5 reasons you should build a network now

Through networking, you're not just building contacts; you're accessing a wealth of industry insights, trends, and career pathways. From early bird access to opportunities to a dependable support system during challenging times, your network becomes your compass in navigating the professional landscape. We dive into the 5 reasons you should build a network now.
Mar 7 / Rachel Aspinall

Introduction

Whether you’re still in the discovery phase of your career journey, seeking an internship, or starting out in a permanent role, building a professional network should be high on your list of priorities.

People are more likely to connect and assist those whom they know, like, and trust, and when breaking into competitive areas of an already expansive industry like finance, connections and assistance should not be underestimated.

As Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, once said, "No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team.”

In this blog, we bring you five reasons to build a network now.  
Whether you’re still in the discovery phase of your career journey, seeking an internship, or starting out in a permanent role, building a professional network should be high on your list of priorities.

People are more likely to connect and assist those whom they know, like, and trust, and when breaking into competitive areas of an already expansive industry like finance, connections and assistance should not be underestimated.

As Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, once said, "No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team.”

In this blog, we bring you five reasons to build a network now.  

1. You're competing with the best 

Networking is a form of self-promotion which is vital in a sector that is filled with brilliant talent, making it a highly competitive job market that goes beyond skills.

The truth is, for the most coveted roles, standing out in a sea of hundreds of identical-looking resumes from other students and professionals is crucial.

By developing a network early, both of peers and more established senior professionals, you’re demonstrating to prospective employers’ confidence, good communication, and tenacity which will help you stand out.  
Networking is a form of self-promotion which is vital in a sector that is filled with brilliant talent, making it a highly competitive job market that goes beyond skills.

The truth is, for the most coveted roles, standing out in a sea of hundreds of identical-looking resumes from other students and professionals is crucial.

By developing a network early, both of peers and more established senior professionals, you’re demonstrating to prospective employers’ confidence, good communication, and tenacity which will help you stand out.  

2. You will learn from it, and fast!

Building a network of peers and industry veterans alike is a smart way of ensuring a valuable source of industry insights, trends, and upcoming developments across different areas of the industry.

Nothing beats first-hand knowledge and experience and the real-time exchange of ideas and opportunities.

Many of our Summer Analyst Training Programme Alumni remark on the close connections they made with their fellow analysts which have remained friends and allies ever since.

Building a network of peers and industry veterans alike is a smart way of ensuring a valuable source of industry insights, trends, and upcoming developments across different areas of the industry.

Nothing beats first-hand knowledge and experience and the real-time exchange of ideas and opportunities.

Many of our Summer Analyst Training Programme Alumni remark on the close connections they made with their fellow analysts which have remained friends and allies ever since.

3. You learn about new opportunities faster

Networking helps you establish relationships with other professionals and build a foundation of contacts to learn about new opportunities.

This is extra-valuable when you’re seeking career clarity and forging your own unique pathway.

Make sure you’re leveraging LinkedIn, a goldmine for building a network. AmplifyME’s LinkedIn community is a great place to start with powerful alumni both seeking and working in positions across markets, banking, and quant. It’s also a great source of the latest news and insights.

Also, take advantage of any upcoming career events at your university if you're still studying. Look out for companies that attend campus careers fairs or run networking events both online and in person.

Networking helps you establish relationships with other professionals and build a foundation of contacts to learn about new opportunities.

This is extra-valuable when you’re seeking career clarity and forging your own unique pathway.

Make sure you’re leveraging LinkedIn, a goldmine for building a network. AmplifyME’s LinkedIn community is a great place to start with powerful alumni both seeking and working in positions across markets, banking, and quant. It’s also a great source of the latest news and insights.

Also, take advantage of any upcoming career events at your university if you're still studying. Look out for companies that attend campus careers fairs or run networking events both online and in person.

4. A source of support and friendship 

Networking helps you establish relationships with other people in the same boat to lean on, exchange ideas, and troubleshoot problems with along the way.

Let’s face it, many of the top roles in finance require long hours in busy cities like London which can feel unfamiliar to start with. Having a support network can help with this.

Networking helps you establish relationships with other people in the same boat to lean on, exchange ideas, and troubleshoot problems with along the way.


Let’s face it, many of the top roles in finance require long hours in busy cities like London which can feel unfamiliar to start with. Having a support network can help with this.

5. You're planning for the long-term

Networking helps you meet people at all professional levels which is beneficial in the short and long term.

The goal is to have a solid professional network in place before you need it, so that you already have people willing to help you out when asked (or offer help before you even need to ask).

It’s a great way to plan long-term. Who knows what opportunities you’ll find down the road?

Networking helps you meet people at all professional levels which is beneficial in the short and long term.

The goal is to have a solid professional network in place before you need it, so that you already have people willing to help you out when asked (or offer help before you even need to ask).

It’s a great way to plan long-term. Who knows what opportunities you’ll find down the road?

Want to build a network of peers and industry leaders now?

The AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme has given thousands of students a supportive network of peers and a powerful global alumni network in global markets, banking, and quantitative finance.

See last year's cohort at the annual, in-person Morgan Stanley training day and discover more through the link below. 
The AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme has given thousands of students a supportive network of peers and a powerful global alumni network in global markets, banking, and quantitative finance.

See last year's cohort at the annual, in-person Morgan Stanley training day and discover more through the link below.