Tap Into Your Network
Networking involves speaking with alumni and/or professionals in your fields of interest in order to explore careers and gather information. It is not about asking a person for a job and it is not one-sided. Networking is about building relationships and maintaining connections.
The Notre Dame alumni network is one of the most powerful resources for Notre Dame students. There are a variety of tools and resources available to help you find connections.
Available Resources
IrishCompass: Search for alumni who have expressed interest in helping with informational interviews, job shadows, mentorship, etc. Here is a video to help you get started.
Notre Dame Alumni & Friends: Identify alumni on various platforms and leverage the University’s Alumni Association database to find email addresses and connect with the ND community.
LinkedIn: Expand your network and engage with the 500+ million professionals on LinkedIn.
ND Alumni Clubs: Explore contacts and events occurring in a particular geographic region in order to build and expand your network.
CareerShift: Access company information and obtain key contact email addresses for people outside of the Notre Dame network.
Regional Information: Connect with the Regional Engagement Team’s process to identify opportunities and obtain key recruiting information in the California, DC, and Houston regions.
Connecting with Alumni
Reaching out initially through email is a great way to start a conversation with alumni. Here is a template you can use to send an introductory email:
Dear (Insert name),
My name is Alex Irish, and I am an MS Business Analytics student at Notre Dame. I found your contact information through the Alumni Association directory, my.nd.edu. I also noticed your profile on IrishCompass, which specifically referenced business analytics in the e-commerce industry as your area of expertise.
Would you have time for a 15-minute phone call to share your insight with regards to this particular career path? I have some questions about your experience at (insert name of company), and would like to hear how you leverage business analytics in your current role. I am free weekdays from 12-1 pm ET, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and most evenings. Please let me know if you would be willing to schedule a time to meet.
I realize this may be a busy time for you, so thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Alex
Preparing for an Introductory Meeting
Preparation is key! Preparing for an informational interview allows you to be more confident, make a positive impression, and ensure you get all of your questions answered. It also allows you to respond to questions about yourself more effectively.
To prepare, you should:
- Identify what you want to get out of the meeting
- Research the professional at his/her company
- Research the industry
- Review your experiences, interests, and skills
- Practice your introduction
- Develop a list of questions
If the meeting will be in person, be sure to arrive a few minutes early and dress in appropriate attire for the industry/venue. If the meeting will be virtual or over the phone, be sure to identify a quiet space with a strong internet connection. Be mindful of their time and keep the conversation within the stated time frame.
Always send a follow-up email to thank them for their time and share any specific insight that was helpful. Keep them updated on your progress, and follow up on any next steps.