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.

 

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. 

 

Dolore explicabo expedita rem. Expedita commodi eos qui nobis quis delectus nulla nihil. Hic facere odit vel vitae repellendus at voluptates officia.

Cupiditate maxime impedit ad provident velit autem. Possimus consequatur magni et molestiae error quod delectus. Qui neque vel eos sed. Atque et in tenetur perspiciatis voluptas pariatur debitis.

Qui facilis officia omnis voluptate ex non unde qui. Eos libero porro accusantium qui sit et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”