I've Been A Total Networking Failure... Any Advice for Improvement?
Hi all, current non-diverse at a semi-target (perhaps non-target in my situation). I've been pretty frustrated with networking so far. I've sent over 300 emails + follow-ups to alumni and gotten less than 10 responses. I guess a lot of it is on me - I stupidly prioritized learning technicals before trying to network, which was dumb. Only started sending out emails in early December after finishing the guides, but pumped up my output to 200% to send as much as possible before the holiday break.
To contextualize my situation, I'm at a school that is known for it's programs/club for IB, but didn't make it into the program (I'm sure you can guess where). I've been feeling pretty cooked lately because I'm just not getting responses. I've been told that alumni just don't reply to those of us who aren't in the program even if otherwise qualified, which is pretty disheartening.
In emails I've been pretty respectful, kept my messages brief, always referenced something we had in common, and sent in the mornings on weekdays never on holidays. I was really disappointed to get next to no responses despite reaching out to so many people.
Any advice on optimizing my networking? Is it already too late? Can I still send emails after new years? Should I just switch to HR major so I can work at an EB one way or another? Please let me know guys!!
SMU or Indiana. I got accepted into three Ivy leagues and 2 other top 15 colleges and I called the head of the department to ask about my application. Was told I had 0 chance and that he suggested I try some other place. It was before I had got accepted anywhere else and I immediately felt like shit. Fucking joke of a program.
With that said, I think your best bet if your serious about working IB is either consider transferring or MBA after a brief stint working somewhere IB related or high finance related.
Thanks for the input! I'm still gonna do my best with middle markets to see if I can make something happen. When you say transfer, would you mean coming in as a junior but pushing my grad date back? I have a decent GPA and good test scores/activities, but I'm not sure which schools to aim for...
One thing that may help is putting times you’re available initially because it saves time for bankers. Always tried to have an opener or made messages unique so people would look at them.
Also, not getting into an EB isn’t a matter of life or death. There’s probably 50 decent banks in the US that take summer analysts and have a good/decent reputation. If it matters that much you could lateral from there later. Lots of the places lower down are much more doable from your POV and get less interest.
yeah lol i was just kidding, honestly EBs don't take much from my school unless in the specialized program so not holding out. I've been trying hard for MMs honestly would be more than happy to get an offer from one, I'm not getting many replies from them either :(
In my follow-ups I typically attach availability slots. how would you recommend doing a unique opener? I've been trying to strike the balance between being professional and memorable but clearly it's not working too great lol
also let me know any banks you recommend from my profile. very open to anything and just looking to break in and work hard
Honestly bro I think you're just late to start networking. Most people have already started networking and I think analysts have kinda gotten burnt out so they're wayyy more picky with who they choose to chat with. I'm at a super target and I emailed like 50 people midway through December and got 0 replies. Might just be worth it to focus on strengthening the connections you already have.
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