Career on your mind? Start with a Conversation
After applying for 400+ jobs, I have had literally 1 interview with cold applications—and 3 interviews because of referral requests.”
- MBA job seeker, The Job Insiders, Fall 2026
For this MBA job seeker, more than 400 cold applications produced just one interview, while referral requests produced three. The message for your career search is clear: make talking with people a priority in your career strategy.
Networking helps you learn about career paths, understand what employers value, and build relationships with people who may eventually recommend you for an opportunity. These conversations can also reveal how the transferable skills you develop through graduate coursework and research apply in professional settings –including some you may not have considered. Building connections with people working in your desired fields should begin long before you are ready to apply for jobs.
One practical way to begin is through an informational interview: a brief conversation with someone about their work, career path, and professional insights. Your initial request is for advice and perspective. As the relationship develops, that person may become an advocate who introduces you to colleagues or refers you for an opportunity.
Here are five steps to get started, drawing on Steve Dalton’s The 2-Hour Job Search.
1. Find someone whose experience interests you.
Choose a role, organization, or field you want to explore. Look for professionals doing relevant work, including University of Arizona alumni and people a step or two ahead of your target role. LinkedIn, faculty contacts, and existing connections can help you identify potential interviewees. Start with a few promising contacts whose experiences align with your interests.
2. Send a short, specific invitation.
Keep your message under 75 words. Introduce yourself briefly, mention a shared connection if you have one, and explain what you hope to learn. Focus on the recipient’s experience and make a clear request:
“Hi Jordan, I’m a University of Arizona graduate student exploring science communication and noticed you’re also a Wildcat. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation about your transition from research into communications? I’d appreciate learning about your work and your advice for someone exploring this field.”
If you receive no response, follow up politely after seven business days. Continue approaching other contacts as well.
3. Prepare thoughtful questions.
Review the person’s background and organization. Prepare a brief introduction explaining your interests and what you hope to explore. Dalton’s TIARA framework offers five topics to guide your questions:
- Trends: What changes are shaping your field?
- Insights: What has surprised you most about your work?
- Advice: How would you suggest I prepare for this career?
- Resources: What would you recommend I read or explore?
- Assignments: What practical next step would help me learn more?
4. Build rapport through conversation.
Begin with a friendly greeting and ask about their career path. Listen closely, show interest, and ask follow-up questions. Use your prepared questions as a guide while allowing the discussion to develop naturally. Respect the agreed time. Before closing, ask whether you may reconnect with occasional questions or updates.
5. Follow through and develop the relationship.
Send a thank-you message within 24 hours, mentioning a specific insight you appreciated. Act on a recommendation and share what you learned. In a later follow-up, ask whether they can suggest someone else you could speak with. Continue exchanging meaningful updates, questions, or relevant resources. These interactions help contacts get to know you and build confidence in recommending you.
Give networking a place on your calendar while you’re in graduate school, well before you begin searching job postings and preparing applications. This week, identify one person whose work interests you and send an invitation. Your next career opportunity could begin with that conversation.