Network as Bud Fox did it ?

Hi,

the people who don't know who Bud Fox is should read this paragraph: He is one of the main characters in the movie "Wall Street (1987)". In the beginning of the movie he is working in a bank as a trader. But he is not happy with that job, he wants to become an Investment banker. What he does to become one: He puts a lot of effort into getting the chance to talk to the CEO of a great Investment firm. His objective in this talk: Getting hired by the CEO. And that is also what happens.

What I did has similarities to Bud Fox. I have put a lot of effort into getting a chance to talk to CEO's and I became some chances. What is different: My objective was not to get hired, since that would be to early right now (people told me because of my lack of internships I have to start with lower jobs as in the Big 5 companies), I wanted to establish a contact, that I could reach out in some months/years and then do the Bud Fox style and force to getting hired.

What do you guys think of this strategy? Should I continue to do it? (Which means long term investment) Or should I focus on networking with the relevant people who could hire me right now (which means Big 4) ? Experience of somebody would be of great help.

Sincerely, Kai

0 Comments

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
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...”