1. Networking: The Gateway to your Dream Job
January 25th, 2017
MSU Student Investment Association

2. Networking can take you where ever you want to be, no matter the industry or career path.
MSU Student Investment Association

3. Outline I. Networking Tools II. Networking Process LinkedIn
Personal Rolodex
II. Networking Process
Prospecting
First contact
Following up if unsuccessful
Second Contact: The Phone Call
Good basic questions
Staying in touch
Leveraging your network
Takeaways
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4. I. Networking Tools
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5. LinkedIn LinkedIn is a social network for professionals
Way of connecting with colleagues, customers, potential employers, etc.
Great way to maintain and expand your network
Accounts are free to sign up for and use
MSU Student Investment Association

6. Personal Rolodex
Personal Rolodex: a list of business and professional contacts that you have
Information that is included:
Name of contact
Line of work/position
Firm they work for
Address
Phone Number
Date last contacted
Any additional notes
Easy to create in Excel
Show example of rolodex
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7. Email Email is the primary method of first contact in networking
s that are both well written and concise are most effective
Knowing/Guessing formats
Important to be aware of any possible negative interpretations of your ’s content
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8. II. Networking Process
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9. Prospecting
Prospecting involves actively searching for, and identifying potential connections
Multiple methods:
List of Family Friends
Friends of Family Friends/Other 3rd Degree Connections
Linkedin Searches
MSU Alums, Target Firms, Target Fields, Target Industries
Goal: Cast a wide net, find people who are good targets for initial contact
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10. Goal: Get to a phone call
Initial Contact
Contact generally initiated through
Keep it short & to the point
Introduce yourself
Why is talking to you going to be worth their time?
Mention specific reason you are interested in connecting
Mr./Ms. ________ ,
My name is [Full Name], and I am a junior finance major at Michigan State University. I am interested in sales and trading and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your work on the investment grade debt desk at JP Morgan. Is there a time in the next week that you would be available to talk over the phone? My schedule is fairly flexible, and evenings or weekends generally work for me.
Best regards,
[First Name]
Goal: Get to a phone call
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11. Following Up if Initial Email is Unsuccessful
Important to wait at least 5 days before sending a follow up
Don’t want to pester/give impression that you are annoying
Mr./Ms. ________ ,
I wanted to circle back in case you missed my initial note. I am still very interested in learning about your work as well as the culture at JP Morgan. Is there a time in the next week that you are available to talk?
Best regards,
[First Name]
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12. The Phone Call
The initial phone call is a very important part of building a strong networking relationship
Be prepared to:
Give background on yourself and your experiences/interests
Make a strong impression by asking good questions
Provide them with a resume if they ask for one
Be sure to thank them for their time
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13. Some Good Basic Questions
How did you get started in the business?
Alternatively: Tell me about your background, how did you end up in (IB/S&T/Research)?
What made you want to study X and Y?
What is a typical day like for you?
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Have you worked on anything/any deals that you especially enjoyed?
What is the culture like at your firm?
What can someone in my position do to prepare themselves for a career in (IB/S&T/Research)?
What advice would you offer to someone in my position?
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14. Staying in Touch
It is a good practice to follow up with a brief thank you after a first phone call
Shows your appreciation, helps establish a more meaningful connection
Opens door for continued communication
Mr./Ms. ________ , Thank you for taking the time to talk with me this past Friday. I appreciate your insight on the direction of the S&T industry as well as your role on the investment grade debt desk. I will be sure to keep you updated on my progress this year, and look forward to staying in touch. Best regards,
[First Name]
MSU Student Investment Association

15. Staying in Touch Continued
It’s a good idea to reach out to each of your contacts at minimum, once every three months
Some contacts should be contacted more often, especially strong mentor like contacts.
A great way to build a relationship is to ask if a contact is willing to critique your resume
Networking is Relational not Transactional
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16. Leveraging Your Network
In order to leverage your network, you must first build strong relationships with the people in your network
Once you have a good relationship, most people are willing to open their network to you and help connect you with additional people
LinkedIn 2/3nd Connections
Resume submissions to HR for internships and full time
VERY IMPORTANT from non-target schools
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17. Takeaways NEVER view networking as a transaction
Networking is extremely important to landing top- tier jobs in the financial services industry.
Networking allows you to:
Become more knowledgeable about the industry
Develop relationships with people who can mentor you, and maybe even help you land your dream job
In networking, you get out of it what you put into it. The harder you work, the better your results
It’s never too early to start networking
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18. “Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.” -Kyle Chandler
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19. Application Create/Update your LinkedIn account
Create/Update your resume
Have someone critique it/look it over
Write out and practice your story/intro
In excel make a list of family friends, people your parents know etc.
Look through these people’s LinkedIn connections to see who they know as well
Start by sending s and reaching out to family/family friends
Reach out to Alumni, 3rd degree connections and continue to expand your network
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20. “You fight for the inches and the feet will take care of themselves”
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21. Questions?
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22. Roadshow Update Location: New York City
Date(s) of Trip: Thursday, March 30th – Friday, March 31st
Itinerary:
Fly out Thursday morning early (arrive in Midtown in time for 10am meeting)
Spend the night in a hotel Thursday evening
Fly out Friday evening/later in the weekend (find your own housing)
Date(s) of Application:
Sent out on February 1st
Due by February 12th at midnight
Seeking to meet with 5-8 firms between Thursday/Friday
MSU Student Investment Association