Build A Targeted Banking Contact Map

Reviewed by Fallon Han· Updated 2026-06-01 06:06:45.974

This conversation was generated using Cook'd AI's career assistant and reviewed by Fallon Han from our editorial team for accuracy.

I'm a second-year econ major in the US and I'm thinking about pivoting into investment banking. I want to build a first-degree networking map for bulge-bracket banks, but I do not know who to contact first. Can you help me figure out the right people and give me a short cold message that sounds natural?

Yes. Start with people who are closest to your profile and easiest to reach: recent analysts and associates at target banks, alumni from your school, and bankers who cover industries or groups you are genuinely interested in. Build your first-degree map in layers: 1) alumni in banking, 2) analysts in your target groups, 3) associates and VPs, 4) recruiters only after you have a reason to contact them. For each person, track school, bank, group, city, and any shared point of connection. For the first outreach note, keep it short and specific. Your goal is a coffee chat, not a full pitch. Example: Hi [Name], I am a second-year econ student at [School] exploring investment banking and came across your background at [Bank]. I would really appreciate 15 minutes to hear about your path and any advice you have for someone hoping to learn more about the industry. If you are open to it, I am happy to work around your schedule. Best, [Your Name] This works because it is direct, low pressure, and easy to answer. Avoid sounding like you are asking for a job. Keep the focus on learning.

That helps. How do I decide which bankers to prioritize so I do not waste time blasting random people? I want the map to feel targeted, especially for bulge-bracket firms.

Prioritize in this order: 1. Alumni from your college in banking 2. People in groups you want, like M and A, coverage, or industry teams 3. Analysts and associates who are 1 to 5 years out of school 4. Senior bankers only if you have a warm connection or a strong reason A targeted map should have 20 to 30 names, not 200. For each bank, aim for 3 to 5 contacts across different levels. That gives you enough coverage without looking spammy. A simple filter: - Same school or hometown - Same major or similar background - Recent internship or full-time analyst experience - Shared interest in your target group or sector If you want, make separate lists for general networking and for each target bank. That way, your outreach can mention one clear reason you picked that person. For example: "I noticed you also studied economics at [School] and now work in [Group]." Specificity makes the note feel earned.

Got it. I still worry my message sounds scripted. Can you give me 2 or 3 versions that ask for a short coffee chat without sounding like a template?

Absolutely. You want the tone to sound like a real student reaching out thoughtfully, not a mass email. Here are three options: Option 1, straightforward: Hi [Name], I am a second-year econ student at [School] and am exploring investment banking. Your path at [Bank] stood out to me, and I would love to ask a few questions about your experience if you have 15 minutes for a quick coffee chat. Best, [Your Name] Option 2, slightly warmer: Hi [Name], I came across your background at [Bank] and thought your path was really interesting. I am a second-year econ major at [School] considering banking, and I would be grateful for a short coffee chat to learn from your experience. Thank you, [Your Name] Option 3, more conversational: Hi [Name], I am reaching out because I am a second-year econ student at [School] trying to learn more about investment banking. If you are open to it, I would love to grab 15 minutes for coffee or a quick call and hear how you got started. Best, [Your Name] The main trick is to use one personal reason for reaching out, one sentence on who you are, and one clear ask. No long story, no resume dump.

If they reply and agree to chat, how should I keep the conversation going so it does not feel awkward? I want to sound prepared but not over-rehearsed.

Use a simple structure for the chat: 1. Thank them and confirm time is short 2. Ask about their path into banking 3. Ask about their group or bank culture 4. Ask one practical question about recruiting or preparation 5. Close with gratitude and a follow-up A natural opening: Thanks again for taking the time. I really appreciate it. I would love to start with how you got interested in banking and what led you to [Bank]. Then follow with questions like: - What surprised you most in your first year? - How did you decide on your group? - If you were in my position, what would you focus on over the next few months? To sound prepared, reference one detail from their background, but keep it brief. For example: "I noticed you started in economics as well, so I was curious how you translated that into banking." That shows effort without sounding staged.

This is helpful. Can you also give me a follow-up note for after the chat, plus a second follow-up if they did not respond to the first outreach?

Yes. For the thank-you note, send it within 24 hours and keep it concise: Hi [Name], Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated hearing about your path into banking and your advice on building technical and networking skills. Your perspective was very helpful as I continue learning about the industry. Best, [Your Name] If they do not respond to the first outreach, send one polite follow-up about a week later: Hi [Name], Just wanted to follow up on my note below in case it got buried. I am still very interested in learning about your experience at [Bank] and would be grateful for 15 minutes if you have time. Best, [Your Name] Keep it light. One follow-up is normal. A second follow-up should only happen if there was some prior signal of interest or if you have a meaningful update, like a referral, school event, or relevant accomplishment.