How to introduce yourself in business letter-student example

Let’s say that your professor refers you to his former student, who’s now an executive with a leading international bank. You’re excited about this potential opportunity and are eager to contact this executive. But, before you do so, ask your professor whether you should write this person a letter or send him an email. If you do the latter, you should use correct spelling and grammar—not any of the abbreviations, email lingo, or emoticons you use with your friends.

Now let’s apply The Fast Track Way:

Step 1-Analyze Your Situation: Because this executive knows that your professor would only refer his best students, his attitude—his perspective—toward you would be positive or receptive. Your purpose is to arrange an interview with this executive.

Step 2-State Your Main Point, Message, or Theme: “Professor Roberts suggested that you and I may want to meet. He thinks that the combination of my academic background and work experience may be of interest to you and your Bank.”

You can use a combined version of Steps 3 and 4 to help you write your letter or email:

Steps 3-Know Your Logic Flow AND Step 4-Integrate Your Information:

• My academic background:

  • B.A. in economics from Zhejiang University

  • M.A. in international economics from Stanford University

• My work experience:

  • China Construction Bank—progressed from management trainee to Manager, Economics Department

  • Bank of China—five years as Vice President of Strategy

• My career goal: Leverage academic and work experience to help leading financial institution with global investments

To view the completed note, see Sample letter introducing yourself-student.