Recently attempted to network with a MM IB MD in the Midwest region, and he replied with a link to a book about networking. He essentially told me in the body of the email to screw off because I couldn't offer him value. I get it. You're busy, but what could I possible offer as an undergrad? What could I offer investment bankers that they don't already have?
I had much better luck attempting to network in the southeast than I am having in the midwest. Am I doing something wrong? I really don't know what to offer other than the gratification of helping a student that really needs it lol
Was there something wrong with the email? You should post the email below so we can see exactly what you're saying.
Otherwise no, the guy was just a douche don't let it get to you.
The initial email I sent is below (edited for privacy):
Mr. NAME,
My name is NAME, and I'm a student at NONAMEUNIVERSITY who found your contact information via your firm’s website.
BACKGROUND OF EXPERIENCE IN 2 INTERNSHIPS.
You have a very interesting career that goes beyond the typical investment banker, specifically regarding SOMETHING SPECIFIC TO THIS INVESTMENT BANKER. Would you be willing to take a few moments and speak with me about your career? I know you must be very busy, so any insight into investment banking you can give would be valued.
Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Best regards, NonTargetScum
And here is his reply (also edited):
NAME, thank you for your overture. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to speak to everyone who wants to speak to me about my career…if I did that I’d do nothing except speak to people about my career instead of actually working on my career. I get your exact overture on an almost daily basis. I just don’t have the time, sorry. Instead, here is a book that will provide much of what you seek, LINK TO BOOK. If you need more than an hour to read it, see a doctor.
Good luck and thanks for contacting me.
I did read the book, and its all about adding value to people that you attempt to network with.
Fkin savage
What a tease. What was the book?
i learned that people expect you to get to the point in these kind of interactions. it's one to thing to ask someone to chat about their career, and something else to ask a career banker for advice because you're a student who is looking for an internship and want to learn more about the industry, the firm, and the MD's role.
Dude this banker was an absolute tool in his response. He could have just ignored you but had to insert the book link and doctor remark at the end, that's just petty. It sounds like he snapped.
You don't need to add value in networking. Especially in a first 10 minute networking call. The purpose is for us to get to know each other better. If you get hired that is the value you are providing to the person and bank. People like myself do these calls for two main reasons (1) we are interviewing to see if we would potentially hire this person, and (2) to give back to students such as from my alma mater or people that genuinely need the help.
The MD must be lying; otherwise he's still wasting his whole day writing these responses. Given line one it's not a template either. This jag felt the need to tell you how important he is and kinda shit on you at the same time... at the expense of his own time.
With the value add mess, I bet he's "that guy" that's always asking, "what's in it for me right now?" and his ego has him think that he always reciprocates but in reality does nothing. I've seen these people before, and they miss out on a lot because everyone notices what's happening. Take joy in the knowledge that you won't be anywhere near him.
Thank him for the time and move forward. You have more people you need to be networking with.
SB for the comment and username.
You did nothing wrong and came across an asshole who was probably in a bad mood. If we don't like the approach*, we don't respond, but that type of response is terribly unprofessional and gives the rest of us a bad name.
*I thought your approach was fine
Your approach was fine, don't worry about it. When I network with peers, I expect mutual value-add. When I network with college kids, I view it as a "pay-it-forward" for the help I received years ago. There are lots of jerks in this industry, and unfortunately you ran into one.
I think most people would rather give a hand-up rather than a hand-out, but I don’t think this guy is a fan of either.
Networking is a numbers game. Most people will ignore you, and you'll just need to be ok with that. They are busy surviving their own sh*t and don't have time or just don't care. A certain % will ignore you, a certain % will respond and won't be helpful, and some tiny % will respond and hook you up. Keep looking for those.
your letter was a bit long. Try to trim and get to the point.
You are over-reacting / misreading his response. He gets hit up 10x / day for informational interviews. Instead of ignoring you, he sent you a book and a note. Thank him for his time, and after reading a bit of the book, let him know you did by thanking him again and quoting a few lessons you liked. Some other time maybe email him a further note.
Job search / networking is fucking brutal. I hate it. It's so challenging to get a role, esp in finance. It's really inefficient and time wasting. I fucking hate it. And yet, you gotta do it.
I'd recommend reading the 2 Hour Job Search, and watching that author's videos online. That can help you put this whole networking thing into perspective and teach you ways of making it work better for you.
That guy is a douche. I've had people with a 9 figure net worth send nicer replies back to me via cold email and even the fucking coo of Costco was way nicer when I accidentally cold called him trying to sell orm services. Don't let that guy get to you. I can't believe how rude some people are to students that are just trying to learn...
Probably has a chip on his shoulder because he's stuck in the Midwest. Shrug it off and move on. This won't be your last encounter with a sad douchebag.
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