You have an informational interview coming up in Civil Engineering Design. What’s the best way to prepare?

1 Research the person and the company

Before the interview, do some background research on the person you will be talking to and the company they work for. Find out what projects they have been involved in, what skills and tools they use, and what challenges and opportunities they face. This will help you tailor your questions, show your interest, and avoid asking obvious or irrelevant things.

2 Prepare your questions

An informational interview is an opportunity to learn from someone with the experience and knowledge you want to gain. To make the most of it, you should prepare open-ended questions that will encourage them to share their insights, advice, and stories. For example, you could ask them how they got started in Civil Engineering Design, what the most rewarding and challenging aspects of their work are, what trends and innovations are currently occurring in their field, how they balance creativity and technicality in their designs, what skills and tools are essential for Civil Engineering Designers, how they collaborate with other engineers, architects, contractors, and clients, what professional associations or resources they recommend for Civil Engineering Designers, how they keep their skills and knowledge updated in their field, and what career paths or opportunities are available for Civil Engineering Designers.

3 Practice your introduction and elevator pitch

An informational interview is also an opportunity to introduce yourself and showcase your enthusiasm and curiosity. You should practice a brief introduction that covers who you are, what you are studying or doing, why you are interested in Civil Engineering Design, and how you found the person you are interviewing. You should also prepare a short elevator pitch that summarizes your skills, strengths, goals, and value proposition for Civil Engineering Design. This will help you make a positive impression and establish rapport.

4 Dress professionally and be punctual

Even though an informational interview is not a formal job interview, you should still dress professionally and be punctual. This shows respect and professionalism, and creates a good first impression. You should also bring a copy of your resume, a notebook and a pen, and some business cards if you have them. You might not need to use them, but it is better to be prepared than to miss an opportunity.

5 Follow up and stay in touch

After the interview, you should send a thank-you note to the person you interviewed within 24 hours. Express your gratitude, highlight what you learned, and restate your interest in Civil Engineering Design. You should also ask if you can stay in touch and if they have any referrals or suggestions for other people you can talk to. This will help you build a lasting relationship and expand your network.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?