1. Networking: The Gateway to your Dream Job
September 27th, 2017
MSU Student Investment Association

2. Points of Emphasis
Networking can take you where ever you want to be, no matter the industry or career path.
Just as important as studying for interviews
Benefits of Networking:
Become more knowledgeable about the industry/firm
Develop relationships with people who can mentor you
Increase chances of landing a job (employee referrals)
It is never to early to start networking
It will be awkward at first, but you’ll get better
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
MSU Student Investment Association

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/waiting for response?
Any additional notes/personal details
Easy to create in Excel
Show example of rolodex
MSU Student Investment Association

7. Email Email is the primary method of first contact in networking
s that are both well written and concise are most effective
Important to be aware of any possible negative interpretations of your ’s content
Triple check for grammar
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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 (high school alumni, college professors, etc.)
Linkedin Searches
MSU Alums, Target Firms, Target Fields, Target Industries
Create dynamic searches for new people. Focus on Big 10 schools
Search for formats for their firm to contact them
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
Subject Line: Say what you want “MSU Student – Informational Interview”
Keep it short & to the point. Less than 5 sentences
Introduce yourself, and say what you want
Why is talking to you going to be worth their time?
Mention what time frame or specific times you are available
Be conscious of when you send s
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
MSU Student Investment Association

11. Following Up if Initial Email is Unsuccessful
Important to wait 1 week 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. I know this is a busy time of year, but is there a time in the next week that you are available to talk?
Best regards,
[First Name]
MSU Student Investment Association

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. 1-2 minute story
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 X industry or at X firm?
What is a typical day like for you?
What do you enjoy most about your job?
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?
Be conscious of phrasing questions
Don’t ask “how much do you work”, ask “have you made it back to East Lansing for a football game recently?”
Keep the conversation mostly on the professional
MSU Student Investment Association

14. Call Outline Introduction
Introduce yourself, ask if now is still a good time
Go into your questions, but allow the contact to shape the tone of the conversation
At the end of the call, thank them for their time and ask about any further action
Next time to follow-up
Any other contacts
Interview process
Immediately after the call, write down notes in your excel sheet. You will forget otherwise
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15. Staying in Touch
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

16. 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.
2nd contacts are more difficult
Find a reason to reach out; it must be natural. Be prepared with different questions that build off your last conversation
A great way to build a relationship is to ask if a contact is willing to critique your resume
In-person meetings help build relationships
Wait until recruiting is kicking off
Ask to get coffee
Train to Chicago is cheap, flights to NYC can be cheap
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17. 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
Resume submissions to HR for internships and full time
VERY IMPORTANT from non-target schools
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18. Takeaways
Networking is extremely important – just as important as interview practice
Networking allows you to:
Become more knowledgeable about the industry/firm
Develop relationships with people who can mentor you
Increase chances of landing a job (employee referrals)
NEVER view networking as a transaction
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
MSU Student Investment Association

19. “Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.” -Kyle Chandler
MSU Student Investment Association

20. 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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21. Questions?
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