Step $1$: Prepare informational interview with a professional.

Step $2$: Identify a professional who works in the industry$/$career you want to join after graduation. Alums from your university$/$major are more likely to respond and agree to the informational interview.

Step $3$: Contact that person via email or LinkedIn to ask for an informational interview.

Step $4$: Research the person and company.

Step $5$: Prepare your question. Choose $8-12$ questions.

Step $6$: Participate in the informational interview. Whether it is in person or via Zoom, you'll want to dress professional. You don't need to wear a full business suit, but you should wear dress pants and a dress shirt.

Step $7$: Take diligent notes. You can do this by typing during an online interview or simply writing key words in bullet notes on a piece of paper if you're in a face$-$to$-$face setting.

Step $8$: Write your notes into a Word document that lists each question followed by a summary of the person's answer. You don't need exact quotes. You want to capture enough details$/$specifics that you can look at these notes again in six months and still remember the advice or information. Conclude the Word document with a few sentences expressing your thoughts about the informational interview. Was it valuable $($why or why not$)?$ Would you contact this person again $($why or why not$)?$ What are two main actions$/$steps you'll take as a result of the informational interview?