Here's how you can broaden your network in Educational Technology through informational interviews.
Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Educational Technology (EdTech) can be daunting, but one of the most effective ways to stay ahead is by expanding your professional network. Informational interviews are a powerful tool for this, offering insights into the industry and new opportunities. By engaging with experts and professionals in EdTech, you can gain valuable knowledge, discover trends, and build relationships that can open doors to new possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, leveraging informational interviews can significantly enhance your understanding and connections within this dynamic sector.
Before you dive into informational interviews, it's crucial to define what you aim to achieve. Are you looking for guidance on your career path, seeking to learn about new technologies, or curious about industry challenges? Having clear objectives will not only steer your conversations but also demonstrate to your interviewees that you value their time and expertise. It will also help you identify the right individuals to approach, ensuring that each interaction is as productive as possible.
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From my experience, I have learnt that it's vital to define goals and aims before diving into anything. Once you have decided that you want to jump in for an informational interview, recognise the 'why'. Comprehend what exactly you want to ask- current market situation, skills update, information about new opportunities, industry challenges and many more. Try to analyse what you want to know and prioritise your questions so that you know what you are expecting from the interview and can make the most out of it :)
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Broadening your network in Educational Technology via informational interviews is a game-changer. Identify professionals you admire, request interviews politely, and inquire about their career journeys and insights. Show genuine interest, gratitude, and follow up with a thank-you note. This approach not only expands connections but also provides valuable mentorship and insights in the field.
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To expand your network in EduTechnology, utilize informational interviews strategically. Begin by identifying professionals in your desired field on platforms like LinkedIn. Craft a concise message expressing admiration for their work and a request for an informational interview to learn about their experiences and insights. During the interview, ask thoughtful questions about their career trajectory, challenges they've faced, and advice for newcomers. Show genuine interest, listen actively, and maintain a professional demeanor. Afterward, send a personalized thank-you note expressing gratitude for their time and insights. Stay connected by periodically sharing relevant content or updates, building a lasting professional relationship.
Once your goals are set, it's time to identify potential interviewees. Look for professionals who are making an impact in Educational Technology. You can find them through LinkedIn, professional associations, or conferences. When reaching out, be respectful of their time and express genuine interest in their work. A well-crafted message that conveys your enthusiasm for EdTech and your desire to learn from their experiences can go a long way in securing a meeting.
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Once you are ready to attend an informational interview, you need to look out for experienced interviewers. It can be anyone- from a senior level individual acing the Ed-Tech field or a fresher with great passion and outstanding work. Find them through platforms like LinkedIn and reach out to get an insight of the field. Be patient to recieve their reply. Moreover, keep trying and searching for professional, don't stop early and keep giving yourself a chance :)
Preparation is key to a successful informational interview. Draft a list of thoughtful questions that align with your goals and demonstrate your knowledge of the field. This not only shows respect for the interviewee's time but also allows you to dive deeper into meaningful discussions. Questions might include inquiries about career paths, technology implementation challenges, or the future of EdTech. Remember, the quality of your questions often determines the value of the information you receive.
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I have noticed that preparing a list of questions to ask, makes us have a clear vision. Once you have analysed what you are exactly looking for, make a list if questins to ask related to the Ed-Tech field, challenges, changing market situation, etc. the questions can range in any sub-sector but its vital to have them as it saves and offers respect to the interviewer and acknowledge their time to guide you :)
Conducting the interview with professionalism and a genuine curiosity will leave a lasting impression. Be punctual, dress appropriately, and have your questions ready. Listen actively and be willing to go off-script if the conversation takes an interesting turn. This is your opportunity to gain insights from someone's experience and perspective, so make the most of it. After the interview, don't forget to thank them for their time and share any insights you gained that were particularly impactful.
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Divya Patteri
Learning Design Manager | Data-informed Learning Strategy | Digital Product Management
Personally I am a fan of unstructured or semi-structured interviews. Some recent podcasters/celebs that are doing a pretty good job with such a style of interviewing are Mel Robbins, Steven Bartlett, Wendy Zukerman, and Trevor Noah. I enjoy listening to the interviews they conduct. They may seems scripted at first, but they way the interviewers keep swaying off the track (in a good way) when they have an opportunity to gain insights from someone's experience and perspective is really something worth exploring and learning from.
Following up after your informational interview is essential. Send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation and highlighting a point or two from the conversation that you found especially enlightening. This simple gesture can help cement the relationship and keep the door open for future interactions. Additionally, it's an opportunity to connect on professional social networks, which can keep you on their radar for opportunities and further exchanges.
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In my experience, I have realised that no matter how bad your interview went, a thank-you message takes you a long way. Once you are done with your informational interview, take a step to thank the interviewer for their amazing insights and advices. This simple gesture can improve your professional relation with them and help you gain insight for more opportunities, expert sessions or updates in the field. After all, kindness should prevail in the corporate world as well :)
Finally, use the knowledge and connections gained from informational interviews to expand your network further. Share your learnings with peers, contribute to discussions, and attend industry events. As you become more engaged in the EdTech community, you'll find that your network grows organically. Each new connection can introduce you to other professionals, creating a virtuous cycle of networking that can propel your career and deepen your understanding of Educational Technology.
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Knowledge is useful only when you implement it in real life. All the things you have learned from your informational interview, take a step to change your habits and approaches as per that. Analyse properly which advice you want to go ahead with and work on it to expand your network. The broader the network, the more your connections, the easier it is to get through with references, and get great advices through amazing experience stories.
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While working as a high school English teacher, I expanded my network in Educational Technology by initiating informational interviews with several tech-focused educators and developers at educational conferences. For instance, after attending a presentation on digital literacy tools, I arranged a follow-up discussion with the speaker, a renowned EdTech innovator. This conversation not only broadened my understanding of digital tools in the classroom but also connected me with a community of educators dedicated to tech integration.
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