Reaching out prior to my internship
I'm interning at a large fixed income investment firm this summer, and I was wondering if there's any do's or don'ts of reaching out to people at the firm (people I won't directly work with and are in different offices than me, but have mutuals with and are located in the region I grew up/attend school) prior to my internship. I don't yet have my firm email/account so I can't look them up on a directory, but I have their email so I can reach out directly.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, reaching out to people at your future firm before your internship starts can be a great way to network and make connections, but it's important to approach this with the right etiquette to make a positive impression. Here are some do's and don'ts to consider:
Do's:
Be Professional: Always use a professional tone in your emails. Start with a formal greeting, introduce yourself, and explain why you're reaching out.
Express Genuine Interest: Mention your mutual connections or shared region as a point of interest. Express your eagerness to learn from their experiences and any advice they might have for someone just starting.
Be Concise: Keep your email brief and to the point. Busy professionals appreciate conciseness. Clearly state your purpose in reaching out within the first few sentences.
Ask for a Brief Meeting or Call: If appropriate, ask for a short meeting or phone call to discuss their experiences and gain insights. Be flexible with their schedule.
Thank Them in Advance: Always thank the person for their time and consideration at the end of your email.
Don'ts:
Don't Be Too Informal: Avoid using slang or overly casual language. Stick to a professional tone throughout your email.
Don't Ask for a Job or Internship: Since you already have an internship, don't make requests that could be perceived as seeking additional job opportunities. Focus on seeking advice and insights.
Don't Be Pushy: If you don't receive a response, it's okay to follow up once, but don't be overly persistent. Respect their time and workload.
Don't Overlook Proofreading: As mentioned in the WSO Dataset, always proofread your emails before sending them. A well-written email makes a good first impression.
Don't Ignore Office Norms: Even though you're reaching out before officially starting, it's important to respect the norms and culture of the firm. Do some research or ask your HR contact about any specific protocols for reaching out to current employees.
Remember, the goal of reaching out is to build your network and learn from others' experiences. Approach this opportunity with respect, professionalism, and a genuine interest in learning, and you'll likely make a positive impression before your internship even begins.
Sources: Summer 2017 Investment Banking Interns - Do's and Don'ts List, Summer 2017 Investment Banking Interns - Do's and Don'ts List, The Do's and Don'ts for Summer Analyst
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