networking and referrals

Context: I go to a liberal arts college that has decent alumni in Finance. Think Williams, Swarthmore, Amherst

when I call up alumni, and talk to them about their work and ask relevant questions the call goes well in my opinion. I am able to talk to them for 30 minutes without being boring/repetitive.

But recently none of these have resulted in them saying that they can push my resume through, which used to happen before. Should I start asking explicitly at the end of the call? Should I follow up and talk to them again in a couple of weeks? I’m confused. Without a referral, my chances of getting an interview are quite low.

or is this specific to certain firms?(This has happened a lot with Goldman alums recently)

 
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I would always end with something like, "thanks for taking the time to speak with me- this call was very informative. Is there anyone else you recommend I speak with to learn more about your group?" I think that's a natural and polite way to end things and you can get more people to talk to you. They always referred me to someone else, usually to someone more senior which was good. I wouldn't ask for them to push your resume through to HR or anything, though. That seems pushy to me but more experienced users can comment there.

 

Yeah it depends- sometimes to other analysts from the same school, or to associates/VPs. I go to a target undergrad b school tho, so there are usually quite a few alumni at these places. There’s also nothing stopping you from reaching out directly to senior people. Sometimes hard to get on their radar without a referral but I’ve been surprised with how often they’re willing to set up these chats.

 

having a similar problem — also go to a top LAC. When I ask if there is anyone else I should talk to in their group, they always just forward me to another alumni at a different bank altogether. The calls always go very well and they seem to like me, but i get the sense that they don’t want to refer me to someone else in their group. Any advice? I have solid credentials as well so I don’t see that being the issue.

 

are they at bulges or boutiques? are you explicitly asking for them to push? are you asking for other people to be connected with?

 

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