I’m trying to break into consulting with zero prior experience and heard our alumni database is gold for finding mentors. How do you craft a cold message that doesn’t scream ‘clueless newbie’? I want to show genuine interest without sounding transactional. What specific strategies or scripts have worked for others here? Bonus points if you’ve actually gotten referrals this way!
pro tip: nobody cares about your ‘genuine interest’. alumni get 20 of these a week. start by stalking their LinkedIn to find specific projects they’ve done. mention one, ask one sharp question, and for ONCE don’t ask for a referral in the first message. play chess, not checkers.
here’s your script: ’saw you did at [firm]. i tried something similar in my [class project] and hit [specific roadblock]. any chance you’d have 8min this month to share how you’d approach it?’ boom - you’re not begging, you’re showing work ethic. thank me later.
i used the database last week! found an associate at bain who went to my school. messaged like ‘hi! saw we both did [club], would love to hear how you transitioned to consulting’ – got a call next day! maybe try connecting through campus stuff first?
Three key elements: 1) Contextual hook (reference something non-generic from their career path), 2) Clear ask (20-minute call vs open-ended), 3) Shared connection point (alma mater, former colleague, etc). Example: ‘As a fellow [University] grad navigating consulting’s break-in process, I’d value your perspective on how you leveraged [specific experience] during your own transition. Could I steal 15 minutes next Thursday?’ This structure shows preparation while respecting their time.
Track this rigorously: For every 10 meaningful, personalized outreaches via the alumni database, expect 1-2 quality responses. Those who blast generic templates get <5% response rates. Curate your list - prioritize alumni under 5 years post-MBA (they remember the grind) and those with extracurriculars signaling mentorship interest.
You’ve got this! One member told me they added a GIF of their school mascot to break the ice – consultants love personality! 
2023 community data shows alumni database users who include a specific question about the contact’s work get 38% higher response rates vs generic requests. Of those who secured referrals, 72% initiated contact around non-work commonalities (alumni networks, volunteer work, niche skills) before transitioning to career discussions.