Networking & Informational Interviewing
Networking: A Key to Your Academic and Career Success
According to Merriam-Webster, networking is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.” At its core, networking is about building relationships that offer mutual value, not just making contacts to "get ahead."
You may have heard the saying: “It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.” When it comes to choosing a major, exploring careers, or searching for a job or internship, this couldn’t be more true.
Why is Networking Important for College Students?
Whether you're exploring potential majors, narrowing down career options, or actively seeking a job, networking can help you:
- Learn about different majors and career fields from people who are actually working in them.
- Gain the “inside scoop” on opportunities that aren’t posted online—many jobs are filled through word of mouth.
- Develop meaningful connections with alumni, faculty, mentors, and professionals in your field.
- Build your confidence and communication skills through real-world conversations.
- Promote your personal brand by sharing your interests, goals, and strengths.
- Find inspiration and guidance from others who have walked a similar path.
What Networking is Not
- It's not just schmoozing or using people to get a job.
- It's not asking for a job, it's about learning and building relationships.
- It’s not a numbers game about collecting as many business cards or LinkedIn connections as possible.
- It’s not a one-time transaction, good networking is ongoing and reciprocal.
LinkedIn: Your Professional Networking Hub
LinkedIn is the most widely used online platform for professional networking. It allows you to:
- Research companies and career paths
- View job and internship postings
- Connect with alumni and professionals in your field
- Showcase your experience, skills, and interests
- Join industry-specific groups and follow relevant content
Best of all, it’s FREE. But remember, LinkedIn is not Facebook or Instagram. It’s a professional space where your profile represents you to potential employers and mentors.
Tips for Using LinkedIn Effectively:
- Be professional. Use a clear, friendly headshot and keep your tone career-focused.
- Make your profile match your resume. Inconsistencies (especially with dates) can raise red flags.
- Upload a profile picture. Profiles with photos receive far more views and connection requests.
- Stay active. Comment on posts, share articles, and join relevant groups to stay visible.
- Grow your network. Start by connecting with classmates, professors, and colleagues.
- Start now. Don’t wait until graduation, build your presence early and keep growing it.
How to Network: Building Relationships That Matter
Effective networking is about creating authentic connections—not just what someone can do for you, but what you can learn and share together.
Approach networking like building a friendship:
- Be curious, not transactional.
- Ask thoughtful questions.
- Follow up and show appreciation.
Common Ways to Network:
- Informational Interviews
These are brief conversations where you learn about someone’s career journey or company. They're perfect for exploring options and building your confidence. - Campus & Community Events
Attend lectures, workshops, club meetings, and career fairs. These are great places to meet others who share your interests. - Email Outreach
Introduce yourself politely, ask for a quick meeting or advice, and always follow up with a thank-you message. - LinkedIn
Use it to find alumni or professionals in your field. Start a conversation by asking about their career path or seeking advice. - Thank-You Notes and Letters
Handwritten or well-crafted emails stand out. Always thank someone who gives you their time, insight, or a referral. - Phone Calls
Don’t hesitate to call a contact. Be clear, professional, and respectful of their time. Leave a concise voicemail if they don’t answer. - Anywhere You Meet People!
Opportunities to connect are everywhere—on campus, at your part-time job, volunteering, or even in line for coffee. Stay open and approachable.
Networking In Louisville
There are many organizations locally, regionally, and nationally that offer opportunities to network with other professionals. Below are a few in our area. Keep in mind that networking takes place where ever there are people - churches, civic organizations, sports leagues, golf courses, etc.!
- Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) - is Louisville's local Chamber of Commerce. Chambers of Commerce are associations whose members are businesses and organizations from the local area engaged in promoting the interests of businesses in the region. Check out their Calendar of Events for networking with professionals.
- Louisville Business First - is Louisville's weekly business publication. It is a great resource for networking and researching different employers in the region. Check out their Calendar of Events. Their parent company is American City Business Journals which owns 42 other local business publications across the country.
- Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) - is a professional and social networking group for 20-and-30 somethings. Check out their Calendar of Events.
- One Southern Indiana - is the Lead Economic Development Organization (LEDO) and Chamber of Commerce for Clark and Floyd Counties on the Indiana side of Louisville, Kentucky.
- Southern Indiana Women’s Networking Group - provides women entrepreneurs a forum for the interchange of leads, ideas and contacts in the business community. This is achieved by sharing their business experiences and knowledge through regular meetings, a strong network of professional contacts, educational opportunities, and ongoing support.
Final Thought: Networking is an Ongoing Process
Start now—networking isn’t just for job seekers or seniors. The relationships you build today could open doors tomorrow. Stay curious, be genuine, and always be ready to learn from the people around you.
Informational Interviewing: A Student's Guide to Career Exploration
What is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a brief, professional conversation with someone working in a field, company, or position you're interested in. It’s not a job interview, and you’re not asking for a job, instead, you're asking for insight, advice, and firsthand knowledge.
Informational interviews are one of the most powerful tools college students can use to explore majors and careers, expand their networks, and gain real-world perspective.
Why Informational Interviews Matter
- Explore Majors and Careers: Learn about daily responsibilities, required skills, and how different majors align with specific careers from someone who’s actually doing the work.
- Clarify Your Path: Talking with professionals can help you confirm (or reconsider) a major or career goal based on real experience.
- Get the Inside Knowledge: You’ll hear about challenges, rewards, industry culture, and opportunities that you won’t find in textbooks or online.
- Build Confidence and Communication Skills: Practicing professional conversations now prepares you for future interviews and networking.
- Grow Your Network: A great impression can lead to referrals, mentorship, or future opportunities.
Identify People to Talk To:
- Ask professors, advisors, family, friends, or alumni for recommendations.
- Use LinkedIn to search for professionals in your field of interest, especially school alumni.
- Visit your college’s career center for help connecting with professionals.
Reach Out Professionally:
- Send a brief email or LinkedIn message explaining who you are, how you found them, and why you’d like to talk.
- Introduce yourself, share your goals, and request 20–30 minutes of their time.
- Example Message:
“Hi Ms. Taylor, I’m a sophomore at the University of Louisville majoring in Communication. I found your profile through our alumni network and would love to hear about your career path and advice for someone entering the field. Would you be open to a 20 to 30-minute conversation?”
Prepare Questions in Advance:
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- What do you enjoy most (and least) about your job?
- How did you get started in this field?
- What skills are most important for success?
- What advice would you give a college student considering this path?
During the Interview:
- Be on time and dress professionally (even on Zoom!)
- Take notes, show you value what they share
- Be curious, ask thoughtful questions and actively listen
- Keep it conversational, not scripted
- Stay within the agreed time limit
How to end the conversation:
Thank them for their time and insight. Consider asking, “Is there anyone else you’d recommend I talk to?” to grow your network further.
After the Interview:
- Send a thank-you note or email. Express appreciation for their time and insight.
- Reflect on what you learned. Did the conversation confirm your interest? Raise new questions? Lead you in a new direction?
- Stay in touch. Keep the relationship alive by updating them on your progress or following up with more questions later.
- Start with people you know or who are connected to your school.
- Don’t limit yourself to one interview, every conversation adds to your knowledge and network.
- You never know where a connection may lead, stay open-minded and appreciative.
- Be patient, some people may not respond right away. Follow up after a week if you haven’t heard back.
- Focus on learning.
What if I don’t know what to say next?
Use follow-up questions like: “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that experience shape your career?”
What if I get nervous?
That’s normal! Write your questions down, practice with a friend, and remind yourself—this is a conversation, not a test.
What if someone doesn’t respond?
Wait about a week, then send one short follow-up message. If they still don’t reply, move on and try someone else.
Can I ask about internships or jobs?
Don’t ask directly. Instead, show enthusiasm and end by saying, “I’d love to stay in touch in case opportunities arise in the future.”
Remember: Informational interviews are about learning, not job hunting. If you approach them with curiosity, professionalism, and gratitude, they can be one of the most valuable steps you take in your college and career journey.