Don’t buy into the image of the isolated student in the library (or laboratory), head down, spotlight on the book (or test tube, or computer), toiling long hours, alone. You will need to put in some of that time, of course, but you will have greater impact if you remember to lift your head up. You are becoming a part of the community of science. Connect person to person, face to face, and voice to voice. You will be amazed by how much knowledge, perspective, and insight is freely available by asking. You just might be given an insider tip, a leg up, or find a magical new idea emerging from synergy with another. People do science, collectively.

Spark connections by initiating informational interviews. An informational interview is a brief conversation to learn about a person’s current work and career path, without any further expectation.

Prepare by polishing up your CV.

Google “informational interview” and get tips on the etiquette. Prepare questions. Much online information pertains to corporate culture; realize that your conversation might center more on learning a research area rather than a target workplace. But do prepare questions about career path, because you will likely receive some great advice (and because people enjoy sharing their personal insights here).

Identify people to interview. Ask your advisor. Notice authors that are coming up a lot in the publications you are reading. Include your instructors and faculty members in your department, because without a scheduled conversation, you might not have the opportunity to discuss their research niche or career path.

Send a brief email with your CV attached, with a request, such as:

“Dear XXX,

I am a doctoral student working with (advisor) at (university) with a lot of interest in your work on (research area) (CV attached). If your schedule allows, I’d appreciate the chance for a brief (15 min) call (or meeting, if person is local) for an informational interview about your research and career path, at your convenience. I am widely available (list some big chunks of time about 2-3 weeks out).

(Don’t forget to attach your CV and include a signature block at the end of your email with contact information and links to any professional websites about you/your work).
“

Always ask who else to contact, and then follow up. Do informational interviews when you are refining a research area in the early years of doctoral training, as you are searching for a post-doc or faculty position, if you are shifting direction, and whenever you want to grow your network.