Interviews without networking?

Rising Sophomore. I know there’s variables like firm, location, group, etc., but generally, is it realistic/possible to apply without networking and still getting a 1st round interview? Obviously it’s ideal to network, but for those companies outside my targeted firms that I don’t intend to network with, is it worth applying still? Thanks

Background (Giving context for this situation) 3.93 GPA, 2x relevant internships (search fund/local investment bank), lower target school.

9 Comments
 

I got an offer from MM regional office that I didn't do a single chat with. Total fluke that I got into the process at all. Just network man.

 

Ye i went rlly hard with networking but both the IB and PE offers I landed were from straight cold apps. Like network if possible but u have nothing to lose just sending in an app

 

Similar experience, got SF/LA/regional interviews without networking but never a NYC, am at east coast school too

 

I would say that it’s in your best interest to network. Reason: I networked with a team that was, on paper, awesome. They have great pay, good deal exposure, and seemingly cool people working for them. The moment I got on a networking call, that sentiment was proven dead wrong; they immediately made it clear they were the biggest group of psychopaths I’ve ever met, that have no regard for their analysts well-being. I might’ve saw this in interviews but wrote it off as just nerves; if I hadn’t have networked I would’ve never caught their behavior and would’ve hated my life. That’s all said with gratitude for these people’s time, though also as a warning to others. My advice is to network, best of luck 🤝🏼

 

Bruh just network, it really only helps you. Yeah you'll probably get a couple of FRs off of shooting apps into the dark, but its a numbers game and you shouldn't count on it. Plus networking and actually learning about the people who work there gives you so much more to talk about during the interview itself. 

 

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