I’ve realized that networking in banking can feel pretty scattershot if you don’t have a strategy. Like, I can coffee chat with every associate and VP I can find, but that’s not really an efficient use of my time, is it?
I’m trying to figure out how to be more intentional about who I reach out to. Should I prioritize people in groups I’m interested in? Or people who seem particularly influential? Or maybe people who’ve recently closed big deals?
I’ve also been thinking about whether it’s better to network up (toward MDs and partners) or across (with people closer to your level). From what I gather, people at my level have less influence, but they might be more approachable and actually remember what it was like starting out.
How do you actually filter through all the potential contacts and decide where to focus your energy? What’s your actual decision-making framework for choosing which bankers are worth your time?
prioritize people who control deals and budgets, obviously. md’s and partners. everyone below that is basically noise unless they’re on their way up. find out who closes the big mandates in your target groups and network with those people specifically
ths is smart. i’ve been randomly talking to ppl but i shld probably focus on ppl in groups i actually wanna work in and maybe a couple vps who seem like theyd actually give good advice
look at linkedin, see who’s been promoted recently or moved to groups u like. they’re probably more willing to help since they remember the struggle
You’re already thinking strategically by asking this! Mix your contacts—some senior leaders and some peers. You’ll learn from everyone and build a strong network!
I spent months networking randomly before someone told me to actually focus. Turned out the partner who eventually sponsored me for an offer was someone I almost didn’t reach out to because I thought he’d be too busy. But I’d seen his name on a deal that actually interested me, so I mentioned it in my email. Sometimes it’s just about finding a genuine connection point
Research shows banker retention and lateral movement patterns. Partners who’ve recently hired analysts or promoted associates are typically more accessible and invested in mentoring. Cross-reference this with deal activity—bankers active in your target groups are more likely to fast-track your entry. Build a matrix with group, seniority level, recent deals, and hiring patterns. This transforms random outreach into a targeted, measurable networking plan.