Networking from a non-target with no alumni network
Going into my senior year and with recruiting season only a couple of months away it's time for me to really figure out what I'm doing in regards to networking to get an offer.
My background: Finishing junior year at a non-target local state university. Finance major and economics minor with a 3.93 GPA. I was able to get an FP&A internship this summer when a family friend handed the finance director my resume.
My problem/what I want to do: After graduating I'd really like to relocate to the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, preferably for an FP&A role, but recently risk has peaked my interest. I'm just not sure how I should go about finding people to network with when I have no alumni down there, and it's not like an IB where I can easily find analysts in a small number of companies to email.
If there's anyone who's been in a similar situation, or has any advice to offer I'd appreciate it.
You should definitely try these avenues:
1) LinkedIn and Indeed. Out of all of the job posting aggregates out there, I think these two are enough to cover the universe. LinkedIn in particular can be more helpful, with the Premium account you can send InMail directly to HR and recruiters. I would definitely sign up and pay for the upgraded account. Be sure to spend time making your profile look sharp and with a professional photo. Set a target to send 5/10 apps a day, and keep checking daily for new job postings. Set up an excel spreadsheet to track with companies and positions you have already applied for and at what date you applied.
2) Reaching out directly to recruiters. This is a more shotgun approach, but with pounding the pavement and looking for a new job, it's sometimes all about the numbers. Google for recruiters in the area you want to be in, and start sending emails and uploading your resume to their websites/databases. Aim to do a few a day. Use the same excel spreadsheet to keep track of which recruiting firms you've already reached out to.
3) Join multiple young professionals networks. Sometimes they will send emails to the listserv about opportunities they hear about from members. Additionally, you should network and attend events.
As always, finding a new job is never easy, and I wish you the best of luck in your search!
I'm in exactly the same position as you but in the UK. In a non-target uni with no alumni in the field. I've used LinkedIn massive amounts to find people working in local firms that don't advertise roles. Got a couple networking coffee's from it, and I'm talking directors and heads of departments, it's mad how nice and helpful people are.
SHITTY Alumni AT Cali Non Targets (Originally Posted: 07/20/2017)
Seriously I am not able to understand that why do some schools have such shitty (I mean, shitty is an understatement), I am not being mean, just honest, and this isn't a rant, but probably like an awareness thing. I am really tired, of alumni not giving a single fuck about their alumni, what the hell, man?! Arnt Alumni supposed to help out current students recruiting?! I could really easily just name the school here, but I won't and just keep this dignified. It is really sad and disappointing to see how unhelpful, many of these Alumni have been. This is especially true for Non -Targets in Cali!
no one is entitled to help you, you make or break connections, get your credit card ready.
@financekid02" and nope, alumni are entitled to help out
Wait, what do u mean by credit card?
Name the school....UC?
nope.
Why are they entitled to help you?
Are they not giving a fair shot to anybody at all from your school? Or have all the alumni banded together to keep you, personally, from the help that you think you deserve?
Remember: If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole.
Just need to realize that if you went to a big school (e.g. UC or whatever), we get a lot of inbound requests from current students or recent grads. I do my best to try to help with calls or coffee chats etc, but realistically I probably miss half of the inbound emails, linkedin stuff etc that I get. It's just a balance I guess, so I would encourage you to just keep reaching out to more folks and don't stake your hopes on any one person.
Quia et sit ut consequuntur quisquam similique illum. Aut est unde quam repellendus eius officia vel. Consequatur in atque veritatis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...