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.
Learn from Arizona Alumni
SECD in partnership with the Alumni Association presents Wildcats@Work Virtual Meetups, a virtual panel, and a meet-and-greet with alumni and guests from a specific Career Cluster. Beginning on Wednesday, September 8 from 3 -4 PM and continuing each Wednesday after, students will have the opportunity to learn how each alumni speaker found their way into their career. There will be time set aside to meet the panelists in breakout rooms for small group discussion.
In Partnership with:
Additional Resources
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!