My biggest piece of advice during a coffee chat would be to ask a lot of questions and then listen. Don't try to prove your worth by talking about yourself. You want to get where that person is in life. Ask them for advice. Try something like this: "You're obviously very successful. What are the most important steps I can take to achieve the kind of success you have achieved?" "If you could go back and give your 20 year old self any career advice, what would it be?" These questions not only stroke the ego of the professional but also tap into their fount of earned wisdom. Bachelors of Science in Business Administration - 2008
First of all, a quick coffee chat is a great way to learn more about an industry, company or a job. I did that once when I was going to ASU, and I learned so much—in such a quick amount of time! Here is my best advice... 1. Reach out to someone (maybe through a LinkedIn message) who works in a role you're interested in and let them know how you would like to learn more about their job, industry etc. Also ask them for about an hour of their time, and see what day(s) and time(s) work best for them to meet. Note: You will not want to take more than 90 minutes of their time... time is precious! 2. Prepare about 5-10 questions to ask them. (Ex: What does your day-to-day look like?) 3. Order first and then pay for their coffee/tea (ordering first ensures they don't pay for themselves too quick!) 4. Send them a thank you note for their time and for sharing their experiences with you. 5. Connect with them on LinkedIn and stay in touch! Marketing and Business Communication | 2018
I highly recommend to get ahead, connect or have coffee with a professional who is doing what you want to do. Do your research in advance and be ready with thoughtful and relevant questions. You want to learn something from this expect, so have your questions ready! If you are genuinely interested in what that professional has to share, you listen and ask more questions based off their answers, you might find yourself your next mentor. And to find this professional? Polish up your LinkedIn and reach out, LinkedIn lets you search people who graduated from ASU or W.P. Carey. - BS Marketing. 2008. (which !, I would first, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, then 2nd, reach Including your college education is a big part of a complete LinkedIn profile, so it's easy to find alumni and successful ones that are . So you can search for graduates of your school. Reach out to some and then search the y profile clearly shows I attended W.P. Carey School
If you're a student aiming to connect with a seasoned professional and learn from their journey, setting up an informational interview, also called a coffee chat, is a fantastic way to go. Start by researching your chosen professional thoroughly to ensure that your questions are well-informed and specific. Craft a concise, polite email or message expressing your interest in their career path and requesting an opportunity to chat over coffee. Keep your message professional, clear, and to the point. Remember to highlight your enthusiasm for learning from their experiences. Once the coffee chat is confirmed, be punctual and well-prepared with thoughtful questions, and remember to express gratitude for their time and insights. This approach can open doors to valuable insights and guidance, helping you on your journey to success. (Majored in Post Secondary and Higher Education at MLFTC graduated 2021)
The good part is that you can always change your mind later. Think of the parts of the job you will have to do and break into all its pieces. Then make sure you love and feel challenged by most of the pieces. Then if over time you realize you don’t, you can always change. I know many people that have pivoted their career multiple times and are very successful so don’t over think it. Pick the one that stimulates you the most now and if it changes over time, you will be fine. Jake Dunlap MBA 2009
During a coffee chat, offering to pay for the professional's coffee is a gesture of appreciation and generosity. It sets a positive tone for the conversation and shows your gratitude for their time and insights. By taking the initiative to cover their expenses, you demonstrate your willingness to invest in the interaction. This small act can leave a lasting positive impression on the professional, making them feel valued and appreciated. It also shows that you are considerate of their time and resources. For example, when the bill arrives, you can politely state, 'Allow me to cover this as a token of my appreciation for your time and expertise.' This kind gesture will likely be appreciated and remembered by the professional, creating a favorable impression and helping to establish a positive relationship.
Consider meeting at a location that is convenient for the professional, such as their office or a nearby café. This shows your flexibility and willingness to accommodate their schedule. By prioritizing their convenience, you demonstrate respect for their time and commitments. For example, if the professional has a busy day ahead, meeting at their office would save them travel time and ensure a more focused conversation. This approach also allows you to see their work environment, further enhancing the conversation. Take into account the professional's preferences and suggest alternative locations if needed.