To connect with your banker outside of work for industry insights and job experience without using LinkedIn, follow these steps:
- Initiate Contact: Start by reaching out to your banker during a professional interaction, such as a meeting or email exchange.
- Express Interest: Express genuine interest in learning more about the banking industry and gaining insights from their experience.
- Request Informal Meeting: Politely request an informal meeting or coffee chat outside of work hours to discuss their career path and insights about the industry.
- Respect Boundaries: Acknowledge their work-life balance and offer flexibility in scheduling the meeting to accommodate their availability.
- Provide Contact Information: Offer your contact information for them to reach out to you and coordinate the meeting logistics.
- Confirm Meeting Details: Once the meeting is agreed upon, confirm the date, time, and location via email or phone call.
- Prepare for the Meeting: Research relevant topics and questions to discuss during the meeting to make the most of the opportunity.
- Show Gratitude: Express gratitude for their time and insights during and after the meeting to maintain a positive professional relationship.
Sending a request to their work email for a meeting after work hours is acceptable as long as it is done respectfully and with consideration for their schedule and preferences.