An investment banking networking call is usually a brief informational conversation with an analyst, associate, vice president, or managing director. Your immediate goal is to learn from that person and leave a professional impression. Over time, several good conversations can help you understand firms, prepare for interviews, and build relationships with people who may support your candidacy.
Do not treat the call as an interview you need to dominate. You also should not open by asking for a referral, an interview, or help getting your résumé selected. The banker may eventually offer assistance, but the conversation needs to establish credibility first.
A successful first call generally accomplishes three things: you understand the banker’s path or group better, the banker understands why you are interested, and both of you have a reasonable basis for staying in touch. That may sound modest, but recruiting relationships are usually built through a series of professional interactions rather than one dramatic conversation.