How long does it usually take bankers to respond to cold emails?

I was just wondering how long I should wait until I start having to expect that I will need to follow up with them the next week because I know that they will not be responding to my first one. I have only been emailing alumni(non target) so far.

9 Comments
 
Best Response

If they are going to respond at all, they will likely respond within a week. Otherwise, they've either ignored or missed your email.

On some occasions, when they are crammed with work, they might make a mental note to respond to your email (since you are an alum). In that case, it may take a ~2,3 weeks. But I doubt that happens too often, since they usually either respond relatively quickly (within a few days), or don't respond at all.

There are some great articles on emailing bankers on the M&I website, you should definitely check them out.

 

I just got emailed back from a MD at an EB after emailing him last week and then following up tonight. He said that he forwarded my email to HR and that the recruiting cycle already ended and how they usually only hire juniors and that I should circle back next academic year. All I asked for was to have a brief talk about his experience in the industry and how he broke in. I didnt attach my resume and never mentioned internship anywhere. Was there something wrong with what I did, or did he just not want to waste his time talking to a freshman like me? I genuinely just wanted to have a conversation and gain some knowledge on the industry.

 

The MD knows what you ultimately want: an internship with the company. I can guarantee you that he has received many emails in the past that start off with a brief talk about his experience and then ultimately turn into a request for an internship. The MD was just directly cutting to the chase and letting you know that he won't be able to get you an internship and that you should try next year.

 

This reminds me of the time I sent in the receipts for travel after an interview with an IB in Chicago back in college and they sent me a check for the reimbursement an entire year later

 

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