Informational Interviews and Alumni Networking
Discover the Power of Informational Interviews and Alumni Career Coaching!
An informational interview is your chance to chat one-on-one with alumni industry professionals.
- Ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights straight from the experts in your field.
- Get an insider's perspective on the industry, learn about career paths, and discover what skills employers value.
- Explore different roles, clarify your goals, and make informed decisions about your career.
- Expand your professional network which can lead to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities.
Step 1: Brainstorm and Create a Short List
- Produce a working list of career paths, industries, or companies that interest you.
- Identify alumni that are in careers or companies that you are interested in or even alumni that you may already know.
Step 2: Determine Your Goals for the Conversation
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What do you hope to learn from this professional?
Step 3: Update Your LinkedIn Profile
- Update your professional headshot and banner image.
- Complete the headline, about, education, and work sections.
- Include your contact information and resume.
- Post actively on the site.
- Visit our LinkedIn Profile resource guide for more tips.
Step 4: Make the Connection
Sample Email
Subject: West Virginia University Student Interested In {_________}Hello Mr./Mrs./Dr. ______________,
"Hello, my name is _______, and I'm studying {insert major] at West Virginia University. I discovered your contact information on WVU's Alumni page and saw you work for {industry/company}. I'm eager to learn more about your {industry/company} and would greatly appreciate 15 minutes of your time to gain some insights. I am available to meet via phone, Zoom, or in person, and my schedule is quite flexible. Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!"
Sincerely,
Name, Email, Phone Number
Sample LinkedIn Message
Subject: West Virginia University Student Interested In {_________}Hello Mr./Mrs./Dr. ______________,
"Hello, my name is _______, and I'm studying {insert major] at West Virginia University. I'm eager to learn more about your {industry/company} and would greatly appreciate 15 minutes of your time to gain some insights. I am available to meet via phone, Zoom, or in person, and my schedule is quite flexible. Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!"
Step 5: Prepare for the Conversation
Preparing for the Conversation
- Read their bio on LinkedIn (pay close attention to their title, current position, and past positions).
- Research past and current employers/industries of the volunteer.
- Prepare questions to ask during the conversation. Example questions include:
- How did you begin your career?
- What skills and experience are most important?
- Based on my experience and interests, what related fields would you recommend I also look into?
- Can you recommend journals, magazines or professional associations which would be helpful for my professional development?
- Bring your updated resume.
- This is great opportunity to get feedback from a professional.
During the Conversation
- Bring a notebook to take notes.
- Have an open dialog and conversation.
- Collect their contact information so that you can send a thank you message or follow-up questions.
After the Conversation
- Send a follow-up communication to the volunteer thanking them for their time and include a few specific take-a-ways from the conversation. If you implement their advice, you should follow up again to let them know!
Red Flags
**Rare but possible occurrences**
The person:
- Invites you to meet in a secluded or private location such as their home, apartment, car, etc.
- Suggests a time to meet later in the evening than regular professional interactions take place.
- Invites you to an undisclosed location and is unclear about who will be there or what the context of the meeting is.
- Makes a comment or statement suggesting that the relationship will be anything other than professional.
- Comments on your physical appearance.
- Asks you for personal information that you are uncomfortable sharing or is irrelevant to the mentorship program.
- Acts in an unprofessional manner in any way or acts like they are there for reasons other than to influence and mentor students positively.
If an alum makes any remarks or acts in a way that is inappropriate or inconsistent with the goals of this program, please contact Sarah Glenn, director of the Center for Career Development, as sarah.glenn@mail.wvu.edu.