NYC Networking Day Trip: Thoughts?

I'm a sophomore (non-target) currently going through the application/interview process for 2019 summer. I have heard suggestions from a couple of current junior analysts with whom I've spoken that they took a day trip to NYC solely for networking.

I wanted to get some insight from current Analysts/Associates to see if this is something you did yourself, or knew people who did the same, and it paid off in some way. I'm strongly considering going up soon on a Friday to meet over coffee (or anything really) with people I've already spoken with on the phone, to help them put a face to a name and just continue with the networking efforts.

Is this still valuable in your eyes? Coming from a non-target, I know networking is my gateway into the industry, and I want to make sure I do it well, but I also want to find out if it's even feasible, in terms of junior bankers being able to leave for a 15-20 minute coffee chat in the middle of the day (a Friday, probably).

I'd love any up-to-date insight, b/c the last time this was brought up in a thread was 2011. Thanks!

 

That was a follow up question I had: I have a list of 18 people I'd reach out to, and I was curious about how many people responded to you/confirmed something with you.

Don't know if I should even be at all worrying about "over-booking" but I have no real idea tbh

 

18 is a lot. I'd say reach out to your best contacts first, and maybe shoot for meeting with 3-5 people. If you end up hitting it off with someone, coffee can turn into a 45 minute thing and then you have to walk across town to another coffee place. So you need some pretty big gaps between meetings just to avoid being late. The whole day (travelling to NYC, walking, standing, and meeting people) should be pretty exhausting. So pace yourself.

 

Same boat here, wondering if junior level analysts can just take 15-20 off during work on Fridays or even Saturdays. Also, how long should the wait be between the phone call and the meet up? I have a couple calls this week, so would I be rushing it if I tried to meet up with them in a week or so?

 
Best Response

Give people a week or two heads up and most are more than happy to step out of the office, especially on a nice spring day. There is almost nothing but upside to meeting people in person.

As a non-target myself, I found it valuable enough to do it 3 times. For me, nothing really panned out insofar as a job offer, but it was well worth it just to cement my network and meet some new people. Finance is a small world and half the people I met offered to introduce me to their connections at the place I'll be working FT.

And, even if literally nothing comes of it, just being in NYC talking to bankers really makes goals tangible, which helps when you push through recruiting bull shit.

 

Interested in doing something like this as well. Any tips on what to talk about/not talk about or solid conversation topics? The focus shouldn't be 100% on me, correct? In regards to asking for their time, "cup of coffee?" is too plain I feel. I've tried to imagine myself in a position that people are asking me for my time and what would make me want to chat with them or even give them the time of day. Haven't been able to think of anything

 
dtla:
The focus shouldn't be 100% on me, correct?
Correct. The more you can get people to talk about themselves, the better they will feel walking away from the conversation (generally speaking, of course). It is good to mention why you are interested in the industry, even cite a personal experience if it is relevant and brief. I would suggest doing this to tee up a question that gets them to talk about their experience and interests.
dtla:
In regards to asking for their time, "cup of coffee?" is too plain I feel. I've tried to imagine myself in a position that people are asking me for my time and what would make me want to chat with them or even give them the time of day. Haven't been able to think of anything
"Cup of coffee" is generally accepted parlance. It gets less awkward to ask the more of these meetings you set up.

Good luck!

 

Do it, I was a non target and without my networking trips I wouldn't have had a chance at the BBs. Getting a chance to meet face to face and them realize they wouldn't mind working with you for all hours of the night is huge. For me, 3 trips resulted in 4 BB superdays. It's all a numbers game in the end.

 

Saepe quo illum perspiciatis. Quasi culpa perferendis aperiam molestiae. In voluptates rerum eaque voluptatem unde est. Ea quisquam nihil est doloribus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”