While job boards can be helpful, many full-time positions and internships are never publicly posted. These hidden opportunities are often discovered through networking—which simply means talking to people, both those you know and those you don’t (yet). As you move through your education and career, your professional network will grow—and it’s one of the most powerful tools in your job search.
Networking
Who to Talk To
Family, Friends, and Professional Contacts
Start with your existing network. Ask family and friends if they know anyone in your field of interest and if they’d be willing to introduce you. Reach out to former supervisors, coworkers, or mentors.
💡 You only need one connection to get started.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for identifying and connecting with professionals. You can search by:
- Organization
- Job title
- Geographic location
- Alumni from your school
Once you’ve connected, take the next step: request a brief phone call, Zoom meeting, or in-person chat.
(See the LinkedIn Handout for more tips on using the platform effectively.)
Professional Associations
These groups bring together people in the same field or industry. Many offer:
- Job and internship boards
- Networking events
- Mentorship opportunities
Even if you’re not ready to join, you can still identify active members and reach out to them for advice or informational interviews.
Informational Interviewing
Informational interviews are one of the best ways to connect with professionals you haven’t met before. They allow you to:
- Learn more about a career path or industry
- Get advice from someone with experience
- Build a relationship that could lead to future opportunities
Initiating the Interview
Reach out via email with a brief, polite message. Introduce yourself, explain how you’re connected, and request 20–30 minutes of their time.
Example:
Dear Mr. Conway,
My name is Jason Morrow, and I’m studying Health Administration at the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU Indianapolis. I’m reaching out to see if you’d be willing to speak with me briefly—either in person or over the phone—sometime in the next two weeks. I’d love to learn more about your career path, how you got into the field, and any advice you might have for someone hoping to work in the Chicago area.
I know your time is valuable and would greatly appreciate any insights you’re willing to share.
Thank you,
Jason Morrow
Preparing for the Interview
If possible, meet in person—it leaves a stronger impression. If not, a phone or Zoom meeting is perfectly acceptable.
Before the meeting:
- Prepare a list of questions
- Be ready to introduce yourself briefly (similar to your elevator pitch—see the Career Fair Handout)
Your introduction should include:
- Who you are (name, school, background)
- What you’ve done (major, internships, research, etc.)
- What you’re looking for (career goals)
Sample Informational Interview Questions
- How did you get started in this field?
- What does a typical work week look like for you?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- What are the biggest challenges in your role or industry?
- What skills or traits are most important for success?
- What does a typical promotion path look like?
- How are professionals evaluated in this field?
- What is the starting salary range for new professionals? (Never ask about their personal salary.)
- What training or experience would help me prepare for this field?
- Are there any professional associations you recommend?
- Where do people in this field find job or internship opportunities? ★
- Can you recommend others I should speak with? ★
★ These two questions are essential—they help you expand your network and uncover new opportunities.
During the Interview
- Dress professionally (business casual is recommended—see the Professional Attire Handout)
- Arrive 10 minutes early
- Bring:
- Your list of questions
- Something to take notes with
- A copy of your résumé (just in case)
- Listen actively—your contact may answer some questions before you ask them. Avoid repeating questions and pay attention to the work environment if meeting in person.
- At the end, thank them for their time and ask for a business card.
After the Interview
The interview is just the beginning. To maintain the connection:
- Send a thank-you note within 2–3 days
- In your message:
- Remind them who you are and when you met
- Thank them for their time
- Mention something specific you found helpful
- Let them know if you followed up with any contacts they referred you to
- Consider creating a contact tracking spreadsheet to log:
- Who you spoke with
- When you met
- When you followed up
- When you sent a thank-you note
- Stay in touch periodically during your job or internship search. You never know when they’ll hear about an opportunity—and you want to be top of mind.