Here are some tips on how to compose a networking email:

• Address the person by name.
• Write a sentence or two about how you received their contact information and why you are contacting them specifically 
  • Example: “Dr. John Schmidt, a professor of economics at UC Davis, suggested I contact you. He thought that as an alumna you would be in an excellent position to assist me with gathering career information.”
• Discuss what you are studying and what type of career paths that you are interested in, and tell them that you would appreciate their advice about these fields and that you would be interested to learn what they do on a daily basis at their job.
• Ask if there would be a convenient time to meet them to discuss your questions.
• Thank them for considering your request.