Should I network in highschool
Hi, I’m gonna be a highschool senior really interested in working in finance, but am realistically going to be at a non target, semi target at best, for a multitude of reasons other than academics. Would it be a good idea to try and meet / network with bankers now, to help better my odds in the future, as I know the odds will probably be against me at a non target? Do you guys think that this would be helpful, or do you think I would just come across as annoying to someone who’s probably incredibly busy? FYI, I would just try to network with people in my area in smaller shops and boutiques (I’m in a non nyc, non finance city with with really just a couple boutiques and smaller stuff). What do you guys think? Thanks
Also interested
Bump
These posts have hit a new level... No one whom you would benefit from networking with would realistically want to speak to a high-schooler. If you try, you are probably burning relationship bridges you could use for later, trying to get internships 1 or 2 years into college in your hometown for the summer. Also, for 99% of the cases I've seen, its your academics and work ethic that get you to a non-target. If you were serious about banking you would've worked on that. You didn't because studying doesn't sound cool or glamorous but its a whole heck of a lot more productive than networking in high school.
I think you missed the prt about the reason not being academic. There’s a lot of reasons people don’t go to targets besides academics, my academics are stellar and on par with the class profile of admits from targets like H/W/S, but there’s reasons outside of grades why I couldn’t go to a school like that. Not everybody is a rich prep school kid or a poor student who can get full aid, a lot of people like myself are middle class students who won’t get much aid but can’t afford the cost of a target, my sister is in college and I have already seen what we get in aid (nothing is gonna change).There are also a multitude of other reasons I wouldn’t be able to go, even if I could get in.
I agree with you here. Tons of qualified people don't get into top targets for so many reasons. College admissions is basically a game of luck nowadays. To answer your question though, I would definitely not network this early. Enjoy the rest of high school living relatively stress-free and have fun with your friends. As @Business-Weekly said, I think you would be burning bridges you could use later. The people you would want to network with will probably either ignore you because of your age or will not take you seriously. If you are still dead set on wanting to do something, read WSJ, Financial Times, etc to better understand the business world and try to understand what is going on. Also, I recommend looking into programs at your future school that will set you up for IB. This could be student funds, IB clubs, whatever. Making a list of things you want to join/do will serve you better so that when the time comes, you will be prepared to take advantage of all the opportunities your school may offer.
Sorry, I didn't mean to be that harsh. I grew up middle class as well. Parents weren't bankers and I didn't go to a prep-school. Yet I wasn't poor enough to get substantial financial aid as well. Yet there's tons of merit scholarships out there, both local and national. If you're a high school senior I strongly recommend searching for these scholarships. I went to a target with a full ride, 90% of which was gained through merit scholarships. You just gotta look and apply. Also, there are several lower-targets/semi-targets that practically give out merit aid to HYPSM caliber students who can't afford it. Once again, you just gotta apply. Giving up prematurely just doesn't seem to make sense here.
ONLY if go to a prep school and the people you're reaching out to are alumni
Please just leave.
This was directed towards experienced people, not interns
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As a high schooler, you know nothing about finance, you have no experience, you're essentially a charity case. These bankers would have to wait YEARS before you're a junior and even eligible for a summer internship, and that's assuming you don't change your career path in college. I wouldn't waste anyone's time.
It could be very beneficial! Rather than looking it as a way to get a referral in the future (as maaaaany people do), take it as an opportunity to learn about different roles in the finance industry, to learn how you can prepare for the jobs you like, and to practice professional communication. I'm sure there are people who would love to help out a high school student trying to figure out their career! Be ready to fail a lot and learn through this experience.
No I do not think this will be helpful at this point. You might learn a bit but not much more than you would learn online or through other resources and the connections won’t really be great (people won’t really remember you, might burn bridges, etc).
the thing I will say is: if you think you have a great shot at getting into a target, apply to the top schools! Do not, I repeat DO NOT, make a decision before even knowing your options. Many schools have need based aid, I understand not much will change based on your sibling’s aid package but review it yourself and make the decision after you have options. Not only do many schools offer great aid (and it is different by school), but there is also a lot of value to going to a top school. Evaluate the cost to yourself and think through what is important to you and then decide based on that, like I said there are many great schools that offer aid and scholarships if you are a top student.
Maybe network for something lower tier like wealth management after your senior year to help your resume. Save the speaking to investment bankers until your freshman year if you do this, you will have more to talk about have a more coherent story.
Nooooo dude ur doing life wrong at your age..u should be trying to network with girls to get laid...
I do that to
Networking with girls...or getting laid...?
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