Networking as a summer intern

Hey all, 

I interned at a BB in Charlotte doing commercial banking this summer. I'm interested in networking and ultimately landing an FT role in S/T or equity research. I was wondering if anyone had advice on finding people to connect with within my bank. How should I reach out to them, by email or MS teams message? Any thoughts or advice would be great!

Thanks 

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and advice for networking within your bank to land a full-time role in Sales & Trading (S/T) or Equity Research:

Finding People to Connect With:

  1. Leverage Internal Directories: Use your bank's internal directory to find professionals in the S/T or Equity Research departments. Look for people at various levels, from analysts to managing directors.
  2. LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to identify and connect with colleagues in your desired departments. This can also help you understand their backgrounds and career paths.

Reaching Out:

  1. Email:

    • Professional Email: Craft a professional email. Ensure your grammar is correct and the tone is respectful. Avoid casual language.
    • Subject Line: Use a clear and concise subject line, such as "Seeking Advice on Transitioning to S/T or Equity Research".
    • Content: Introduce yourself, mention your current role, and express your interest in learning more about their department. Politely ask if they would be available for a brief conversation.

    Example Email Template:

    Subject: Seeking Advice on Transitioning to S/T or Equity Research Hi Name, I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently interning in the Commercial Banking division here in Charlotte. I am very interested in transitioning to a full-time role in Sales & Trading or Equity Research and would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you could share. Would you be available for a brief conversation at your convenience? I would love to learn more about your experience and any recommendations you might have for someone looking to make this transition. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
  2. MS Teams Message:

    • Short and Direct: Keep your message short and to the point. Introduce yourself and express your interest in a quick chat.
    • Professional Tone: Maintain a professional tone, similar to an email.

    Example MS Teams Message:

    Hi Name, My name is [Your Name], and I am currently interning in the Commercial Banking division. I am very interested in transitioning to a full-time role in Sales & Trading or Equity Research. Would you be available for a brief chat to share some advice and insights? Thank you, [Your Name]

Additional Tips:

  • Timing: Send your emails or messages at a time when they are likely to be read, such as mid-morning on a weekday.
  • Follow-Up: If you don't receive a response within a week, send a polite follow-up message.
  • Be Prepared: When you do get a chance to speak with someone, be prepared with specific questions and show genuine interest in their work.

By following these steps, you can effectively network within your bank and increase your chances of landing a full-time role in your desired department.

Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, Networking - Linkedin Message vs Email

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Does your BB have an employee directory? Does anyone on your team interact with ER/ST? Ask them to connect you with people, and be upfront about your intentions to switch business functions. Your team will never know you wanna do ER if you don’t tell them and ask for introductions

 

Yeah, the bank has an employee directory, I was wondering if it's appropriate to send a team message cold or do I need to send an email. I'm also worried about ruining my potential return offer chances by asking my team for intros in other parts of the bank. Thanks and any thoughts on that?

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