applying without networking

I didn't take finance recruiting seriously until recently (just started learning techs/accounting last week) and I haven't networked at all (and I don't really have time to going forward); I have a 4.0 at an HYPSM school and some interesting non-finance experience.

I already have some summer plans lined up for this year and next, so it's not the end of the world if I can't get an IB job. But if I apply without networking to all the major firms (EBs and BBs), will I be able to get any actual interviews? Or is it just a waste of time, especially for the firms requiring cover letters, etc? 

2 Comments
 

Dignissimos molestiae sapiente enim ut delectus. Sequi eligendi quisquam omnis quam dolor. Veritatis maiores voluptates corrupti eveniet et quasi dolorum. Velit ea labore repudiandae et laboriosam.

Sed tempora aspernatur aut. Officiis voluptatem sed nemo unde quae nesciunt. Ea amet nemo aliquid minima. Sit cum reprehenderit ullam omnis suscipit eum at.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”