Best Practices for Networking in Investment Banking

Aimless networking won’t get you an interview: If you’re reaching out to people with: ❌ “Hey, are you hiring?” ❌ “Can you refer me for a role?” ❌ “I need a job—can we chat?” Then, you’re doing it wrong. Networking isn’t about ASKING for a job. It’s about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS that create opportunities. Here’s how to have networking conversations that actually lead to job interviews: 1️⃣ Start with Genuine Interest and Intention of Building the Relationship After some research on the connections, reach out with curiosity, not desperation. Example: “I admire your career path in [industry]. What are some challenges you’re seeing within this space?” 2️⃣ Focus on Their Experience People enjoy sharing their journey. Ask thoughtful questions: ✔ What expertise have you developed in this role? ✔ What are the 2 biggest challenges you’re working on now? ✔ What skills have been most valuable for finding workable solutions? 3️⃣ Share Your Value—Naturally Instead of asking for a job, share what you’ve been working on (or had success in) that is relatable. Example: “I’ve been leading [specific projects] and applying my expertise in [industry]. Sometimes that experience can be a solution to X (one of the challenges they mentioned). 4️⃣ End with a Soft Ask and offer to be a resource for them. Don’t force a referral—invite guidance. Example: “Based on what I’ve shared, who else in your network would be appropriate to be introduced to?” 5️⃣ Follow Up & Stay Visible Keep the relationship alive—send a thank-you note along with a resource for them. Engage with their content, and if you met with a person they referred,  update them on your progress. The best networking is an exchange. It’s strategic and relational. Networking can be challenging if you view it one way.  Make it mutual. Let me know in the comments if you agree that both parties need to benefit from networking conversations and how you prepare to make that happen.

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

💡 What Makes a Great Cold Email? For students interested in investment banking, networking can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. A well-written cold email can open doors and create lasting connections. Here are a few things that stand out to me when I receive messages from students: 1️⃣ Keep it short and professional; 4–6 sentences max. Recruiters and bankers read a lot of emails; respect their time. 2️⃣ Personalize your outreach, show you did your homework. Reference a recent deal, an article, or why you’re interested in their firm. 3️⃣ Share who you are, include your school, graduation year, and area of interest. This gives context right away. 4️⃣ Make a specific ask, instead of “Can we chat?” try “Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week to discuss your experience in group/industry?” 5️⃣ Always include your resume, save the recruiter from having to ask. Attach a clean PDF copy so they have it on hand. 6️⃣ Say thank you, gratitude goes a long way, even if they don’t respond. ✨ Pro tip: Don’t stress if every email doesn’t get a reply. It’s about consistency, professionalism, and building genuine connections over time. At Cascadia Capital, we love meeting students who are curious, thoughtful, and proactive!

📍 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