Making the most of networking

I’ve had quite a good bit of success in cold calling/emailing and getting responses. I’m a UT alum so my options of alum reach out is massive. However, I have no idea what to talk with them about in order to use that connection as a stepping stone. It’s almost always very positive feedback on my entrepreneurship experience followed by “I recommend you keep networking” which at best means you’re not ready to be hired in the field. I don’t know what to do with that info and want to reassess my plan of action.

If the best way to get into the industry is networking what does that look like? Should I knock out the courses on here or just parrot some WSJ article in my calls? Mainly been talking to VCs but had some conversations with PE MDs and AM MDs. Don’t have IB experience so not betting on PE giving me a handout but my experience in business has always been to talk to people and never take no for an answer.

Got one call back about a potential internship at an LMM IB but when I responded asking about next steps with my resume nothing came back.

Appreciate any advice!