Should I cold-email this guy?

I'm currently thinking about cold-emailing a partner at an EB but am hesitant because he seems to be a pretty big deal (i.e. good amount of newspaper articles about him etc.). The thing is that we're from the same country (which is pretty far away from the U.S. and accordingly represented by very few bankers in NYC) and he went to the - very small - college (also in said country) that pretty much my entire family except me went to.

Should I email this guy given that this connection really is pretty unique or should I stay away from him? Leaning towards the former but it would be great to get some input.

10 Comments
 

Where are you from?? also I would go for it but it also depends on his personality e.g is glad to see someone from the same country and help them out or he could think that just because you guys are from the same country you can simply relate to him.

 

You don't have anything to lose.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Just go ahead and email him but try to keep it short and sweet. Either he responds or he doesnt. If he is a "pretty big deal" as you say then the chances of getting a response may be slightly higher because most other people in your position are equally terrified to contact him. Add that to the fact you are from the same country and your family has a long tradition of attending his college and I'd say you have a great shot of him agreeing to meet with you or at least granting you a phone call.

 

Explain to us what you think the potential downside of contracting him could be.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 
"yig"

He completely fucks up talking to this guy and gets a bad reputation immediately.

"The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff"You're only sixteen, you don't have a rep yet
Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 
Best Response

I cannot think of a reasonable way to mention the school in the subject line since you weren't a graduate (so you cannot say something like "College grad requesting informational interview") and explaining the link in the subject line may make it too lengthy.

I'd suggest maybe trying to incorporate the country into the subject line and then expand on your links (school, country, etc.) in the body of the message. If he doesn't respond after a week or so, try to follow-up a couple times by email or just give him a call.

My overall point is that you should not be afraid to reach out to anyone - they're all human like the rest of us. Just make sure your communications are professional (do your research, keep the email short and to the point, and review for errors before sending) and do not be discouraged if you do not initially get a response.

Sure, there is a small chance you will get a negative response but for the most part the people who speak with you will only do so if they are willing to helpful in some way. We arent very important (yet!) and do not have much of a reputation to destroy so take any negative feedback as an opportunity to learn what not to do with the next person you reach out to.

 

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