Stern recruiting hub
NYU Stern alumni networking: coffee chat guide
Plan alumni outreach by banking group, prepare questions and follow up thoughtfully. An independent networking guide for Stern students.
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Start with a real connection.
An illustrative email, not a real student's message or a claim about results. Replace every bracketed detail before sending.
Subject: Stern student curious about your path into [Group]
Hi [Name], I'm a [class year] student at NYU Stern exploring [coverage or product group]. I saw that you studied at Stern before joining [Firm]. In [a real class or project], I worked on [one relevant task], which made me curious about [a specific aspect of the role]. Would you have 15 minutes next week to share how you chose your group and what helped you prepare? A short call would be great, and I'm happy to work around your schedule. Thank you, [Your name]
What to personalize
- Verify the shared school and current group. If the person is not a Stern alum, replace the school connection with a genuine reason for contacting them.
- Replace the project placeholders with one thing you actually did. Coursework is fine; do not invent an internship or imply involvement in the recipient's deals.
- Ask for advice about one decision, not a job. After one polite follow-up, leave room for the recipient not to respond.
NextCoffee.ai is independent of NYU Stern. This guide does not provide access to a university alumni directory or imply a school partnership.
Alumni angle
A verified Stern connection
Alumni angle
A specific coverage or product group
Alumni angle
One question their experience can answer
Outreach plan
How Stern students should structure alumni outreach.
Use the school connection to earn attention, then make the message specific enough that a busy professional knows why the conversation matters.
Weekly workflow
Start with a small list of alumni whose current group matches what you want to learn. Verify their school and role before writing.
Separate coverage groups such as TMT from product groups such as M&A. Ask a recent analyst about learning the job, not for a guaranteed referral.
Offer a short call first. Suggest an in-person conversation only if convenient for them; being in New York does not entitle you to their time.
After the conversation, send a thank-you that names one useful insight. Reconnect when you have acted on it.
Coffee chat questions
What helped you choose between a coverage group and a product group?
Which Stern project or class helped you explain your interest in banking, and why?
Target roles
Build separate outreach lanes.
A banking note, a consulting note, and an asset management note should emphasize different parts of the same student background.
Investment banking
Use recipient context, a relevant resume signal, and one focused question before asking for next steps.
Sales and trading
Use recipient context, a relevant resume signal, and one focused question before asking for next steps.
Private equity
Use recipient context, a relevant resume signal, and one focused question before asking for next steps.
Equity research
Use recipient context, a relevant resume signal, and one focused question before asking for next steps.
Related reading
Keep preparing for your next conversation.
Use these guides to write a specific first message, choose a useful question, and follow up with context.
Turn strategy into conversations
Turn Stern context into stronger outreach.
NextCoffee.ai helps students convert school, resume, target role, and recipient context into reviewed coffee chat emails, Gmail sends, and follow-up reminders.