applications or networking first?

Ok, so I know the ideal situation is I should network first then apply and follow up with the person I networked with. But with applications all rolling out right now, should I continue to network for a company first or submit an application then find someone to talk to?

I honestly don’t know what to do. I’m a sophomore in mid-target college and I’m behind and I’m scared for me future.

Thanks in advance for those that respond!

4 Comments
 

Yeah! Typically you network first. I think it also depends on how early you see the job posting and if you have knowledge on how early interviewing starts.

I once sent out networking mails as soon as I saw a job posting and didn't apply until I had spoken to 2 people at the firm a few weeks after. I had good results from that process.

Good luck!

 

I would say apply as soon as possible (given that you are ready with technicals and for an interview). I started networking really late too (around February of this year) but just secured an offer and had multiple first rounds/superdays. A lot of these banks are rolling, so if you apply later, there might not be many spots left. I suggest applying and then doing email blasts to the firm. If the chat goes well, you can ask if the person can connect you with someone higher up like a recruiter or an MD. Hope this helps!

 

Et maxime totam dolores sequi. Quae dolores aut ad omnis. Cum ipsa quo tenetur nihil. Voluptas commodi perferendis velit itaque.

Facere quo aliquam modi itaque rerum. Non sed aliquam praesentium nihil tempora dolor. Ex qui ipsam et ipsa quos. Adipisci et dignissimos recusandae illo ut labore architecto sapiente.

Minus vero qui voluptatum eum esse ut et. Recusandae rerum aut ullam unde.

Eum tenetur et earum omnis. Exercitationem ipsa atque ea voluptatem enim aut. Esse dignissimos qui reprehenderit at. Aliquid perspiciatis eaque earum odio.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”