So many networking questions

For context I am a rising sophomore at ucla which does okay for banking. Not great, especially since I am not in one of the 4 clubs that get most of the placements. I do have a tech ib boutique internship this summer so not sure if that affects the answers to any of these questions. I plan on attaching my resume to these emails networking emails because I've gotten good feedback on it, unless you guys feel strongly against that.

I know some of you might say I am late to the party but can't change the past. I am just going to dump a bunch of questions I have about the process before getting started, and an answer to all or any part of them would be very helpful. Also if there are any online guides or anything like that you'd recommend that would be great too. 

Questions:

  • How did you choose which banks to focus on? Did you target a handful for most of your networking, or a couple dozen, or more? How many banks is reasonable to target? I only really have any interest in ending up in SF, but maybe its worth pursing New York or LA just to improve odds?
     
  • Is it better to email analysts/associates or VPs and MDs, or both? How do you approach emailing multiple people at the same firm? For example, how far do you space out emails to people in the same group or at the same bank but different roles? Did you use different email structures or levels of formality depending on seniority (eg first name vs Mr/Ms for MDs/VPs)?
     
  • Any advice on subject lines or email content? How much personalization do you put in each one? How many emails do you send a day and in total? Also what should a follow up email look like, and how long after the initial one would you send it?
     
  • After you connected with someone, how did you keep the relationship warm? Did you check in regularly or just before applications?
     
  • For networking calls, how did you prepare questions? I know that it shouldn't look like a q&a, but I think having a list of potential questions would be helpful if the conversation dies down. Is it acceptable to do the call in my dorm if its empty, or should I be booking a library room for every call?
     
  • What is the best method of converting a good networking call into something real like an interview or more realistically a referral?
     
  • Is it a bad look to try to talk to multiple different areas of coverage at the same bank, is that even a thing people do?
     
  • Any major lessons I can avoid learning the hard way?


    Anything I’m missing or should be thinking about? I don't know what I don't know, so any advice about any aspect of recruiting would be useful not just the stuff I asked here. 

    Thanks!
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