When to network? (SA 2026)
Recruiting season begins soon. Seems like there’s no specific answer, but when is the best time to begin networking (sending out those first cold emails)?
I’ve heard October/November is best. Not too soon to where it’s hardo but not too late. Does anyone have any insight? Also, does this differ by firms (by a lot?) or are they generally around the should on when you should start networking. I’m looking for mostly energy IB.
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I started about a month ago and have been relatively successful, although I try to play a little dumb to avoid looking like a hardo. Some bankers have explicitly commented that I'm "doing the right thing" by reaching out this early (usually accompanied by a joke about how messed up timelines are), so I think it's generally fine.
My school's placements advisor recommends to start freshman summer because dealflow is lower, so it's somewhat easier to get their attention initially; from then on, you've just gotta maintain the relationship and see it through. That's how I've been approaching it.
Same experience here, down to the “doing the right thing” “on the right track” comments lol
Fr
The best time would be yesterday. So start right now.
Follow up question on this - doesn't it make more sense to start networking calls closer to actual recruiting time? ie. if you reach out today but their process starts in March of next year, doesn't it make more sense to start networking later? Unsure but would love someone's take on this
That’s what I’m stuck on too. If you reach out now, wouldn’t it come off as hardo/you’re more likely to just get your email deleted?
Also don't know what the point is, ppl you network with can't push your resume now for something that doesn't open for another 6 months. Feel like it's more likely they will remember you fresh and be helpful when you network later (November-ish), but don't know if that the correct line of thinking.
No reason you can’t start now, and schedule a follow up call in 2/3/4 months, even in-person for coffee if you’re in nyc/wherever you’re applying
No because that’s when everyone gets 20 emails a day. U want to start earlier than others
You need more than 1 call or whatever to get a referral a lot of the time. You do a chat now, update them on your Y2 Summer and one closer to recruitment with events/off-cycles/networking events and do another call/coffee then.
Reason to do now would be to leave time for that process
DONT NETWORK NOW! Just wait till September-October, trust me on this. If you network now, lots of analysts will think you’re a hardo (and consequently won’t want to work with you). You will also have to ask for a second call later in the year for them to remember you (which many won’t take). Just stick with the tried and true method of networking 1-2 months into school.
Most analysts also won’t even start taking names from calls until September-October, so you may have some good calls, but there is a high probability that it was a waste of time.
+1
I'm the guy from above who encouraged starting now. I do agree that the second call thing is difficult; some of the analysts/associates I've spoken to told me to get back to them in the fall so that they can be more helpful. Still, I've found that it's not too difficult to maintain contact, especially if they like you; just stay on top of things...Even if you're starting in September/October, you've gotta make sure that they remember you by December/January.
Its all abt framing IMO. If you frame it as a conversation from a curious sophomore they are more than happy to chat and are very forgiving for ur mistakes
An upperclassman told me to start networking around October/November because of how accelerated the recruiting was for SA 2025. I imagine the analysts receive many email requests during the winter break, so it's better to start reaching out before December. Side question: Assuming you go to a target school and have a solid resume (e.g., non-diversity, 3.7+ GPA, 1-2 IB-related internships, multiple finance/non-finance extracurricular involvements), how hard is it to land interviews if you didn't network that much?
Also curious
For EB, I’d say you need at least a 3.8/3.85 nowadays, but as long as you network you will be fine
Now. Our class of sophomores waited until December and it was way too late. Couldn’t hurt to start making touch points so you can reach out for a second/third chat in the coming months.
Some people say that the bankers don’t care/forget you over time, but I noticed that my second and third chats were considerably different and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can you elaborate on how second and third chats differ from initial ones? I've only done first chats so far, but I've been a bit worried about just...figuring out what to think about when talking to people about the same job a second time. Thanks so much!
Often more casual and you can get a real sense of the group. More time for small talk at the beginning and you can add more to the conversation with what you've done. Try to get them to tell stories or walk through a specific deal at a deeper level (extra points if you discussed part of it last time). Make sure you've been researching it so you can have a back-and-forth. I liked to use some line like "I've been reading about xxx. Could we walk through one?" I also avoided outlining the later calls and again, keeping it more casual. These guys are looking for a break from work, but many people like sounding smart and teaching others so try to strike that balance.
I also targeted shorted follow-ups when I didn't have as much to ask about.
bump
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