The exact words that get replies.

Subject: [School] student interested in [Firm]'s [group]

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm a [year] at [School] studying [major], and I found you in the alumni network while reading about [Firm]'s [group] team. I'm extremely interested in investment banking, and I would be truly grateful for 15 minutes of your time to hear about your experience! Here are some times that tend to work on my end, though I am glad to adjust to whatever works best for you:

- Monday, [time range] EST
- Tuesday, [time range] EST
- Wednesday, [time range] EST
- Thursday, [time range] EST
- Friday, [time range] EST

I've also attached my resume for some additional context about myself.

Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate it.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Subject: [School] student interested in [Firm]'s [sector] team

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm a [year] at [School] studying [major], and I've been following [Firm]'s work in [sector]. I'm extremely interested in investment banking, and I would be truly grateful for 15 minutes of your time to hear about your experience! Here are some times that tend to work on my end, though I am glad to adjust to whatever works best for you:

- Monday, [time range] EST
- Tuesday, [time range] EST
- Wednesday, [time range] EST
- Thursday, [time range] EST
- Friday, [time range] EST

I've also attached my resume for some additional context about myself.

Thank you very much for your time, I truly appreciate it.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

[Day] at [time] EST works perfectly for me, thank you so much! I'll send over a calendar invite shortly. Looking forward to it, and thank you again for your time!

Best regards,
[Your name]

Subject: Great to meet you at [event]

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! It was great speaking with you at [event] [yesterday/this week], especially your point about [specific thing you discussed]. It really stuck with me.

I'm a [year] at [School] studying [major], and I'm extremely interested in [Firm]'s [group]. If you have 15 minutes in the next couple of weeks, I would love to continue the conversation, and I am glad to work around your schedule.

Thank you again for your time, I truly appreciate it.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I understand you're extremely busy, and I just wanted to gently follow up to see if you might have 15 minutes in the next couple of weeks. I would still love to hear about your experience at [Firm], and I am glad to work around whatever is easiest for you.

Thank you so much again for all your time!

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I know how busy things must be on your end, so I completely understand if now is not the right time. I would still love to connect whenever your schedule allows, even if that is further down the road, and there is absolutely no pressure at all!

Thank you so much for your time and consideration, I really appreciate it!

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me earlier today, I really appreciate it! Your point about [specific takeaway from the conversation] was especially helpful, and I have already started [the concrete thing you are doing as a result].

I would love to stay in touch as I keep learning about [group]. If there is anyone else on your team you would recommend I speak with, I would be extremely grateful for the introduction.

Thank you again for your generosity with your time!

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I hope your week is going well! Thank you again for offering to connect me with [colleague], I really appreciate it. To make it as easy as possible on your end, here is a quick blurb you could forward whenever convenient: "[Your name] is a [year] at [School] studying [major], recruiting for [track] and especially interested in [group]. They would love 15 minutes to hear about your experience."

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I hope your week is going amazing! I just wanted to let you know that I submitted my application for [role]. Thank you so much again for all your help and advice earlier, it really meant a lot. I was also wondering if there is anything else you think I should keep in mind as I go through the process?

Best regards,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! It has been a little while since we spoke back in [month], and I wanted to share a quick update: your advice about [specific thing they said] stuck with me, and since then I have [one concrete thing you have done]. I am now getting ready for [recruiting cycle], and your perspective was a big part of why I feel prepared.

I would love to hear how things are going on your end if you ever have a few minutes to catch up.

Thank you again for your help!

Best regards,
[Your name]