Networking Question - Masters reaching out to MBA

Hi,

This is potentially a stupid question, but I was wondering if, when networking, it is appropriate for an masters student to reach out to an MBA student from his or her school, an undergrad contact an MBA from his or her school, etc. or if it's better to stick within your program (i.e. an MBA reaches out to MBAs exclusively, undergrads to other undergrads, etc.)?

I know this might be a dumb question, but I've sometimes heard that there are stigmas within each category (i.e. an MBA might be less "prestigious" as the undergrad program so an undergrad from that school might help out other undergrads but not MBAs) so I just wanted to double check this.

Thanks!

5 Comments
 
I know that my college was very fluid despite the stigmas (for example, the business school wouldn't let undergrads borrow their books). but even in spite of that, there was a lot of crossover when it came to auditing classes, teaching assistants, attending events, etc. I've spoken with plenty of the Biz school guys and professors during my undergrad when I was working on projects -- if they're stuck-up about it, just reach out to someone else. If you're still hesitant, at least it's warmer than a cold call.

bankerzhausDotwordpressDotcom

 

Alright so it sounds like it won't be a perfect contact, but there is generally a good chance they'll respond then is what I'm sensing. That's good to know. I've heard of some elite schools like Harvard where the MBAs, JDs, and MDs tend to know they're more "elite" than some of the masters programs and thus are less likely ot help out. I feel that for me, who goes to a state school, that might be less of an issue. This might sound dumb, but I feel as though state school alumni tend to help out their school regardless of major more than some of the elite schools just because they went to school in a more laid-back environment.

 
Best Response
Accrual DictatorAlright so it sounds like it won't be a perfect contact, but there is generally a good chance they'll respond then is what I'm sensing. That's good to know. I've heard of some elite schools like Harvard where the MBAs, JDs, and MDs tend to know they're more "elite" than some of the masters programs and thus are less likely ot help out. I feel that for me, who goes to a state school, that might be less of an issue. This might sound dumb, but I feel as though state school alumni tend to help out their school regardless of major more than some of the elite schools just because they went to school in a more laid-back environment.

Yea definitely don't over-think it, just put yourself out there and even if you run into people with that mentality something will stick eventually... good luck!

 

Inventore quos ut odit doloribus qui quasi nihil. Repellendus maiores quod amet blanditiis perspiciatis. Vitae et voluptate dolores ea. Perferendis ut sed accusamus perspiciatis sint.

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...”