Networking Guide

Networking helps you learn about firms, understand what bankers do, build relationships, and become a more informed candidate. The goal is not to immediately ask for a job or referral. It is to learn through thoughtful conversations and build professional relationships over time.

Networking Basics

• Check every email before sending it
• Check calendar invites before sending them
• Send an invite once a time is confirmed
• Prepare before every call
• Send a thank-you email after every conversation
• Keep emails on the same chain
• Track outreach, calls, follow-ups, and next steps

Small details show that you are organized and respectful of the other person’s time.

Be Genuine

Be yourself. The best way to stand out is to be prepared and truly interested. Trying too hard to sound polished or technical can make a conversation feel forced.

Outreach

Use LinkedIn, your school’s alumni database, career resources, finance clubs, and personal connections. Start with more junior people who share something with you.

• Same school
• Same hometown
• Same sport or activity
• Similar major or career path
• Shared organization or club
• Mutual connection

Recent interns and junior bankers often remember recruiting clearly and may be more willing to speak. Good conversations can lead to introductions, but that should not be the only goal.

Coffee Chats

A coffee chat is a short introductory conversation with a student, alum, or professional. Schedule approximately 15–20 minutes unless the other person offers more time.

Basic Coffee Chat Structure

1. Introduction — Around 5 Minutes

Be ready to explain in about 60 seconds who you are, where you study, what you study, why you are interested in banking, and why you contacted them.

2. Questions — Around 10 Minutes

• How did you become interested in investment banking?
• What has your experience at the firm been like?
• Can you tell me more about a specific part of your role?
• What do you wish you knew earlier?
• What qualities separate strong candidates?
• What advice would you give someone at my stage?

Avoid questions answered by a quick search. With senior professionals, focus more on their career, role, market views, and industry perspective than their recruiting experience.

3. Advice and Next Steps — Around 5 Minutes

• Based on where I am, what should I focus on over the next few months?
• Were any resources especially helpful when you prepared?
• Is there anyone else you recommend I speak with?

If They Lead the Call

Be ready for “Tell me about yourself,” “Why investment banking?”, “Why did you contact me?”, and questions about your target firms or recruiting progress. Answer clearly and let the conversation flow.

If You Need To Lead

Open by thanking them, saying what you hope to learn, and inviting them to share their background before you explain your own.

After the Call

• Send a concise, specific thank-you email
• Record the firm, group, date, key takeaways, and next steps
• Send a brief update after applying
• Reach out before an interview when appropriate
• Thank them if their advice helped
• Follow up later with a relevant update

Common Networking Mistakes

• Generic emails with no connection
• Emails that are too long
• Asking for referrals too early
• Failing to prepare
• Questions that are easy to research
• Talking too much instead of listening
• Skipping the thank-you email
• Not tracking follow-ups
• Only contacting senior bankers
• Waiting until applications open