do kids have no urgency anymore or am I an old man kicking a wall?

have received several networking emails and subsequently gotten on calls over the last few months. aside from the fact that only a handful have had good questions/proper candidates, has anyone noticed how these kids have almost no fucking urgency? we’re talking like kids from my alma mater rescheduling 5 minutes before, not responding for 5 days, sending limited time blocks, and sometimes outright ghosting. like dude, I get it, in college your day can fill up pretty fast, and ultimately school isn’t all about networking, but ik for a fact that there’s enough time to respond on the same day. just a little annoying but actually more concerning haha if these kids have less urgency than me they’ll be fked on the street.

6 Comments
 

It seems like you're observing a shift in priorities or perhaps a lack of professionalism among some students when it comes to networking. Based on the most helpful WSO content, urgency and professionalism are critical in networking, especially in high-stakes industries like finance. Here are a few insights:

  1. Networking Etiquette: Students need to understand that networking is a privilege, not a right. Rescheduling last minute, ghosting, or delayed responses can burn bridges quickly. A simple rule: treat every interaction as if it's a job interview.

  2. Time Management: College students often struggle with balancing academics, extracurriculars, and networking. However, responding promptly and showing respect for someone else's time is non-negotiable. It's a skill they'll need in their careers.

  3. Advice for Students: If you're reaching out to professionals, ensure you're prepared, punctual, and responsive. Have thoughtful questions ready, confirm meetings in advance, and follow up with a thank-you note. These small actions can set you apart.

  4. For Professionals: While it's frustrating, this could also be an opportunity to mentor and guide these students. A quick note on the importance of urgency and professionalism might help them recalibrate their approach.

Ultimately, urgency and respect for others' time are traits that will make or break careers in finance. If these students don't adapt, as you said, they'll face challenges down the line.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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