Unsure how to get started...
So just some background.....I'm currently a sophomore finance major at a non-target school. I have a 3.5 GPA and am in my schools honors business program. I'm also treasurer of my fraternity and a starter on a division one sports team.
I don't really have any experience in the finance field but from what I have read, I am defintely interested in Sales/Trading, Equity Research or Asset/Wealth Management. Basically, I really like the markets/equities and want to learn how to analyize and trade them.
Like every other student I've been doing a lot of research in hopes of getting an internship this summer. Before I found this site, I filled out 30 or so online applications with banks, larger companies and some insurance companies. The idiots in my career service told me this was the best way to get an interview and ultimately an offer. After reading a little bit on here, I've realized I completely wasted my time because I am from a non-target and have an average GPA.
So, I've realized that I need to find some smaller and more local firms. MY FIRST QUESTION is (probably a stupid one since I'm completely new at this) what is the best way to search for these firms on google. I typed in "wealth management" "Asset Management" and "equity research" among other terms. I'm just wondering if there were more technical or accurate search words I could use to get better results.
MY MAJOR PROBLEM/QUESTION is once I get the contact info, how do I structure the email or a phone call. Should I just say "Hey my name is __ I go to __ school have a 3.5 play sports etc. I'm interested in your company because___ and would love to speak to you further about a possibility of a summer internship" Or is it better to say something more formal? Should I get technical and do lots of research on the firm and make some comments why they interest me? Or is my above format acceptable?
Also, I've hear people say network and everything but I'm not sure how to start. I live outside Hartford, CT but go to school in Philly. I'm thinking of attending a UPenn or UCONN career fair/info session to see if I can meet some people
To answer your first question (which is NOT stupid): I actually did the same thing. However, what I was doing was searching terms like: "[university name]" "investment banking", "[university name]" "private equity", "[university name]" "equity research", etc...
I was seriously surprised at how many alumni I found (maybe like 10). One was actually the HEAD of an ER division at a BB (who he even answered my email, btw). But anyways, try that. Also check out local business listings. I used zoominfo.com (find companies -> advanced search -> specify city) to find a handful of firms in my area.
To be truthful though, nothing ever really materialized from all of that ^^. What DID help me was, as you mentioned, contacting people (alum/non-alum) either by phone or email. I used to send out about 10 emails a day for about 3 months straight asking for informational interviews over the phone/in person. My hit rate was 1-2 for every day.
You want to keep the email short and sweet (cold calling straight away WITHOUT an email first never ever worked for me). No need for long amounts of B/S because they will just delete it. Something like a sales pitch. "Dear Mr/Mrs xxxxx,
I hope you are doing well. I am currently an undergrad (if its an alum, plug your school name "at xxxx college"), and looking to head for the future.
I was wondering if I could kindly ask for 10 minutes of your time for an informational interview over the phone , to ask you a few questions and discuss banking/er/trading/asset management.
I understand you are very busy, so your time would much appreciated.
Regards, ...."
Something like that. And if you do get the call, BE READY, especially in terms of fit questions (why banking/trading/research? walk me through your resume? etc...). but most important of all, try to ask them questions and get them talking about themselves/their experiences, then shut up and listen.
Once thats done, and if you feel it went well, you can conclude the call by saying something like: "Is there any way someone with my abilities could help out at your firm?"
Good luck.
NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK
then if that doesn't work go to the company sites and see what they have. i work for JPM and all the intern info can be found on the company site under careers.
GOOD LUCK
thanks for the helpful replies...i have 2 more questions....Who exactly should I address the emails to? Should I look for the recruiting/HR contact on the website or send it to a partner/executive? If all they have is one contact email for the company, who should i address the email to?
Second, what should I use as a subject? I really have no thoughts on this because I want to make sure I use something professional but at the same time, want to make sure they read my email.
thanks for the help
stay away from HR.
Ive had mixed results. Sometimes analysts reply sometimes they dont. Other times partners forwarded my email to an analyst, telling them to talk to me. Use judgement.
title: Informational Interview
Go for that career fair, networking never hurts.
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