Hello,
I'm a senior in high school about to graduate later this year, and interested in pursuing banking after college! (Currently looking at IBD). I've been reading random threads on this forum, and have noticed things like "network" or "get internships" but what do people really mean by networking and how would you go about getting internships? I'm planning to major in econ/finance + cs, and just looking for guidance for my time in college i guess. I'm not even sure I'm asking the right questions tbh so any help would be great.
Thanks!
A lot is going to be shaped by where you go to school. Investment banks mainly recruit at what are called "target schools" - Ivy league, Stanford, Berkley, Georgetown, schools in that tier.
If you're going to a target school, your school's career department will probably have a lot of resources to help you get internships. This is the easiest way to eventually get into IB.
If you're not at a target, you have to get a bit creative. There are a lot of great threads on here on networking, but you'll have to leverage connections and reach out to people to get access to the same internships and jobs target school kids get. It's harder, but it can definitely be done.
One way or another, I'd recommend starting at your school's career center.
I'm still waiting on college decisions, but I'm probably heading to a Semi-Target ( Emory, Vanderbilt) etc. I applied to Dartmouth and Cornell, but it's probably unlikely I'll get in. I'll defo start learning more about networking cuz it seems like I'll need to use a lot of it. Thanks man!
I've known people who went from Vandy to the street. A semi-target is a good start. Cheers and good luck.
If you decide Emory, PM me
For me, networking and getting internships looked like this. From a non-target state school.
Find the email addresses of people who have the jobs you want. Ask others in your major, ask career services people if there are alumni who like to help students, look on LinkedIn. Alumni of your university will be most helpful, as will people from your town and family friends (if you have any working in banking).
Send out some emails. Advertise your interest. Keep it simple.
Hi John, my name is Dave and I'm a sophomore at Georgetown studying finance. I am interested in investment banking and wanted to reach out and ask if you have time this week to talk about your experience at Morgan Stanley. Any time you have is much appreciated. Thanks, Dave.
Depending on who you email, your response rate will be something like 20-60%. Then just get on the phone and talk for 15-20 minutes. There's a lot that can be said about handling phone calls...
Send a thank you email the next day (3 sentences max unless you have some interesting follow-up question), and if you think the call went well, ask if there is anyone else at the bank who you should talk to.
When recruiting season comes around, email said person again and reiterate your interest for specific positions/groups. Try to learn about the timeline/interviews/what to expect.
Then when you apply for the spot, your resume gets pulled out of the pile because of your connection with someone at the firm, and you get an interview.
All that said, if you're in high school you don't need to be worrying about all this too much. I wouldn't reach out to non-family/friend bankers until you're in college.
This is very helpful tysm
I would say try to develop a more personal relationship - follow up with them and have multiple phone calls, or even ask to get coffee
When you get to school make sure to get involved in any finance organizations that seem to have the connections to WS - student funds, finance society etc. Networking with upperclassmen pursuing the same path is equally important. You should follow the same pattern - albeit it a bit less formally for upperclassmen at whatever school you end up at.
sounds good! ty
It's great that you are focused and thinking ahead. I have a son who is similar in his freshmen yr and is networking, attending events, etc. Interesting to see his progress.
All that said, don't forget to have a blast in college. It's not all about positioning for that internship (yes that's important). One thing you'll learn is firms care (tremendously) about the kind of person you are, not just what you do. They want to "Know you, like you trust you!" They will be spending a lot of time and resources on your development and want to align with people they like.
College roommate of mine is the CFO on a F200 company. Started out Big 8 (now 4) accounting. He would tell you the difference between him and his peers was early on, leadership at PW viewed him as smart with a personality vs. just smart. Not back slapping, beer chugging over the top , but a great personality. Clearly someone others would want to be with. Be yourself and let that shine through!
Most of all, enjoy college. it is a blast (and definitiely chug a lot of beer!)
Haha for sure. One of my regrets in hs was not planning ahead so i wanted to change that for college. I definitely agree with you !
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