Before I became a college student, I’d never heard of an
informational interview. A normal job interview, of course, but never with the
word ‘informational’ ahead of it. In fact, it wasn’t until the beginning of my
sophomore year that I heard about informational interviews, and immediately I
thought about how helpful they can be to an aspiring public relations student.
However, it seems that many people don’t realize just what a few good
informational interviews can do for them.
First
off, the best thing about an informational interview is that you can go on as
many as you can get, and you can go on them even if you’re already working an
internship. Informational interviews are an easy way to learn about different
industries within PR from an insider, who’s willing to help you as much as
possible. I’ve been on 4 informational interviews in the last few months, all
with people in different PR industries, and they’ve helped me decide just what
I want to do with PR. Beyond that, I’ve made lifelong connections with people I
know I can always go to for help.
Informational
interviews aren’t just good for students, those people who do the interviews
have an ulterior, albeit benevolent, motive. Going on informational interviews
with students allows PR professionals to meet and get to know the people that
in a few months or so, they may be considering for an internship or job. Informational
interviews are like a more intense version of networking, and if you can make a
good impression, you may be surprised what comes your way down the road. The
key is to make a good impression, ask lots of questions and take notes, and
then follow up and keep in touch every month or so.
So,
anytime you get the chance, reach out and get an informational interview. And
if you have any tips on informational interviews, we’d love to hear from you!
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