Is It Good To Network With Professors

I've been talking to a lot of professors recently. Some of them are really experienced in the finance industry and I talk to them in there office hours. Have any of you guys gotten an internship or offer because you knew a professor well?

 

Not at a big finance school but I have heard of people getting introduced to alumni via professors. Obviously don't be overly direct but if it comes up in conversation it doesn't hurt to ask if they know of anyone working in the industry.

 

My prof was vp of sales for a f500 company & has maintained great relationships with his former co workers. He told me he likes to get one student who has high marks and great soft skills an internship as a way of giving back but also providing the f500 with a good intern without having to go through recruiting thus its a win win for both.

Now it is a sales internship so not applicable to IB, MBB or high finance but you could do it sophomore year ,make great connections and have a fall back option in case you can't get into IB. This might be a rare case but not unheard of especially if the prof left on good standing and could easily go back if he wanted to. I told my prof about wanting IB literally the first class and from there he sensed my interest and has allowed me to grow in regards to interpersonal skills and general professionalism. He offered to pay for my textbooks this year because i outlined what i wanted to do and never bullshitted him, i don't like sales but i still enjoyed hearing him talk about his experiences and how that decision effected the balance sheet.

I think having someone rooting for you and be able reach out a helping hand is great. Obviously networking and all that extra stuff helps but if you find a prof you can connect to then just go to his office hours and see where that takes you. Also business profs tend to be well connected within the finance industry as a whole so he may help you in the long term that becomes the reason why you get an offer instead of working at mcdonalds during the summer. If you are a freshman then buddy up with every prof regardless of what course it is, if you are a sophomore then only buddy up business profs and show ambition for what you want to do.

 
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My career path was extremely influenced by a specific professor in undergrad. We would golf together and I would lounge around in his office as I worked through econ papers. I went into physical trading because of this guy. He did connect me with friends of his in the industry. while they didn't pan out, they were helpful guides to me.

You will never regret creating a genuine friendship with a professor. Don't network to get something from them, but network to get to know them and learn from them.

 

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