How much networking do you need ideally to get a 1st round?

How many contacts or touch points should you have ideally at every firm you are interested in? Assume a standard candidate with a 3.6+ GPA, good campus involvements and finance internships from a semi-target/low target. 

I am wondering primarily because I want to be as efficient as possible and know when to focus more heavily on other banks when I have reached x number of contacts at a firm? Any advice or experience w/ this?

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From my experience it’s more so the quality of the contacts and how well you come off on the calls. You can talk to one person and be a lock for a first round, or talk to 5 and get nowhere. Currently going through the process too though, and that’s been my experience. It’s not just about checking boxes, network until you get that one person willing to vouch for you.

 

Yup. Every process I have been a part of/currently am in has only been initiated from the word of one person. I probably talked to 3 or more in every group that I’ve recruited for but there’s always one guy who loves your background and roots for you the whole way. When it doesn’t work out perfectly they say “yeah I’ll pass you along to ___ in my group they’d be good to speak with,” and then you have to pray that the next person will be THE guy.

 

Yea that’s been my experience too, just curious which processes have you been in?

 

That’s really impressive, I didn’t realize so many have begun. I’m at a target and I’ve only started formally at one of the industry boutiques even though I’ve networked at a bunch of places.

 

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