Networking before starting my MBA?

Question

Hi all,

I am about to start my MBA program in the fall and am aiming to recruit for summer internships in a region where my MBA program isn't in (middle east, US program). My goal is to know the various firms in the region, project work etc.

I have had a few conversations through the structured pre MBA pipeline (1:1 chats). Though I have also tried to reach out via LinkedIn to consultants (some whom I have 2nd degree mutual connections, others out of network). I add a message as to the purpose of me connecting. Is this a no-go/bad strategy? There is mixed advice about waiting for structured recruiting but most likely I will not be speaking with these folks in person 1:1 when recruiting starts as they are in a different region.

tl;dr - Bad to network and have conversations (informal) pre MBA?

Answer 1

The short answer: it's never bad to network :)

Answer 2

Hi there,

Not at all bad - great idea.

The sooner you start, the more connections you have once it becomes more relevant, and the better insights you get into the hiring demand, etc.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi there,

Q: Bad to network and have conversations (informal) pre MBA?

Is the goal of the connection to land a referral? If so, I would rather connect when you need the referral rather than several months in advance, for the following reasons:

If you connect earlier on, chances are that when you try to reconnect for the referral they might not reply.
The best time to ask for a referral (indirectly) is during the call.

Overall, it is not per se bad to reach out earlier on, but I don't see specific benefits in it.

You can find some networking tips below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 4

Hi,

I think its ok - just know that networking is difficult, you may not always get responses and people may not be willing to give time to you - even though they may be well intentioned the realities of the job prevent them from being so ;).

Answer 5

From my experience, it would be best if you can apply early if you can already do your case prep. If you start now yo... (read entire answer)

From my experience, it would be best if you can apply early if you can already do your case prep. If you start now you could be ready by the time they invite you to interviews.B... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

Great question — this comes up often, especially when a firm is known for one area but you're applying to a different... (read entire answer)

Great question — this comes up often, especially when a firm is known for one area but you're applying to a different team or program. The key is to show that you’ve looked beyo... (read entire answer)