Was networking that important for IB?
Soph here from HYPSMW. Applied everywhere but did not hear back from anyone. Did HVs for JPM and Goldman.
Only firm that got back to me was BofA for first round HV last week.
I only networked with about 8 ppl total so is that why? Also had a shitty gpa (3.6) but damn everyone ghosted me except BofA lol.
Ig time to case
yes
Yes, networking is table stakes. The people you're up against have been sending hundreds of networking emails for months - especially with a lower GPA (and if at an Ivy known for grade inflation) you did this to yourself, unfortunately
For me, i networked w 7 ppl from Goldman then multiple analysts reached out to me to talk to me. No spd. What could’ve been the reason?! Thought all the calls went well, but I guess dinged somewhere?!
The analysts reaching out was essentially a pre-interview. I would call that a networking success even if you did get dinged - clearly you got on their radar. It's definitely a numbers/luck game to some extent
Networking is important but results vary (and look different) from bank to bank.
For example: at a MM firm if u networked well and hit it off with an analyst they likely can pull u through a little and get you a first round interview (then the rest is in ur hands). At JPM (or many other top BB’s) referrals aren’t even a thing. Even if an analyst thought you were Gandhi, they wouldn’t be able to do anything.
In your case, yes you severely dropped the ball in networking but it is hard to say if ur results would have varied significantly even if u sweated ur nuts off networking. At the end of the day, this is a super competitive industry / occupation and there are many factors that even determine if ur lucky enough to receive a hirevue (i.e. I’m at a top MM and we had 350+ applicants for 2 internship spots), that are outside your control.
Just my 2¢, good luck to all prospects
That's not true regarding JPM, networking can make a difference
Networked hella, ended up accepting an offer at a place I had 0 convos w before R1. Non target btw
Atta boy champ, make sure to throw up "Incoming 2026 Summer Analyst at X" on the Linkedin headline (I see you already updated your WSO title"
It's truly invaluable and barring nepo connections is the only way to succeed in landing a role. Keep at it and focus on those LMM and MM roles, honestly anything just to get your foot in the door
Saepe occaecati rerum nemo vitae. Architecto sapiente dicta ratione accusamus. Voluptas ut quis cumque pariatur dignissimos cupiditate. Laborum et at officia.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...