How can I break into Commercial Banking

Hi,

I am a recent NYU College of Arts and Science Economics graduate with a 3.4 gpa. I did not complete a pipeline internship in commercial banking, but I still really want to break into commercial banking via an entry role. I know there is a recruiting cycle coming up in the fall (after summer interns leave the BBs), and I will be applying soon come. In the meantime, I've been rehearing my interview questions so that I know my resume inside and out, I've been trying to network with VPs on linkedin to get referrals, but honestly I have no idea what to say in a coffee chat in order to get a referral.

(is networking to get a referral a multi-chat process where you build a relationship over time, or is it a "20 coffee chats per week" kind of scheme? I've seen on #WallStreetMasterMind the students claim to have 20 coffee chats per week and get referrals like crazy from these VPs in the buldge brackets. What the heck am I supposed to say to people to get a refferal? I am so desperate, please someone help. (only have one mabyeish-referral at a BB)

I plan on interviewing in retail banking tomorrow, only because my parents insist its how I "can get my foot in the door" but after reading countless WSO forums on how retail banking is not helpful to transition to commercial banking, I feel so hopeless.

Please, can someone advise me on what I should do? Should I take a role in retail banking for now, and still prepare to interview this fall? I also still want to work on getting referrals. Please, if you made it, please give me your advice. What would you do to break into commercial banking?

For reference, I have work experience, but none of it is in a financial institution. Instead, my most recent experience as a finance intern with a mid-size marketing agency in NYC, and several virtual finance sector experiences.