Published on Mar 19, 2024
Now that the rush of midterms has subsided you should make the most of your break by doing a little career planning. Whether you are planning a streaming binge, relaxing poolside, or working hard at a part-time job, this is a perfect time to create new networking contacts and reach out to professionals to learn about work options.
Informational interviews are NOT job interviews. They are all about learning about someone’s role and career path that seems of genuine interest to you. It’s an authentic, sincere conversation where you can determine what sort of career paths are possible and what kinds of work resonate with you. You drive the interview with the questions you are most curious about, so you have to prepare in advance.
The video above (developed by the Standford Life Design Lab) further explains what an informational interview is and how to to do it well! It’s definitely worth watching the 3-minute clip. I highly encourage all Mizzou students to think of one person they could reach out to or a professional role they could research to conduct at least one informational interview over break or the next couple of weeks. Alumni make great potential contacts well as family friends or recommendations from teachers and supervisors. Start with our Guide to Informational Interviews and if you need help identifying leads, then reach out the MU Career Center for help!
Once you try informational interviewing you’ll see that’s it’s a wonderful way to learn more about career options, refine your career plans, and build new connections.