12 Comments
 

Agree with this—the upperclassmen I talked to were so helpful. They can point out the analysts who are most receptive to emails, give great insight into the bank and internship (super helpful for "why XYZ" questions in interviews), and some I spoke with even offered to mock interview me before my real interview since they know the typical expected questions.

Also want to mention that at one on campus recruiting session, a kid was networking with who he thought was an analyst, and upon finding out that he was a senior (incoming 1st year), said "oh you don't matter" and walked away to find analysts. Obviously that didn't end well for him.

 

Honestly, my perspective has been that two people contacted me and asked me for advice while I was interning. I took calls with one of them and gave them advice, but I don't see how I was any better than an actual first year who could push them through.

 
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I actually think SAs are a great way to start networking at a bank. I had my best luck networking when I started with an SA, then went to analyst/associate, and eventually talked to senior people.

  • like other people have mentioned SAs will be able to explain the process to you, help you prep for interviews, etc

  • they will respond to emails 99% of the time

  • often times they will connect you with an analyst, or at the very least give you some analyst names to talk to

  • when you’re talking to other people at the bank and they ask why you’re interested in that bank, you can site something the SA said.

So while an SA doesn’t have any referral power, take a step back and they can absolutely be valuable

 

I second that they can give great insight into the process. But again it is a little weird being a Summer Analyst already getting networking emails on your first week while you are still fighting for a full time slot.

 

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