Networking

Want the inside scoop on a job, industry, or major? Talk to someone who's lived it. Informational interviews are relaxed, one-on-one conversations with professionals where you ask questions, learn from their path, and build confidence in your own. You’re not asking for a job — you’re gathering insight.

Get Started

• Reach out to alumni or professionals via LinkedIn or email. Be clear and respectful.
• Schedule a meeting time. Keep it short: 20–30 minutes is perfect.
• Prepare your questions. Ask about their daily work, how they got started, and what advice they’d give a student like you.
• Follow up. Send a thank-you note and keep the connection alive.

Questions to Ask

Questions about the Person

• What is your educational background?
• How did you get started in this field?
• How did you get to where you are today?
• What are your future career plans?
• What jobs did you have prior to this one?
• What best prepared you for this job?

Questions about the work

• What do you do during a typical workday?
• What do you like most or find most interesting about your work?
• What kind of challenges do you face? What do you find most difficult?
• What skills or abilities do you find most important in your work?
• What other career areas do you think are similar?
• Tell me about your experience working at this company.

About the Field

• What are the basic skills and experiences needed for jobs in the field?
• What is the typical work environment like for a person in this career field?
• What entry-level jobs qualify one for this field?
• How long does it typically take to advance to the next step in this career path?

About their Suggestions

• Would you recommend any specific courses or extracurricular activities to help me prepare for this field or to make me more marketable?
• Are there any resources you recommend I review or organizations I could join to stay current with trends in the field?
• Where would I find job or internship announcements?
• Is there anyone else you suggest I speak with in order to gain another perspective about this field?
• Would you mind reviewing my resume and provide some feedback on what I can improve?
• Do you have any other advice or suggestions?

Professional associations are more than just memberships—they’re gateways to career exploration, mentorship, and opportunity. Whether you're searching by industry or identity, these organizations offer targeted resources, job boards, events, and communities that help you build skills, expand your network, and feel seen in your field. They're especially valuable for students looking to grow their experience and connect with others who share their goals or lived experiences.

Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital resume — it’s your personal brand. Use it to showcase who you are, what you’ve done, and what you want to do. It’s also one of the easiest ways to find and connect with Penn State alumni in your field.

Level up your Linkedin

• Use a professional photo and custom headline (not just “Student at Penn State”).
• Write a strong summary that tells your story — what you’re passionate about and what you’re working toward.
• List experiences that show growth, leadership, and skills — including clubs, jobs, volunteering, and projects.
• Connect with intention. Start with classmates, professors, and Penn State alumni, then grow from there.
• Stay active. Share updates, comment on posts, and follow employers and industries that interest you.

Managing your online brand

Your digital footprint is often a first impression. Make it a good one and be diligent in managing your public persona.

• Google yourself periodically and clean up anything you wouldn’t want a recruiter to see.
• Choose what you share. Posts, photos, or comments that are negative, off‑brand, or public‑only? Consider deleting or privatizing them.
• Use social media strategically. Follow orgs in your field of interest, comment thoughtfully, and let your professional interests shine.