When you’re standing at the crossroads of “What do I want to do with my life?” and “How do I land a job in that field?”, it can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. There’s a simple, often overlooked tool that can provide clarity, insight, and even job opportunities down the road: informational interviewing.
What Is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is not a job interview so there’s no pressure to impress with your resume or elevator pitch. Instead, it’s a conversation between you and someone working in a field or role you’re curious about. Think of it as a career exploration tool where you get to ask questions, learn from someone’s real-life experience, and expand your network. All without the pressure of asking for a job.
Why Is It So Powerful? Informational interviews help you:
- Explore careers: Unsure what a “User Experience Designer” actually does day-to-day? Curious about what it’s like to work in sports marketing? Ask someone who’s doing it.
- Clarify your goals: Learning about others’ career paths helps you shape your own.
- Make connections: When done right, these interviews can lead to referrals, mentorship, and even job offers.
- Gain insider knowledge: You’ll hear what skills are truly valuable, what challenges people face, and how to stand out as a candidate.
How to Get Started
- Find Someone to Talk To: Use tools like LinkedIn—especially your university’s alumni network. At UCF, search for alumni working in your field of interest and send a polite message (see example below).
- “Hi [their name], my name is [Name], and I’m a [Major] at UCF. As a fellow Knight, I’d love to connect on LinkedIn and learn from your industry experience. I came across your profile and was wondering if you’d be open to a brief informational interview at your convenience.”
- Do Your Research: Learn about the person’s company, role, and industry before you meet. Prepare thoughtful questions like:
- What do you like most about your job?
- What does a typical day look like?
- What skills are essential in your field?
- How did you get started?
- Be Professional: Whether your meeting is virtual or in person, show up prepared and respectful. Dress appropriately, take notes, and express gratitude.
- Follow Up: Send a thank you note the next day. Reflect on what you learned and how it influences your next steps. Keep in touch: this new contact could be a valuable connection in your future job search.
From Exploration to Opportunity
The best part? Informational interviewing often opens doors you didn’t even know existed. Many professionals are happy to share their stories and may even refer you to others in their network. You could find yourself reconnecting and having a mentor to help you guide you through your career as you graduate and continue in the field. These small conversations can lead to big opportunities down the road.
So, don’t wait for job postings to appear. Start by asking questions, listening, and building authentic relationships. Informational interviews won’t just help you explore careers: they’ll help you build a future that’s right for you.
By Erin Grainger, CMCS with help from AI
