How do I break in using a network ?

Hello WSO, I just finished my freshman year at a Canadian target school. I was lucky enough to get hired at a sub-prime boutique this summer however next summer I hope to work in S+T or wealth management. Then try and break into IB after my third year summer.

I have compiled a strong list of targets to cold call/email from my HS alumni database, my current university alumni portal, and other connections I have personally built. They are a mix of position some MDs, Directors, some analysts, and some heads of smaller mutual/hedge funds. Now that I have compiled this list with emails. What do I do?

I would say that I am a decent candidate for these roles. I come from a target school in Canada, with a mediocre GPA, but a strong will to learn, reading a book a week and working as hard as I can to accustom myself with the financial markets.

What is the best level of management to target in the job process? Which position would be likely able to help push your application forward? (Potential MD insight) how does the process work if you are attempting to help someone you have networked with get an interview? Post Interview do you help this candidates chances as well?

I would appreciate help on how to start the networking process and how they can help me break into my desired field for next summer and also build some relationships.

Cheers WSO