Networking: The Gateway to your Dream Job

Networking: The Gateway to your Dream Job Sean Baddeley – sean.baddeley@gmail.com October 17th, 2012 MSU Student Investment Association

Outline I. Networking Tools • LinkedIn • Personal Rolodex • Email 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

I. Networking Tools MSU Student Investment Association

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 • www.linkedin.com • My LinkedIn page MSU Student Investment Association

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 • Email Address • Phone Number • Date last contacted • Any additional notes – Personal details / preferences / common interests • Easy to create in Excel – SIA Template available on website MSU Student Investment Association

Email • Email is the primary method of first contact in networking • Emails that are both well written and concise are most effective • Important to be aware of any possible negative interpretations of your email’s content MSU Student Investment Association

II. Networking Process MSU Student Investment Association

Prospecting • Prospecting involves actively searching for, and identifying potential connections • Multiple methods: • Linkedin Searches • MSU Alums, Target Firms, Target Fields, Target Industries • Equity Research Reports – Great if you are in Analyst Program • Investor Relations Pages: Diana Shipping Inc. Investor Relations Goal: Cast a wide net, find people who are good targets for initial contact MSU Student Investment Association

Initial Contact • Contact generally initiated through email • 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 MSU Student Investment Association

Following Up if Initial Email is Unsuccessful • Important to wait at least 5 days before sending a follow up email • Don’t want to pester/give impression that you are annoying • Send in same email thread as original to provide context 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] MSU Student Investment Association

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 MSU Student Investment Association

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 is a typical day like for you? • What is your work life balance like? • What do you enjoy most about your job? • 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)? MSU Student Investment Association

Staying in Touch • It is a good practice to follow up with a brief thank you email 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

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. • Common interests outside of finance are a great way to foster additional conversation. • Additional information section of resume MSU Student Investment Association

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 2nd Connections • Resume submissions to HR for internships and full time • VERY IMPORTANT from non-target schools MSU Student Investment Association

Takeaways • 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. MSU Student Investment Association

Questions? MSU Student Investment Association

Networking: The Gateway to your Dream Job