Typically, we seek to connect with others for one of four reasons in a professional setting:
- For Advice
- For Information
- For a Referral
- For Support
This is referred to as the "AIRS" theory of networking
and can help to provide structure to your request for informational interviews,
a connection with an old colleague, or outreach to a potential manager.
The A.I.R.S method for networking also works when you're not seeking
employment. We often search for colleagues during our daily work for the same
reasons. Remember, networking isn't something that's done just when job
searching. It's a professional activity that you're always doing - whether you
are aware of it or not. A good network is one that is built over time and can
be leveraged when needed. The more time you put into building relationships
now, the stronger your chances are of finding the types of career success
you're after later.
Use your status as a trainee at the NIH to your advantage to learn about career
options by scheduling informational interviews. The Informational interview is
a well-used technique for making connections with those who you may not have a
strong (or any) connection with. The purpose of the informational interview is
not to seek employment, but to build a connection, learn as much as you can
about the person's success you're speaking with, ask for advice from them (what
would you do if you were in my position?), and otherwise gather intelligence.
Informational Interviews are a powerful tool in your career strategy and must
be deployed correctly. If you need help coming up with good questions to ask in
an informational interview, refer to OITE’s handout here - https://www.training.nih.gov/assets/Informational_Interviews.pdf
