Was just wondering about that. For summer internship positions at Bulge Banks IN LONDON, is it frowned upon to cold email for potential referrals? Is it just ineffective? Is it only a US thing
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It's definitely more a US thing, but it isn't "frowned upon" in the UK.
In the US it's almost a strict requirement for your application to have done the networking. In the UK, it'll help your application (either a slight head start if you have a referral, or in being able to name drop in an interview and demonstrate that you're a motivated candidate who has done work and who clearly wants this).
There's definitely no downside (unless you somehow act very weird). Worst someone will do is ignore your cold LinkedIn / email.
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