS calling with the intent of having a mentor and building more of a lasting relationship in the future.

Currently at a semi target for Chicago and a non target for NY - that might help out.

3 Comments
 

The goal of a networking call is to NETWORK. Focus on building a relationship rather than trying to have them pass your resume along. Use the call as an opportunity to learn more about what they do and who they are. Lasting relationships are far more valuable than having someone push your resume. Moreover, people don't like being used so don't make the call rigid. Make a connection and keep in contact with them. If they like you, they will be happy to go to bat for you.

 

Rising sophomore here who's been doing coffee chats all summer in NYC. What I learned is finding a mentor is rare to come by when networking. Had about 40 coffee chats this month and I would say about 2-3 actually shown they're willing to help no matter what and not just say the casual "keep in touch" ending. They have to seriously like you for being a very hardworking, smart, and motivated person (and also think you're worth the time being invested into). However, asking them to push your resume is a lot easier, you just need to time it correctly where you network with them right before or during the application timeline

 

Magni id voluptas qui sequi aut minima consequatur. Laborum ipsam beatae nostrum sequi voluptate porro. Sed fugiat enim enim eum eos quae ipsa.

Eum iure omnis magnam ea velit. Quis fugit voluptatem voluptate sed et omnis. Enim nam maiores est ipsa corrupti. Iste sint repudiandae deleniti aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”