Most schools have an alumni database that they encourage the student body to access for job leads or mentoring. (You can also use LinkedIn to research alum's from CSU) This is a very valuable resource.  HOWEVER, the way in which you approach these alumni will determine whether or not they respond.  Below is a short example of an introductory email that you might send to an alum:

   

Email to an alum who works in an industry that you are interested in pursuing:

 

Dear Mr. / Ms. X,

   

My name is John Doe.  I am a junior political science major at XXX College with a strong interest in law.  I found your contact information through LinkedIn.   I understand that your firm, GMP, has a significant litigation practice, an area I would love to understand better. 

   

My interest in the law started in high school.  While in college, I have taken several political science courses and legal seminars including constitutional and corporate law.  Although those seminars were ungraded, I have maintained a 3.4 GPA while also participating in several extracurricular activities including the Pre-law society. 

   

If your firm offers summer internships, I would welcome the opportunity to connect with the internship coordinator.   In addition, it would be extremely helpful if I could better understand your career path and perspective on the legal profession.  Is there a time when I might schedule a brief 20-30 minute call or visit with you at your office?

   

Sincerely,
John Doe

   

Why this Introduction Works:

  • Immediately creates a connection to the person by referencing XXX College and LinkedIn.  If the alum is in LinkedIn, then he/she must have opted-in to be contacted.
  • In the first paragraph, the author references the litigation practice of the alum's firm, indicating that he has done some research on the business. 
  • In the second paragraph, the author gives explicit examples of how he has demonstrated his interest in the law, through his major and related classes and extracurricular activities
  • He makes a "reasonable ask" (see this article on "How to make the right and reasonable ask for help").  He doesn't ask for an internship; he asks to be connected to someone who might be in charge of the program.  It would be easy for the alum to simply pass along an email address.
  • In his ask for a personal connection, he gives the option of a phone call or a quick meeting.  Meetings are better for him, but may not be for the alum.  He also defines the amount of time he would need.  It is hard for someone to say "no" to a 20 minute discussion. 

    By: Ronald Mitchell on Gottamentor.com

    Submitted by Judy Brobst