Connect with Professionals
Why meet with professionals when exploring careers?
Choosing a career can be exciting and challenging. You can read everything you can about a specific career but you can never really know everything – unless you talk with a professional working in that job role, company, or industry. You can talk with people you know, reach out to alumni from your university or meet people at networking events.
These professionals become a window into an industry, company, or job role and can provide invaluable career advice. They can also help you answer questions that are not easily answered any other way, like, Is this the right job/career path for me? Or will I enjoy the company's culture?
They can also become part of your professional network, a place for advice, suggestions, and maybe, access into the "hidden job market," or jobs that never get posted, but are available at their company.
Below are some programs, events, and other resources to help you get started exploring careers by connecting with professionals.
Schedule an Informational Interview
Could you use a little motivation and guidance to build your professional network? Maybe some easy, actionable steps to make a meaningful connection with someone who has experience in a field you're interested in?
The 5 Steps to Build Your Professional Network program is for you!
In just 5 steps and a website full of resources, you'll prepare for and complete an informational interview, and have a new addition to your professional network. Informational interviews help you do two things: find answers to your employment questions and meet people in professions you are curious about or want to enter.
BY THE TIME YOU COMPLETE ALL 5 STEPS OF THIS PROGRAM, YOU WILL:
- Develop a compelling self-introduction
- Find and interview at least one professional of your interest
- Reflect on your experience and what you’ve learned
When you sign up, you will receive a series of emails containing resources and tips to expand your professional network and tap into the knowledge of experienced professionals.
Shadow a Professional in the Field
Explore an industry, organization, and/or specific job role during a one-of-a-kind opportunity to shadow professionals in the field for ONE DAY during Winter Break, Spring Break, and early Summer Break.
Depending on the nature of the company you visit, your shadow may include:
- sitting in on meetings
- facility tours
- observing daily work
- informational interviews
- or even hands-on projects
The Job Shadow Program (JSP) is a FREE but UNPAID experience. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from host sites, as well as their lunch (unless otherwise indicated) during the Job Shadow Program.
Due to health and safety precautions that have been implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person Job Shadow Program has been temporarily suspended until further notice.
Additional Resources
Explore Job Roles and Industries
Career Exploration
Each cluster provides opportunities to explore job roles and industries, common job titles and in-demand, specialized skills. You can start your exploration into UA clubs and organizations, then venture further out and discover professional organizations and job boards.
Career Support Options
Drop-in or By Appointment
We have several ways for you to get the career support you need. Whether it's a drop-in appointment or something scheduled with a peer coach or our professional staff, help is just a click away!