Informational interviews can provide you with an opportunity to:
RESEARCH
Get firsthand information about an industry you're interested in from a professional on the inside
Gain insight into unspoken industry standards and culture
Learn about different pathways for a career
Receive and share resources
NETWORK
Expand your network through introductions to other professionals
Gain insight into hiring processes, which may connect to future opportunities
Get advice and mentorship from a seasoned professional
Some people you can ask are:
supervisors/managers at your current opportunity
colleagues at your current opportunity
professors/TAs
people you meet at networking events
peers who have done internships you're interested in
school alumni
people you find on LinkedIn who are working in your field of interest
Subject: Request for Informational Interview
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am [share a bit about who you are]. [Mention how you got to know about them] and I was intrigued by your expertise in [mention the field or area of interest].
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you to learn more about your experiences and insights in [specific industry or field]. Your perspective would be invaluable as I navigate my own professional journey.
I am flexible with time and location, and I'm more than willing to accommodate your schedule. Please let me know a convenient time for you, and I'll make the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of meeting and learning from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Connecting with a Fellow [College Name] Alum
Hi [Alum’s Name],
I hope you are doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a [Your School Year, e.g., rising senior] at [College Name] majoring in [Major]. I noticed you’re working in [Industry/Company], and as someone who’s interested in this field, I’d love to learn more about your career journey. [PERSONALIZE]
Would you be open to a brief chat over coffee or a quick call?
Thank you for considering, and I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Connecting with a Fellow [College Name] Alum
Dear [Professional’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently studying [Major] at [College Name]. I came across your profile while researching [Industry/Company], and I was particularly drawn to your work in [Specific Area].
I’m reaching out because I’m passionate about [Specific Interest/Field] and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. Do you have any advice you could offer to someone just starting out? If you have more time, I’d also love to hear about your experiences and other recommendations you might have for someone entering the industry.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Thank you – Great Meeting You at [Event Name]!
Hi [Contact’s Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name] on [Day of the Week]. I enjoyed our conversation about [Topic Discussed]. [PERSONALIZE] I’d love to stay in touch and continue to learn more [from you/about Topic, etc.], especially as I work towards [Goal/Project]. Please let me know if you’re open to connecting further.
Thank you again for your time!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Thank you – Great Speaking with You!
Hi [Contact’s Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me and share your insights about your role at [Company Name] and your experience in the [Industry Name] industry. I truly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your career path and the day-to-day realities of working in [Specific Area Discussed].
Our conversation helped me better understand what it takes to succeed in this field, and I found your advice on [mention a specific piece of advice or topic you discussed] especially helpful. [PERSONALIZE]
Thank you again for your generosity and time. I’ll definitely keep in mind your suggestions as I continue exploring this field. I hope we can stay in touch, and I’d love to update you as I move forward.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Seeking Support on a Potential Opportunity at [Company Name]
Hi [Contact’s Name],
I hope you’ve been well! I’m reaching out because I recently came across an exciting opportunity at [Company Name] for a [Job Title] role. As someone I respect and have learned a lot from, I wanted to see if you'd feel comfortable referring me for the position.
I’m currently a [Your School Year, e.g., rising senior] at [Your University], studying [Your Major], and I’m especially interested in [mention 1–2 relevant interests or goals that align with the job]. I’ve attached my resume below and included a short blurb you can use if helpful for the referral.
Given your experience and connection with the company, I was wondering if you might have any insights or advice that could strengthen my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Checking In & Sharing a Quick Update
Hi [Contact’s Name],
I hope you’ve been well! I wanted to reach out and check in with you since the last time we connected. Since we last spoke, I’ve [insert update on something you talked about last time/project/experience], and it’s been a really exciting development. [Share more updates on this]. [PERSONALIZE]
I also came across this [Article/Resource/Etc.] and it reminded me of when we spoke about [Topic]. If you take a look, let me know what you think! I’d also love to hear how things are going on your end and find time to catch up soon.
Looking forward to staying in touch!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Following Up -- Hope You're Doing Well
Hi [Contact’s Name],
I hope you’ve been well! We met a few months ago at [Event Name] during the [panel/networking mixer/etc.], and I really appreciated the chance to speak with you—especially your insights on [topic discussed].
Since then, I’ve been continuing my studies at [University Name], and your advice about [something they said or recommended] has stayed on my mind. I wanted to reach out just to stay in touch and say thank you again.
If you're ever open to a quick chat or coffee sometime this summer, I’d love the opportunity to reconnect and hear more about what you’re working on.
Looking forward to staying in touch!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Subject: Checking In & Sharing a Quick Update
Hi [Supervisor's Name],
I hope you're doing well! I’ve been thinking about my internship at [Company Name] last summer and how much I learned from the experience—especially during [mention a specific project or task].
I just finished up my [XX] year at [University Name], and I’m currently exploring opportunities for next summer. [Personalize]
I wanted to make sure I stayed in touch and also thank you again for all your guidance and support. Let me know if there’s ever anything I can do to support the work you’re doing or if you ever want to catch up!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]