networking into boutique investment banks

Hey! I know a guy who knows a few people in a smaller city for boutique investment banks. How would I go about using him to network into the boutiques in this city? I'm also a student at a target school for many BB's, but despite fewer exit opportunities, I'm also considering boutiques simply because of the relatively easier lifestyle. Obviously, I need to show I'm a able to do the job/internship well, but I wouldn't think it's quite as competitive as the BB's in which you NEED 3.5+ GPA, strong prior work experience, strong leadership on campus, nail the brutal interviews, etc. Though my school is known to be rigorous academically, there are quite a few 3.7+ students gunning for IB jobs.

 

Start now, but what you may want to do is see if you can meet with someone to learn more about the company and build an interpersonal relationship with him/her. Since you have time it'll be a more organic relationship because it won't seem like you're rushing to create a relationship. I'm no networking ninja but I find that having that time to get to know someone gives you the opportunity to become more than mere acquaintances.

 

First of all, I will suggest you to use linkedin. Try to connect with analysts and associates in top boutiques even they are not your alumnis. If they don't response, at least you got their name and office location. Call up the 800 number and try to talk with them. If they have no intention to network with you, that's fine. Delete them from your networking list and move to the next one.

Secondly, if you really want to work with top boutiques, try to use your network. Talk with people and see if they have some connection there. Ask professors at the meantime.

Regarding to the MD, you should definitely give a try. I doubt if he will respond, but trying won't hurt you anyway.

 

Thanks for the replies, I have not yet contacted the MD (waiting to meet up with an alum who is an analyst to ask his opinion), but I have had decent success cold contacting people at elite shops.

Oldmansacks, would you have any recommendations for how to network at a top boutique without cold contacting? I agree cold contacting seems silly but I don't see any other outlet and applying to these firms without having networked seems next to useless.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

 
  1. Do you know modeling?
  2. Do you have experience?

I'm in a similar position, from what I know it's best to wait until after New Years. Personally this makes sense, and as does it practically as I still don't know anything about modeling. While I plan to start networking around February/March once I know LBOs, CAPM, EBITDAs, M&A theory, etc..., part of me thinks meeting with people might be more important. I would suggest to be prepared if you want to talk job offer, but be ready to schmooze if you just want to chit chat.

 

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