I wish I knew what I wanted to be when I grow up.

December 6, 2006 8:28 PM

I don't think I'm in the right line of work and I'd like talk to people in the fields I'm interested in at the companies I'd like to work for and find out more about what they do. How do I go about this if my network/my network's network and their networks haven't been able to help?

I am a strategy consultant. I do not want to be a strategy consultant.

I am interested in finding out more about marketing or operations type jobs at a couple entertainment/media/stuff-like-that companies around DC. I'd like to be able to talk to people in those jobs/at those companies to find out more about the company/job function/etc. - basically to figure out if this would be right for me. Yes, I realize that someone is going to stop here and write about networking - unfortunately I've tried (extensively) and haven't been able to come up with any contacts. How else I can go about getting in touch with people who work at my target companies? How do I approach a complete stranger and ask him for an informational interview?

And, um, do you know anyone who works at Discovery, CPB/NPR, or XM?

posted by echo0720 to Work & Money (3 answers total)

Just a reminder that there are personal networks and organizational networks. Have you really tapped both? Can you not find one, say, alum of your college that works at any of those companies in your alumni database?

That would at least allow you to say in your intro letter (in more formal language): "Hello, I'm from the Class of X at State U. and discovered in our alum database that another State Uan works for XM! My background is...but I'm really interested in... Do you have time for a brief meeting? etc. etc."

The complete stranger approach is close to impossible. They dont you know from anyone else off the street. I'd consider talking to someone who used the first approach. I'd tell a stranger to go talk to HR.
posted by vacapinta at 8:56 PM on December 6, 2006

Cold calls. In business school we had to do this exact exercise. Believe it on not, every single person we cold-called was generous with time and advice for some random nobody asking about their profession. The "complete stranger" method is far from a dud.

Steps:
1. Pick a couple companies.
2. Call the switchboard and ask for the name, mailing address and extension of the person in charge of ____. Don't worrry, receptionists get this question all day long.
3. Send a short note to that person. Say what you're researching, and ask for no more than 30 minutes of their time. Emphasize that it's for an informational interview, not a job application.
4. A day or two after they get the note, call to schedule an appointment. If the person makes any noises about being too busy, acknowledge that and ask if there's anyone they can suggest as a resource.
5. When you get into an interview, keep your promises. Finish earlier than you said you would, and do not ask for a job. Keep it focused on learning. At the end, ask if there's anyone else they'd suggest you talk to.
6. They just did something nice for you. Send a thank you note that day. Discreetly include your phone number.

A good question to ask is about local educational and networking opportunities. What's available? Which do they recommend? Which will carry more weight when you do eventually start applying to companies? That way you can start branching out beyond cold calls.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 10:17 PM on December 6, 2006 [3 favorites]

I actually worked at NPR up until a couple of months ago, although not in production. You can email me at bonniebates at gmail, I'd be happy to provide more details/help.
posted by slenderloris at 9:45 AM on December 7, 2006