BB PWM Job in NYC, now commence making fun of me, as I am a horrible 'networker'

Dear Group,

So after acquiring one of those dreaded BB PWM Jobs (Goldmans/Morgan Stanley), I'm pretty much willing to work anywhere.

However, I am a horrible networker. I am one of those lame ducks who give and get phone numbers but never call, who if I do, I call one in a blue moon. Most of the recruiters I have spoken to I haven't called in six months. Most of the important people I could ask for help getting an interviewer for what I wish to actually do, CFA-related articles (fixed income/equity analyst), I have arrogantly ignored following up with them thinking that I would get something great but instead got this.

Honestly, I'm willing to work in any bank, anywhere, as long as I write reports people read and take seriously, with NYC being the current place I am in it would be nice to be there as well.

So, as the monkeys begin attacking me for failing to use the search box, for having another PWMer tick their time away, what can I do to simply get off this psychological detachment from networking? I read the guides, I'm sociable, I just have this natural inclination to do it alone. I am a loner, and this lone wolf attitude will get me killed out in this deadly pressure-cooking wilderness.

Any advice, something short or anything at all about that point entirely.

As for other crap, I'm a junior at a semi-target in Canada (there's only one really).

Let the monkeys commence.

 

dude i completely hear you on the networking thing. I graduated in 11' and 100% had my heart set on being able to do it by myself (applying through the companies, OCR, etc.). Fast fwd a year and I just started networking out of utter frustration. Don't put it off. Its a pain in the ass but pretty much the only way to get it done now-a-days imho. There may have been a day that my original strategy would have worked, but its not today. (commence the "But I got my job through the company's website!" comments)

GBS
 
Best Response

I'd end the pity party and loose the sense of entitlement, you can learn a lot in PWM especially if you have the right attitude. At a place like GS or MS you have so many resources available to you, take advantage of it i.e. read as much of their market research and reports as you can. Also it's a great opportunity for you to improve your social/ networking skills due to the nature of the business.

If it makes you feel any better I'm in an BB SA program now and I've literally never been more stressed. It's not fun. I sort of wish I was in your shoes. I really enjoyed my PWM internship and I think if you give it a chance you will too.

 
vectorandmatrices:
So I suppose its time to comb through all my contacts and be that douche who out of nowhere asks for his expertise despite not having any contact for a year and a half at the minimum.

I will be that douche, who like Obama, has no shame. Man, I wish I had no shame.

As for the pity, you're right. PWM is what it is, and I'll take your advice into account.

It's pretty clear from your tone and perception of networking that you are approaching it from the wrong mindset and if you bring that negativity ("I'm that douche hitting you up for a job") that is exactly what you are going to convey and it will turn people off.

What you need to do is lose the attitude, acknowledge and wrap your head around the fact that you are not good enough to get to where you want to be all by yourself without anyone helping you out / making introductions for you / taking a chance on you, and reach out to people coming from a place of humility rather than entitlement.

Networking shouldn't be done the way you are attempting to do it... when networking is done properly, these people become friends and the type of people you want to get a beer with. They aren't a number you call and shamefully beg for a job as you are viewing them. The fact that you are trashing Obama and saying you wish you were like him because he has "no shame" is an attitude you need to ditch. People can say whatever they like about Obama, but as you have correctly identified (despite your efforts to insult) is that Obama is a phenomenal networker and truly knows how to work a room. This talent is something you should admire, not disparage.

Start by setting up informational interviews over coffee and just be humble and get to know the person. When you approach every interaction with genuine openness, humility, and enthusiasm, you will be blown away with how people respond.

 

rufiolove, thanks for the really careful insight. I'll chew over it -- being an outsider and have that mindset is the wrong way as everyone queues up for the limited number of jobs at the end of the summer.

I've made a lot of mistakes which have put me off and have gone sofar to not repeat them that forgot the important bits.

 

rufiolove, thanks for the really careful insight. I'll chew over it -- as an outsider and holding that mindset is the wrong way as everyone else queues up for the limited number of jobs by August.

I've made a lot of mistakes which have put me off, and going sofar to not repeat them that I forgot the important bits -- it's not about pride but humility.

 

There's nothing wrong with PWM at either places, in fact, it'll train you to become more versed at each Firm's strengths and weaknesses. You never know, you may end up liking it. As for networking, I second rufiolove's comments; don't think of it as a chore or that you are going at it with a result in mind cuz that's what it will come across as to the people you meet with and you won't get anywhere. You do know how to make friends right? Think about the times when people you may not know too well and only have come to you simply asking for a favor, how did that make you feel? I'm pretty sure you didn't give them much time of day.

 

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