FT vs SA networking
Is there any difference between how one should network for SA and networking for FT? Besides a potentially more relevant experience to talk about, is there anything specific to FT networking?
May 23, 2020
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For FT the timeline is often much shorter and moves quickly since the number of FT spots is a function of the number of interns that get return offers (and accept them). You should still look to have informational calls, learn about the person and their bank, and ask for anyone else you should talk to. Really it is quite similar, you just need to be aware of the quicker timeline that usually gets going at the end of the summer.
any tips on the timeline for this? I know the ft recruiting process moves fast in August, so when should I start planting seeds with networking? I’m worried about it being perceived wrong if I start networking before/during my SA
If you have an SA gig your top priority should be to get a return offer. Especially if your proposed jump is not very meaningful. Why go into the summer with the intention to get an offer somewhere else? Seems backwards.
It depends on the situation. Many people don’t land exactly the job they want (coverage instead of M&A, MM instead of BB, SF and not NY, ECM/DCM instead of IB, low-tier instead of top-tier) so it does make sense to take full advantage of the FT recruiting process.
That being said, priority number 1 is still the return offer. You won’t be able to move without it anyway.
What is the typical amount of time you have before you need to accept a FT return offer? Can anyone chime in on an example timeline for (1.) when to start networking (2.) when you receive a FT offer (3.) when FT interviews typically are -- do you just immediately reach out to the places you networked at to let them know you've received a FT offer? (4.) when you need to accept your return offer by
curious too
To clarify, assuming I am able to theoretically get the return offer (which I will work my butt off for, but think it will be doable because I'm at a bank with a historically pretty high offer rate), then how does FT recruiting work?
My internship ends the first week of August, and from talking to people who interned there last summer, sounds like my return would likely have a few weeks pre-expiration, so it would expire sometimes around September 1. Do I start networking before I get the return, or do I just wait until I get the return, network like a madman for ~3 weeks, and hope I can make something happen?
Wondering the same thing as above ^ More specifically, how early is too early for FT networking? I feel like anything earlier than your SA can really backfire. Bad impression as it's obvious you have no intention of giving your SA serious consideration for FT.... but even worse, if word gets back to your group that you're talking to other places you might be in a bad spot
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