An informational interview is a great way to learn about a health profession. This is an interview you initiate with a practitioner to gather information about their career path, day-to-day experiences at work, current events and concerns in their field, and anything else you want to ask about.
By interviewing a health care professional you will be able to:
- Learn what a typical work day is like (what is the best part of their day, the worst part? what is surprising, tedious, difficult, energizing, draining?)
- Clarify your interest in this profession (can you imagine doing what this person does every day?)
- Learn about selecting professional health programs (what should you look for in a program? what questions should you ask the schools you apply to?)
- Build confidence in preparing for program interviews
- Expand your professional network by receiving suggestions for others you might interview
- Identify someone to interview in your field of interest—ask parents, friends, relatives, alumni (Badger Bridge and LinkedIn), providers you or someone you know has seen, or search online directories.
- Set up an appointment by email or phone: Express your interest in the field and ask if they would be willing to meet for a short (20-30 minute) informational interview. Let them know who referred you (if applicable). Click here for an e-mail template you can use to contact someone about arranging an informational interview
- Prepare for the interview by learning about the person you will interview (if possible) and preparing questions (Sample Questions for Info Interviews).
- Show up early, dress appropriately (business casual) and take notes!
- Initiate and keep the conversation going—stay on track, but allow spontaneous conversation. Be prepared for the interviewee to ask you questions, too!
- Stick to your 20-30 minute time frame.
- Ask for recommendations of others you might contact. Find out if you can use his/her name when approaching their recommendations for additional interviews.
- If the conversation has gone well, ask if this person might let you to shadow him or her (see here for information on shadowing).
- Ask if you can contact him/her again if you have questions in the future.
Be sure to send a thank-you email immediately (within a day) and a thank-you note within a week!