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Write me a memo to first year College Students about the importance of information interview and how it will help them to be successful in college and in their career.
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To: First‑Year Students
From: Career Services (or Your Name)
Date: February 11, 2026
Subject: Why Informational Interviews Matter — and How to Start Now
What is an informational interview?
- A short, informal conversation (15–30 minutes) with someone who does work you’re curious about or who has taken a path you want to learn from. It’s not a job interview — it’s a chance to learn, build relationships, and get practical advice.
Why this matters in your first year
- Clarifies direction early: Helps you decide majors, minors, and elective courses with real-world context.
- Reveals opportunities: Leads to internships, research, volunteer roles, and campus resources you might not find on your own.
- Builds your network before you need it: People you meet now can mentor, recommend, or refer you later.
- Strengthens communication skills: Practicing professional conversations improves confidence for interviews, presentations, and classes.
- Helps you stand out on applications: Specific, informed choices (courses, activities, internships) come from what you learn in these conversations.
Concrete benefits for college success
- Better course selection and academic planning based on industry needs.
- Access to research labs, campus programs, or student groups recommended by contacts.
- Early insight into internship and job search timelines and application tips.
- Mentorship that supports academic decisions, time management, and study strategies.
Concrete benefits for career development
- Career clarity: Realistic understanding of day‑to‑day work, career paths, and industry trends.
- Faster entry points: Contacts who can alert you to openings or recommend you for internships.
- Informed resume and interview answers: Real examples and language to describe skills and accomplishments.
- Long‑term relationships: Alumni and professionals who can advise on grad school or career transitions.
How to do an informational interview — simple steps
1. Identify people to talk to
- Alumni (via your college’s alumni network or LinkedIn)
- Professors, graduate students, and advisers
- Campus career counselors, student organization leaders
- Intern supervisors, employers at career fairs, community professionals
2. Reach out (short, polite message)
- Request 15–20 minutes for a conversation to learn about their career and get advice — make it clear you’re not asking for a job.
- Offer a couple of time slots and formats (Zoom, phone, campus coffee).
Sample outreach email (brief)
- Subject: Quick question from a [Your College] first‑year
- Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], a first‑year student studying [major/interest]. I’m exploring careers in [field] and would value 15–20 minutes of your time to learn about your work and how you got started. Would you be available for a short call or coffee next week? Thank you for considering — I appreciate any time you can share. — [Your Name, phone, LinkedIn if you have one]
3. Prepare
- Research the person and their organization (LinkedIn, company website).
- Prepare 6–8 focused questions (see sample list below).
- Set one or two goals for the conversation (e.g., learn about entry roles, ask about skills to build).
4. Conduct the interview
- Start with 1–2 minutes of polite introduction and gratitude.
- Use your questions, but let the conversation flow.
- Take notes and ask for specific next steps (people to speak with, resources).
- Respect the agreed time; if they extend, follow their lead.
5. Follow up
- Send a thank‑you note within 24–48 hours referencing a specific insight you found valuable.
- Keep the contact updated occasionally (internship secured, course completed, milestones).
Sample thank‑you note (brief)
- Hi [Name], Thank you for speaking with me today — I especially appreciated your advice about [specific point]. I’ll follow up after I [action you said you’d take]. Thanks again for your time and insight. — [Your Name]
Suggested questions to ask
- How did you get into this field? What were the steps after college?
- What does a typical day/week look like for you?
- What skills and experiences mattered most for your early career?
- What classes, clubs, or projects should someone consider in college?
- How do you see this field changing in the next 5 years?
- What entry roles or internships should I aim for as an undergrad?
- Can you recommend others I should talk to?
Etiquette — do’s and don’ts
- Do be concise and respectful of their time.
- Do your homework before the meeting.
- Don’t ask for a job directly — ask for advice and connections.
- Do ask for referrals to other people to speak with.
- Don’t be discouraged if some people don’t respond — follow up once politely.
Goals to aim for
- First semester: schedule 2–3 informational interviews to explore interests.
- Each semester after: 3–5 interviews — including at least one alumni or professional outside campus.
- Track what you learn and act on it (apply for internships, change classes, join a project).
Where Career Services can help
- Finding alumni and local contacts
- Reviewing your outreach messages
- Role‑playing conversations and feedback on questions
- Connecting you to on‑campus opportunities
Final thought
Start now. Informational interviews are low‑risk, high‑reward ways to learn about careers, make informed academic choices, and build relationships that support you through college and beyond. Set a small goal this month — one short conversation — and build from there.
If you want, I can help you draft your first outreach message or suggest people to contact.
From: Career Services (or Your Name)
Date: February 11, 2026
Subject: Why Informational Interviews Matter — and How to Start Now
What is an informational interview?
- A short, informal conversation (15–30 minutes) with someone who does work you’re curious about or who has taken a path you want to learn from. It’s not a job interview — it’s a chance to learn, build relationships, and get practical advice.
Why this matters in your first year
- Clarifies direction early: Helps you decide majors, minors, and elective courses with real-world context.
- Reveals opportunities: Leads to internships, research, volunteer roles, and campus resources you might not find on your own.
- Builds your network before you need it: People you meet now can mentor, recommend, or refer you later.
- Strengthens communication skills: Practicing professional conversations improves confidence for interviews, presentations, and classes.
- Helps you stand out on applications: Specific, informed choices (courses, activities, internships) come from what you learn in these conversations.
Concrete benefits for college success
- Better course selection and academic planning based on industry needs.
- Access to research labs, campus programs, or student groups recommended by contacts.
- Early insight into internship and job search timelines and application tips.
- Mentorship that supports academic decisions, time management, and study strategies.
Concrete benefits for career development
- Career clarity: Realistic understanding of day‑to‑day work, career paths, and industry trends.
- Faster entry points: Contacts who can alert you to openings or recommend you for internships.
- Informed resume and interview answers: Real examples and language to describe skills and accomplishments.
- Long‑term relationships: Alumni and professionals who can advise on grad school or career transitions.
How to do an informational interview — simple steps
1. Identify people to talk to
- Alumni (via your college’s alumni network or LinkedIn)
- Professors, graduate students, and advisers
- Campus career counselors, student organization leaders
- Intern supervisors, employers at career fairs, community professionals
2. Reach out (short, polite message)
- Request 15–20 minutes for a conversation to learn about their career and get advice — make it clear you’re not asking for a job.
- Offer a couple of time slots and formats (Zoom, phone, campus coffee).
Sample outreach email (brief)
- Subject: Quick question from a [Your College] first‑year
- Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], a first‑year student studying [major/interest]. I’m exploring careers in [field] and would value 15–20 minutes of your time to learn about your work and how you got started. Would you be available for a short call or coffee next week? Thank you for considering — I appreciate any time you can share. — [Your Name, phone, LinkedIn if you have one]
3. Prepare
- Research the person and their organization (LinkedIn, company website).
- Prepare 6–8 focused questions (see sample list below).
- Set one or two goals for the conversation (e.g., learn about entry roles, ask about skills to build).
4. Conduct the interview
- Start with 1–2 minutes of polite introduction and gratitude.
- Use your questions, but let the conversation flow.
- Take notes and ask for specific next steps (people to speak with, resources).
- Respect the agreed time; if they extend, follow their lead.
5. Follow up
- Send a thank‑you note within 24–48 hours referencing a specific insight you found valuable.
- Keep the contact updated occasionally (internship secured, course completed, milestones).
Sample thank‑you note (brief)
- Hi [Name], Thank you for speaking with me today — I especially appreciated your advice about [specific point]. I’ll follow up after I [action you said you’d take]. Thanks again for your time and insight. — [Your Name]
Suggested questions to ask
- How did you get into this field? What were the steps after college?
- What does a typical day/week look like for you?
- What skills and experiences mattered most for your early career?
- What classes, clubs, or projects should someone consider in college?
- How do you see this field changing in the next 5 years?
- What entry roles or internships should I aim for as an undergrad?
- Can you recommend others I should talk to?
Etiquette — do’s and don’ts
- Do be concise and respectful of their time.
- Do your homework before the meeting.
- Don’t ask for a job directly — ask for advice and connections.
- Do ask for referrals to other people to speak with.
- Don’t be discouraged if some people don’t respond — follow up once politely.
Goals to aim for
- First semester: schedule 2–3 informational interviews to explore interests.
- Each semester after: 3–5 interviews — including at least one alumni or professional outside campus.
- Track what you learn and act on it (apply for internships, change classes, join a project).
Where Career Services can help
- Finding alumni and local contacts
- Reviewing your outreach messages
- Role‑playing conversations and feedback on questions
- Connecting you to on‑campus opportunities
Final thought
Start now. Informational interviews are low‑risk, high‑reward ways to learn about careers, make informed academic choices, and build relationships that support you through college and beyond. Set a small goal this month — one short conversation — and build from there.
If you want, I can help you draft your first outreach message or suggest people to contact.
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