A Career Conversation (also known as an informational interview) is a chance to learn more about the responsibilities and growth opportunities in a role, gain insight into an industry, and build your network. It can help you determine if the career is a good fit for you and how to best prepare for it. It can also help you get in contact with people who have 'insider information' and can prove valuable in your job search. A career conversation is NOT a job interview or a way to ask for a job.
Whether the career conversation leads to a job or helps you realize that the career you had in mind isn’t a good fit for you after all, it gives you the tools to make informed decisions about your career path.
Step 1: Identify your Interest
Before you contact anyone, it's important that you recognize your interests - whether it's a job role, a company, an industry, or simply an experience you are looking for. You can do this by visiting a few services/guides that we provide to our students:
Step 2: Do your Homework
Think about the objective of your meeting: Do you want to learn more about an industry or job function? Do you want to meet new people in a professional field? Or are you following-up on an application you submitted?
If your objective is to learn more and so meet someone belonging to that industry, do some research into the job, company, or industry you identified. Make use of company websites and company reviews posted on websites like Glassdoor to help you with your research.
Step 3: Find People
You can utilize a variety of resources to find a person to have a career conversation with.
- Ask friends and family
- Use the LinkedIn Alumni Finder to find UT alumni (our favorite!)
- Go to your professor’s office hours
- Join student organizations related to industries you’re interested in
- Attend industry events
- Ask graduate students or teaching assistants
How to Reach Out
Edit and use our sample scripts below to reach out to new people you would like to add to your network.
Sample Script: Cold Email
You can adapt the following script to cold email people you find:
“Hi, my name is ______. I am a (major) student at The University of Texas at Austin. I am researching potential career choices and am interested in learning more about _____. I found you through the LinkedIn UT Austin Alumni Finder and I would like to speak with you to learn more about your career. Would it be possible to schedule a chat with you in person or on the phone (or virtually) for about 20-30 minutes? I am generally free on (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and will be flexible to arrange a time at your convenience.
Sincerely, (Your Name)
Sample Script: LinkedIn Message
You can adapt the following script to message people you find on LinkedIn (300 characters max):
"Hi (name), I'm a student at UT Austin and I'm interested in going into (field). I saw you (had internship or currently work) at (company). Would you be willing to talk to me about your experience in this role? I'm free (dates and times). Thank you!"
Step 4: Have the Conversation
Have a Career Conversation in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom using our Career Conversations Sample Questions. Make sure you write down the information you learned during the conversation.
Career Conversations Sample Questions
If meeting in person, we recommend dressing business casual and remember to be punctual. Review our etiquette guide to learn more:
Step 5: Follow Up
Send a thank you email within 2-3 days of your conversation and stay in touch. They will appreciate it if you highlight specific points from the conversation when thanking them for their time, help, and insights. Read through our email etiquette to help guide you: