How to Network Your Way into Finance

Breaking into finance is not just about having the right skills. The most sought-after jobs in investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds attract thousands of qualified candidates every year. A strong resume is important, but networking is often what sets candidates apart.

This week, we break down how to build a valuable network and turn it into career opportunities:

• 💼 How to create a network

• 🔍 Available internship positions

• 🎯 The perfect LinkedIn message

— Investor Briefcase Team

The finance industry is built on relationships. Most firms hire based on relationships, not resumes, which means networking is the key to breaking in. The challenge is knowing where to find the right people and how to approach them in a way that leads to real opportunities.

If you are looking to expand your own network, here are three strategies that work:

Leverage University Alumni

Alumni networks are one of the easiest ways to meet finance professionals. Many remember the challenge of breaking in and are open to helping students and graduates from their former schools. A simple introduction through LinkedIn or a career office can lead to valuable conversations and, over time, real opportunities.

The goal is not to ask for a job but to seek advice through a career conversation known as a coffee chat. A short and well-structured discussion about their experience and insights can lead to mentorship, referrals, and potentially even an interview.

Actionable Tip Search LinkedIn for alumni working at firms you are interested in. Send a short, professional message (we’ve added a template for this further down) and aim to schedule at least one coffee chat per week.

Make an Impression at Industry Events

Finance networking events and speaker panels bring together recruiters and finance professionals actively looking for talent. A good conversation at the right event can turn into a referral down the line. Try to avoid overcrowded university events where everyone is chasing a role, and instead find opportunities that are more niche.

Actionable Tip Research attendees before an event and prepare memorable questions. Engaging professionals on market trends or recent deals helps you stand out. A strong follow-up message afterward maintains the connection.

Master Cold Outreach and Follow Up

Instead of sending generic requests to dozens of finance professionals, focus on a few key individuals whose careers align with your goals. A short message referencing their background and asking for insights is more likely to get a response than a vague request for help, which has clearly been sent out to multiple people. (We cover this in detail in the next section)

Following up is just as important as the first message. Many professionals intend to respond but get busy. A simple check-in a week later can significantly increase your chances of getting a reply.

Actionable Tip Send ten to fifteen messages per week to finance professionals. The average response rate is between twenty and thirty percent if they are alumni or already connected with you, meaning at least two or three replies for every ten messages. If there is no response, a polite follow-up after a week can make a difference.

Point72

💼 Position: Investment Analyst Summer Internship Program
📍 Location: San Francisco, USA
🏛️ Industry: Hedge Fund
📅 Deadline: None

Click here to apply

Citi

💼 Position: Finance, Summer Analyst
📍 Location: Buffalo, USA
🏛️ Industry: Investment Banking
📅 Deadline: March 17, 2025

Click here to apply

StepStone Group

💼 Position: Portfolio Management & Investment Research Internship
📍 Location: La Jolla, USA
🏛️ Industry: Private Equity
📅 Deadline: March 16, 2025

Click here to apply

Reaching out to finance professionals is an effective way to build a strong network, but many students fail because they send generic messages that get ignored.

The key is to personalize every message. Finance professionals receive countless connection requests, many of which feel like spam.

To stand out, reference their career path, firm, or a shared connection like your university. Instead of asking for a job, focus on learning from their experience. A direct and concise message makes it easy for them to say yes to a quick conversation.

Here is a template for you to customize that has a 38% response rate:

Subject: Fellow [University] Alum Looking to Connect

Hi [Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am [Your Name], currently a [Your Position, for example, senior studying finance at XYZ University]. I saw that you also attended [University] and I wanted to reach out.

I came across your profile while researching [Firm] and was really interested in your experience, especially [mention something specific, for example, your transition from consulting to banking, your work in M&A, or your role in the tech sector]. I would love to hear more about your career path and any advice you might have for someone looking to break into the industry.

Would you be open to a 15-minute chat sometime this week? I would really appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experience.

Best,
[Your Name]

Preparing for the Conversation

If they agree to a chat, preparation is key. Have thoughtful questions ready about their career, their firm, and what they look for in candidates. A strong conversation makes a lasting impression.

After the call, always send a thank-you message. Mention something specific from the conversation to show you were engaged. Staying in touch over time by checking in or sharing relevant insights can turn a single conversation into a long-term professional relationship.

Networking in finance is not about asking for favors. It is about building genuine relationships that lead to valuable opportunities. A strong connection can make a meaningful difference in your internship applications and increase your chances of securing a role at top firms.

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