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

 

How to Spot Job and Internship Scams

Money scammers have found a new lucrative home – the job and internship seeker. Throughout the past academic year alone, thousands of fraudulent job offers and part-time employment scams have targeted the Swarthmore student community.  With increasingly sophisticated and effective methods …

By Claire Klieger
Claire Klieger Assistant Vice President & Executive Director
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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
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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
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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
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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 …

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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.