<p>Is it a good idea even if you don't know the alumni and found their e-mail through a university database? I already applied for the internship but was hoping this might be a good thing to do before they give out interviews.</p>
<p>If so, what should you say to them in your e-mail?</p>
<p>Don’t say you want an internship; they already know that is why you are contacting them. Say you would like to talk with them on the phone about their experiences with XYZ firm. Then have a nice conversation and at then end ask about what the best way to apply is/how to get into XYZ firm. They will probably say apply online, but if you are lucky they will forward your resume to whoever does the hiring.</p>