Networking and informational interviews
Why this matters
Networking isn't just about finding jobs; it's about building relationships. Informational interviews help you explore careers, gain insights from professionals, and open doors to opportunities you might not find otherwise.
7-day study plan
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Networking often gets a bad reputation because people confuse it with 'using others' for personal gain. In reality, networking is the process of building genuine, long-term relationships based on mutual respect and curiosity. For an Indian student, think of it like building a 'community' of mentors. It is not a one-time transaction where you ask for a job and walk away. It is about learning from those who are already where you want to be. Imagine a Class 11 student named Rahul who wants to be a data scientist. Instead of messaging a professional saying 'Please give me an internship,' Rahul reaches out to express genuine interest in the professional's recent project. By showing interest in their work, he starts a conversation. This is the heart of networking: being interested rather than just trying to be interesting. To start, shift your mindset from 'What can they do for me?' to 'What can I learn from them?' Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. You are planting seeds today that might grow into mentorships or job referrals years later. The most successful people in India, from tech leaders to entrepreneurs, rely on these human connections to navigate their careers. Begin by being a good listener and showing respect for the experience others have gained.
DoUnderstand networking as building connections, not just asking for favours.
Check yourself- Can I explain why networking is different from just asking for a favor?
- Do I understand that networking is about building long-term relationships?
Revision notes
- Networking is building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts.
- Start with your existing circle: family, friends, teachers, alumni.
- LinkedIn is a professional platform for connecting with people in various fields.
- An informational interview is a casual chat to learn about a career or industry.
- Prepare thoughtful questions for informational interviews.
- Always send a thank-you note after any networking conversation.
- Be curious, polite, and respectful of people's time.
- You don't have to be an adult to start networking; build connections now.
Global case studies
From Informational Interview to First Job
Ankita was interested in digital marketing but didn't know anyone in the field. She used LinkedIn to find a senior marketer from her city, sent a polite request for an informational interview, and ended up having a 30-minute chat. The marketer, impressed by her curiosity, later recommended her for a junior role at his company.
Takeaway: Informational interviews can lead to unexpected opportunities and mentorship if you approach them with genuine curiosity.
The Power of a Strong Network
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta (Facebook), built a formidable network throughout her career, from her time at Google to her role at Facebook. Her ability to connect with influential leaders and maintain those relationships was crucial for her professional growth and impact.
Takeaway: A strong professional network is a valuable asset that supports career progression and opens doors throughout your entire career.
Try this week
Identify one adult you know (a teacher, family friend, parent's colleague) whose profession interests you. Prepare 3 questions you would ask them to learn about their job. (You don't have to contact them yet).
Chapter test
One combined MCQ test for all 10 lessons in this chapter. 1 mark per question, no negative marking. Score 60% or more to unlock your certificate.
Chapter test