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Who We Serve

Undergraduate Students

We support undergraduate students enrolled full-time in Blair School of Music, College of Arts and Science, Peabody College, and School of Engineering.

Graduate Students

We support the non-academic career exploration and planning of graduate students in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences disciplines.

Doctoral students who are affiliated with VUMC or the School of Medicine are supported by The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET).

  • Humanities & Social Sciences

    Graduate School

    • Anthropology PhD
    • Creative Writing MFA
    • Economics MA; PhD
    • English MFA; PhD
    • French PhD
    • German Studies PhD
    • History MA; PhD
    • History of Art and Architecture 4+1 BA/MA
    • Latin American Studies MA
    • Law and Economics JD, PhD
    • Liberal Arts and Science MA
    • Philosophy 4+1 BA/MA; PhD
    • Political Science 4+1 BA/MA; PhD
    • Psychology 4+1 BA/MA
    • Religion MA; PhD
    • Sociology PhD
    • Spanish MA; PhD
    • Spanish and Portuguese MA; PhD

    Peabody School Degrees

    • Community Research and Action (HOD) PhD
    • Leadership and Policy Studies (K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy) PhD
    • Leadership and Policy Studies (Higher Education Leadership and Policy) PhD
    • Special Education PhD (Early Childhood Special Education PhD; High Incidence Disabilities PhD; Severe Disabilities PhD; Visual Impairments PhD)
    • Learning, Teaching & Diversity PhD (Language, Literacy, and Culture; Justice and Diversity in Education; Mathematics and Science Education; Learning and Design)
  • STEM

    Graduate School  

    • Astrophysics PhD 
    • Biostatistics MS; PhD 
    • Chemistry PhD 
    • Earth and Environmental Sciences MS; PhD 
    • Interdisciplinary Materials Science PhD 
    • Mathematics MA; PhD 
    • Medicine, Health, and Society MA 
    • Neuroscience JD, PhD
    • Physics MA/MS; PhD 

    Engineering School Degrees 

    • Biomedical Engineering MS; PhD 
    • Chemical Engineering MS; PhD 
    • Civil Engineering MS; PhD 
    • Computer Science MS; PhD 
    • Electrical Engineering MS; PhD 
    • Environmental Engineering MS; PhD 
    • Mechanical Engineering MS; PhD 

    Peabody School Degrees 

    Psychology (joint program with the College of Arts & Science) 

    • Psychological Sciences (Clinical Science) PhD 
    • Psychological Sciences (Cognitive Neuroscience) PhD 
    • Psychological Sciences (Developmental Science) PhD 
    • Psychological Sciences (Neuroscience) PhD 
    • Psychological Sciences (Quantitative Methods) PhD 

Post Doctoral Fellows

We support the non-academic career exploration and planning of postdoctoral fellows in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences disciplines.

Postdoctoral fellows who are affiliated with VUMC or the School of Medicine are supported by The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET).

Alumni

We are proud to support undergraduate and graduate alumni 0–2 years after graduation.

Additional Support

For graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, we support preparation for career-related opportunities outside of academia. Assistance preparing materials for the academic job market should be obtained from graduate students’ and fellows’ departments (academic advisors, PIs, mentors, and committee members).

Our Expertise

Visit the Career Center to Gain Clarity About:

  • Handshake and numerous other online resources
  • Networking
  • Career & Major Exploration
  • Graduate & Professional School Advising
  • Interview Prep
  • Job & Internship Search
  • CVs, Resumes, & Cover Letters
  • Professional Social Media & Online Portfolios
  • Negotiations
  • Scholarship & Fellowship Opportunities

Drop-in Hours

Are you looking to learn more about the Career Center, have your application materials reviewed, or have general questions about getting started in your internship or job search? Come by and see us!

General drop-in hours are below. Undergraduate students can also attend Vandy In drop-in hours, see individual Vandy In pages for more details.

Note: Drop-ins are not held when classes are not in session (holiday breaks, exam days, inclement weather, etc).

Hours For Students and Scholars

No undergraduate drop-ins on Thursday, August 29th, due to the Career Center Kickoff event.

No undergraduate or graduate drop-ins from Monday, September 23rd to Friday, September 27th, due to Commodore Career Week.

Beginning August 26th, below is the drop-in schedule for the undergraduate coaching team:

  • Monday – Career Center
    11am – 3pm
  • Tuesday – Career Center
    11am – 3pm
  • Thursday – Virtual (See Handshake for details)
    10am – 2pm

*Also open to alumni 0 – 2 years postgrad

Schedule a Coaching Appointment

Login to Handshake to schedule an appointment to discuss your specific goals and gain clarity from one of our career coaches.

Students and postdocs should visit our office during drop-in hours for resume & cover letter reviews.

Reserve an Interview Room

Perfect for virtual interviews and presentations, the Career Center is excited to offer interview rooms for students and scholars. Rooms are available on the following times:

  • Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Click here to reserve one.

Big Interview

Big Interview is an AI-powered tool provided by the Vanderbilt Career Center to help Commodores excel in interviews. It offers 24/7 interactive interview prep, including:

  • Mock interviews for all experience levels and industries
  • Thousands of interview questions with tips
  • The ability to rate and share your answers

Plus, with ResumeAI, you can receive instant feedback on your resume's readability, credibility, and ATS fit. 

To register, visit Big Interview and log in with your Vanderbilt SSO. You can watch an overview of Big Interview here.

Note: The Vanderbilt Career Center recommends using ResumeAI to score your resume before coming in for drop-ins. ResumeAI is not a substitute for an in-person resume review; it's important to use your own judgment and discretion when incorporating AI advice into your interview preparation and resume creation. However, this resource can help you better understand what aspects of your resume may need attention and how to practice for an interview.

Handshake

Handshake is the Career Center’s online resource where you can learn about and connect to professional opportunities on and off-campus. You can search for internship and job opportunities in different industries, find Career Center events, and much more! Vanderbilt undergraduate and graduate students have access to Handshake. Alumni have access for up to four years after graduation.

Student Organization Support

Are you part of a student organization and you have an upcoming event that you need help with? Let’s talk about how we can make that possible. We look for intentional ways to support your student organization from presentations to sharing of professional resources to monetary support. Complete this form to get started.

Application Materials

Resumes & CVs

Resumes and CVs are an important aspect of a successful job search and will often determine whether you will receive a call for an interview.

A general resume can be submitted for any position but we recommend you arrange your information so it is targeted to a particular job or industry. Some industries prefer information presented in a specific format, so you should research the job, company, or industry before you begin writing your resume.

Once your resume or CV is complete, you can begin applying for internships and jobs. Before you can apply to any positions in Handshake, you will need to have a resume uploaded to the system.

To help you get started, here are examples and checklists:

Cover Letters

Cover letters should be customized for each position to which you are applying, using the job description and the information you have collected about the company as a guide for how to draft your letter.

  • Cover Letter Outline

    There are four main sections of a cover letter: SalutationIntroductionBody, and Closing:

    Salutation: Addressing the Right Contact

    Although many internships and job postings do not list a contact name, it is very important that you try to identify the specific individual to whom you should address your cover letter. Unless the posting indicates “No Phone Calls Please” you should phone the company, explain the purpose of your call, and ask for the name and title of the hiring manager.

    If you are unable to contact the company directly you can conduct a Google or LinkedIn search, or ask your family and friends if they know anyone at the organization who can help you uncover the hiring manager’s information.

    As a last resort, if you are unable to confirm the name of the hiring manager, you can use address your letter simply to “Hiring Manager.”

    Introduction: State the Purpose of the Letter

    • Your introduction must state both the purpose of your letter and grab the attention of the reader.
    • State the specific position for which you are applying, or identify the field in which you are seeking employment.
    • Grab the reader’s attention by stating achievements that the reader would find interesting or by mentioning a mutual acquaintance’s or friend’s name if appropriate.

    Body: Express Interest and Sell Yourself

    • Express your motivation for applying or inquiring.
    • State your compatibility with the company/job description without simply rehashing your resume.
    • Give specifics about what interests you in the job/organization and show how your experiences and skills fit the qualifications requested.
    • Identify two or three of your “key selling points” that are related to the opening or organization and that set you apart from other candidates.

    Closing: Express Intentions and Thanks

    • State when you will make contact concerning an interview.
    • Include your phone number and email address.
    • Thank the reader for their time and interest.
    • Close with “Sincerely,” “Cordially,” or “Respectfully.”
    • Include “Enclosure” or “Attachment” at the bottom if you are sending any other information, such as your resume.
  • Undergraduate Student Examples

Thank You Notes

A thank you note or email is an essential component of the interview process, whether for a job or internship, graduate school interview, or even an informational interview. This simple gesture can speak volumes about your interest and your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. As a job candidate, you should view the thank you note as yet another opportunity to show an interviewer what a great fit you would be with their organization or program.

The traditional thank you note takes the form of a handwritten letter, but the modern form is through email. If your handwriting is legible, then this gesture can add a touch of personalization to your correspondence. If your handwriting is poor, however, a typed letter is perfectly acceptable. Select neutral paper or note cards, such as white or cream, and avoid colored paper and cutesy graphics or greetings.

Ultimately, you may want to make your decision on what method to use based on how formally your interview was conducted. If your first impression felt strictly formal, then a typed letter may be more appropriate; if the atmosphere was more informal, a hand-written note or email may work better.

It is important to email a thank you note to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Many applicant decisions or second-round interviews will be made quickly; emailing a thank you note will reaffirm your interest in the position.

  • General Tips for Thank You Notes
    • Ask for your interviewers’ business cards, or write down the interviewers’ titles and the proper spelling of their names before leaving the interview site.
    • Be sure to write and send your note within 48 hours of the meeting (or within 24 hours after an on-campus interview).
    • Remember to be genuine when writing a thank you note. Keep handwritten notes/letters to one page or less and emails to around three to four paragraphs.
    • If multiple people interviewed you, send a personalized thank you letter to each and mention something specific you discussed with them.  Be sure to include some key points that you believe the employer should remember about you.
    • Conclude the thank you note by reiterating how interested you are in the position/program and why.
    • Regardless of the correspondence method chosen, spelling, grammar, and punctuation matter. Proofread carefully!

Interviewing and Attire

An interview is simply an exchange of information between a candidate and someone who can make a hiring decision. While interviews are usually formal, you are interviewing any time you meet someone who can influence whether you advance in the search process.

Interviewing is typically one of the last stages of a job search; it is also one of the most important. All of the other steps of your search process lead up to the interview. This is where it all comes together – the opportunities you discovered, your research, resume and cover letter preparation, and your conversations with networking contacts.

  • Types of Interviews

    Interviewing styles vary from employer to employer and from interviewer to interviewer. To better prepare for an interview, you should be familiar with the different types of interviews that you may encounter.

    • Behavioral Interview. This interview is based on the idea that your past behavior is useful in predicting future performance. Typical questions center on how you have handled past situations where skills, abilities, and teamwork have been demonstrated. Topics could include project work, relevant work experiences, difficult situations, accomplishments and leadership roles. The questions usually begin with, “Tell me about a time when you… ?”
    • Case Interview. This interview is the favorite format of consulting firms. Typically, you will be given a scenario and asked to identify the problem and a resolution in order to assess your mental acuity. Take your time and be creative – but if you realize your first solution won’t work, back out of it and try again.
    • Group Interview. A group interview could involve several people taking turns asking questions or presenting scenarios for you to answer or solve. It may be structured as a group discussion that can help determine how you interact with potential colleagues.
    • Meal Interview. This is the scariest of all interviews, with many pitfalls for the unwary! Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a social occasion for you to delve into your personal life. You are not being taken to eat because the interviewer wants to become better acquainted; he or she is testing you to see if you listened when your mom taught you social graces and table manners. Have a snack before the meal since you will be busy answering questions and promoting your accomplishments.
    • Phone Interview. This interview is sometimes used as a screening interview if you are located a long distance from the employer. These interviews are often used to decide whether you should be considered for an on-site interview. Occasionally, students seeking internships and summer jobs have been interviewed and hired using this method alone.
    • Screening Interview. The goal of this type of interview is to get the facts from you by identifying relevant skills and abilities while verifying the resume and looking for a solid potential employee. It usually lasts less than one hour and, depending on the employer and location, can take the form of an on-campus, site visit, video or telephone interview.
    • Stress Interview. This format may involve the interviewer posing rapid-firing questions, and he or she may seem angry, may use harsh tones, or contradict and challenge everything you say. You are being tested on how you respond to pressure. Do not take it personally; rise to the challenge and respond like the cool-headed professional you are becoming.
    • Team Interview. The purpose of this interview is to see how you perform on a team. You will be observed as teams are developed, and projects distributed to test each team member. To emerge as a leader and a good team player, take time to receive ideas and suggestions as much as you give them. The worst thing you can do is to sit in silence and not participate.
    • Technical Interview. This format is used by employers recruiting for engineering, science or IT positions. The activities or questions (e.g., brainteasers, coding challenge, etc.) are designed to gauge if your understanding of technical concepts and problem-solving abilities align well with the scope of the position.
    • Video Interview. Video conferencing equipment is used by employers to conduct screening, behavioral and other types of interviews. The following are tips to help you prepare for this type of interview:
      • Treat a video interview as seriously as any other type of interview.
      • Dark clothing is best suited to a video interview.
      • Speak clearly and slowly, as the sound system is powerful enough to pick up regular conversations.
      • Allow the interviewer to finish speaking before beginning a response.
      • Smile and follow basic rules of interviewing etiquette.
  • So How Do I Prepare for the Interview?

    Before the interview, prepare by reviewing the research you gathered, the job description, your resume and cover letter, and any information the organization may have provided. Try to determine the type of questions the interviewer may ask.

    Pay close attention to the skills and experience they are seeking and match it to your experiences that demonstrate these abilities in a positive way. Take some time to reflect on skills, experience, successes, strengths, and weaknesses, and most importantly why you want their specific opportunity and how you can help them fulfill their needs.

    We have all heard the saying, “practice makes perfect.” This is certainly the case with interviewing. You can practice interviewing by having a friend role-play an interview with you, or scheduling an appointment for a mock-interview with one of our coaches. Also, make sure to review all the information on this page.

  • Types of Questions

    Commonly Asked Interview Questions

    • Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
    • What do you consider to be your greatest strength? Weakness?
    • How do you think a friend, classmate, or professor who knows you well would describe you?
    • Why should I hire you?
    • What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in this job?
    • In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
    • What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
    • Do you have plans for continued study?
    • In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
    • Why did you decide to seek a position with our organization?

    By carefully constructing your answers to these questions, you should be better prepared for the interview. Take as much time as you can and start early. The longer you practice your answers, the more polished your answers will become.

    Questions to Ask During an Interview

    Prepare a list of well-researched questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. Keep in mind that your questions should reflect the amount of research you have done, rather than your lack of research.

    The questions below are guidelines. Create and adapt the questions to meet your individual needs and interview situation.

    • Which parts of the job are most challenging?
    • What do you enjoy most about your job? Least?
    • What activities are routinely performed in this job?
    • What other departments/divisions do you interact with the most?
    • How much travel is involved and where?
    • How are new product teams formed?
    • Where will the position be located?
    • Will relocation be required in the future? To where?
    • What is the length of the training program/period?
    • What is the average time to move within this particular career path?

    Behavioral Interview Questions

    The concept behind behavioral interviews lies in the notion that your past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Interviewers ask for specific examples of specific events in order to draw a conclusion as to how you would perform in a similar situation. The questions are more probing than those in traditional interviews and discourage vague, canned or hypothetical answers. The interviewer determines the capabilities and traits that are necessary for success in a position and then asks questions that are designed to determine whether or not the candidate has the ability based on specific past experiences.

    • Give an example of a time when you could not participate in a discussion or could not finish a task because you did not have enough information.
    • Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.
    • Tell me about a time when you had to use your verbal communication skills in order to get a point across that was important to you.
    • Describe a situation where you felt it necessary to be attentive and vigilant to your environment.
    • Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to gain the information needed to solve a problem. Then tell me how you analyzed the information and came to a decision.
    • Give me an example of an important goal you had set and tell me about your progress in reaching it.
    • Describe the most significant written document, report or presentation that you’ve completed.
    • Give me an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get the job done.
    • Describe a time when you felt it was necessary to modify or change your actions in order to respond to the needs of another person.
    • What did you do in a project or class to contribute toward a teamwork environment? Be specific.

    CAR Method. Using the CAR (Challenge-Action-Results) method provides you with a framework to use when responding to behavioral interview questions.

    • Challenge: Give an example of a situation in which you were involved that resulted in a positive outcome.
    • Action: Talk about the various actions involved in achieving the outcome.
    • Results: What results directly followed because of your actions? Before the interview process, identify two or three of your top-selling points and determine how you will convey these points (with demonstrated CAR stories) during the interview.

    It is helpful to frame your answer as a story that you can tell. Typically, the interviewer will pick apart the story to try to get at the specific behavior(s) they seek. They refer to this as “digging a well.” The interviewer will sometimes ask you open-ended questions to allow you to choose which examples you wish to use. When a part of your story relates to a skill or experience the interviewer wishes to explore further, he/she will then ask you very specific follow-up questions regarding your behavior. These can include “What were you thinking at that point?” or “Tell me more about your meeting with that person,” or “Lead me through your decision process.”

    Be prepared to provide examples of when results didn’t turn out as you planned. What did you do then? What did you learn? Your resume will serve as a good guide when answering these questions. Refresh your memory regarding your achievements in the past couple of years. Use examples from past internships, classes, activities, team involvements, community service, and work experience to demonstrate desired behaviors.

    Example of a CAR Answer:

    • Challenge: During my internship last summer, I was responsible for managing various student activity events. I noticed that attendance at these events had dropped by thirty percent over the past three years and wanted to do something to improve these numbers.
    • Action: I designed a new promotional packet to go out to students, which included an assessment form to collect student feedback and suggestions for future events.
    • Result: We used some of the wonderful ideas we received from students and raised attendance back up to previous levels.

    Improper or Illegal Interview Questions

    If you believe you have been asked an improper or illegal question at any time in the interview process, do not accuse the interviewer but do bring your concern to the Career Center. In this way, the issue can be addressed without harming your job prospects. Illegal interview questions include the following:

    • Age
    • Sexual Orientation
    • Disabilities
    • Marital/family status
    • National origin

    If you are asked an illegal question, you have three options:

    • You can answer the question.
    • You can refuse to answer the question; unfortunately, this may harm your chances of getting the job.
    • You can ask the intent of the question and answer as you see fit.
  • What Should I Wear?

    A polished appearance creates a positive first impression and allows the employer to focus on your qualifications without distraction. Research on interviewing suggests that approximately 80 percent of hiring decisions are determined within the first few moments of meeting a candidate.

    You should invest in modest attire with industry-appropriate colors and designs that convey confidence and professionalism. Plan ahead! Don’t wait until the night before your 8:00 a.m. interview to verify that the clothing you plan to wear fits and is appropriate!

    • Clothing should fit well and be clean and pressed. Shoes should be polished and in good condition with any scuff marks removed.
    • A suit, in black, navy or gray, is always the best (and safest) choice.
    • Deodorant is a must, but it’s best to avoid cologne, perfume, or body sprays.
    • Keep interview accessories professional. Take a briefcase or a nice leather- or vinyl-bound portfolio to carry your resume, references, or other pertinent documents. Leave tattered manila folders or college logo folders at home.
    • Turn off your cell phone and place it, along with your watch, in your jacket pocket or handbag once you make it to the front door so that you’re not tempted to look at them before or during the interview.
    • Do NOT bring backpacks, gum, iPods, coffee, or soda into your interview. Avoid putting keys or coins in your pocket. This ensures they will not rattle when you walk or cause your pocket to bulge.

    Check out our Pinterest page for examples of business professional and business casual attire.

Professional Photo Booth

Professional headshots are a must-have for any LinkedIn account, but they can also be used in email signatures, presentations, and personal websites. The problem is finding the time, resources, and even the courage to get a professional headshot taken. That’s why the Career Center is proud to present our free, self-service photo booth. Just step inside, pose, and share!

Located in the Student Life Center, this resource is free and available to the entire Vanderbilt community. The photo booth is available for use anytime the Student Life Center is open. Check out this flyer for more details!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using the photo booth:

  1. Dress appropriate to the position or industry you are pursuing, and style your hair, attire, and makeup as you would if you were meeting an employer for an interview.
  2. Make sure the camera is eye-level.
  3. Smile!
  4. Review the photos taken and select the best of the bunch to upload to LinkedIn or other social media profiles.

Networking

Networking is a critical component of an effective job search. From friends and alumni to potential employers there are many avenues available to grow your network. Many students are already networking, they just don’t know that’s what it is called! Check out all of our Networking Tips!

  • Meeting People

    Ready to build your network?  Potential connections are closer than you think. Here are the steps to identifying and approaching people who can provide valuable career insights and potential opportunities.

    Make a Strong Introduction

    Your networking efforts will involve introducing yourself to many types of people. To ensure that you are efficient and confident in your initial approach, it would be wise to develop an introduction that you feel good about.

    • Who are you? Introduce yourself and begin to tell your story. Indicate your school and major or concentration. Include whether you have worked on any academic projects related to the field.
    • What sets you apart? Mention internships, work or volunteer experience and two to three unique skills or accomplishments.
    • What are you seeking? Help contacts help you. For example, freshmen might be looking for insight into the field, sophomores, and juniors an internship and seniors a full-time job.

    Begin to Tell Your Story

    Start with a quick introduction. Throughout your career, you will need to tell your story in a variety of ways. Imagine that you were in an elevator with a recruiter and had only 30 seconds between floors to sell yourself, what would you say? You never know when a networking opportunity may arise, so develop this “elevator pitch” based on your introductory essentials. It will be invaluable during career fairs and other large-scale networking events, but will also come in handy during early conversations with a new contact.

    Prepare to Connect. Now that you have developed and practiced a solid introduction, there are several ways to connect with people. Make the most of the resources available to you as a Vanderbilt student in the form of our powerful and passionate alumni network.

    Connect With:

    • Vanderbilt Alumni
    • Potential Employers
    • Family & Friends
    • Professional Associations
  • Networking Techniques

    There are proven ways to effectively make professional connections, both online and in person. The good thing about the in-person part? It gets you comfortable with one-on-one communication, which will come in handy when it comes time to interview. To help you navigate, we have collected helpful information on how to connect.

    Initial Outreach to New Contacts

    When approaching new contacts, it is important to be respectful of their time.

    • Start with email. Since most professionals are quite busy, email is the preferred mode for initial contact in most cases.
    • Be clear. Always indicate how you obtained the individual’s information. Mention your interest in learning about their profession or organization. In your subject, include how you were referred. In the body, ask if they have time to speak to you by email, phone or in person.
    • Lend context. Provide a brief overview of your background so that a new contact can best tailor their advice. Do not attach your resume unless you are asked for it.
    • Arrange an in-person meeting. See if you can meet at the contact’s place of employment, so you can do on-the-ground research.

    Social Media for Networking

    Nowadays, just about every individual and organization has a social presence. This makes it a powerful resource for career and network development. While your previous use of social media may have been more — well, social — in nature, that is only the beginning of what these platforms have to offer.

    • Join LinkedIn. From alumni search tools to networking among professionals, LinkedIn provides numerous tools for young professionals.
    • Build your network as you go. Fellow students, professors, family, friends, and others can be valuable connections down the road.
    • Find organizations you are interested in. With minimal effort, you can learn a great deal about an organization’s products, services, news, and culture.
    • Identify thought leaders. Analyze the topics and trends. Follow them and make an effort to connect. Be sure you are clear on why you are reaching out.
    • Put Your Best Foot Forward. If a potential employer or new connection visited your Facebook page, would you be happy with what they found? Keep your profile and interactions professional. That means it may be time for an upgrade or the removal of certain posts or photos. When connecting with someone you have not met personally, your profile will shape their early impressions.

    Networking Events

    While powerful connections are often formed on a one-to-one basis, there are many events at the university and beyond that offer fast-track access to numerous potential contacts. From attending career fairs to exploring industry gatherings, putting yourself out there is a smart career strategy.

    Understand the Format. Your self-presentation style at networking events should be professional. While there may be instances where a slightly more casual approach is appropriate — such as a student meeting — you want to be remembered for your career-oriented style.

    • Dress professionally. Not sure what “business casual” means? Err formal.
    • Research first. Before networking events, look into organizations and fields of interest. This drives productive conversations and can impress new contacts.
    • Stay in touch. Gather contact information to follow up on later. Ideally, mention something you learned from them to establish a connection when you do.

    Start with Vanderbilt. We sponsor events throughout the year, from behind-the-scenes alumni career presentations to networking events. Student groups related to your interests can connect you with other Vanderbilt students as well. Part of planning your career is defining what interests and motivates you.

    Expand your search. From company-sponsored meet-ups for young professionals to large conferences and events for specific industries, attend events that connect to your interests. Many conferences have student rates.

  • Informational Interviewing

    A great way to find out if you would like a particular career field or job is to ask someone who is already doing that type of work. Speaking with an industry professional and asking about his or her job or industry can provide you with an insider’s perspective, a stronger network, and can sometimes lead to tips about job opportunities.

    An informational interview is simply talking with professionals who are currently in occupations or industries you are considering to gain information and insights. This information can be used in choosing a major, exploring career options, or preparing for a summer or professional job search. Be clear with yourself and the professional you are interviewing that the purpose of the interview is not to request a job or internship.

    Informational interviews are an important part of career preparation and a good supplement to your academic knowledge because they can provide:

    • Real-world information about careers
    • Suggestions on how to use your college years to gain experience and prepare for the job search
    • A network of contacts for your job/internship search
    • Insights into what employers look for in candidates
    • An avenue to explore potential job search questions like: “Why did you choose this field?” or “What are your skills for this job?”

    Identifying People to Contact

    Informational interviews can be conducted with people you already know or with professionals referred to you through informal contacts such as faculty, family, friends, alumni, professional associations, and Career Center staff. LinkedIn and VUConnect, Vanderbilt’s online database of alumni, are excellent tools for researching potential contacts for informational interviews.

    Preparing for the Interview

    To arrange for an informational interview, contact individuals at least one week ahead of time by email to arrange an appointment. The interview can be conducted in person or by phone, but let the interviewee make that decision. Ask the interviewee for about 20 minutes of their time and always clarify your objective − that you are seeking information rather than a job or internship.

    Prepare your questions ahead of time. After researching the interviewee’s particular job and field, you should be able to develop specific questions. Having them in writing and taking some notes is fine.

    Sample Questions:

    • How did you get into this career field?
    • What do you enjoy most about working in this field? What challenges do you face?
    • What are the most important skills/characteristics one needs to be successful in this profession/field?
    • Would you describe your career path?
    • What do you advise I do while I am enrolled at Vanderbilt to be prepared to enter this field/profession?
    • What do you wish you had known while you were still in college?
    • What are the most typical entry-level jobs in your industry/with your company?
    • What do you look for in entry-level candidates?
    • How do you see your profession/field changing in the future?
    • How will these changes impact job opportunities in this profession/field?
    • If you had it to do all over again, what might you do differently?
    • What professional association affiliations do you find most valuable and why?
    • What advice do you have for someone like me considering a career in this profession/field?
    • Would it be okay if I contacted you periodically to get your advice on my career?

    It’s good to have a list of questions, but don’t just conduct your info interview by going through the questions. Listen carefully and respond to what the person is sharing.  Ask deeper, follow up questions.  Your goal is to connect via a conversation rather than to ask every question on your list.

    Be prepared, punctual, and stay on track. The person you're interviewing is giving their time, so make the most of it. Since you initiated the contact, guide the interview smoothly. Most people enjoy discussing their careers and offering advice.

    After the Interview

    Immediately following the meeting, take some time for reflection.  Ask yourself the following:

    • Did I get answers to questions I needed to have clarified?
    • What new questions do I have?
    • Am I more interested in this career field now that I’ve spoken with an industry professional? Why or why not?
    • What’s attractive about this career field and how does it align with my strengths?
    • What gaps do I need to fill in order to be a successful candidate for an internship or FT role in this industry?
    • What strengths and skills did the person have that I need or want to develop?
    • What ideas for career development strategies did I obtain?
    • Do I need to talk with more people to obtain additional perspectives?

    Send a Thank You Note. The most important follow-up to the meeting should be a thank you email to the individual for his/her time and assistance. Some students choose to write a handwritten note and send it via snail mail.  Either is appropriate.  Just be sure to send a follow-up email promptly.  Keep a record of the people you connect with since they are now part of your network and you may want to contact them later for additional advice.

  • Mindset

    Networking is one of the most powerful tools in career and professional development yet is one of the most overused and misunderstood words in our language. For many Vanderbilt students, it is a mysterious and daunting process. In addition to learning the ABC’s of networking, it can be helpful to understand the role mindset plays in building a robust professional network.

  • Resources

    Below are some articles that can help demystify the world of networking and help you move into a more positive mindset. In addition to reading articles like these, you can meet with a career coach to discuss your concerns related to networking and develop a personalized action!