Too early?
Is it too early for me (a rising sophomore) to start reaching out to investment bankers for networking. I was told by my career counselor that right now isn't a good time as they are still recruiting summer analysts who are rising juniors and I would not be a priority for them. Is this true? If so, what would be a good time to start networking?
Why would it be too early to start developing relationships? Don’t see anything wrong with this as long as you come off genuine, especially if you’re reaching out to alumni.
I guess it's up to you, but from personal experience the earlier you start reaching out to network, the harder it is to maintain those relationships as you actually start recruiting. Since you're a year out, that means you'd have to network and periodically keep in touch with all these people for an entire year
I agree with this. Personally, I found networking with someone way before apps open to be more frivolous than it is worth it, because you're basically trying to maintain a connection over a long period of time. Even if you have a few great convos, staying in touch with the person every few months gets tough, and the only time the networking really counts is when you are actually getting ready to submit your app. Personally, I had the best luck with connections that I was able to network with a few months before apps opened so I could have an introductory convo in advance of recruiting and then touch base with them right before submitting my app. Also, bankers are a lot less likely to respond if you aren't even close to the time when you would be submitting your application, because at the end of the day the reason they put up with networking calls is to help build their SA pipeline, and talking to a random freshman isn't going to have as good of a conversion as someone who is nearing application time.
edit - meant to respond to comment above mine
So if I already cold emailed some alumni should I wait for a while before I follow up?
Personally dont think it's too bad of an idea. Just wait until after the current recruitment cycle. these people get bombarded with emails as it gets closer to interview time, so it may not be a bad idea. make a spreadsheet of contacts and just follow up every 3 months after. Some banks it will be impossible to get a response the longer you wait. maybe save Alumni for later?
Unfortunately, I'm an idiot who already emailed a bunch of alumni. Do you think they would notice if I waited for a long time and then reached out again?
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