Networking cold email

Looking for advice on the structure of this cold email to an alumnus.

I hope this email finds you well. My name is name and I'm currently a sophomore studying Computer Science and Engineering at target. While exploring different career paths within finance, I developed an interest in investment banking. This summer I will be interning at big 4 in the Advisory group. I am particularly passionate about the healthcare sector, and was wondering if you could take a few moments to speak with me about your experiences at bank so far and any advice you may have on securing opportunities in the industry. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

 

Who is this email going to? One of the things I try to do is establish a personal touch point. For example, I found your contact info in [Alumni Database], I was also a [fraternity, major, whatever]. If it's just LinkedIn, say you were researching a topic of interest and noticed that you had a connection in common.

People are far more likely to help if they like you, and they're far more likely to like you if you validate something about themselves.

 

It's going to an alumnus. I just found him on LinkedIn and idk whether to put that down or not. His linkedin is pretty sparse with info, the only thing we have in common is he minored in CS while I'm majoring in it. Would that be worth putting down? And if so, what would be a good way to do it? Thanks!

Array
 
Most Helpful

I would keep it super simple:

Dear Mr. [ALUM],

My name is zoomzoomu and I am presently finishing my sophomore year at school. I am majoring in CS and have an internship at [place] this summer. I am also very interested in IB and was researching alumni who were in the industry and I found your contact information. Do you have 15 minutes over the next week for a brief phone call? I would like to learn more about the industry and your background.

++--++--

Keep it brief, don't ask about opportunities in the opening email (always ask to learn, you can ask about ops when you have a relationship), 15 minutes is a good anchor (who doesn't have a spare 15 minutes?)

This format has worked for me in the past.

 

Quidem est perspiciatis corporis nesciunt. Quis ipsam officiis accusamus molestiae. Dicta minima ducimus error et. Rerum ipsam maiores vel quam. Est corrupti voluptas vel. Et maxime voluptatem ab est dolorum voluptate.

Ad earum debitis libero. Voluptate necessitatibus sapiente illo et repudiandae dolorum non. Occaecati et inventore natus laboriosam in.

Est labore et consectetur sint. Dolorem vel eos recusandae consectetur praesentium optio.

Anon

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”