Informational Interviews

[ocean24]

Has anyone done an informational interview? What is the best way to set this up, especially when you do not know anyone in the industry? I have heard that alumni associations might be a good place to start.

[jrwilheim]

Has anyone done an informational interview? What is the best way to set this up, especially when you do not know anyone in the industry? I have heard that alumni associations might be a good place to start.

Try contacting alumni in the field you're interested in by sending a letter. About a week later, follow up with a phone call asking for 20-30 minutes of the alum's time to learn about the profession.

[SpaceMonkey]

Industry associations also sometimes have programs to facilitate informational interviews.

[LaFille]

ask anyone and everyone you know if they know anyone in that industry. when you ask people to really think about it, sometimes they realize there's someone right under their nose...

[AshleyJordan]

Ditto what previous posters said-- ask everyone (that means hair stylist, neighbors, etc.) Also, be sure to return the favor. Even though I'm not that advanced in my career, whenever people want to talk to me about my job/education, I'm 1) flattered and 2) sure to do so because that keeps my network strong.