Networking for Career Growth in Finance

Now is when undergraduates are highly focused on securing and finalizing their summer internship plans. Firms (including KKR) get inundated with emails and LinkedIn messages to network on investment banking, private equity, infrastructure, credit, and consulting. Here are the 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 things that I have found 𝑴𝑶𝑺𝑻 effective that undergrads can do to successfully network: 1. 𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊: It sounds obvious, but I find so few undergrads actually do homework before reaching out. Research the firm, the role, and the person. Most successful candidates not only did the pre-work, but referenced their prep work which made it more likely to get a response and help build a rapport.  2. 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃 (“Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon?”): You would be surprised that with a just little effort, you can find a warm introduction to a key decision-maker. You are 100x more likely to get a response when you find and leverage a connection. How to do this? Use LinkedIn, ask a professor, talk to a recent alumni graduate who can introduce you to his/her boss, etc. Take the extra step. It makes a difference. 3. 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖-𝐔𝐏: If you are able to make a connection, follow up on it! I am always surprised when I take time to speak with an undergrad and they don’t follow up. And if your email or call goes unanswered, don’t give up. Think about another angle and try again. You would be surprised at how a little persistence gets attention. Good luck in the recruiting process! Stay energized and optimistic! #Networking #Recruiting #Internships #PrivateEquity #CareerGrowth

I’m not a fan of “networking hacks” — but here’s one I do share with college kids all the time. Let’s say you’re interested in a career in Finance… So you go to a conference for finance folks… And at that conference you meet a CFO of a cool company you’d like to work for How do you get the job? Do you ask them if they’re hiring? Do you tell them about all the research you’ve done into their company? Do you show how qualified you are to work there? You can! But generally you will get referred to a hiring manager. Instead, here’s a suggestion: be a human! joke around a bit! and at some point ask them: “Are there articles/blogs you read regularly to stay on top of trends in your industry?” I like this strategy a lot more because… A. There are probably industry-specific publications / data sources that will actually make you smarter and more impressive B. You’re going to have an amazing reason to go back to this person and nurture that relationship. And that’s what most people get wrong about networking. Most people usually follow up with something transactional. Like a request for an interview or a meeting. Instead, study what that person is already reading and reapproach them about that. Example: “Hey ____, I’ve been reading [this publication you recommended] but I can’t understand why the author said…” You’re more likely to get responses and build a relationship this way. A quote that’s always stuck with me is: “never treat your relationships like transactions, and never treat your transactions like relationships.”

📍 Networking is the single most important aspect of investment banking recruiting 📍 Last year, I hopped on 150+ networking calls, converting them into 15+ superdays at firms across LA, SF, and NY. In all honesty, my first 20 calls were rough. Awkward silences, forced conversations, and a general failure to build genuine connections. The biggest reason? I was asking cookie-cutter questions. Over time, I learned to ask better, more thoughtful questions, making my calls more engaging, insightful, and ultimately fun 💡 ! Today, I want to share some of my favorite networking questions: 1. What is your most memorable experience working with your team? -This is a great way to understand a firm's culture and how close-knit the team is outside the workplace. 2. As a tenured banker, how did you transition to be more client-facing? What challenges did you face during this transition? (Specifically for Senior Bankers) - This sparked insightful discussions about their journey, how they built key skill sets throughout time, and what they wish they had known earlier. It helped me step into their shoes. 3. Do you have any homework for me? I'd love any specific or general feedback on what I can do to better prepare for a career in banking. - Ending with this shows proactiveness and keeps the door open for a second call—giving you the chance to reconnect and demonstrate that you applied their advice. These questions helped me turn casual chats into real connections. If you want access to my full list of networking questions, drop your email in the comments or send me a DM! #InvestmentBanking #Networking #CareerGrowth #Finance