Information Interviews with Faculty, Staff, and Professionals
What is an information interview?
An Information Interview is a scheduled meeting with the specific intention of learning more about any
kind of topic (e.g. a major or a career of interest).
How long do they last?
An interview can be in person or over the phone, and can last for as long as you and the other person
desires. We recommend reserving about 15-30 minutes in order to engage in a discussion.
Mindset for your meeting
 Ask questions about content you cannot find online. For example, ask about interests “what kinds of
interests do people have who like to study psychology?” rather than information you can readily find
online “how many classes do I need to take to be a psychology major?”
 Remember that this person has the potential to be a contact for the future. Go to the session prepared
(e.g. read about the program requirements beforehand, visit the department’s website, etc.).
 Expect to receive information to guide you in your process, rather than definitive answers. The person
who you’re meeting will not be able to tell you if this is the “right” choice for you; they will be able to
provide you information to assist your reflection and evaluation process.
Setting up your meeting
Use multiple forms of contact (phone and email) to get in touch. Some professors are very responsive to
email and others are not.
Initiating the conversation: What to say and how to say it
In either an email or phone call, begin by providing context of who you are and how you got their contact
information. Next, explain your interest in their program and ask to meet with them to discuss the
program/your interest in further detail. Close by providing the professor with suggested meeting times (by
providing times, it makes it easier for them to check their schedule and give you a faster response).
Example:
Dear Prof. Smith,
My name is Tommy Explorer and I am a freshman here at SLU. My advisor provided me your information as
a contact for Biology major. I’d like to meet with you to discuss my interests and how they might relate to
the Biology program. Next week I can meet for a half hour appointment on Monday and Wednesday from
10-12 or Tuesday between 3-4. Please let me know what works best for you.
Thank you,
Tommy Explorer
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During your meeting
Take notes!
Prepare questions ahead of time
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Following your meeting
Send a thank you! Appreciation goes a long way.
Write out your impressions: What answers did you find?
What new information do you have to consider? What new
questions do you have?
Sample Questions
Academic and Career Interests:
 What kinds of interests do people have who pursue this major?
 What minors or certificates can I earn, in addition to this degree, that may complement my interests?
 I have an interest in another major as well; what are the similarities or differences between that
program and this one?
 What courses would you recommend I take next semester to help me further explore my interests?
 I’ve reviewed the requirements for [insert relevant academic program] on the Undergraduate Catalog.
Can you give me more information on what I will be learning or doing in [name a specific class]?
 When I have elective hours to earn for my degree, are there any courses that might help complement
my career goals?
 I am really interested in getting a summer job that pertains to my interests; do you have any
suggestions on where I should look or go to get ideas?
 What kinds of graduate studies or careers do students tend to pursue who are interested in this field?
 My ultimate career goal is [insert your career goal here]. What would I learn from this major to prepare
me to achieve that goal?
 Do I have to go to graduate school to pursue my "dream job" or is a bachelor's degree sufficient?
 What are the latest job trends for those in this field of study?
Involvement during undergrad
 What associations, groups, or clubs would you suggest I get involved with to better market myself?
 Do you have any ideas/suggestions of type and location of internships that would compliment my
degree?
 How should I build my resume and who should I ask for as references?
Studying Abroad:
 What are the benefits to studying abroad?
 What is the best time to study abroad if you major in [insert major here]?
 What classes would you recommend I reserve for my semester abroad?
If you are considering a profession based major (i.e. nursing, social work, OT, etc.):
 If I’m interested in becoming [insert job here: Nurse, Physical Therapist, Social Worker, etc.] and did
not enroll in the undergraduate program for that profession, what would I need to do (undergraduate
coursework, graduate school, experiences?) in order to pursue that profession?
 How did you like being a ___ (nurse, OT, whatever your job interest is)? Why did you leave that to be a
professor?
 What did you like best (pros/cons) about each setting you worked in (hospital, clinic, school, etc)?
 When did you realize that you were in the right field of study?
 In addition to obtaining my degree, what other qualities are employers seeking of those in my degree
field?
 What is the starting salary for a recent graduate of my major?
 What are the job placement/graduate school attrition rates for your program?
I don’t know what I don’t know. What questions should I be asking that I’m not?
What other questions could you ask?