The power of informational interviewing should not be understated. It is even more influential for First-Generation students as they build their personal and professional networks during university and beyond.
Commonly known as Networking, Informational Interviewing is a strategic conversation with a person seeking information about a particular job, industry, or career and a currently working professional. While the idea may be daunting at first it is best to approach each conversation as an opportunity to learn more about what interests you.
Key Ideas:
You can schedule an informational interview with anyone you’re interested in learning more from. Consider the many people in your general network through school, extracurriculars, family, friends, and more.
If people schedule time to connect with you, assume they “want to be helpful and support your journey even if they don’t know you.” Pay attention to the lessons presented during the conversation. If the information doesn’t directly apply to your circumstances, consider what the person is trying to share.
Do your research as you would in an academic setting. Try to avoid asking questions you might be able to find by googling the person, their position, or their company. As you identify who to reach out to consider:
- Which experiences are you excited to learn more about? Why?
- What experiences and resources can they share to increase your development?
Follow-up and follow-through –Always send a short thank you message to the person you have connected with. If they offer specific advice explore it and tell them what you think.
Be Authentic – Your authenticity is what makes you great!
For a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for an informational interview, click here to learn more. The guide includes recommendations for preparation, sample questions, and email templates.
Another area that often causes students stress is figuring out how to identify people of interest. By using tools like the LinkedIn, Duke Alumni Network and Ask a Blue Devil, you’ll be able to jumpstart your search process and find interesting alumni. But, what should you consider as you look through potential contacts?
Step 1: Consider what you’re hoping to learn
- Are your questions personal, professional, or both? For example, personal questions might include asking about someone’s career journey, while professional questions may focus on industry insights or job-related advice.
- What are you excited to learn more about? Why? Ensure your questions align with your goals and interests.
- Consider which characteristics, experiences, or identities you think are important. Examples include: First generation, Race/Ethnicity, Major, Extracurriculars, Location, Employer and more!
- Are you in a place where you can follow through if they respond to you? Consider your availability and readiness to act on their outreach. Being prepared to follow up and express gratitude is crucial.
Step 2: What can you offer them?
- Sometimes, this question holds weight. As a student or young professional, the offer you can provide is your follow-through on the advice they offer you and your full attention during the interaction. It wouldn’t be great for someone to refer you for a role you end up not applying for, for example.
Step 3: Making the ask to connect
- Think about what you’re asking of the contact. How much time is too much time? Be respectful of their time and clearly communicate the expected duration of the informational interview.
- How are you prepping for the experience? Research the person you’re contacting to tailor your questions and show genuine interest.
- What types of questions might they ask of you? Prepare not only for questions the contact might ask but also for questions you might have about their experiences.
- Consider your 30-second elevator pitch: Clearly articulate what type of work interests you, providing a concise overview of your goals and aspirations.
Use the Informational Interview guide for email templates for requesting and follow-up after an interview.
