A coffee chat is an informal meeting between you and a connection in your target industry or company. The purpose of a coffee chat is to build relationships, gather information, gain insights into the industry or company, and potentially explore internship or job opportunities.
Here’s a step-by-step process to set up a coffee chat, along with some sample questions and tips for following up:
- Identify potential contacts: Start by identifying connections in your target industry or company who you’d like to connect with. This can include current and former classmates, alumni, and professionals you’ve met at networking events, or individuals you admire in the industry.
- Craft a personalized message: Reach out to your potential contact via email or LinkedIn. Introduce yourself briefly, mention your share a connection (e.g., MBA program, Undergraduate program, common interest), and express your interest in learning more about their experiences and insights. Be polite, concise, and specific about your request for a coffee chat.
- Propose a specific time and location: Suggest a convenient time and location for the coffee chat. Keep it casual and flexible, such as a local coffee shop or a virtual meeting. Offer a few options to accommodate their schedule.
- Prepare for the coffee chat: Before the meeting, research the person you’re meeting with, their background, and their professional experiences. Also, prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask to guide the conversation. Focus on their career journey, the industry, and any specific insights or advice you’re seeking.
- Conduct the coffee chat: “Arrive” on time and be prepared to engage in a meaningful conversation. Begin by expressing gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in learning from their experiences. Keep the conversation flowing by asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and showing genuine curiosity. Some sample questions to ask include:
- Can you tell me about your career path and how you got into this industry?
- What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?
- What are some important skills or experiences you would recommend for someone aspiring to work in this field?
- How has the industry changed over the years, and what trends do you foresee in the future?
- What advice would you give someone pursuing an internship or job in this industry?
- Be attentive and take notes: During the coffee chat, actively listen to the insights and advice shared by the professional. Take notes on key points, memorable stories, or any action steps or recommendations they provide. This will help you remember the conversation and refer back to it later.
- Show appreciation and follow up: After the coffee chat, send a personalized thank-you email expressing your gratitude for their time, insights, and advice. Refer to specific points discussed during the conversation to show that you were attentive and engaged. If they shared any recommendations or suggested connections, follow up on those promptly. Building a strong relationship requires ongoing communication, so consider keeping in touch periodically to share updates and express your continued interest.
Remember, the goal of a coffee chat is to build a genuine connection, gather information, and create opportunities for future engagement. Be respectful of your connections time, listen attentively, and approach the conversation with a genuine desire to learn. Each coffee chat is an opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights that can help shape your career path. They will be time consuming, but extremely beneficial to your career exploration now and throughout your career.
