Informational interviews are excellent tools for general career exploration. But you can also use them strategically with a slightly different goal: finding internship leads. By tailoring your approach and questions during these conversations, you can effectively use an informational interview internship strategy for networking for internships students find valuable, potentially uncovering opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.

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Informational Interviews: More Than Just Career Research

While the primary purpose of a standard informational interview is learning about a career path or industry, you can subtly shift the focus when your immediate goal is finding an internship. The core principles remain the same – be polite, professional, respectful of their time, and focus on learning – but your questions and closing can gently probe for opportunities.

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Shifting the Goal: Focusing on Internship Leads

Instead of just asking “What is your job like?”, your underlying goal becomes “What opportunities exist for someone like me at your company or in your network, and how can I position myself for them?” This doesn’t mean directly asking for an internship right away, but guiding the conversation towards potential openings and advice on finding them. This approach helps uncover internship opportunities.

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Who to Target for Internship-Focused Interviews

While talking to anyone in your field of interest is helpful, prioritize interviews with:

• Managers or Team Leads: People who might actually hire or supervise interns in departments you’re interested in.
• HR/Recruiting Professionals: People responsible for internship programs or hiring.
• Recent Hires/Former Interns: They have fresh insights into the application process and entry-level roles.
• People at Companies You Admire: Target organizations where you’d genuinely love to intern.

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Crafting the Request Email (Subtle Shift in Focus)

Your outreach email is similar to a standard informational interview request, but you can slightly tweak the emphasis:

• Mention Your Goal: After introducing yourself, state that you are actively exploring internship opportunities in [Field/Industry] for [Timeframe] and are seeking advice on finding such roles.
• Reference Their Role/Company: Explain why you’re reaching out to them specifically (e.g., “I’m particularly interested in the work [Company Name] does in [Specific Area]…” or “Your role as [Job Title] seems fascinating…”).
• The Ask: Request 20-30 minutes for an informational interview to learn about their experience and gain advice on navigating internship searches in the field.

Example: “…I’m currently exploring summer internship opportunities in marketing and seeking advice from professionals in the field. Would you be open to a brief 20-minute virtual chat sometime in the coming weeks so I could learn more about your experience at [Company Name] and gain insights on finding relevant internships?”

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Key Questions to Ask to Uncover Opportunities

In addition to standard informational interview questions, add questions like:

• What skills or experiences does your company typically look for in interns?
• Does your company have a formal internship program? If so, what is the typical application timeline?
• If not formal, are there sometimes opportunities for project-based work or shorter internships?
• What advice do you have for a student trying to find an internship in this field right now?
• Are there specific types of projects interns often work on in your department/company?
• What organizations or companies (besides your own) do you think are doing interesting work in this area where a student might find opportunities?
• What’s the best way for a student to express interest or follow up regarding potential internships at your company?

These questions focus on asking for internship advice and pathways.

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The “Ask” – Transitioning to Internship Possibilities

Towards the end of the conversation, if it feels appropriate and has gone well:

• Express Gratitude: Thank them sincerely for their insights.
• Reiterate Interest: Briefly restate your strong interest in their company/field.
• The Gentle Ask: “Based on our conversation, I’m even more interested in the possibility of interning at [Company Name]. Would you happen to know if there might be any suitable opportunities opening up, or who the best person might be for me to send my resume to for future consideration?”
• Alternative Ask: “Would you mind if I kept your contact information and reached out later if I see a relevant internship posting?”

Gauge their reaction. If they seem receptive, great. If not, simply thank them for the informational interview itself.

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Following Up After the Interview

• Thank You Email: Send a prompt, personalized thank-you note mentioning something specific you learned and reiterating your interest in potential internship opportunities if you discussed them.
• Connect on LinkedIn: Send a personalized connection request.
• Follow Through: If they suggested contacting someone else or checking a specific resource, do it and potentially let them know you followed their advice.

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Final Thought: Network Your Way to an Internship

Using an informational interview internship strategy is a proactive way to find internship leads. It combines genuine career exploration interviews with smart networking for internships students can leverage. By asking targeted questions and expressing your interest clearly but politely, you can gain valuable advice and potentially uncover internship opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

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