Currently an MSF student after graduating from undergrad last summer. Will be at a family office MM PE firm over the summer and was wondering how do you go about networking when you have a full-time internship? Obviously would like to do my best during the internship but I'm also looking to recruit in the fall, so want to build up the connect over the summer. Thanks.
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Currently interning in NYC now and have had pretty good success with networking thus far. Here's a few things I've found that have worked for me: 1. Focus on alumni. Pretty easy to see why this works; they actually have a reason to be open to talking to you. Sending cold emails to people you have no real connection to does not work as well (career interests unfortunately don't count as a real connection, and I personally haven't had remotely close to as much success reaching out to people who I am only interested in their job as opposed to a connection) 2. Try to meet in person/focus on people in your area I have found that people are way more willing to speak with you in person, even though this may seem coutnerintuitive as it can be a little more trouble than a phone call. I would say this is because it helps them put a face to the name (mutually beneficial) and is all around more enjoyable. plus gives you an edge in making a good impression and reaping benefits from that connection, that is if you are good with people. 3. Leverage your existing connections. Obviously personal connections are fantastic, but also try to leverage people you have met with in the past to meet new people. I.e. ask for referrals/recommendations for other people you can speak to at their firm. when doing this, be specific with who you want to talk to (as in position and specialization if possible, i.e. an analyst in TMT) and don't ask for two much; usually one max. but then if you connect with them, ask them for another referral. this creates an exponential growth in connections if you are good at it (and a little lucky) and can really help with building strong connections within one firm.
Best of luck with networking and your internship! Sounds like you're doing pretty well for yourself at htis point, keep hustling!
Thanks for the detailed reply, really appreciate it! Asking for a referral/new introduction has been the most difficult part based on my experience, but I'll surely be more specific about the person I would like to meet next time I do. Thanks!
Yessir; if they don't offer during your conversation, don't be afraid to ask towards the end of the conversation if you think it has gone well. Make it casual, something along the lines of: I've really enjoyed learning about your experiences and time at the firm. I would love to learn more about; is there anyone you would recommend I reach out to off the top of your head?
You can modify that and say something like "I'd love to learn more about an analyst's work at your firm; is there any chance you know any who might be willing to speak with me?"
Of course some people are too busy/don't care enough to help you out beyond speaking to you and there's nothing you can do about that. Just make the most of what you can get! best of luck.
also, if your username is your real name I highly recommend changing it
Haha nah it's not my real name. Didn't know what username to put so I just put my fav basketball player name.
That's basically how I've been doing it but found it to be a hit or miss, depends a lot on the chemistry of the conversation between me and the other side. Given my background (very non-traditional undergrad going into an MSF, which is already obscure to most people), I've been focusing more on boutique banks and have my eye on CF of Deloitte, KPMG, etc.
Thanks for the encouragement!
I would just say be a little cautious with the constant referrals from one person to the next (quality over quantity). I say this because you can have a chain of 7 people whom you met through referrals at the same firm but if you mess up one of those calls/coffee chats you may get dinged.
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