As a sophomore at a target, I am currently working as an intern in the PWM division of a BB for the Spring. It is through a program at my school.
I felt that besides having a BB on my resume, the biggest opportunity this provided was for me to network with everyone I can at this office to try to work my way to people in the I-banking division. In fact, at a career fair I met someone who is a first year analyst in the IBD of the same BB that i work at, and in the same building.
I have had a convo at the career fair, follow-up emails, phone convo, and recently a sit-down for coffee with this analyst. I'm pretty sure that things have been going well-- we talk about ibanking, the school we both went to (he is an alum from my school, graduated last year), our mutual friends on campus, and lots of other good conversation. He knows I want to break into ibanking, he is impressed with my resume (strong work experience and ECs), but thinks that my gpa needs help--which is true. (Currently it is a 3.3 but it will definitely be in 3.4-3.5 range by ibanking recruiting next year)
Anyway, I'm just wondering what is the best way to leverage this contact into a higher-up at the firm? An analyst who i work with in PWM suggested I ask him to set up a time where me, him, and a VP (my ibanker buddy mentioned that he is on really good terms with one of the VPs there) can all sit down for lunch or coffee. Is this a good idea? What's the best way to meet higher-ups in his division without trying to seem like a dick whos trying to use him for connections?
When you develop a relationship, if done right, turns into an actual relationship. Once your status on Facebook turns to "friendship," friends usually are ok with helping you, bettering yourself into a career.
But if your status becomes "complicated" you better watch out, that friend won't do shit for you...
Seriously though, thats what networking is. Everyone is just scratching eachother's backs...Write that down...
When you swap Little Orphan Annie Secret Decodor Rings, you can be sure he is a good network and will vouch for you to get an interview in IBD.
In all seriousness, just keep in touch with him, bounce general questions you have about the job off him, and you will be fine. Seems like he likes you already and I'm sure he'll do what he can to help you out so long as you put in the work on your end.
Vault Guide to Schmoozing (Originally Posted: 02/18/2008)
For those that have read/own it, how applicable is this guide? Does it have the same tendency to be slightly outdated/irrelevant the way the Guide to Finance Interviews is or is the material solid all the way through? I will be starting to spin my networking web soon for the 09 SA season and was wondering if Vault deserved another payment from me.
Thanks.
Schmoozing, as I've always heard it referred in B-school, is referring to buttering up the judges of case competitions.
I don't think this is a book on how best to suck up to your boss. If it is, I seriously doubt its effectiveness, as bankers sniff out bullshit better than any other professionals.
not helpful
my school has the guide for free... yours should too.
i think vault provides that guide for free now if u register
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