Finding Your Passion: Informational Interviews 101.

 

You’re done. That piece of paper symbolizing years of caffeine overloads, too-many page papers and impressive procrastination skills is within your reach… or at least tucked under a bunch of other important documents. Maybe you’re right in the thick of it, a sophomore or junior in college debating if you should change your major again. You know the opportunities for your future are limitless, but you can’t figure out if you should pursue your personal interests or follow the typical career path for your major. Trust me, you are definitely not alone. There are tons of people trying to hone in on their career desires. Here’s a little secret from me to you: informational interviews can provide all the answers you need.

Informational interviews are unique opportunities to build relationships and gain insight from professionals in your desired career fields. Imagine networking, but only with people you choose to seek out. Maybe you can’t choose between becoming an engineer or a career as a tour manager for live events. Informational interviews allow you to reach out to a variety of people with differing perspectives to solidify your choice. The best part? You’re in control of the conversations. Asking industry insiders questions about their experiences means no pressure for you!

Before you brag to your colleagues about your newfound knowledge, it’s important to know how to seek out professionals and properly conduct an informational interview. Below are some tips to get you started on your journey towards Career Nirvana.

Find Your Passion and Remember Your Major

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Things To Remember During The Job Hunt.

 


Prior to, and during, the daunting adventure of searching for a full-time career, there are many pieces of advice given to us by family members, friends, mentors and peers. Sometimes, we get the hopeless thoughts of never finding a position stuck in our heads, placed there by the people who tell us, "The market is tough— it took me months after graduation to find a job. You’ll encounter the same." Other times, we find ourselves overwhelmed, because we are told, "Apply for every single job you find.”

As a recent graduate who successfully secured a couple of job offers prior to graduation, I want to share three pieces of advice that I personally want to give you that may contrast from what you’ve been hearing, along with my reasoning behind them.


1. Don’t spread yourself thin.

• I can’t tell you how often I heard advice along the lines of "Apply for everything," being given to students entering the job search phase of their career path. I cannot emphasize this enough to you: don’t do it. You’re only doing yourself a disadvantage of applying to every job that’s related to your industry. It’s important to select positions that are tailored to the skills and experience that you have. You’re also setting yourself up for a big letdown if you’re applying for a position that you’re not 100% sure you’re a good fit for.

2. It’s not hopeless.

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