First-year summer internship - When to start cold emailing?

Hello, I'm a first-year Semi in the UK, and I'm interested in securing a summer internship this year. I'm considering reaching out to smaller shops via cold emails. However, I'm unsure about the appropriate timing for sending these emails. When I should start reaching out for next summer?

7 Comments
 

Ahoy there! As a first-year student aiming to snag a summer internship, timing is key. Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's never too early to start networking and getting your name out there. However, for cold emailing specifically, it's generally a good idea to start reaching out about 3-6 months before the summer period you're targeting.

For a summer internship, you might want to start sending those emails around December to March. This gives firms enough time to consider your application and also allows you to follow up if you don't hear back initially. Remember, persistence is part of the game, but always be polite and professional in your follow-ups.

And don't forget, while you're waiting for responses, keep honing your skills and knowledge. It's a jungle out there, but with the right preparation, you'll be swinging from the vines of success in no time! If you need a list or more specific advice on how to craft those cold emails, feel free to reach out. Keep your spirits high and your emails ready!

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/cold-emailing-to-ask-for-internship-template-advice?customgpt=1, How to get a Hedge Fund Internship, Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., When Should I Start Cold Emailing/Networking In General?, Cold Emailing - Internship

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

true, thanks. Also do you think they're is a big difference between coffee chats and phone calls. I'm a bit far from the city and so wont really be able to do coffee chat and I feel like phone calls aren't useful.

 

I wish I started networking and learning technicals the second I stepped on campus. Starting to network early / learning basic technicals early is the biggest advantage you can get besides having a family connection in my opinion. Even if a small shop says they won’t take a freshman or first year student don’t write them off. Stay in touch, as they may be willing to take you as a sophomore.

 

Et eius ut alias ipsam id ipsum ducimus. Aut eveniet architecto eligendi quia voluptas corrupti. Rerum ad sunt atque sequi. At consequatur quia iure nobis consequatur impedit illum. Accusantium excepturi mollitia nemo et nesciunt voluptates. Autem officia id ipsum quia est qui. Nihil beatae dolorem perspiciatis.

In architecto doloribus qui nisi voluptates. Nisi molestias voluptate necessitatibus odio mollitia neque nostrum. Officiis quia fuga neque. Enim a officiis laboriosam veniam voluptatem sunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”