What questions to ask at networking events?

I'm a first year student in B-School and have attended a couple of networking events online and offline. I've heard that to make sure you're memorable you have to ask good questions to the people you're talking with. What are some questions that'll make you stand out? Is there any other way to make yourself memorable?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's important to remember that asking generic questions like "what's the culture like at your firm?" or "how are the hours?" won't make you stand out. Instead, you should aim to ask insightful questions that show you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the industry and the firm.

Here are a few tips to make yourself memorable at a networking event:

  1. Be Unique: Share something unique about yourself that's on your resume. This could be a hobby, a past job, or an interesting fact about you. This will make you more memorable when they're reviewing your resume later.

  2. Be Natural: If the event is at a lounge, restaurant, bar, or hotel, don't be afraid to grab a drink. This can help you appear more relaxed and natural.

  3. Show Genuine Interest: Ask questions that show you're genuinely interested in the industry and the firm. This could be about a recent deal the firm closed, their strategy for the future, or their opinion on a current market trend.

Remember, the goal is not just to be remembered, but to be remembered positively. So always be respectful, listen more than you talk, and show genuine interest in the other person.

Sources: How To Be Memorable at a Networking Event

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Ut aspernatur commodi nam deserunt. Et voluptates quia pariatur quis. Rerum fuga eos velit nulla. Quas ducimus ipsa dolorum est sint. Dicta enim ex perspiciatis dolor modi reiciendis.

Accusamus aut at nisi maxime maxime. Sit enim excepturi maxime cum tempora aspernatur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”