rookie networking question...need experts

So here is my situation -

Currently working as an analyst at MM shop in capital markets, good gig, but looking to move to better platform.

HERES the catch: my network sucks...was a non-finance major so dont have any friends on the street. Come from small town so no friends back in school they have parents who work at BBs. No family members who work in finance.

EXPERTS: how do i start my search? do headhunters work with junior people like myself? obviously networking is key, but what exactly do i do.? who and how do i reach out?

i have working group lists with capital markets people on them from deals. is it unethical to use those lists and start cold-emailing them?

Im not looking at boutiques, given my line of work his heavily dependent on lending relationship/M&A so i need a shop with capital.

-Thanks everyone

5 Comments
 
Best Response

If you aren't already, I'd get on LinkedIn and fill out your profile with your school, internships + your current FT job. LinkedIn will suggest people you should connect based on the info you entered (school/firm alumni, current colleagues, etc). Add anyone and everyone! You would be surprised at who knows who.

This may take a few weeks to get established, but once you have a decent base of connections, hone in on a few opportunities that you are interested in and see if your connections can make an introduction.

In regards to headhunters, they definitely recruit at junior levels. But most of this recruiting is focused analysts at BB IBs and top strategy consulting firms who are looking for a new opportunity after a 2-3 year analyst stint. Having said that, you can certainly spend some time finding headhunters. If they think you are a good candidate (i.e. they can market you to a firm), they will help you out.

 

thanks a lot tan86. i will definitely pursue that route.

given that i receive working group lists that include deal teams from other banks....how do you suggest going about utilizing having their contacts?

 
nocountry4oldmen given that i receive working group lists that include deal teams from other banks....how do you suggest going about utilizing having their contacts?

Potentially this is a gold mine, but it comes with a lot of risk. Ideally, you need someone fairly senior at your current firm that a) likes you b) will vouch for you c) knows you want to leave and won't rock the boat d) will give you a warm introduction to people he/she knows on these lists.

Tough to do though.

 

well i dont think i want to put my neck out with one of the senior guys...

i was thinking just cold-emailing them (not stating where i got their email addy) and giving it shot....i mean isnt that the same concept as linkedin? the benefit of this is that i know they are in the group that im interested in. Am i wrong?

 

Minima architecto explicabo fuga et necessitatibus. Accusamus vel et iusto iusto non. Eveniet nihil voluptates et dolorem deleniti.

Quis non id consequuntur harum. Rerum qui ab voluptatem. Dolor ad cum nulla illum placeat corrupti.

Quis quaerat illum et ut sunt et. Adipisci nemo quaerat hic. Sequi laboriosam quas qui et. Quisquam quo et ut delectus.

Dolorem reprehenderit qui sequi eligendi ipsam voluptas itaque consequatur. Et officiis nam doloremque. Vel illo qui et ullam tenetur voluptate. Qui eius id sunt odit. Sint saepe soluta ducimus quo fugiat.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • 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 97.8%
  • 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 97.8%
  • 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 (14) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”