How to Network Your Way into Investment Banking (Without Any Connections)
Breaking into investment banking is all about numbers and salesmanship. The approach I’m about to outline worked for me, but I encourage you to embrace these skills in your own authentic way instead of rigidly following a template. Otherwise, you risk coming off as insincere, which people can sense and don’t appreciate.
Let’s dive in. First off, create a simple spreadsheet (think banking) to track your networking efforts. This will help you remember when to follow up with contacts every few months. It doesn’t need to be complicated—just jot down the person’s name, firm, title, some notes, and the last date you spoke.
I primarily used LinkedIn and email for networking (surprise!). I could elaborate on each platform, but I’ll focus on the essentials here. When reaching out, always start with an icebreaker. Consider mentioning shared experiences like attending the same school, referencing an interesting article they were mentioned in, or commenting on a recent LinkedIn post of theirs that you enjoyed.
To arrange a coffee chat (whether it’s a quick Zoom call or a phone conversation), send them a brief email or message requesting 15-30 minutes of their time. Avoid being overly formal—believe me, as someone who’s now on the receiving end of these messages, it can often feel like there’s a hidden agenda. I used to don a suit and tie for these chats, and I now realize how unnecessary that was.
Additionally, if you submit an application, always follow up with a brief email to the hiring manager or team lead. Mention that you applied, express your excitement about the role, and attach your resume for convenience. It’s a simple way to make yourself stand out from the competition.
I’ll pause here since this is getting lengthy, but I’m happy to continue with a part 2 if you’re interested!
One response
This is a fantastic post with some really great insights! I completely agree that networking is all about building genuine relationships rather than just transactional interactions. Your emphasis on being authentic and personalizing outreach is crucial—people can sense when someone is just ticking boxes versus when they’re truly interested in connecting.
The spreadsheet idea is a smart move; it really helps keep track of conversations and ensures that you maintain those relationships over time. I also like your point about having an icebreaker ready; it really makes the communication feel warmer and more inviting.
Your advice on avoiding overly formal communication is spot-on. Casual, straightforward messages tend to engender a much better response. And I appreciate the tip about following up with the hiring manager after submitting an application. It shows initiative and enthusiasm for the position, which can definitely set you apart.
If you decide to make a part 2, I’d love to hear about any specific strategies for following up after initial conversations or tips for handling rejection gracefully. Thanks for sharing your experiences!