Who to Cold E-mail?

Hey guys.

I'm working on completing my undergrad degree in Economics from Georgetown U which should take about ~6 months or so. I took some years off from school to work for State Street (Institutional Relationship Management) and KeyBank (Portfolio Manager). Since I want to move into PE next, in your guys' opinions, who should I cold e-mail at firms that I'm interested in working at? If Associates are too entry level and MDs are unlikely to give me the time of day, then do VPs make the most sense?

Additionally, does coming from an unconventional path help or hurt me? For example, at most PE shops, Associates traditionally graduate from a T50 u/g program, do 1-2 years as an IB Analyst at a BB firm, and then break into PE.

During my junior year of university, I earned an internship with State Street that spontaneously turned into a full time career. I started all the way at the bottom, as bank teller (unrelated to State Street), and worked my way up without any privileges.

If you guys have any tips or recommendations (e.g. skill acquisitions/improvements, general e-mail template, etc.), I welcome any and all feedback.

Thanks, guys.