Have you explored SwatLink? Have thoughts you want to share? Let us know what you think!

Making & Maintaining Connections

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 “schmooze” your way into an 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 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

Internships in Finance: What do I do if I didn’t get my dream internship?

So you didn’t get accepted to the Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program or any “Big Bank” internship for that matter, or maybe you were just too late to the application process. What do you do now?

First and foremost, don’t …

By Ben Lee
Ben Lee Career Fellow
Read more

Swarthmore Alum shows how to effectively leverage ChatGPT for career development

It’s true; everyone is talking about AI like ChatGPT. Chances are, you may have already played around with it yourself. Like with any technological tool, if used effectively (and that’s really the key!), it can be a huge asset and …

By Claire Klieger
Claire Klieger Assistant Vice President & Executive Director
Read more

Alumni Council available for career conversations

“Networking” may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. I like to think of it as research! And all college students are comfortable with research, right?! It can look different based on your current goals for …

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

Networking Tips for International Students

Like many other international students, I was very focused on the academic part of student life when I arrived in the U.S. In my junior year of college, I suddenly felt this job-seeking urgency. I was only a couple of …

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
Read more

Employer & Interview Insights

Build Skills

Swarthmore & External Resources

Swarthmore Alumni Online Community

This online community allows Swarthmore alumni to connect with each other as well as mentor current students.

Out Professionals

Out Professionals is the leading nonprofit networking organization for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning) professionals in the USA. Our …

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

SwatLink: Find Your People

SwatLink makes networking and mentoring that much easier. This closed, online networking and mentoring community facilitates natural connections between Swarthmore …

Swarthmore Alumni Council: Career Conversations

Students are encouraged to reach out to the following Alumni Council members. The Council members are happy to chat with …

Networking 101 Guide

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.