Informational Interviews

Career success is largely determined by your strength at networking and building relationships. Informational interviews are one of your most important networking and relationship building tools. They provide you an opportunity to not only learn about a variety of functions and industries but also develop rapport, build relationships and ultimately create a "champion" for you in the job search.

Career success is largely determined by your strength at networking and building relationships. Informational interviews are one of your most important networking and relationship building tools. They provide you an opportunity to not only learn about a variety of functions and industries but also develop rapport, build relationships and ultimately create a "champion" for you in the job search.

As a W. P. Carey MBA or master's student, you'll have an opportunity to meet with corporate representatives and recruiters looking to advance their organization through hiring for internships and full-time positions. By meeting with a career coach in W. P. Carey Career Services early, you'll be better prepared for informational interviews, knowing how to ask and answer questions, what your focus should be, and what you want their focus to be. It's one of the many ways Career Services can help you get a leg up on the competition.

When you finally have an opportunity to meet with a company contact in person or by phone, be sure that you are well prepared. Do your research prior to the meeting and ask the type of questions that you would not ordinarily find on the company website or doing a Google search.

The TIARRA framework is a great way to structure your conversation.

First the conversation would begin with small talk and then move to trends, insights, advice, resources, and assignments. Transition the conversation at the end of the interview from information sharing to mentor questions such as:

• If you were me what would you do to prepare?
• What is the best professional decision you've made
• What resources would you recommend I investigate next?

Always end the conversation with a thank you and how much you appreciated the opportunity to spend some time with them and to learn a great deal more about the work environment and current issues such as...

Follow-up with an email or note and give back to them in some way. This may be an applicable article or case analysis you just encountered in one of your courses or maybe a book recommendation. Then send a personalized invitation to connect on LinkedIn and keep your network alive!