My networking calls all feel the same

I'm a rising sophomore who has done about 40 networking calls so far across IB + PE (prepping both for sophomore and junior summer), and I'm starting to feel like most of my calls have ended up feeling the exact same. Of course, some of them have gone really well (and thankfully, I've only had one where I absolutely crashed and burned), but for the most part, they've gotten so predictable that I don't feel like I'm learning anything new anymore.

Here's how they all go: We start out with some pleasantries, I introduce myself, they go over their background, I ask some pointed questions based on what they say (but they always end up being pretty similar questions because all of these conversations are relatively identical), the conversation cools down, I ask them for advice, thank them, and move on with my day. Sometimes they offer to connect me with people in their group/firm, sometimes they say "You have my number, feel free to reach out if you need anything," and sometimes they don't do anything. Occasionally (maybe 6 or 7 people so far), I vibe with someone a bit more deeply than that, but that mainly seems up to luck with how the conversation goes.

Am I missing anything here? Is it supposed to be like this? Or am I just uncharismatic?

3 Comments
 

Thank you! I actually had a really good call this morning that was much less monotonous and feel a lot better now, but I'll keep that in mind. I've exclusively been reaching out to alumni connections—would you recommend trying to talk to people in the groups I've already spoken with an alum with?

 

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