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!
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.