#Informational Interviewing

Tag: #Informational Interviewing

Navigating Grad School: Advice and Experiences from Lawrence Alumna Shreeya Tilva

For many college students, graduate school can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Questions about applications, funding, choosing programs, and balancing responsibilities often make the process seem complicated. To better understand what graduate school looks like in reality, I spoke with Shreeya Tilva, a Lawrence University alumna currently pursuing an MSc. in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Rice University.

Industrial Organizational Psychology focuses on understanding workplace behavior, specifically, how organizations can help employees work more efficiently while also keeping them motivated and satisfied. Through her graduate experience, Shreeya has gained valuable insight into the application process, academic life, and financial realities of grad school.

One of the biggest pieces of advice Shreeya shared was the importance of starting early. According to her, students should ideally begin preparing for graduate school applications during the summer before their senior year. Since Lawrence is academically demanding and students often juggle multiple commitments during the school year, starting early can significantly reduce stress later on.

Before even beginning applications, she emphasized the need to decide whether you want to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD. Understanding your long-term academic and career goals helps narrow down programs and makes the application process more focused. In addition, students should think carefully about the location where they want to study, since the environment, opportunities, and lifestyle can all shape the graduate school experience.

When it comes to applications, Shreeya recommends applying to at least ten to twelve universities. She suggests creating a balanced list that includes top-choice schools alongside safer options to increase the chances of acceptance. Having multiple options can also provide flexibility when comparing financial aid packages and opportunities.

Shreeya also stressed the importance of completing Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and personal statements during the summer. Writing these documents takes far more time than many students initially expect. She explained that students should not worry if their first draft does not feel strong, as it is completely normal. Instead, she encourages students to seek feedback from advisors, professors, and mentors to continuously improve their essays.

Another key point she highlighted is that an SOP or personal statement should not simply repeat what is already listed on a CV or resume. Rather than listing accomplishments again, students should focus on discussing the outcomes of their experiences, the impact of their work, and how those experiences connect to their future goals and applications.

Financing graduate school is another challenge many students worry about. Shreeya explained that master’s programs may not always fully cover educational expenses, but there are several ways students can manage costs. She encouraged students to explore Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), and Graduate Assistant (GA) opportunities, which can provide financial support and valuable professional experience.

As an international student herself, Shreeya balances both internships and on-campus employment. She shared that international students can work up to 20 hours through internships and another 20 hours on campus, allowing them to support themselves while gaining practical experience. She also encouraged students to actively search for scholarships and university aid opportunities.

While graduate school can be hectic and demanding, Shreeya believes that proper planning and early preparation make a major difference. Her experiences highlight an important message for students considering graduate school: start early, stay organized, seek guidance, and trust that improvement comes through the process.

For students preparing for life after Lawrence, Shreeya’s journey serves as both a practical guide and a reminder that graduate school is achievable with thoughtful preparation and persistence.

Computer & Data Science double major, and Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn

There’s No Right Path to Arts Administration: Informational Interview with Kathryn Reinardy ’05

In the Fall of this academic year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kathryn Reinardy ‘05, the current Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. 

Kathryn is from the Milwaukee area and graduated from Lawrence University in 2005, with a Bachelors of Arts in History. After Lawrence, she pursued a Graduate Certification in Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has been working at MSO for almost 15 years.

When asked about how she went from studying history to working in the arts, Kathryn said this job fit in between her life plans. As well, she has always loved to write and wanted to be adjacent to the arts in whatever career she ended up in. After graduation, she reached out to the Career Center and they connected her with an alum in the opera world. Reinardy also mentioned how her foundation in history really did help her in arts administration, as well as Lawrence as a whole. “The Lawrence Difference is real!” she exclaimed. She continued to describe how our liberal arts college creates strong writers, teaches adaptability, and hones in on creativity. These are all skills that go great with working with the arts. 

While in her position, Kathryn says there really isn’t a typical day at work, as each one is different. However, that’s part of what she loves about it. In her role, she doesn’t stick to one thing. She partners frequently with various departments, such as fundraising, the box office, communications, public relations, and even data. Her current position involves a lot of artistic planning, helping others in their respective positions, and providing leadership direction. 

For my fellow aspiring arts administrators, there are a few key traits that are bound to lead to success in the industry, according to Kathryn Reinardy. Having strong adaptability, critical thinking skills, curiosity, brain power, and a go-getter attitude really do make a difference. As well, it is so important to ask questions and observe, which is something LU tends to prepare its students for pretty well. Getting used to a workplace environment vs a classroom is also a crucial change to get used to, but is something once again we are capable of doing. 

So, how can we prepare to enter the world of arts administration as current college students? Well, Reinardy has some thoughts on that. Engaging in the industry can be extremely helpful. Connect with alumni in your field through the Career Center or personal investigation. There are also arts marketer groups on social media or professional arts administration organizations you can join (Jillian Johnson in the Conservatory is a great resource for this). Lastly, try different things. Don’t be afraid of something just because it is new or you’ve never tried it before. Most people who study history don’t end up working at a world-renowned symphony orchestra, but Kathryn Reinardy did and genuinely loves it.

Good luck Lawrentians!

An MM Isn’t As Scary As You Think

I had the joy of interviewing Reese Pike ‘25 about her graduate school experience.

Reese is about to finish her Masters of Music in Global Jazz at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute this June. When asked about why she wanted to continue her education, Reese stated that she always knew she wanted to pursue a Masters of Music, as it is a very common path for musicians. She always had the desire to keep music in her life and to continue one-on-one lessons to keep playing. However, during her time at Lawrence, Pike was the only jazz student who was interested in pursuing higher education. That was a bit of a road block, but she ended up applying to about 4-5 programs.

The Masters of Music in Global Jazz is a really interesting program. Reese detailed it as a one-year program that when you get in, your tuition is fully covered. In addition, the program is actually very focused on social justice, not just music. This was what made the program really stand out to Reese, as the emphasis on using you art to help others was very appealing. There are also very frequent world-renowned guest artists that students get to take lessons with and participate in masterclasses. 

One of the biggest resources for Reese Pike during this process was actually a Lawrence University alum. A guest artist came and performed a concert on campus and Pike made the effort to connect afterwards. They had the same studio professor and the alum and Reese ended up having a private lesson with him. Here, he actually helped her get a job. Reese interned at the Panama Jazz Festival. The folks who run this festival were the ones who informed her about the Global Jazz Institute. 

For this program, Pike has about 14 classes per week, including rehearsals, lessons, career advising, and masterclasses. She balances classes on music composition with ones on social activism. Said classes are typically only once a week, at about three hours long. The Lawrence Busy is something we are all familiar with, but it can get busier than that. Time management being key has been crucial for Reese during this one-year program, and for the application process.

When thinking about applying to grad school, Reese thought a lot about what she wanted to move towards. As a then five-year dual degree student in Spanish and Piano Performance with a Jazz Emphasis, she loved many things. The summer before her fourth year, Pike spent her time primarily without music, and hated it. This is when she knew that music needed to be kept in her life in a large capacity. Her fourth year was primarily spent doing her research and recording/doing prescreen auditions. She actually had to balance grad school with her senior recital and studying abroad in Chile. 

When it comes to thinking about graduate school, Reese had a few pieces of advice, the first one being that it is okay to not know what you want to do. If grad school is something you are even thinking about doing, take the time to research. Use your Lawrence community, including professors, friends, upperclassmen, or alumni. Even your professor’s professors can be great resources. There is bound to be someone in your orbit who has or wants to go down the same path as you do. It is a big decision to keep pursuing education after Lawrence. You will be doing your subject all day and every day. Realistically think if that sounds enjoyable, or not so much.  

“There is no right path”, Pike stated. It’s important to take your time and do your research. Give yourself the time to think, not cram life-changing decisions in your last term on campus. Everything will be how it is supposed to be, and that is different for every one of us. You can do it! 

Good luck Lawrentians!

Interviewing 101: Advice from Amelia Anderson ’14

I had the pleasure of interviewing Amelia Anderson ‘14 about her experience in interviewing intern candidates. While she is the current Director of the Bennett Prize and Curator of Women’s Art, this was during her time at EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). 

The first piece of advice Amelia gave was to dress nice and don’t worry about overdressing. This is seemingly simple, but it really means a lot. In an interview, first impressions matter. You get about 20 minutes at the most to impress your interviewers, and they start analyzing you from the moment you walk in. By dressing up, even if it seems to be “too much”, you make a good first impression that you’re professional and you care about the position. Simple things such as making sure your shirt has no wrinkles, making sure it’s tucked in, and swapping your flannel for a clean button up can truly make a difference.

With first impressions, handshakes also matter. Some may think of handshaking as a bit old fashioned or even not as common since Covid-19, but making sure you have a strong handshake shows confidence. Walk into the room with your head held high and radiate confidence! Going to the interview, make sure to print out a copy of your resume, or a few in case you have multiple interviewers. In theory, they should already have read your resume and/or they should have it with them during. But by you handing it to them, it shows you’re prepared. 

Anderson also added that interviewing is kind of like dating. And when you really think about it, it’s very true. First impressions are crucial and the smallest things can make you wish it was over. It’s also about finding the perfect fit, for both parties. You want to make sure as an interviewee, you ask questions. What is a typical day in this role like? What is the work culture amongst the workers? What specific attributes would make someone successful in this role? These are some of my personal favorites, as they go deeper than “how much would I be paid?” (though that is important) and you can learn a lot from the interviewers’ answers. 

Now, what questions would they want to ask you? When I asked Amelia, she had a couple really strong ones that came to mind. How do you handle stressful situations? What was a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how did you fix it? Describe a time when you feel like you failed. These questions are all about your personal responses to situations you would likely encounter at some point in your employment. They want to know if you have conflict resolution skills as well as the ability to learn and grow from mistakes. In your answer, try and focus on the result and what you learned, and how you would apply that to the specific position you’re interviewing for.

Lastly, interviewing is all about you. In my conversation with Amelia, we talked a lot about truly being yourself. You need to come off as more than just another body in the workforce. Humanize yourself. Amelia brought up talking about your interests outside of work. Think about your hobbies and the things you enjoy. Find a way to connect with the interviewer on a professional and personal level. For me, I love to get my nails done, so I always go out of my way to comment on the nails of the person talking with me. Usually then they notice mine and then we have a good two minutes of conversation. Obviously this doesn’t work for every interviewer, but something like that is good to have under your sleeve. 

Overall, interviewing can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Hopefully, Amelia Anderson’s advice eases that, even if just a little. Always remember to just be yourself and give it your all.

Joe Loehnis ’06: From Cellist to CEO

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Joe Loehnis ‘06, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. During his time at Lawrence, he majored in Cello Performance and was the captain of our golf team, also being the only golfer in LU’s history to be named to the All-American Team. Not only was he a successful golfer, but he was an outstanding musician. At the age of 16, he auditioned for the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and got in, being the youngest person to this day to be awarded a tenure position there. He has also held positions in three other orchestras as a featured soloist.

After graduation, Joe became a professional golfer for a few years, placing in the top three in several tournaments. When I asked him about how he got into arts administration, he had an interesting story about being in line for groceries in Florida, where he was competing at the time. He heard someone in front of him talking about how there were no cello teachers in the area. This was when Joe approached them and eventually started his own private cello studio, starting with 10 students and maxing out at 75. With this ambition, and with no formal business background, he became the Executive Director at The First Tee, a non profit focusing on education and health for youth through golf. After great success there, Joe was looking for a change. After working with a recruiter, they said to him, “I found your next job. You’re going to be a CEO.”

This of course was how he wound up at the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, a musical non-profit currently worth several million. Every year, the organization puts on six weeks of free and outside music making in Madison, WI, entitled Concerts on the Square. Annually, over 50,000 people show up. No one knows the value of live music more than musicians, with the CEO stating that the experience is “like a breath of fresh air”. 

When asked about what makes a good arts administrator, Joe had many things to say. Energy was a huge one. Positive personalities mixed with raw hunger and ambition is like the magic music-business potion. Not only do you need to have tenacity, but also genuine passion. Curiosity is also crucial. Coming at arts administration from the lens of a musician is a huge leg up in the industry. Joe has also described the arts as a whole as being ‘resilient and relevant’. Honestly, us aspiring arts administrators need to be like the arts. 

Another piece of advice Loehnis gave was to “jump in the deep end with the piranhas”. The business industry is very cutthroat. You have to take risks! Having a strong background in not only music, but business is huge. You would be surprised at the amount of people working in arts administration that, like Joe, just fell into it. Having a solid understanding of the industry is so important. 

In addition, Loehnis said to use your network! “We all bleed blue”, he said in reference to Lawrentians. Meeting other people who went through the same music theory sequence is an automatic bond. Use the Lawrence community to your benefit. Find alumni who are doing what you want to do, and pick their brain. Trust me, I didn’t expect to uncover this much information from Joe Loehnis, but I am so happy I did.

Lastly, Joe talked about how important experience is. Not necessarily working at Carnegie Hall or a huge business corporation, but having “sticky” experience. Showing that you work hard is evident when your resume has years of experience at the same company, and you’ve moved up a few times. It shows you want to grow. And learn. And improve! Strong references can easily be more valuable than money.

Obviously, CEO Joe Loehnis said many things that really stood out to me in our conversation. My favorite, and my closer, is probably what he said in reference to reaching out to your network: “Get the meeting. Get the coffee. Listen 70% and talk 30%.”

Lauren Chance is a current sophomore at Lawrence University double majoring in Business and Entrepreneurship and Music, also minoring in Spanish. As a Career Peer Educator (NES, VPA), an Admissions Student Ambassador, and an EPIC Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor, she has a passion for helping others. Lauren aspires to work in arts administration focusing on marketing or event management. Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.

Expanding Your Network – Tips For Finding and Connecting With New Professional Contacts

The Power of Networking

Did you know that nearly 70% of jobs are never advertised publicly? They exist in what experts call the “hidden job market.” Employers often fill these roles through personal recommendations and professional connections rather than job boards or company websites. That means your network is one of the most valuable tools in your career journey. The more you invest in meaningful connections, the more access you’ll have to unadvertised opportunities.

So, how can you effectively leverage your network? Let’s dive in.

Why Networking Matters

Many job openings are shared through word-of-mouth, meaning you’re far more likely to discover them through personal conversations than scrolling through job postings. In fact, 80% of hidden jobs are filled through direct professional connections. Building relationships with industry insiders provides:

  • Access to job openings before they’re publicly posted
  • Insights from experienced professionals in your field
  • Long-term relationships that can help you grow
  • Exclusive knowledge of trends that keep you competitive

The more strategic you are with networking, the greater your chances of unlocking career opportunities that others never see.

Types of Networking Contacts

Not all professional connections serve the same purpose. Here’s a breakdown of key networking contacts and how they can support your career growth.

Guidepost Contacts

These individuals provide general direction and career insights. You don’t need to maintain a long-term relationship with them, but their advice can help you navigate your industry.

Intel Contacts

Intel contacts offer valuable inside information about specific industries, companies, or roles. These are the connections you’ll want to cultivate over time, as they provide long-term value to your career.

Decision-Maker Contacts

These are the individuals who play a direct role in hiring decisions, but they’re not always HR personnel. Building strong relationships with decision-makers can help position you for opportunities when they arise.

Prioritizing Intel and Decision-Maker contacts will give you the most strategic advantage in networking.

Networking Strategies for College Students

If you’re a student looking to build professional connections, start early and be proactive. Here are some strategies to get started:

  • Attend Industry Events – Conferences, career fairs, and professional meetups help you connect with people in your field.
  • Leverage Alumni Networks – Platforms like LinkedIn, Voyager, and Career Shift are great for finding alumni willing to mentor and share opportunities.
  • Join Professional Platforms – LinkedIn and industry-specific forums allow you to build credibility and make valuable connections.
  • Find Mentorship Programs – Look into professional associations or student organizations that offer mentorship opportunities.

Informational Interviews: The Ultimate Networking Tool

What They Are

Informational interviews are conversations with professionals designed to learn about their career path and industry—without the pressure of a job application. They are 8x more likely to help students land internships and future positions than traditional applications.

Why They Work

Since most professionals love to help students, these interviews provide an organic way to build relationships, gain insider knowledge, and position yourself for future opportunities.

How to Make Them Effective

  • Focus on mutual interests—topics they enjoy discussing.
  • Be authentic and let your enthusiasm shine through.
  • Remember: most professionals genuinely want to help students succeed.

Getting Responses to Your Outreach

Cold outreach can be intimidating, but these strategies will help you get responses.

Craft Compelling Messages

  • Be specific and brief—get to the point.
  • Show you’ve done research on the individual.
  • Provide a clear call to action (e.g., requesting a 15-20 min Zoom chat).
  • Request meetings far enough in the future to show professionalism.

Target the Right People

  • Reach out to individuals with shared interests or connections in your field.
  • Make sure to highlight commonalities to create a stronger connection.

Conduct an Informational Interview

For more information on how to conduct an Informational Interview, click here!

Follow Up Thoughtfully

  • Wait one week, then send a friendly reminder.
  • If no response, send a third email using another email address if necessary.
  • Still no response? Try calling or reaching out on another platform.

Contact Rotation Strategy

Use this approach to stay organized and increase your chances of getting responses:

  1. Research: Find contacts and study their background.
  2. Reach Out: Send personalized messages with clear requests.
  3. Wait Period: Move to the backburner while focusing on other leads.
  4. Follow Up: Reconnect after a reasonable time frame.

Maintaining Your Network Over Time

Your network is only as strong as the relationships you maintain. Stay connected by:

Leaving with Homework

End every conversation with specific follow-up actions.

Expressing Gratitude

Send a personalized thank-you within 24 hours of any meeting.

Providing Value

Share articles, events, or introductions that could benefit your connections too. Networking should be mutually beneficial!

Final Thoughts

Expanding your network is one of the smartest moves you can make in your career. Whether you’re a college student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, building meaningful connections will open doors to hidden opportunities and long-term success.

Start today—reach out, build relationships, and watch your career grow through the power of networking.