Everyone tells you to “network,” but nobody actually explains how.
This week we’re breaking it down step-by-step, from sending your first message to handling the chat like someone who belongs in the room.
☕ Step 1: The Mindset — Be Curious, Not Desperate
A coffee chat isn’t about “asking for a job.” It’s about learning, building credibility, and leaving a positive impression.
Professionals take these chats to help people who remind them of themselves, so the more natural, prepared, and confident you sound, the more likely they’ll remember you when recruiting starts.
💬 Step 2: Sending the Cold Email (What Works)
Every great email follows the same formula:
1️⃣ Personal relevance:
- “I saw you worked on the recent consumer M&A deal, wanted to ask how your team evaluates brand strength in those transactions.”
2️⃣ Short intro:
- “I’m a third-year finance student at NYU, recruiting for Summer 2026 IB roles.”
3️⃣ Purpose:
- “I’d love to learn how your group approaches deal work and what you’d focus on if you were recruiting again.”
4️⃣ Ask:
- “Would you have 10–15 minutes this week or next for a quick chat?”
5️⃣ Close:
- “Thanks so much, and congrats on the recent transaction your team closed.”
💡 Keep it under 100 words. One personalized line beats a generic paragraph.
🗓️ Step 3: Prepping for the Coffee Chat
Before your call, do 15 minutes of research:
- Read one deal the firm worked on
- Check the analyst’s background (school, team, deals)
- Write down 3–4 questions, not about the website, but about their real work
Example questions:
- “What do you wish you knew before joining your team?”
- “What surprised you most about the learning curve?”
- “What separates a good analyst from a great one early on?”
- “How would you approach recruiting if you were doing it again today?”
Bring curiosity, not a script.
🧠 Step 4: During the Chat, Treat It Like a Conversation
If you only take one thing from this: coffee chats aren’t interviews, they’re rehearsals for them.
Your tone should be casual but sharp. You’re there to learn, not to pitch.
Here’s how to run the 15–20 minutes like a pro:
☕ First 2 Minutes: Break the Ice Naturally
The first few moments set the tone. Start light, you want them to feel like this is a normal chat, not an interrogation.
How to start:
- “Hey, thanks again for taking the time — really appreciate it.”
- “I saw you also went to NYU — how was that transition into banking for you?”
- “How’s everything been going on your end? Must’ve been a busy quarter.”
If you can make them smile early, you’ve already won. Keep it human.
Goal: Build comfort → make them forget this was a “cold” chat.
💬 Middle 10 Minutes: Ask Thoughtful, Open-Ended Questions
This is where most students either freeze or ramble. The key is balance, sound curious, not robotic, and respond naturally to what they say.
Ask 2–3 meaningful questions, such as:
- “What surprised you most when you started full time?”
- “How do junior bankers typically ramp up in their first few months?”
- “What do you think separates the analysts who really stand out?”
- “If you were recruiting again, what would you do differently?”
- “What’s one thing you wish more students understood about your group?”
Each question should build off their answer, not feel like a checklist.
Example flow:
You: “You mentioned the steep learning curve, how did you manage that early on?”
Them: “Honestly, repetition and leaning on seniors helped a lot.”
You: “That makes sense. I’ve heard that from others in coverage teams too, it sounds like the environment rewards people who learn fast.”
You’re not there to impress them with technicals, you’re showing that you listen and think like a peer.
Goal: Make them enjoy talking to you, because if they do, they’ll remember you.
⏳ Final 3 Minutes: Close Strong
Most students end weak, they say “Thanks for your time” and hang up. You want to close in a way that leaves the door open for next time.
How to wrap up:
- “Thanks again — this was really helpful. I’ll definitely apply what you mentioned about [specific insight].”
- “Would it be okay if I stay in touch as I prep for interviews?”
- “If there’s anyone else you think I should reach out to on your team, I’d love an intro.”
Goal: End with appreciation + future connection.
💡 Pro Tips for the Conversation
- Keep answers under 60 seconds, never lecture.
- Match their tone: if they’re casual, be casual; if they’re formal, mirror that.
- Smile (even on Zoom), it changes how you sound.
- Take quick notes during the call, but stay engaged, don’t type mid-sentence.
- If it goes well, don’t force the next step. Let it happen naturally.
You’re not there to prove you’re perfect, you’re there to prove you’re coachable, curious, and normal to talk to.
That’s what gets referrals later. Not memorized scripts.
📨 Step 5: Following Up
Send a short thank-you message the same day:
“Hey [Name], thanks again for taking the time earlier. Really appreciated hearing about your experience on [topic/team]. I took away [insert one key insight] — it helped clarify how to approach recruiting this cycle.”
That one thoughtful line proves you listened, and it makes it easy for them to remember you later.
