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Things moved really fast for me so I didn't do as much networking as I expected. My main focus was only on EB's, but I networked on the side with BB's as well. At the EB's I knew 7-8 people across analysts and associates and this was in the span of about 3 weeks. I personally expected I would need to speak to more people, but C'est la vie, things moved really fast.
Sil wrote up a great guide to networking - TL;DR, analysts will be more down-to-earth and real with you, VPs and above are the ones with the power to actually help you.
Interesting! But I would assume the VPs and associates would ask the analysts what they about x person when he/she talked to them, correct? so in that sense, I'm guessing it would be good to network really well and get on the good side with some of the analysts. Please correct me if I'm wrong
Definitely, that's one reason I always close networking chats with the question - "Is there anyone else that would be a good fit for me to speak with?" MDs will refer you down the food chain (to associates and analysts) but analysts usually won't go out on a limb and tell you to email their MD. So, reach out to them all. But MDs definitely have more pull.
should i only be networking with analysts? (Originally Posted: 05/12/2017)
For internships, should I only be networking with first year analysts that actually look at resumes or network with anyone from my school?
older the better, more pull, experience, but you have to stand out more
That is true and only makes sense. So if I'm networking with analysts, I'd be doing for the good w.o.m and nothing more (which is obviously also very important)?
network with anyone ft up to and including Associate. Also network with students who have done relevant internships
Honestly depends on the bank. Each one will do recruiting processes slightly differently and take input from different sources. Some have dedicated school teams where everyone analyst-director is involved in some capacity. Some strongly value the input of HR recruitment teams. Probably a question worth asking when you make some connections at firm to figure out how the selection process works and who else is good to talk to.
General constants: 1. Analysts are the most involved in networking, will be most willing to chat outside of networking events, and will offer the most recommendations. However, many will have a lot of mouths to feed and be pre-disposed to certain students based on connections at school. At banks with larger recruiting teams, having just one analyst on your side won't be enough unless they are super vocal and can convince their peers that you're good. 2. No analyst is going to argue against the couple of kids that the one MD recommends.
A bank has so many MDs, how do I know which one is even involved in recruiting?
I always started with analysts, helps get a good feel for the culture right off the bat and generally is easier to connect with them on a personal level. A single person who happens to be an alumni can stretch much further than you'd think. Develop a relationship and it will lead to further contacts/office visits where you can make more connections - it really is much more simple than you think. As far as a specific number of people to network with at a specific bank, it just really depends. The more you know the better, but I'd say bare minimum you should try to have had multiple conversations and/or in person meetings with 2-3 analysts, 1-2 associates, and at least 1 VP to have a chance at getting a superday (this is given you also have a highly competitive background/resume).
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