Proper way to cold email for internships for IB?
Hey monkeys,
I’ve been looking on this forum and the financial careers Reddit and I feel like there is a lot of different, information, sometimes conflicting with one another. I’m a freshman (very non-target) trying to get an internship in the Bay Area in IB for a boutique firm, and my strategy so far is to go on LinkedIn, look up boutique firms, find 2 or 3 alum and just send them an email or LinkedIn message for an “informational interview” where I hint that I’m looking for a summer internship.
So I just want to get everyone’s collected opinions on what the most optimal way to do this is.
Should you add your resume on the first email/message? Is that rude or presumptive?
Is it better to ask for an “informational interview” or is it better to just straight up ask if they have any internships.
And finally:
- How many cold emails did it take for you to actually get an internship?
Hey man, just wrapped up SA ‘26 recruiting from non-target.
I sent out 75ish semi-targeted cold emails (school didn’t have strong alumni network so nearby schools, my HS, etc). I had an idea of the firms, geographies, and groups I wanted to work at and worked backwards from that.
My emails prioritized brevity and amicability. You want to appear as genuinely curious (which you should be), and not make any asks right away. The whole idea is to foster a longstanding relationship through the recruitment process, in order to make an ask for a referral or let them know you applied and that their firm is of high interest for you.
Hopefully this helps feel free to PM as it seems we were in similar situations. (I included my resume in emails btw).
Great point! Would add that it helps to keep it as brief as possible. It’s such a pain in the ass when you have to read a whole 300 word introduction of who you are, instead just get to the point, and show interest. A big bonus if the cold email is somewhat personalized/specific to the coverage or bank or my experience
Keep in mind that I am from a different background and may have my own experiences.
1) add resume for sure 2) be concise but not generic or weird 3) cold emails are more quality over quantity 4) never ask for anything straight up
Your plan for reaching out sounds good! Focus on sending messages for “informational interviews” since it feels more casual and shows you want to learn from their experience rather than just asking for a job right away. Don’t attach your resume in the first message; it’s better to build a connection first. Once you have a conversation going, you can mention your internship search and share your resume if it feels right. As for how many cold emails it takes, it really varies. Some people get lucky after a few, while others might need to send out many more. It only took me about 25. Just keep at it, and don’t get discouraged. Good luck!
Ipsam atque omnis occaecati maxime aspernatur velit provident. Aut similique aut assumenda aliquam doloremque. Autem laboriosam sed doloremque neque. Aliquid sed dolorem dolore quisquam laborum.
Quidem recusandae accusamus et delectus at. Id perspiciatis minima et labore quaerat deleniti voluptas. Dolore tempora aut repellat illo praesentium tempore. Tenetur quas aut iste. Consequatur id quos reiciendis reprehenderit porro pariatur quae.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...