IBD and networking
Networking and getting a contact to secure you a first round seems to be a good strategy for all interested monkeys, especially in this environment. It seems pretty ironic, though, that candidates with high GPA and good work experience will be less likely to need a boost from a contact (from what I understand), although they are more likely to get one than a candidate with a comparatively lower GPA and less/no work experience.
To those in the industry that are approached by others - is there anything you look for in particular when someone contacts you? Do you screen people the same way you would when deciding whether to give them a first round, or since networking seems to help some less-attractive candidates get in, are flaws overlooked as long as you build good rapport?
To those who have networked successfully - Would you recommend modifying how aggressive you are (who you approach, etc.) based on your profile? for ex. more aggressive if you are stellar vs. more aggressive if you aren't, since you'll need more help
Well first off, how do you define stellar? I have met several stellar kids who have had shitty GPA's simply due to the fact they started their own business in school. GPA is only one parameter that can easily be looked over if a senior member likes you. Whenever you network it is ALWAYS a bad idea to be aggressive. Please, I hope you can distinguish the difference between aggressive and persistent. It's always better to be humble.
by aggressive I meant more along the lines of proactive and assertive, not over the top. stellar = good GPA and standout internships
you're saying rapport is the most important factor?
double post
Having a good GPA in a shitty/easy business major is not stellar. Banking internships are not stellar. I would be much more impressed by a student who ran a business with 250k in sales/yr. What im trying to get at is the quality of experience and personality.
bump
Two directors took me out to lunch, I asked them if they knew anyone in so and so banks as it is an admittedly contact driven business and they said they might and offered to help me out come the time. I really don't understand the pussyfooting that goes on ...
Banks, they enslave you and de-base you from reality and life. But alas, candidates come crawling on their knees mouths open ready to blow and swallow the gravy just for an interview.
Ask, but be polite and know your audience. Yes, being persistent and aggressive is a positive, but putting someone on the spot who might not want to stick their neck out for you is a sure fire way of killing a potential contact. Build the relationship before you start asking favors.
Anthony, you gotta get rid of that dude from your profile.
hahah i think its a great pic... still funny
I understand about letting things sort of grow organically and taking it from there, not being too aggressive, but I'm wondering how someone who is getting contacted by a bunch of students like me decides who to help among all these kids/whether to help...
Do they screen kids in/out like when deciding who to give interviews (from if they know you beforehand, or if you have GPA + work exp)? Or are they just looking to see if you are above a given bottom line, and then if they like you beyond that?
(I ask because the more I read up on finance recruiting, etc., the more I feel like I am not one of the kids that has been living and breathing finance since they were a fetus. I have good grades, but if you look at my resume and activities, it looks like I was headed in a pre-law kind of direction, definitely not finance since I don't have finance work experience. Should this change how I go about networking compared to someone who has been focused on finance from the outset?)
bump.
im trying to break into the industry too so take this with a grain of salt, but ill tell you what has worked for me. just go out and try to meet people. let them know you are interested in breaking in. if you are out contacting people, you are showing an interest. even if your resume looks like its pre-law it doesnt matter... going out to meet with people and learn what they do shows an interest in the field, and if they like you, theyll try and help.
also, as others mentioned, don't just ask for an internship. try and think long term... a guy that i randomly emailed was more than generous in helping me get interviews... and i keep up with him about once a month just to ask how he is doing... hey, maybe one day ill be working somewhere and i might need a new vp or ed and i can recommend him
1) Dont outright ask for a job/internship 1st thing. Build the relationship. Networking means they don't know you. Have your story and be able to fire it off in a minute. Develop that elevator pitch.
2) Be polite and to the point. These people are busy and will decide on you once they talk to you. Sending them a huge message will ensure you not getting a reply or phone call
3) Be persistent. People are busy, they get a million emails. Give it 3 contacts at least. Some people are all about the phone, I tend to be an email 1st dude. People are busy and you can and will catch them off guard. Much better to email them and then follow up. All else fails, just call. Long shot, but can't hurt.
4) Dont pull a Harold and Kumar. Chat with these dudes, but don't try and impress them or suck them off. Banking is a job, not a calling from god. Show that you have a life, another side. The fact that you sleep with fabozzi fixed income under your pillow will come in handy for your interview. You tell a banker you masturbate to black scholes and he will punch you in the face. Be normal!! You would be surprised at how hard that is.
Hollywood has made Wall Street look like a cool place. You know why? All the movies are based off brokers or some type of takeover / sales role. You know why bankers are not in the movies? Cause they are slightly more interesting than engineers. Just act normal or find someone who is normal and mimic them.
hahaha okay
When I'm making my first impression with the pitch, does it make sense to directly address the fact that my resume doesn't show a sustained interest in finance with internships and all, and segue into my interest in finance from what law-related interests/activities I've got from the past, or is that considered off-topic and should I just skip it or sort of skim over it?
seems like the latter would be somewhat awkward, but the former might make someone think I'm too scattered and not committed to finance, and they might not want to help out as much....
bump
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