The Warm Intro by Oba #9

FRESH Jobs listings, how to network, resources and opportunities

Author

oba ajayi
September 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Intro

I started a series on Instagram where I answer popular finance recruiting questions.

This Week: Networking Framework, Deferred MBA & First Internship FREE calls + new job listings

What I Wish Someone Told Me

This week's insight: Your network's network is more important than your immediate network.

Would you rather have one coffee chat with 50 different people or spread those same 50 conversations across 3-4 people?

Here's the reality: as a 20-something, your direct network has limited value. That's just math. You haven't had time to build relationships with decision makers yet.

But your network's network? That's where the real opportunities are.

I've had interviews happen just because a mentor sent a text. Sometimes the firm had a negative impression of me, but they trusted my mentor's judgment. My mentor was willing to put their credibility on the line because they actually knew me.

The difference between a coffee chat and someone who vouches for you? Depth.

Most coffee chats stay surface level - work, college, maybe some career advice. But real relationships go deeper. You know about their kids, their dog, what they're excited about outside of work. You can text them randomly without it being weird.

This happens through consistent follow-up. Reference something personal they mentioned. Check in every few months with genuine interest, not just when you need something. Ask about their life, not just their work.

This takes time and genuine curiosity. If you care about them as a person, you'll naturally want to understand their decisions, motivations, and how they think about their work.

The takeaway: Stop trying to meet everyone. Invest in 3-4 relationships deep enough that those people will vouch for you. Their networks become your network.

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Join us for the Deferred MBA Breakthrough Workshop - Tues, October 14 at 6:00 PM EST Come learn from Oba (@Obatried), who got into Stanford's deferred MBA…

Q&A + How to get your first internship with someone who had 7 internships

First Internship Blueprint with Oba - @Obatried · Luma

Join us for the First Internship Blueprint Workshop - Thursday, October 16 at 6 PM EST Come learn from Oba (@Obatried), who landed 7 internships including…

Career Strategy Call with Oba 10-60 minute strategy call with someone who landed 7 internships and got into Stanford GSB. Get the exact framework I used plus see if ongoing coaching fits your goals.

Paid Part Time Remote Jobs Platform Paid part-time remote roles paying $40 to $270 per hour across different fields. SWE to finance to teaching. 20-40 hours per week on your schedule.

Target Test Prep Exam prep I used to get into Stanford GSB

Resources This Week

Stock Pitch Examples by a former Hedge Fund Analyst

Links for additional Resources can be found HERE

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oba

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