How to Network in Finance

When I used the word "network", many of you might be thinking that I will provide you a list of Investment Banks, Private Equity funds and Finance companies. While the list is important, it's also important to look at how to approach people and network in Finance.

Networking is building and maintaining relationships.

Whatever you want to learn, be it Finance or networking, there are strategies and tactics.

Strategies are high level views like how to conduct informational interviews, how to approach people in groups and making a career plan.

Tactics are how you say, what you say, emailing etc.

You need both the approaches in networking.

What key strategies you need to apply? How to develop the mindset for networking?

Follow some do's and don'ts in networking:

Do's

1.If the school/college you are graduating from is not well-known, put extra efforts in networking.

2. Start networking months and months before you actually look for a job. You can do this simultaneously with your graduation.

3. Networking is about getting more people to know you, so meet as many people as you can in Finance.

4. When you meet people, be genuinely interested in them. Discuss about their background, interest, hobbies, and any recent personal event. Practice this and you will build relationships.

5. Understand that networking is a long term effort.

6. Change the strategy of networking if you are not getting results after investing months. Ask friends and people in Finance what is going wrong.

7. While networking, don't overlook names/friends in your circle.

8. Keep in mind that only early bird catches the worm. Have an early start and establish contacts.

9. Check whether you are making progress.

10. Remember, at high level, networking is equal to building and maintaining relationships.

Don'ts

1. Brag about qualifications, credentials or grades if you don't have experience or proven expertise.

2. Talk about subjects like Market, Finance, Industry or Company when you meet people in Finance. They are doing it at least 50 hours a week, so, instead, talk about their interests and hobbies.

3. Repeat the same strategy, if you are not getting results. Take a step back and check what's going wrong.

4. Focus on results only, as you may lose relationship building, learning and making friends in Finance.

If you want to make a career in Finance, you need to be a good networker too. Finding a job would not be difficult, if you have right skills, right attitude and excellent networking skills.

Now, go ahead and start building relationships.

Avadhut is a BFSI Career Coach and the Founder of Analytics. He provides career coaching service in Investment Banking, Equity Research, Risk Analytics, Financial research, financial modeling and Business Analysis. You can know more about him at http://analytics.net.in/