Banking Outreach Starter Kit

Reviewed by Fallon Han· Updated 2026-06-01 06:07:30.001

This conversation was generated using Cook'd AI's career assistant and reviewed by Fallon Han from our editorial team for accuracy.

I am a first-year econ student in Canada on a study permit and I want bulge bracket investment banking. I have zero contacts. How do I figure out the right people to reach out to at large banks, and can you help me draft a first message that sounds concise and respectful?

Yes. Start by building a contact map in this order: 1. Alumni from your university at the bank 2. Analysts and associates in investment banking 3. Recent alumni who are 1 to 3 years ahead of you 4. Recruiters only after you have some traction For each bank, make a simple sheet with columns for firm, office, role, school connection, LinkedIn source, and notes. Your goal is not volume for its own sake. It is to identify 10 to 20 people who are actually relevant. For a first-year student, the best targets are often analysts and alumni, because they are more likely to reply and remember being in your position. Keep the message short, specific, and easy to answer. Example first outreach: Hello [Name], I am a first-year economics student at [University] in Canada and I am exploring investment banking. I saw that you work in [group] at [Bank] and wanted to reach out for a quick introduction. If you have 10 to 15 minutes in the coming weeks, I would really appreciate the chance to hear about your path and any advice you have for someone early in university. Thank you for your time, [Your Name]

That helps. How do I actually find the alumni and analysts without wasting hours? I only have LinkedIn and my university career site right now.

Use a narrow search process so you are not browsing randomly. On LinkedIn, search your university name plus the bank name. Then filter for current company and title keywords like analyst, associate, investment banking, capital markets, and M and A. Save only the profiles that meet at least one of these: - same university - same city you want to target - recent graduate from your school - worked in a group you care about On your career site, look for employer events, alumni panels, and student ambassador lists. Even if they are not bankers, they can help you find names and office locations. A practical rule: build in batches of 15 profiles. Do not try to perfect the list first. Pick 5 people at one bank, then move on. Your contact map should be simple: - 5 alumni - 5 analysts - 3 associates - 2 recruiters or campus contacts That gives you enough diversity without overcomplicating the process.

Got it. What should I say in the first message if I want it to sound confident but not pushy? I worry I sound too generic.

Use three elements only: who you are, why them, and a small ask. Keep it specific to their background so it does not sound copied. Example: Hello [Name], I am a first-year economics student at [University] in Canada and I am starting to learn about investment banking. Your path from [University] to [Bank] stood out to me, so I wanted to reach out. If you are open to it, I would be grateful for a brief 10-minute chat to learn about your experience and any advice you would give a student building toward banking. Best, [Your Name] Why this works: - respectful - short - easy to say yes to - no awkward overexplaining If they are an analyst, you can make it even lighter: Hello [Name], I am a first-year econ student at [University] in Canada and I noticed you are in [Group] at [Bank]. I am building a better understanding of the recruiting path and would appreciate a quick conversation if you have time. Thank you, [Your Name]

Should I mention that I am on a study permit, or that I am a first-year? I do not want to weaken the message, but I also do not want to hide it.

Mention first-year, yes, because it explains why you are reaching out early and signals you are serious about learning. Mention study permit only if it directly affects a question later in the conversation, not in the first cold message. For initial outreach, the message should focus on fit, curiosity, and professionalism, not immigration details. A good way to frame your position is: - first-year student - building long-term interest in banking - looking to learn from their path That keeps the tone credible. You are not asking for a job. You are asking for advice from someone who was once in a similar position. One more tactic: if you are emailing, use a clean subject line like: - First-Year Econ Student From [University] - Quick Intro From [University] - [University] Student Seeking Advice Short subject lines usually feel more legitimate than overly enthusiastic ones.

If they reply, what should I do next? I want a simple follow-up sequence so I do not overthink every step.

Use a three-step sequence. Step 1: First message - brief intro - one reason you chose them - ask for 10 to 15 minutes Step 2: Follow-up after 5 to 7 days if no response Example: Hello [Name], Just following up on my note below in case it was missed. I know you are busy, so no worries at all if now is not a good time. I would still appreciate any brief advice you might have for a first-year student exploring investment banking at [Bank]. Best, [Your Name] Step 3: If they reply and offer time, send a clear thank-you and a few time options. Example: Thank you, [Name]. I really appreciate it. I am available [option 1], [option 2], or [option 3]. Please let me know what works best. During the chat, ask 3 to 4 thoughtful questions only, such as: - What helped you most when you were recruiting? - What would you focus on as a first-year student? - Are there specific people or groups I should learn from next? After the chat, send a thank-you note the same day and ask if it is okay to stay in touch.