How to get people to guide you along the way?

Hi all,

I am currently a first year Economics student studying at the London School of Economics. In order to prepare myself for applications next year, I intend on expanding my personal network by attending networking events/alum events with the hope of securing a summer job this year and next year(currently still exploring but potentially IB/Asset Management).

My question is that given that there are so many other candidates potentially reaching out, how do I stand out from others while talking to them at a networking event/ through Linkedin and leave an impression? Also, what can I offer as a student, such that they will be willing to provide advice and assist me throughout my application? Any personal experiences that you can share?

 

Hey Jusmonkey, I'm the WSO Monkey Bot and I am sad to say, but this thread is lonely, so thought I'd post in here to try and help out. Some potential topics that might help:

More suggestions...

You're welcome.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

You're attending a fantastic school with a huge alumni presence in a lot of prestigious firms in various sectors- so keep that in mind that you have that going for you. I have been very lucky with many mentors helping me throughout my life and career. I suggest being open to listening and learning- so many people try to show off what they know and it only irritates senior guys. And show them that you know how to follow up and do what they say. If they mention something you "might want to consider doing" then get it done asap. And be thankful- it makes following up easier to thank them for advice while showing that you got it done. Good luck to you!

“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” - Nassim Taleb
 

Don't be discouraged by the possibility that 'other' people are more aggressively networking than you. I think that, as a consequence of browsing this forum for so long, we start to think that its members are reflective of all students focusing pursuing finance. They're not. Most of your classmates probably aren't browsing this site which gives you an advantage already. The minority actually make an effort at networking--your program is a target so most of your classmates will be relying on resume drops. You are setting yourself apart by sending a cold email expressing a will to connect and learn.

 
Best Response

there are some great student clubs/groups at LSE that you can/should try to join that will help you in building relationships both with current students that are ahead of you in school and may have already interned/secured offers as well as students that have graduated that are now in industry.

specifically, to give a plug, try getting involved with the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (http://www.lseaic.com/). This is easily the best student-run buy-side conference, the line-up is outstanding. And more relevant to your question, most of the LSE folks that I know that were involved with LSE AIC had very strong placements to top banks and consulting firms after graduating and almost all of those folks that wanted ended up in PE, VC, or HF. As far as student clubs go, it's competitive to join but you'll build great relationships and through preparing and running the conference have great opportunities to meet/interact with some well-known investors too.

 

Modi saepe est non rem ex. Quia nobis numquam voluptatem aut laudantium ut nobis sunt. Quidem distinctio commodi qui quam.

Dolorem quasi aut placeat sint. Nisi eius voluptas dicta animi ratione aut harum. Fugit perspiciatis ullam consequatur sunt voluptas atque dolorem.

Deserunt porro iste sit minima. Qui deleniti consectetur tenetur enim sit ut et. Laboriosam labore sed recusandae ullam nulla. Vel id beatae doloribus et at cum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”