Looking for advice on how to effectively cold email or message on LinkedIn to secure a summer internship. I’m a first-year student at a top finance school in London and I’m interested in reaching out to boutique firms about potential internship opportunities. If anyone has successfully navigated this process, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Should I request a call or directly inquire about internship openings? Thank you!
One response
Cold emailing or messaging on LinkedIn can be an effective way to secure an internship, especially in competitive fields like finance. Here are some tips to help you approach this successfully:
Research Firms: Identify boutique firms that align with your interests and values. Look them up and understand their recent projects or any news related to them. This will help you personalize your message.
Craft a Compelling Email/Message:
Purpose: Clearly state why you’re reaching out. Mention any specific projects of theirs that interest you and highlight your enthusiasm for gaining experience in the finance industry.
Ask for Advice: Instead of directly asking for an internship, consider asking for guidance or insights. You might say something like, “I’d love to hear about your career path and any advice you have for someone starting out in finance.” This makes your outreach less transactional and opens the door for a more natural conversation.
Express Interest in Opportunities: After establishing rapport, you can gently inquire about potential internship opportunities. You could say, “If there are any upcoming internship opportunities, I would love to learn more and see if I could be a good fit.”
Keep it Short and Professional: Be respectful of their time. Keep your message succinct and professional. Aim for 3-4 short paragraphs.
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back after a week or so, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a polite follow-up message.
Practice Persistence: If you don’t get responses from some firms, don’t get discouraged. Keep reaching out to various firms and continue refining your approach.
By focusing on building connections and showing genuine interest, you increase your chances of not only getting an internship but also expanding your professional network. Good luck!