Networking Tips for University Students Looking to Break into Investment Banking (That Actually Work)

Alright, let’s get one thing straight—networking is the key to breaking into investment banking, especially if you’re at a non-target school or trying to stand out in a sea of applicants. It’s not about having the most connections, it’s about having the right relationships and making sure you’re top-of-mind when recruiters start picking candidates for interviews. ‘Tis the season, so I thought I would share a few of my thoughts.

Start Early – Don’t Wait for Recruiting Season This is one mistake I see all the time—waiting until the official recruiting season starts before you even think about networking. Start building relationships as soon as possible. It’s never too early to reach out. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, try to connect with upperclassmen who are already in the process of recruiting, alumni, and even professionals in finance who are just a few steps ahead of you.

Tip: LinkedIn is your friend here. Reach out to 2-3 people every week with a polite, genuine message. You don’t need to ask for a job right away—just ask for a quick chat about their career journey and any advice they might have for someone starting out.

Don’t Just Ask About Opportunities—Ask About Their Story A major mistake is to jump straight to asking for a job. Instead, focus on learning about their story. Ask things like:

• “How did you get into IB?”
• “What surprised you about the industry?”
• “What skills were most valuable to you when you started?” This shows genuine interest and makes people feel valued. It also gives you valuable insights you can use to shape your approach to recruiting. Plus, people like talking about themselves—you’ll build a rapport that way.

Tip: After your chat, always follow up with a thank you email. Be specific about something you learned from the conversation, and express how it helped you in your career journey.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – Attend Every Event You Can No one gets ahead by playing it safe. You have to show up—whether it’s a virtual coffee chat, a firm information session, or even just an alumni networking event. If there’s a chance to engage with people in the industry, take it.

Tip: If you’re attending virtual events, don’t just log in and log out. Engage in the Q&A, follow up with questions, and make sure you stay visible. Active participation shows initiative and will help you stand out when you follow up.

Leverage Your School’s Alumni Network – It’s GOLD Your alumni network is a goldmine, and most students don’t take full advantage of it. Find alumni who work in the industry and ask for advice, not job leads. A lot of alumni are more than willing to help, especially if they went through a similar journey.

Tip: Use LinkedIn to see if any alumni are working at your target firms. Be sure to tailor your message to their specific experience at your school or within your industry of interest. Keep it short, sweet, and respectful of their time.

Offer Value (Yes, Even As A Student) You might think you have nothing to offer, but everyone has something valuable to give. Stay up-to-date on current market trends, new financial tools, or relevant news in the industry. Share useful articles or insights when appropriate—it’s a great way to show you’re proactive and serious about your career.

Tip: If you see a piece of news that relates to someone’s work or interests, send it to them with a brief note. It shows initiative and that you’re keeping up with the industry.

Follow Up, But Don’t Be Annoying A lot of students make the mistake of following up too often or too aggressively. One or two follow-ups after a meeting is fine, but don’t spam people with constant requests. If you’ve already asked for a chat, and they haven’t responded, give it a week or two, then send a polite nudge, mentioning something you’re working on or an interesting industry development.

Tip: When following up, reference something specific from your previous conversation to show you’ve paid attention and aren’t just sending a generic “checking in” email.

Use the “Warm Introduction” Strategy You know that person you’ve been talking to for a couple of months? They’re the one who can make a big difference. Ask them to introduce you to someone senior. Warm intros are 1000x more effective than cold outreach.

Tip: Don’t just ask for a job—ask for advice. If you’re at a stage where you’re still figuring out your options, say something like, “I’d love to get their perspective on how I can prepare for recruiting in the upcoming year.” This makes the request feel less transactional and more about learning.

Be Prepared for Every Conversation When you do get the chance to talk to someone, be ready. Research the person you’re speaking with—know their background, what they do at their firm, and what’s currently happening in the industry. Don’t waste their time by asking questions you could have easily found answers to on LinkedIn or Google.

Tip: Have a list of insightful questions prepared. Nothing screams “I’m unprepared” like asking a basic question that could be easily answered by a quick Google search.