How Persistent Networking Landed Him an Investment Banking Career

Episode 46 | April 13, 2026

In Episode 46 of the Coffee Chat Podcast, Ben sits down with Eric to unpack how persistence, preparation, and strategic networking helped him land a role in investment banking.

Eric, a University of Illinois graduate, didn’t rely on luck. Instead, he built a disciplined system.

“Every night, I drafted 25 cold emails. No copy and paste,” he explains. While his response rate hovered around 10%, that consistency compounded over time. “It’s a sales process, you have to sell yourself.”

Beyond email outreach, Eric took networking a step further, flying to New York, staying with alumni, and meeting professionals face-to-face. “If you can walk up, shake their hand, and grab coffee, you’re going to be more memorable,” he says.

Preparation was equally rigorous. Eric mock-interviewed daily (sometimes alone in front of a mirror) to refine his story and control the direction of interviews. “You only get 30 minutes. The best interviews are the ones you can lead.”

He emphasizes that while technical skills are essential, they’re the baseline. What sets candidates apart is demonstrating drive, consistency, and genuine interest.

Eric credits the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program with helping him build a strong foundation early, particularly in Excel and financial statements, skills that translated directly to success on the job.

His message is clear: recruiting is a long game.

“If you really want it, you have to demonstrate that you want it.”

For aspiring finance professionals, persistence isn’t optional; it’s the differentiator.

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