People in the finance business climb heights not by just sticking to their office cubicles and crushing numbers, but by connecting with other genuine finance professionals.
There’s a whirlwind of Wall Street Wolves out there trying to make it big and build a finance empire.
By reaching out and networking with bright financial minds, you will advance in knowledge and probably develop stellar finance projects that elevate your career progression.
This blog will highlight the power of networking and how you can leverage industry connections for a successful finance career.
Why Networking Is a Game-Changer in Finance
As someone aspiring to become a successful finance professional, you need to play the cards right if you don’t want to slog your way to reach your goals.
You might be the best number cruncher in the room, but if you don’t connect with finance professionals who have years of experience and financial success to their credit, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to actualize your goals.
The reason being, there are tons of finance professionals who give the impression with their soft skills and align with the hiring manager’s mindset. Then there’s also the risk of not being visible to likely professionals who want to hire someone like you, but they don’t know you.
Even if you are a student, you can get a head start by starting early.
Networking with industry professionals helps to:
- Access job leads before they are public
- Get Insider Info on Company Culture
- Gain referrals that boost your hiring chances (In fact, according to a LinkedIn survey, up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking.)
- Stay updated with industry trends and advance in finance & accounting skills
- Find contentment working with professionals of your mindset/wavelength
- Build a finance business with like-minded professionals
Where to Network: Places That Actually Matter
You can network anywhere, but some places offer more bang for your buck:
Industry Events & Finance Conferences: Think CFA Institute conferences, FinTech expos, or local CPA society meetups. These are gold mines for making real-world connections.
LinkedIn: This is your digital handshake. Join finance-specific groups, comment on posts, and connect with professionals in your niche.
Professional Organizations: Groups like the AICPA, CFA Society, or Financial Planning Association (FPA) offer both online and in-person events where you can meet peers and mentors alike.
Workplace Networking: Don’t ignore the people in your own office. Building internal relationships can lead to cross-department projects, promotions, or future job referrals.
Start with Your Inner Circle
You don’t have to start by rubbing elbows with Wall Street big shots. As a matter of fact, most successful finance professionals start by leveraging the connections they already have at hand.
Beginning with family members and friends who have made it in the finance industry to college professors, classmates, past colleagues, or even alumni networks, there are so many places where you can get the kickstart.
Don’t underestimate the power of alumni networks. Many universities have active finance groups where grads love helping fellow alumni break into the industry.
Reach out. Say hello, and meet and greet if you can. Ask for a 15-minute chat. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help if you just ask.
How to Build Authentic Connections (Without Being Cringey)
Nobody likes the guy who connects just to get ahead. The key to good networking is building authentic relationships. Here’s how:
- Lead with curiosity: Ask people about their career path, challenges, or insights.
- Add value: Share useful resources, comment thoughtfully on their work, or introduce them to someone in your network.
- Stay in touch: Don’t drop off the map after one coffee chat. Keep the relationship warm by checking in every few months
Remember, networking isn’t about begging for favors - it’s about mutual growth.
Go & Conquer the Finance World
There you go. We’ve spilled the beans for you. Now, all you have to do is start connecting with finance professionals, first from your inner circle, and eventually branching out to CEOs, CFOs, hiring managers, and talent scouts of big companies.
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