Investment banking requires connections to break into the industry, and learning how to network for investment banking is key to earning a referral and landing an interview. This article will teach you how to network for investment banking by using LinkedIn to connect with professionals. LinkedIn is one method that we recommend along with high volume cold emails.
How to Network for Investment Banking: Four Steps to Get Anyone Into Your Network
Start this process six months before applications open:
- Connect with investment banking analysts at each investment bank where you plan to apply. Analysts hold the most junior position at the firm and are closest to you in age, so they are more likely to receive fewer messages and connect with you.
- Once you connect with an analyst, send a two to three sentence message about them. Never talk about yourself until they ask about you. When learning how to network for investment banking, your initial message should look like this:
Hi [Name],
I saw that your firm worked on [deal], and I had a few questions about [topic]. Would you be open to a quick call sometime?
- Once you book the call, your job is to focus on asking questions. Ask about the research you completed on the professional and their firm. Do not introduce yourself until they ask about you. This shows that you are a good listener and genuinely interested in learning from them.
- At the end of the call, your goal is to get permission to follow up by text or email. Continue following up with insightful questions or questions about interests you share with the person to keep the relationship warm. Ask to be introduced to more senior bankers when you feel the relationship has developed. When applications open, you can ask for a referral from both.
Students who understand how to network for investment banking and follow these steps give themselves a huge advantage when applications eventually open.
Do not be the student who waits for an application to appear and then realizes they are already behind.
You can start today by watching our free investment banking masterclass on how to break into investment banking. It has already helped many students prepare for the recruiting process.
Click the button below to watch our free masterclass.