Will networking internally kill my FT offer?!?

I’ll be interning in a credit or DCM type group but long term I’m interested in M&A. My priority is getting a FT offer. I am not trying to look like I’m using my team as a stepping stone.

How do you build relationships with another group without signaling you do not want to be where you are?

Does it change if they are in a different city versus the same office?

When is the right time to start those conversations during the internship or only after you lock in a return? Or right now ?

For those who have done it successfully or seen it backfire, what actually works?

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I'd recommend you start soft networking during your summer instead of networking now for the following reasons:

  1. There is no merit for you to network now. People talk, and showing interest in other groups and casting a wide net is dangerous. What would you say when you network before the summer? That you don't want to be in DCM? What if the person you are speaking to is close to DCM associate? My best friend is in DCM and I'd tell him right away
  2. Build a reputation in your group and earn your analysts' trust matters. So instead of being an incoming kid with no track record, you can be someone who people speak highly of
  3. Do not make it obvious when you network with other teams, do it discreetly and don't prioritize it over your work. I had an intern who constantly went on coffee chats and didn't really do work we assigned her and we did not extend return offer.
  4. Your intern class will become close and you can express your interest in their groups as well. Maybe they can introduce you. Some of my best friends are from my junior times.

Best of luck and lmk if you have any questions

 

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