Networking in investment banking is a numbers game, but it's a game with specific rules. If you break them, your email gets deleted instantly. If you follow them, you get the 15-minute call that leads to the Superday.
The 5 Golden Rules of Cold Emailing
- 5 Sentences Maximum: No one reads paragraphs on a phone. If they have to scroll, they delete.
- No "Pick Your Brain": This phrase signals "I want to waste your time." Ask for "advice on your experience in [specific group]."
- Specific Availability: Never ask "When are you free?" Offer 3 specific time slots.
- Use Your .edu Email: Gmail addresses often get filtered to spam.
- One Thread Rule: Always reply to your own email when following up.
Subject Lines That Get Opened
For Alumni (High Response Rate):
- Student from [University] - Networking
- [University] Sophomore / Investment Banking Advice
- Introduction - [University] [Year] - [Name]
For Non-Alumni:
- Question on [Specific Deal] / [Your University] Student
- Referral from [Mutual Contact Name]
Avoid: "Hello", "Coffee Chat", "Inquiry"
The "Plug-and-Play" Scripts
Scenario A: The "Warm" Alumnus Email
Subject: [School] Student / Investment Banking Advice - [Name]
Dear [Name],
I hope you're having a good week.
My name is [Name] and I'm a [Year] at [University] majoring in [Major]. I see that you previously were involved with [Student Club/Sport] on campus and are now working in [Group] at [Bank].
I would appreciate the opportunity to briefly speak with you about your experience moving from [School] to [City/Bank]. I am free next Tuesday or Thursday after 2pm ET, but can work around whatever is convenient for you.
Best, [Name]
Scenario B: The "Cold" Non-Alumnus Email
Subject: Investment Banking Advice - [Name] ([Internship Experience])
Dear [Name],
I hope you are well.
My name is [Name] and I am a [Year] at [University] with recent internship experience at [Previous Firm]. I noticed you recently worked on the [Deal Name] transaction and wanted to ask for your perspective on [Specific Detail].
I know you are incredibly busy, but I would appreciate 10 minutes of your time. I am available [Time Option 1] or [Time Option 2] if either works.
Best, [Name]
Recommended Resource
Networking & Cold Email Playbook
47 pages. 8 chapters. 13 email templates, 30 interview questions, and the system that turns cold outreach into offers.
Finding Email Addresses
Most banks follow standard formats:
- Goldman Sachs: first.last@gs.com
- Morgan Stanley: first.last@morganstanley.com
- JP Morgan: first.last@jpmorgan.com
- Evercore: first.last@evercore.com
- Lazard: first.last@lazard.com
- Centerview: flast@centerview.com (Note the difference!)
Timing and Follow-Up Strategy
When to Send:
- Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Best Times: 10am-2pm or 7:30pm-9pm
- Avoid: Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, 2am
The Follow-Up Cadence:
Send 1: Initial email. Wait: 5-7 business days. Send 2 (The Bump): Reply to original thread.
"Hi [Name], just wanted to bump this in case it got buried. Would still love 10 minutes if you have a moment next week."
Wait: 5-7 business days. Send 3 (The Hail Mary): Reply one last time.
"Hi [Name], I'll try one last time—if you aren't the right person, is there someone else in your group you'd recommend?"
Result: If no reply after 3 attempts, move on. Don't email again for 6 months.
Tracking Your Efforts
Create an Excel tracker with: Bank, Name, Role, Email, Date Sent, Date Followed Up, Status, Notes.
Want 50+ more templates for every scenario? Get the Networking & Cold Email Playbook.
Got the interview? Make sure you don't blow it on technicals. Check out the Finance Technical Interview Guide.