Dry-ish networking calls

Hi everyone,

I'm currently a sophomore at a semi-target starting to network for SA 26 positions. When I first started networking, it was pretty much like an interview where I was rattling off questions. I feel like I've done better being conversational (i.e. asking them about their week, talking about classes/clubs we were both in, their interests outside of work, etc.). I always send a follow-up thank you email and ask if there's anyone else at the firm who would be willing to share their experiences. Sometimes I get a response, but other times I don't, even if I feel like the call was decent. Is that a red flag that it didn't go well, or are they just busy? Also, is it bad to be on the call ~15-20 minutes? I don't know if that's too short, but sometimes they have quick answers to questions. Thanks everyone!

4 Comments
 

just busy, there's also no real reason to answer an email that's just saying thank you. It also can be awkward to be like "yeah I gave permission for this student to email you and annoy you basically without asking you" to another analyst. I'd skip out on the asking for them to connect you w/ someone else after one call and just send a thank-you email and follow up in December w/ them instead, and cold email other ppl at the firm instead of relying on someone else to connect u.

Just a student but have heard this sentiment echoed from friends/connections in banking

 
Most Helpful

A majority of the calls are just kinda whatever. Tbh the networking game is practically solved atp so not much you can do besides trying your best to hit the key beats (good small talk at the beginning, nailing your intros, asking great tailored questions, be conversational and be responsive to their answers). I dont rlly respond to thank you emails since there isnt much I could do rn rlly and as an analyst I cant rlly make anyone else talk to you. Hit them up maybe like a week before apps are out.

 

What game/“play” is not really “solved” yet? Networking for all purposes is part of the baseline. What else can one do? I think a deep understanding esp for buy side helped me. Thoughts?

 

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