Informational Interviewing

An informational interview is an informal yet purposeful conversation with someone who works in a career pathway, organization, or industry that interests you. This individual agrees to share insights, experiences, and practical advice about their professional journey. Unlike a job interview, the goal of an informational interview is not to secure a position, but rather to gather firsthand information, explore career options, and expand your network. It is an effective research strategy that can yield a wealth of knowledge in a relatively short period of time, complementing other methods such as reading career-related books, browsing the Internet, attending panels or events, and studying job descriptions.

Informational interviews allow you to gain a deeper understanding of specific roles, workplace cultures, required qualifications, and potential career paths. They can also help you learn about challenges and trends in the field, as well as the personal experiences of professionals who have navigated similar paths. This kind of insight is often difficult to obtain through other forms of research and can be invaluable when making decisions about your future.

The resources listed below are designed to help you get started, offering guidance on how to identify potential contacts, craft outreach messages, prepare thoughtful questions, and conduct yourself professionally during the conversation. While you can request an informational interview with anyone, beginning with alumni from your program or other programs at the University of Chicago is often a strategic choice. Alumni from your previous educational institutions may also be more willing to connect, making them a great place to start as you begin building your network.