I know most people at the target schools already have connections to investment banking through family, prior internships, or just knowing alumni who work there. I’m not one of those people. I’m coming from a less typical background, and honestly, my network is basically zero when it comes to banking.
I see a lot of advice that’s like “leverage your connections” or “get introduced through a friend,” but that doesn’t really apply to me. So I’m trying to figure out what actually works for people who are starting from scratch.
I’ve been reaching out cold, but I’m wondering if there’s a better angle I’m missing. Should I target specific types of bankers who might be more open to talking to someone without obvious connections? Are there less traditional ways to get in the door that I haven’t considered? And honestly, how much of a disadvantage is it to not have a built-in network compared to the kids who do?
I want to be real here—I’m not looking for cheerleading. I want to know if this is even doable without the usual advantages, and if so, what the actual playbook is.
it’s harder, not impossible. target bankers from non-traditional backgrounds too. they usually remember the grind and are more willing to respond to cold outreach. also, focus on smaller offices or non-core groups first—way less competitive. once you get one internship, doors open fast
i had like no banking connections either and honestly cold emails with super specific deal mentions worked. sent like 40 before getting interviews but i got there. ur not as behind as u think
groups outside m&a prolly have lower competition too. diversified finance, industrials, stuff like that. might be easier to break in there than core banking
You’ve already got a huge advantage—hunger and determination shine through in networking. Your story is actually compelling. Keep pushing!
I came from a working-class background, no finance parents, knew literally no bankers. I got my first coffee with a guy who’d written about his own non-traditional path on LinkedIn. I reached out mentioning that, and he actually made time because he related to it. Sometimes your ‘disadvantage’ becomes your unique angle if you own it
Statistical advantage of pre-existing networks exists but is smaller than perceived—roughly 15-20% of analyst classes come through cold outreach. Success requires higher volume (60+ contacts versus 20-30 for connected candidates) and tighter conversion. Target bankers who also had non-traditional entry paths; they convert at 2-3x higher rates. Geographic flexibility helps significantly—willingness to consider non-NYC offices increases placement probability by 40%+.