Informational Interview Skills for Students

Whether you’re a student deciding what to study or a parent helping guide the process, these conversations provide a real-world view into what life can actually look like after graduation.

Students in conversation, casually discussing future careers and college majors

Why They Matter

Informational interviews remove the guesswork from choosing a major or career. They help students discover new majors, compare real career paths, hear honest stories from people who’ve been there and get clarity when they’re feeling uncertain.

Take the Shortcut

Take a look at the articles below, but if it feels overwhelming to set up the interviews, take a look at MajorMentor’s library of interviews. They’ve done them for you and all you have to do is watch them.

How to Use MajorMentor’s Library to Explore Majors and Careers 

Get Started with the Basics

Build a strong foundation before jumping in.

What Is an Informational Interview and Why It Matters

How Informational Interviews Fit Into the Big Picture 

Prepare and Take Action

What to ask, who to talk to, and how to reach out.

How to Reach Out and Ask for an Informational Interview 

What Questions Should You Ask in an Informational Interview? 

Informational Interviews for Students Who Are Shy or Anxious 

For students whose parents did not attend college, check out:

 Informational Interviews: Advice for First-Generation College Students 

Learn from the Conversations

Watch smart. Think critically. Spot the trends.

How to Watch an Informational Interview the Right Way 

How to Compare Informational Interviews to Spot Trends 

How to Discover Unexpected Majors Through Informational Interviews 

Reflect and Take the Next Step

Turn insights into decisions.

What to Do After an Informational Interview

What Students Learn from Informational Interviews