advice for getting coffee chats?

To effectively secure coffee chats, especially when your school has limited alumni in Sales & Trading (S&T), here are some actionable strategies based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Leverage LinkedIn Strategically

• Use LinkedIn to identify mid-level professionals (Associates, VPs, etc.) in S&T roles at firms you're targeting. Focus on those with shared interests, backgrounds, or even geographic connections.
• When reaching out, personalize your message. Mention something specific about their career or firm that caught your attention. Avoid generic or overly formal messages.

2. Expand Beyond Alumni

• While alumni are a natural starting point, don't limit yourself. Look for professionals with similar interests, certifications, or even those who attended events or conferences you're familiar with.
• Consider reaching out to professionals who have participated in mentorship programs, guest lectures, or industry panels.

3. Cold Emailing Done Right

• Write concise, professional cold emails. Introduce yourself, express genuine interest in their career path, and politely ask for 10-15 minutes of their time for advice.
• Sample script:
  Subject: Aspiring S&T Professional Seeking Advice
  Body:
  Hi Name,
  My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a [Year] at [Your School], majoring in [Your Major]. I came across your profile while researching [Firm/Industry], and I’m really impressed by your experience in [specific area of S&T].
  I’m exploring a career in S&T and would greatly appreciate 10-15 minutes of your time to learn about your journey and any advice you might have for someone starting out. Please let me know if there’s a time that works for you.
  Thank you so much for considering, and I hope to connect soon!
  Best regards,
  [Your Name]

4. Track Your Outreach

• Use an Excel spreadsheet to track who you’ve contacted, when, and the outcome. This helps you stay organized and follow up appropriately.

5. Prepare for the Chat

• Research the person’s background and their firm. Prepare thoughtful questions about their role, the skills they value, and industry trends.
• Example questions:
  • What drew you to S&T, and what keeps you excited about it?
  • What skills do you think are most critical for success in S&T?
  • Are there any specific trends or challenges in the industry that you find particularly interesting?

6. Ask for Referrals

• At the end of the coffee chat, politely ask if they know anyone else you should connect with. This can help you expand your network exponentially.

7. Follow Up

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the chat. Mention something specific you learned or appreciated from the conversation.

8. Consistency is Key

• Networking is a numbers game. Reach out to hundreds of people if necessary, but always keep your messages personalized and professional. Even a 20% success rate can lead to meaningful connections.

By combining these strategies, you can build a strong network in S&T, even without a large alumni base in the field. Good luck!

Sources: How to Network and Tips on Networking, Rock Bottom but ain't giving up, Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate, 10 Friendly Reminders While Networking for SA Programs (from a BB Analyst Perspective), Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student