We're almost halfway through the semester. Do you know what you're doing career-wise? 

If you're still trying to figure that out, informational interviews are a helpful way to learn more about your options and gain valuable insights for the job hunt. You'll be the one driving the conversation and asking questions, so it's important to know what you’re seeking and having a solid list of questions ready.

Here are some examples of questions you can ask:

• What led you to your current job role? 
• What's a typical workday for you?
• What skills are important for this role? 
• What advice do you have for finding a job in this field?
• Are there other professionals you would recommend I speak to?

Do your homework on the company and professional you're speaking to as well. You want to make sure that the questions you have planned are relevant to the position AND give you what you need. You also need to make sure you have a good idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are so you could make an informed decision about the career field. 

For the interview itself, keep the conversation open and ask follow-up questions as needed. Make sure that both you and the professional are comfortable, and that you have enough questions to fill the time allotted, typically about 20 minutes max. 

Then, once you complete the informational interview (and send a thank you email!) you'll need to think about the responses and what you’ve learned. Did the interview provide a job option you think you'd like? Do you need to up-level your skills in any way? Are the challenges doable for you? Try to do about three informational interviews for each career field you're exploring. At the end of each one, simply ask, “Is there anyone else you’d recommend I speak to about this?” 

By taking the time to prepare informational interviews, you’ll have what you need to make your next job market moves. And if you want an opportunity to meet working professionals in real-time, sign up for the DCSA Virtual Information Session on March 13th from 5-6 PM. 

CHECK meetings are group sessions for pre-chemical engineering students led by a CBEE faculty member.

These meetings supplement the one-on-one advising session with a COEIT Advisor to receive advising clearance. They are not a replacement for the one on one advising session.

During the CHECK meeting students will :

• connect about important topics regarding course selection and curriculum requirements specific to Chemical Engineering
• gain insider knowledge about the best timing of classes and prerequisites
• discuss updates about electives courses

SIGN UP NOW for your CHECK MEETING

The day you've been preparing for has arrived.

The doors open, and you get in line. You have your padfolio and resume in hand. Your outfit is wrinkle free and freshly pressed.

You're ready to go except there's one problem. You have NO IDEA what you want to say.

Does this sound familiar? Here are five tips so you don't find yourself unprepared for a speed networking event ever again.

1. Make a Good First Impression. Confidently approach the employer, give good eye contact (and a firm handshake if you're comfortable with it), and introduce yourself with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. 
   
   
2. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch. This is an important part of your conversation, so make it count! You'll be telling the employer who you are, what you do, and what you are hoping for in the interaction. If you want to know more specifics about what goes into the elevator pitch, you can check out this post here. 
   
   
3. Focus on Relationships. Remember why you are at this speed networking event: to meet employers and build relationships. By keeping the conversation relationship-centered and focusing on a true give-and-take process, you're guaranteed to have a more positive experience by helping each other. 
   
   
4. Ask Good Questions. Because speed networking is fast-paced by nature, you might find yourself talking about yourself too much and missing out on the opportunity to make a meaningful connection. To avoid this from happening, be ready with a few good questions in mind so that it's a two-way conversation. Here are some informational interview questions to help you get started. 
   
   
5. Go in with a Goal in Mind. In order to assess the quality of the conversation, ask yourself what you'd like to accomplish by the end of the event. Are you looking for a full-time career opportunity? A part-time internship? Or informal mentorship? Use the goal you've set to help drive your experience.
   

Keep these tips in your back pocket and you'll walk away from the next speed networking event feeling optimistic and encouraged. Need a place to practice? Check out the CAHSS Career Connection Social happening on Thursday, March 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.