What is the most efficient way to network if I'm an Ivy Leaguer trying to get into IB in Los Angeles?

I grew up in LA and am interning in Century City right now. I've sent the analysts in the region emails asking if we can just chat over the phone or grab coffee whenever they're free. By this fall, I'll only have one small boutique experience on my resume, so I know that I need to take this networking seriously. Also, is it safe to reach out to MDs and VPs? On some websites, it says that doing so is discouraged and may reflect negatively, but when I searched these topics on WSO, I saw a lot of threads where people said this was okay.

8 Comments
 

Can I ask why LA and not NY? As someone who grew up in LA and am in a similar situation, I'm curious.

Definitely reach out to upper management, and make use of your MBA alumni if your Ivy has a program.

 

My closest friends from high school are going to be in the area (although they aren't working in finance), and I love the atmosphere and feel like this is where I belong. Should I prioritize the upper management when I'm networking? During the first few calls that I've had with some analysts, they just kind of just grilled me on technicals and that was it. And my school does have a MBA program; I'll definitely search for them a bit harder on LinkedIn (thanks for that!).

 

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