This program is not currently scheduled
However, you can find resources like slides and recordings under Materials at the bottom of this page. To get announcements when this program is offered next, sign up to the OCPD listserv and be sure to open emails from "UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development"
Overview
Most of us find it daunting to reach out to a stranger; but most potential mentors start as people you don’t know yet. Whether you’re choosing a thesis lab, seeking research collaborators, exploring careers, or applying for jobs, “coffee chats” (also known as “informational interviews”) are an essential way to find mentors and opportunities.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward protocol you can follow. We’ll walk you through how to contact people, ask to talk, and use a 30-minute conversation as the foundation for future mentorship and opportunities. We’ll provide templates, examples, and an opportunity to troubleshoot your first “invitation to connect.” You’ll also hear from a student leader about their experience with some common challenges of conducting coffee chats.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Describe the protocol for setting up a coffee chat with a potential mentor
- Write an “invitation to connect” that is likely to get a positive response
- Prepare questions for an informational interview
- Identify steps you can take to ensure a productive conversation
Format
This workshop will take place on Zoom. You'll be able to reflect, write, and ask questions during the session. Anonymous sharing will take place using PollEverywhere.
Speaker
Ray Care, PhD - Program Director, Career & Professional Development for PhDs, Office of Career and Professional Development
Materials
A note about our virtual events: We would like to welcome you, as and where you are, to our virtual events. If there are times you just don’t want to be on camera, feel free to attend this event with your camera and mic off. If you prefer to switch on your camera and participate that’s great too. And if this event just won’t work for you please remember you can always make an appointment with us at any time.
UCSF is committed to making its facilities, activities and events accessible. To request accommodations for this event, please contact Trish McGrath ([email protected]) at the Office of Career and Professional Development at least one week before the event.
