Center for Career Education

Networking and Informational Interviewing

Connecting with alums is one of the most effective ways to turn career curiosity into actionable insight. Vassar’s network of over 42,000 alums offers an accessible, supportive community of professionals eager to share their experiences, offer feedback, and guide your career journey.

Find Your Vassar Network

  • Vassar College LinkedIn University Page: Access the “Alumni” tab on Vassar’s official LinkedIn page to filter profiles by location, major, industry, current employer, and specific skills.
  • VassarNet: Join Vassar’s dedicated alumni networking group to connect directly with alums who have explicitly opted in to offer career advice, review resumes, and share job/internship opportunities.
  • Vassar Alum Directory: Search the official college directory by major, advanced degrees, location, and class year to find contact details for direct outreach.
A young woman with long blonde hair wearing a dark Vassar College sweatshirt standing alongside a smiling man in a blue suit jacket next to an easel sign displaying "Law & Legal Services".

Why Conduct Informational Interviews?

An informational interview is a brief conversation (15–30 minutes) with a professional or alum designed to gather industry insights, clarify career goals, and build authentic connections. Speaking directly with individuals working in fields of interest provides candid, real-world context that standard job descriptions cannot capture.

Explore Career Options

Discover how academic majors translate into diverse industries and day-to-day job roles.

Expand Your Network

Build organic, long-term relationships with alums, industry professionals, and faculty contacts.

Refine Your Search Strategy

Gain insider knowledge regarding hiring trends, organizational culture, and technical terminology.

Build Professional Confidence

Practice articulate communication, active listening, and networking skills in low-stakes settings.

Outreach Etiquette and Best Practices

Reaching out to professionals can feel daunting at first, but alums are generally eager to support Vassar students. Follow these core steps when initiating contact:

Do Your Research

Search VassarNet, LinkedIn, or the Alum Directory to identify contacts whose career trajectories align with your interests.

Make Initial Contact

Send a concise, polite message explaining who you are, how you found their profile, and asking for a brief 15-to-20-minute conversation.

Set Clear Intentions

Explicitly state that you are seeking career advice, industry insights, and perspective—not asking directly for a job or internship.

Prepare Ahead

Research the individual and their organization beforehand so you can lead the conversation confidently with targeted questions.

Sample Outreach Email Template

Subject: Vassar Student Inquiry—Career Insights in [Industry/Field]

Dear [Name],

I am a current [Year] student at Vassar majoring in [Major]. I came across your profile on [VassarNet / LinkedIn / the Alum Directory] and noticed your work as a [Job Title] at [Organization].

I am eager to learn more about career paths in [Industry/Field] and would greatly appreciate 15–20 minutes of your time for a brief informational interview. I am seeking your advice and insights on the industry, rather than inquiring about open positions.

Please let me know if you might be available for a brief phone or virtual conversation in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your time and support of Vassar students!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vassar College Class of [Year]

Sample Informational Interview Questions

Structure your questions to spend the first two-thirds of the conversation on their background and industry trends, then pivot toward specific advice for your search.

  • What does a typical day or week look like in your position?
  • How did you transition from Vassar into this field, and was your path typical?
  • What core skills or qualifications are most critical for someone in this job?
  • What are the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of your work?
  • What advice would you offer a Vassar student entering this industry?
  • If you weren’t doing this job, what other roles have you considered that leverage similar skills?

  • How and where are entry-level positions typically publicized in this field?
  • What hiring channels or preparation methods are most effective for candidates?
  • Are there professional associations, trade journals, or tools you recommend following?
  • Would you be open to providing brief feedback on my resume?
  • Is there anyone else in your network or industry you suggest I reach out to next?

Following Up and Staying in Touch

Following up turns a single conversation into a lasting professional relationship:

  • Send a Thank-You Email: Send a personalized thank-you message within 24 hours highlighting a specific insight or piece of advice that resonated with you.
  • Provide Periodic Updates: Keep contacts updated as your search evolves—let them know when you declare your major, apply for positions, or secure an opportunity.
  • Seek New Leads: Use check-ins to ask new questions or inquire about other contacts in their network.

Resources and Interview Room Logistics

  • Stay Organized: Track your contacts, outreach dates, and follow-ups using the “Informational Interview Organizer” tab in the CCE Job & Internship Search Organizer.
  • Reserve an Interview Room: If you need a quiet, distraction-free environment for a phone or virtual informational interview, reserve a private CCE interview room (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.):