Lunch and Learn: Preparing for an Informational Interview

Registration

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Overview

Whether you're choosing a thesis lab, seeking research collaborators, exploring careers, or applying for jobs, informational interview (also known as "coffee chats") are an essential way to get information, identify mentors, and find opportunities.

In this working lunch, you'll have protected time to prepare for an informational interview. Using our guide, you'll reflect on your goals and consider who would be helpful to talk to. Then you can develop the specific questions you'd like to ask. Once you're prepared, you can write your invitation and send it off! We'll provide templates, examples, live troubleshooting, and lunch.

To get the most out of this session, please bring the name of a person (or two!) who you are interested in conducting an informational interview with. If you'd like some help finding someone, you can book a 1:1 appointment or drop by an Office Hours to discuss your needs with us.

Format

This working lunch will take place in-person at Mission bay. We won't be presenting slides, instead we're offering time, space, and guidance for you to prepare for an informational interview. Using our new guide, you'll be able to work at your own pace, prepare in the way that works best for you, and ask questions as they come up.

Facilitators

David Blancha, PhD - Assistant Director, Career & Professional Development for PhDs, Office of Career and Professional Development

Ray Care, PhD - Program Director, Career & Professional Development for PhDs, Office of Career and Professional Development


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 welcomes all participants to our events. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event because of a disability, please contact Trish McGrath at [email protected] as soon as possible.


 

Upcoming Events

CPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date:
Time: 4 - 5 p.m. PT

Networking Strategically: Informational Interviews

Date:
Time: 12 - 1:30 p.m. PT

Lunch and Learn: Preparing for an Informational Interview

Date:
Time: 12 - 1 p.m. PT