Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Cold Email to Partner You Admire

application process BCG business network germany interview process MBB McKinsey networking Referral
Recent activity on Jan 08, 2019
2 Answers
4.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 08, 2019

Hello to everyone,

There is a Partner at an MBB in my country who I really admire and would like to reach out to. I understand the chances of receving a response are much lower than contacting someone of a lower position, but I would like to try. I know her Linkedin (we are not connected) but through research I found her email which I assume is a better way to contact. When she started with the MBB she had a similar background to mine now and her career has been really incredible. I just want to ask her a few questions about her career and any advice she may have for a woman in my position (dream would of course be she gives me a referral but I would not assume it and it is not my reason for reaching out).

I have contacted Partners previously and had good luck, but we always had a mutual contact. Any advice on reaching out to someone you admire? Particularly looking for advice on the email Subject Line so she might actually open it.

Thank you and good luck to you everyone applying.

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Sidi
Expert
replied on Jan 08, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi Anonymous,

I believe you are pointing to the right direction. Actually, I always recommend to ONLY network with Partners and Junior Partners. It is much more powerful, and the quality of insights you will get is much much higher. And if done correctly, the response rate tends to be even better than for junior folks! What you need to do though, is investing into a really thought through and concise message which brings across your point, highlights your similarities and gives an outline of what you would like to get the partner's insightsand/or help on.

This approach has proved to be outstandingly effective! Much more than messaging Engagement Managers or, even worse, Associates (which are still very junior roles in the grand scheme of things).

Cheers, Sidi

Was this answer helpful?
Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 08, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Yes, pls reach out. Ideally, you should visit some event with that partner before.

Write smth like:

  • "I just wanted to thank you for visiting our University...
  • It was especially interesting to hear about...
  • At the meeting, you've mentioned... Would you mind having a short call to discuss?

Best

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely