How to get people to guide you along the way?

Question

Hi all,

I am currently a first year Economics student studying at the London School of Economics. In order to prepare myself for applications next year, I intend on expanding my personal network by attending networking events/alum events with the hope of securing a summer job this year and next year(currently still exploring but potentially IB/Asset Management).

My question is that given that there are so many other candidates potentially reaching out, how do I stand out from others while talking to them at a networking event/ through Linkedin and leave an impression?

on the road · Accepted Answer

there are some great student clubs/groups at LSE that you can/should try to join that will help you in building relationships both with current students that are ahead of you in school and may have already interned/secured offers as well as students that have graduated that are now in industry.

specifically, to give a plug, try getting involved with the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (http://www.lseaic.com/). This is easily the best student-run buy-side conference, the line-up is outstanding.

In The Chops · Answer

You really don't have much to offer any given mentor, as a student. People help out students because it feels good, and validates their hard work to be asked for advice/guidance.

I wouldn't worry on standing out from the crowd in your initial reaching out to alumni/contacts, but the better you are at keeping a regular correspondence with them, and actually building a mentor/mentee relationship, the more likely a mentor will be to pull strings for you.

Successful people are constantly asked for their time from ambitious students and young professionals, but a lot of it is wasted time.

Pug · Answer

You're attending a fantastic school with a huge alumni presence in a lot of prestigious firms in various sectors- so keep that in mind that you have that going for you. I have been very lucky with many mentors helping me throughout my life and career. I suggest being open to listening and learning- so many people try to show off what they know and it only irritates senior guys. And show them that you know how to follow up and do what they say. If they mention something you "might want to consider doing" then get it done asap.

sl55amg · Answer

Don't be discouraged by the possibility that 'other' people are more aggressively networking than you. I think that, as a consequence of browsing this forum for so long, we start to think that its members are reflective of all students focusing pursuing finance. They're not. Most of your classmates probably aren't browsing this site which gives you an advantage already. The minority actually make an effort at networking--your program is a target so most of your classmates will be relying on resume drops.

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How to get people to guide you along the way?

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