Can someone refer you to investment banking even if they’re at a different department?

Having a call with an MD at a BB and am freaking out. He was on campus for a company pitch, we had a quick chat and made sure he remembered me. Followed up and he was the only person to remember me. He works in the PE group at the bank.

Here’s the question:

  1. can he refer me to IB?
  2. Is it stupid to ask for a referral for the PE group? I kinda feel like it is because it’s not that big at the bank and I’m still fresh out of school.
4 Comments
 
  1. Possible, but not recommended. I think you're better off asking him for a referral to another person on IB side, since they have more say in vouching for you. Ask for a VP at least, make sure to take time and not ask for a referral straight off the first call.
  2. Also think about what you want to do long term - if PE is the goal, then the MD is a golden ticket. Why not skip IB and gun for his group?
 

So quickly looking at the group staff on LinkedIn it seems that it’s a very tiny one and basically hires undergrads for most part. Now it makes sense to actually ask for a referral to that group

 

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