Cold emails across the river: UK to NY Boutiques

Hey Guys, I had a thought today and I'd like the advice of the WSO community.

I've been a long time reader and have noticed that networking/cold emailing/cold calling is heavily emphasised in the pursuit of breaking into the industry. I've many made many applications to London positions (UK student here btw) for 2013 summer analyst positions, but all to no avail. After a slew of rejections I have only a handful of live apps remaining, and above all I don't have time to make any more apps due to university work. So, I wondered if it is within the realm of possibility that cold emailing NY (or anywhere in America for that matter) boutiques with a cover letter and CV could perhaps land in a few weeks paid/unpaid work experience? If this seems absurd- please let me know!

A bit about me: Non target university, Econ grad in final year, interned at BB this summer in MO Ops: Trade support (Poor first year grads=no scope for FO applications), and on track for 1st class grade (4.0 GPA equivalent?)

Is the effort a waste of time? Am I a dumbass? Drop dem comments peeps

Edit: Interested in ER or M&A

 

I think that your efforts are probably wasted, as they usually recruit via OCR and don't really care about a foreigner.

I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 

I don't want to sound discouraging mate, but I think it's an uphill battle. You got dinged in the UK, you do not have any real IB work experience, you need a visa (boutiques often do not issue them) and you are not from a prestigious university in the UK.

 

I wouldn't say wasted, but definitely difficult. I did however reach out to several hedgies (think D.E. Shaw, etc.) in the US and am currently interviewing with 3 for NYC.

[quote]The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.[/quote]
 
SonnyZH:
I wouldn't say wasted, but definitely difficult. I did however reach out to several hedgies (think D.E. Shaw, etc.) in the US and am currently interviewing with 3 for NYC.

Yeah but wouldn't you agree that you situation is different from OP? You go to LSE and I know that D.E. Shaw for example posted on the LSE Career Hub for junior positions in NYC.

I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 
Matrick:
SonnyZH:
I wouldn't say wasted, but definitely difficult. I did however reach out to several hedgies (think D.E. Shaw, etc.) in the US and am currently interviewing with 3 for NYC.

Yeah but wouldn't you agree that you situation is different from OP? You go to LSE and I know that D.E. Shaw for example posted on the LSE Career Hub for junior positions in NYC.

I cold-emailed myself into the interview, no HR or online applications. I do however have an M&A background, so I agree but I wouldn't say it's that impossible for him, the world's a small place.

[quote]The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.[/quote]
 
Best Response
SonnyZH:
Matrick:
SonnyZH:
I wouldn't say wasted, but definitely difficult. I did however reach out to several hedgies (think D.E. Shaw, etc.) in the US and am currently interviewing with 3 for NYC.

Yeah but wouldn't you agree that you situation is different from OP? You go to LSE and I know that D.E. Shaw for example posted on the LSE Career Hub for junior positions in NYC.

I cold-emailed myself into the interview, no HR or online applications. I do however have an M&A background, so I agree but I wouldn't say it's that impossible for him, the world's a small place.

Good stuff

I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 

Oxbridge scientist, EU citizen (not UK), tried back in the days, not one bothered answering, except for a couple hedge funds who invited me for interview, then cancelled the interview when they learnt my visa status. Get substantial experience in Europe/Asia, build that CV, and then try when you are worth more than 250k on the labour market, as that H1B just gets harder to get every year. Or get on SumZero and post some amazing ideas. But for sure sending CVs won't be enough, until the next M&A boom makes them need just about any warm bums on chairs.

 

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