Coffee chats in New York: who to meet and how
Where the opportunities are in New York, and how to set up coffee chats that lead somewhere.
Where the jobs are in New York
Most professional hiring in New York clusters around New York City, Buffalo and Albany.
The state's strongest industries include finance, consulting, media and consumer goods, so those are natural places to focus your outreach.
How to find people to talk to in New York
A few practical ways to build a list:
- Search LinkedIn by location for New York City, Buffalo and Albany plus your target industry.
- Look for alumni from your school who are now based in New York.
- Join local professional groups and industry meetups in New York City, Buffalo and Albany.
- Ask anyone you already know in New York for one or two introductions.
In person or virtual
If you live in or can visit New York City, Buffalo and Albany, an in-person coffee is memorable and easy to build on. If not, a short video call works just as well to start. Either way, keep the first ask to 15 minutes.
Make each conversation count
Come prepared with a couple of specific questions, follow up within a day, and keep track of who you met so you can stay in touch as you focus your search on New York.
Frequently asked questions
Focus on New York City, Buffalo and Albany, where most professional hiring happens, and on New York's main industries (finance, consulting, media and consumer goods). Find people through LinkedIn by location, school alumni, and local groups, then ask for short coffee chats.
New York's notable industries include finance, consulting, media and consumer goods, concentrated mainly around New York City, Buffalo and Albany.
A short video call is a perfectly good way to start. In person is easier to build on if you are local, but the quality of your questions and follow-up matter more than the format.
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