When should I start networking?
Hey guys I am an incoming college freshman and I wanted to know when it is acceptable to contact alumni. I don't start classes until August, but I made a linkedin and connected with a few alumni. I messaged one who is an analyst at Goldman Sachs and he set up a phone call with me. We talked for 45 minutes and conversation flowed nicely, but I am worried other IB guys won't take me seriously because of my inexperience. He also gave me a list of Associates and Vice Presidents at Goldman who also went to my school, however, I am more hesitant to contact them. Do you guys think I should wait until after freshman year to network or continue to reach out to people?
Now.
Would you suggest contacting people from boutique investment banks instead of bulge brackets? I only contacted the Goldman analyst because he was the first alumni I saw on linkedin. I wasn't expecting to receive a response at all. Also my sister's friends from Boston college (Juniors) couldn't believe I talked to a Goldman analyst before even taking a college class.
No, yesterday.
I’m still in undergrad so taking my advice is up to you. I would say, between now and when school starts up start researching what it is you’re interested in within finance, learn more about it...read up on networking template, and start getting involved on campus as soon as you get there. Recruiting is getting really early so it’s good you’ve already got a contact down before even starting school, however all of freshman year is plenty of time to build up a solid Rolodex, start developing a real passion, and solid impressions are gonna really come from 1. Being conversational 2. Making the conversations worth their time, but I think to fully show that you’ll have to start with some groundwork of research, and resume building too.
Dude, this guy just gave you a silver platter. What do you think will happen when these guys get together and chat, and the analyst you spoke to finds out you haven't spoken to a single person on the list he gave you? Spend the free time you have now to network, network, network. No need to send 10 emails a week, just try to have one phone chat a week. In a year, that will be ~50 names - a solid start. At the same time, don't act like a f*cking idiot: prepare a list of smart questions, and do some research on what group each of the people you are talking to works in. And, please, branch out from Goldman Sachs...
I know he gave me a silver platter and I did reach out to one contact he gave me. she's just a summer intern at Goldman but we made plans to get coffee after school starts. I am more hesitant to contact the individuals who are higher up because they are a little more intimidating. I guess I just need advice as to how to go about contacting them. Like what exactly do I ask them for in an email? Advice??
Have your emails formatted something like this:
Hey First Name,
My name is XXX XXX and I'm an incoming freshman at XXX hoping to study XXX. I know this might seem early, but I recently chatted with XXX XXX and he recommended I reach out to you in order to learn more about [insert firm name here]. I know you are probably very busy, but I'd love to arrange a phone call and learn about your career at XXX, and [insert more specific thing about the group they're working for, their experience, etc.]. Thanks,
XXX
Start talking with analysts, then move up the ladder. That way you sound the most intelligible when you are speaking to Associates/VPs/MDs. Make sure to thank them for their time, and I'd definitely recommend reaching out to other firms. You can find out a lot on LinkedIn...
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