Networked with BB associate, went great.(Need Advice On Referral)

Hello Wso i am currently a junior in a non target with no internship experience in ib, recently i networked with a BB associate that went to my school (non-target) we were actually from the same town and same culture, in the end it was a great chat, at the end it went very casual, he even gave me his phone number to message him in case of anything, but at the time it was off season recruiting and the BB didnt had any positions available for referrals, recently i saw an open internship in Global Corporate banking at the same office he interned and i decided to apply, do you think it would look bad if i reach out again to see if he can give me a referral? and if so how would you ask for it? Thanks

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Reaching Out Again: It is perfectly fine to reach out to the BB associate again, especially since you had a great initial interaction and he even provided his phone number. This indicates he is open to further communication.

  2. How to Ask for a Referral:

    • Start with a Friendly Greeting: Begin your message with a friendly and polite greeting, acknowledging your previous conversation.
    • Mention the Internship: Clearly state that you have seen an open internship position in Global Corporate Banking at the same office where he interned.
    • Express Your Interest: Explain why you are interested in the position and how it aligns with your career goals.
    • Request the Referral: Politely ask if he would be comfortable referring you for the position or forwarding your resume to the relevant team.
  3. Sample Message:

    Hello [Associate's Name], I hope you're doing well! It was great speaking with you last time, and I really appreciated the insights you shared about your experience at [BB Firm]. I recently came across an open internship position in Global Corporate Banking at the same office where you interned, and I am very interested in applying. Given our shared background and the positive conversation we had, I was wondering if you would be comfortable referring me for this position or forwarding my resume to the relevant team. I believe that a referral from you would significantly enhance my chances, and I am eager to contribute and learn more about the industry. Thank you so much for your time and consideration! Best regards, [Your Name]
  4. Follow-Up: If you don't hear back within a week, it's okay to send a polite follow-up message to ensure your request was received.

By following these steps, you can effectively leverage your network and increase your chances of securing the internship. Good luck!

Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, How to ask for referrals?, Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Getting referred for internships

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