RE networking with no connection/common ground

Currently looking to network with partners of a specific firm that I'm looking to work at (MF REPE), none of whom have anything in common with me - none went to my school, none worked at firms I've worked at, no mutual connections that I know of, etc. Usually people are more receptive to cold outreach when there's some common ground you can point to (same alma mater, etc). Any advice on what I can do in this instance to increase my chances of getting their attention when I cold email them? Thanks.

9 Comments
 

Agree with this a lot. Once you know you want to talk to someone at that firm, pick someone if you can't relate to anyone. Did someone there do an interview that you read? Easy way to connect right there. Just say you read their article. Or maybe someone joined a smaller firm before moving to a bigger one. It's not exactly your current path, but it's somewhat relatable and they get the point.

 

Read up on the firm and keep tabs on any deals they’re working on. Yeah, alum/family connection/fellow athlete definitely helps but showing genuine interest and doing a bit of digging helped my response rate a ton. Be to the point and share a short blip on your background if it’s relevant and shows good experience. Some people are more charitable, some people will not give a call to any student that reaches out.

Also not a huge piece but something a consulting guy told me - ask for 15 mins. This typically won’t make/break things but it’s a lot easier for a busy professional especially if you’re hitting the partner level (btw, why?) to rationalize giving 15 mins vs. 45-60 mins. Had plenty of calls happen to go over 15 and were fine, but imo if you can’t make a good impression in 15 minutes then gotta practice!

 

Sed odio molestiae in ratione quod. Inventore esse deleniti est quos qui libero et occaecati. Nihil eos deleniti fugiat voluptatem aut. Adipisci quae ipsa eos explicabo sed. Dicta temporibus ut quod et non quo.

Repudiandae tempore odio tempora eaque. Voluptates expedita sint est eligendi eaque in eligendi fuga. Sit ipsa perspiciatis sed magnam voluptatibus corrupti. Voluptates earum dolorum rem id non vel. Sequi laboriosam autem repellat doloremque accusamus vero consectetur dolorem.

Ut ipsa consequatur cum consequatur. Deleniti veniam hic possimus impedit non. Necessitatibus est sint assumenda sunt ipsa autem. Vel dolorum quis est eos voluptas. Rerum labore autem velit omnis.

Optio molestias aut laudantium. In quae velit ipsa minus saepe numquam eaque vel.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Guggenheim Partners No 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (23) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (81) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”