Why Conduct Informational Interviews?
Interviewing health professionals in a variety of specialties and career stages offers valuable, firsthand insight into what working in those fields is really like. These conversations can occur in person, over the phone, or virtually.
How to Identify Contacts
- Start by asking: Who do I know? Think broadly—consider personal and professional contacts, friends of friends, congregation members, neighbors, and UM Alumni.
- Use the UM Health System directory, professional association directories, and even general searches to identify practitioners in your field of interest.
- Tap into the University Alumni Career Network (UCAN) to connect with engaged UM professionals.
- Utilize tools specifically for finding health professionals, such as:
- Cranial Academy directory – Useful for finding D.O.s in your area.
- Find a Genetic Counselor – This tool from the National Society of Genetic Counselors offers filters for students to find genetic counselors open to being contacted about the profession.
Setting Up the Interview
- Contact your chosen health professional by phone or email. Briefly introduce yourself and your goals for the conversation.
- Request a meeting or phone appointment at their convenience.
- Be prompt, respect the agreed-upon time, and always send a thank you note afterward.
- Prepare a thoughtful list of questions in advance.
Sample Questions to Ask
- How, when, and why did you choose your profession?
- Where did you complete your education and training?
- What is a typical day like for you?
- What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about your work?
- How do you balance career and personal life?
- What skills and traits are most important for success?
- What advice would you give someone preparing for a career in your field?
- What types of experiences, jobs, or volunteering do you strongly recommend?
- Are there any colleagues you recommend I speak with as well?
- Would it be possible for me to shadow you at some point?