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Informational Interviews

Informational interviews allow students to interview a professional in his or her field of interest, gathering information about that individual's career decisions, education, and the specific work they do. Talking with professionals about their career is a valuable source of information. People who have made career decisions, obtained the education, and who are working in a career field of interest to you can share their insights and give you the firsthand information you need to make an informed career decision.

Advantages of informational interviewing include:

Allow you to acquire specific firsthand information on a particular career.

Can help you obtain information about a company, occupation, or an industry.

Help you decide on a career path, especially if you are uncertain.

Pinpoints industries that are booming during difficult economic times.

Helps you become adept at professional interaction.

Increases your self-confidence when dealing with professionals.

Enlarges your circle of professional contacts.

Informational interviews are excellent opportunities to check what you have previously only read, heard, and thought about. The person you interview can offer information that is up to date, specific and local to the situation, personal and subjective, and reflective of the "on the job" atmosphere.

Learn more about informational interviews!

Adapted from Choices and Challenges: Foundations for Career Planning by the Career Development Center, Indiana University. Bloomington, Indiana: IU Custom Publishing, 1996.