Coffee chats for NYU Stern students and alumni
How to use the NYU Stern network to run coffee chats that move your recruiting forward.
Why the NYU Stern network is worth using
An MBA program in New York with strong finance and consulting placement. That shared background is a real advantage: people are far more likely to reply to someone from NYU Stern.
A coffee chat is the natural way to use that connection without asking for anything too big up front.
Where to find NYU Stern alumni
Start with the warmest sources and work outward:
- Your NYU Stern alumni directory, filtered by company or industry.
- LinkedIn, filtered by school so you can see fellow NYU Stern alumni at your target firms.
- Clubs and professional groups tied to NYU Stern.
- Recent graduates, who tend to remember what recruiting was like and reply quickly.
What to say when you reach out
Lead with the shared connection, then make a small, specific ask:
Hi [First name], I am also at NYU Stern and focused on [industry or role]. I would value 15 minutes to hear how you navigated recruiting and landed where you are. Would a short call work in the next couple of weeks?
Keep it short and make it easy to say yes.
Stay organized as you scale up
During recruiting you may run dozens of these conversations. Track who you spoke with, what you discussed, and your next follow-up so no relationship goes cold and every thank-you goes out on time.
Frequently asked questions
Use the NYU Stern alumni network. Find alumni at your target firms, reach out with a short note that mentions the shared connection, and ask for 15 minutes to learn from their experience.
Alumni respond at much higher rates to fellow students and graduates than to cold outreach, especially recent grads. A specific, low-pressure ask helps.
There is no fixed number, but consistent outreach over the season builds a network that compounds. Track them so you can follow up reliably.
Related guides
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