Search Fund Internship Question

Hi guys. I recently wrapped up my first semester at a target and was looking for some advice for freshman summer. I've heard that interning at a search fund would be accessible as a freshman, since these firms are open to hiring underclassmen. Aside from applying on job boards (searchfunder, Handshake, etc), I'm planning on cold-emailing some firms in the city. Any advice on how to format these emails? Specifically, should I directly mention that I'm interested in unpaid opportunities? Or should I try setting up an informational interview first? I would think that being direct is the best way to go, but I'd love to hear some input. 

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It will likely be unpaid labor but I think you could get a pretty good experience that would be attractive for IB recruiting your jr year. I’m actually considering launching a search now. My professional background is in Corp. banking and Corp fin. Currently, I’m getting my MBA and I interned at BB and LMM PE shop while in school over the last year and half. I learned about ETA this past fall and it seems pretty awesome to me. It’s definitely risky but if you are successful you can generate substantially more wealth than going up the corporate ladder, even in prestigious roles.

In regards to your question, Searchfunder has a list of funds. I don’t think it would hurt to cold email them and if you attend a school where the B school has a solid ETA program you should reach out to those searchers first. I’d have a few sentences about yourself and career aspirations and why you would like to intern for them. I’d position it that you hope to run your own search one day after your IB and PE stint. Lastly, leave some commentary about your value add; willing to cold call, do industry research, list build, sort data.

I know a searcher looking for an intern. Shoot me a PM.

 

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