Networking through informational interviews (also known as curiosity conversations, office hours, alumni career conversations, etc.) is all about connecting with others who share similarities with you–whether it’s being a Swattie to having similar career interests, this is an effective tool to learn about career pathways.

Its purpose isn’t to ask for a job offer; rather it’s to identify people in your network (Swarthmore, personal, etc) who you can call upon for their knowledge. It’s up to you to apply that knowledge to make sure your application materials are competitive for that industry, organization or job function.

Conversation topics include:

  • Answers to specific questions
  • Career advice
  • Insight about a job or internship announcement you’ve seen posted
  • Tips on how to gain experience or break into their line of work

 

A group of people working together sitting at a table with their laptops.

Where to Network

Use LinkedIn and SwatLink to research and contact alumni to learn about career paths.

Someone explaining something both looking at a computer screen.

How to Initiate Contact

Once you’ve identified alumni to connect with, email them to set up informational interviews. Info interviews should be used to learn about career paths, gain knowledge in a specific industry, organization, or job function; they aren’t used strictly for the purpose of “getting a job.” The info you gain from informational interviews should be used to better inform you on how to best prepare your application materials!

woman on a headset talking to someone

What to Ask During the Curiosity Conversation or Informational Interview

Before speaking with the individual, learn what you can about the contact/alum and their place of work. Develop a list of open-ended questions that will help you achieve your goal of the conversation.

man using his phone and computer responding to a message

After the Curiosity Conversation or Informational Interview

Make sure to send a “thank you” email letting your contact know you’re grateful for the time and info they shared with you. If you haven’t connected with them on LinkedIn yet, this would be an opportune time to do that as well. As your plans start to develop, keep them posted–your contacts like to know that their info helped lead you to an offer!

Getting Started With SwatLink: How to Set Up Your Profile to Optimize Your Platform Experience 

Hopefully you’re excited to try our new alumni mentoring and connection platform, SwatLink. Once you log in, the best way to get started is by setting up your profile. The information you include in your profile helps the platform work …

By Andres Perez Correa '22
Andres Perez Correa '22 Marketing & Engagement Coordinator
Read more

Becoming You: Finding Self, Community and Career Paths

by Tobias Chen

Becoming You is an initiative hosted by Jen Barrington, Assoc. Director Career Services, aimed at helping students explore career paths related to their passions and interests. Students met for 5 weeks once a week in the Career …

By Jennifer Barrington
Jennifer Barrington Associate Director, Career Education
Read more

A Great Winter Break = SwatWorks Micro-Internships

Winter Break – It’s the perfect time to develop your career experience. Take some time for your career exploration, professional skill building and making connections.

SwatWorks Micro-Internships are short-term, PAID, professional assignments taking place during the Winter Break so that …

By Jennifer Barrington
Jennifer Barrington Associate Director, Career Education
Read more

What is Career Readiness?

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), of which all Swarthmore Career Services staff are members, collects data from employers and colleges on many education and workplace topics. A task force of both college/university staff and employer members came …

By Kristie Beucler
Kristie Beucler Associate Director, Career Education
Read more

5 Tips for a Successful Summer Internship Experience

An internship is a great way to expand your knowledge and apply what you’ve learned during your studies. It’s also a great way to gain real-world experience, boost your resume, and strengthen your skill set. Below, you’ll find advice on …

Read more

Employer & Interview Insights

Swarthmore & External Resources

The College is upgrading the Swarthmore Alumni Online Community! The new Alumni Portal will offer advanced networking features and opportunities …

Swarthmore College’s Black Cultural Center (BCC) strives to critically engage students whose educational, intellectual, and personal interests include issues of …

Alumni Connections

  • Account Executive Goosehead Insurance Agency, LLC.
Meet Nicole
  • Founder Firstep, Inc.
Meet Bobby

Contact & Location

Phone
(610) 328–8352
Address

500 College Ave.
Parrish Hall 135
Swarthmore, PA 19081

Career Service Hours

Monday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Office closed daily from 12–1pm for lunch.