Networking and Informational Interviews for Technology, Data and Engineering

Build Connections and Learn About Careers

One of the best ways to explore careers in technology, engineering, and data is to talk with people who are already doing the work.

An informational interview is a short conversation with a professional to learn about their career path, daily work, industry trends, and advice for someone entering the field. These conversations help you gather information, expand your network, and make more informed career decisions.

What Networking Really Means

Networking is about building relationships, not asking for jobs.

Think of networking as career research. Your goal is to learn from professionals, understand different career paths, and build genuine connections over time. The strongest professional relationships are based on curiosity, mutual respect, and continued engagement—not transactions.

Whether you connect with a WashU alumnus working in software engineering, a data scientist at a startup, or a mechanical engineer in manufacturing, focus on learning from their experience.

Follow these steps

Start by identifying professionals whose careers interest you.

Where to Find Contacts

WashU CNX
WashU LinkedIn groups
WashU alumni groups
Professional associations
Career fairs and industry events
Faculty, research mentors, and internship supervisors

Look for Common Ground

People are often more willing to respond when you share something in common, such as:

WashU affiliation
Major or academic program
Student organization
Research interests
Geographic location
Industry interest
Mutual connection

Keep your message short and focused.

A strong networking message:

Is fewer than 75 words
Mentions your connection first
Asks for advice and insight, not a job
Includes a specific area of interest
Ends with a question
Respects the person’s time

Sample Outreach Message

Hi Taylor,

I’m a WashU junior studying Computer Science. I found your profile through the WashU alumni network and noticed that you work as a Software Engineer at Microsoft.

Would you have 15–20 minutes to share your experience transitioning from college into software engineering? I’m exploring careers in cloud computing and application development, and I would appreciate your insights.

Thank you,

Jordan

Before meeting:

Review their LinkedIn profile
Learn about their company
Research current industry trends
Prepare thoughtful questions
Bring a notebook or document for notes

Start by thanking them for their time.

Then focus on listening and learning.

Good Informational Interview Questions

How did you get into this field?
What experiences helped you prepare for your current role?
If you could start over, what would you do differently?
What does a typical day look like?
What projects are you currently working on?
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What surprised you when you entered the field?
What technical skills are most valuable today?
What advice would you give someone entering this field?
What experiences should I pursue while I am still a student?

Send a thank-you message within 24 hours.

Example

Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. I especially appreciated your advice about building project experience through internships and personal coding projects. Your perspective helped me better understand the software engineering field, and I plan to explore the resources you recommended.

Thank you again for your time and guidance.

Strong professional relationships are built over time.

Consider following up when: