I figured I’d write just a few words to stay in the habit of it… It’s so damn easy to get inundated by everything else in life and let the poor blog go to shit. I had a calculus test this morning, an informational interview at [Insert Name Here] pharmaceutical company (which went fantastic, by the way), a research presentation tomorrow (with no data because I’ve been troubleshooting a UPLC/MS that keeps going down for the last 15 weeks), and final exams next week. Whew! I’m exhausted!

Oh, if there are any students out there reading this blog, I want to share a little wisdom that has been handed down to me. About the informational interview, it’s such great advice! I don’t think people promote them enough. One thing is for sure – only uploading your resume to a database will NOT get you a job. The chances are reeeeaaally slim. You really have to get out there, meet people, and show initiative. Particularly in this economy, being smart and skilled just isn’t enough! It’s really competitive out there. Professionals that are hiring want to know that you can do the job right AND that they aren’t going to get sick of working with your ass in close quarters.

So anyway, my last informational interview was with a pharma engineering consultant. He’s the director of operations for his company in this state. I met him at a conference (another must-do to meet people). He liked my enthusiasm I suppose because he offered me a co-op for the coming semester to get me some experience and help me with my job search. The one yesterday was great because I interviewed the director of manufacturing sciences and he asked me for my resume at the end, which of course I came prepared with. He’s worked at a couple other major pharma companies and knows lots of people with hiring power. His company isn’t hiring so he is personally going to send it to some of his contacts. Yay!

Not only does the informational interview open the door for new opportunities but if you interview the right people, there is a lot of guidance and advice to be taken. Both have given me great insight into how I will focus my career plans. The great thing is that although these people are VERY busy, they are happy to squeeze in 30-45 mins to help out a student looking to get into the business. I think most of them recall being in the same position before and can sympathize. Not to mention that you can create a favorable and longer-lasting impression than just going to a job fair. Anyway, just thought I would share that. It’s been of tremendous help to me and I truly believe that it’s the type of networking that will help land me a great job next summer.