One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a career in business is to talk to people who are doing the type of work you might want to pursue. Most successful business people enjoy talking about how they got to where they are today.

An “informational interview,” or informal meeting with a business professional, is a key step in networking and developing a career plan. Use informational interviews to:

• help you determine which MBA programs are best for you
• get information and advice on possible career paths
• gain access to professionals who may not be hiring but may be happy to share experiences and advice as you move through the MBA process

Peers in business schools are good sources of information that will be useful in selecting the right program for you. You may also try existing networks related to a particular school, such as alumni, faculty, and campus recruiters (career management offices usually publish a list of companies). Some of these resources may be difficult to access until you are accepted to the school, but admissions offices usually arrange outreach programs on a limited basis.

Here are some other places to look:

• Look at the background of faculty members to determine whose research interests parallel your career interests.
• Find alumni through published school directories. Directories by company and location help if you have a long-term geographic target. Call a few alumni from last year’s class and network with the rising graduating class.
• Get campus recruiters’ thoughts on the personalities and strengths of the graduates from various programs. Find out if they look for a certain field of study, particular programs within a school, and particular courses from school to school. Be considerate of recruiters’ time. Try to reach them at times other than their peak recruiting seasons.

Informational interviews allow you to ask questions about a professional’s job responsibilities, industry, and experience. They can help you determine your compatibility with a job or industry and decide whether an MBA degree is a logical step in your desired career path.

You should conduct informational interviews if your goals are to:

• Learn more about a potential career path before committing to it.
• Decide if an MBA is essential, or at least helpful, in pursuing that path.
• Learn whether there are ways to enter your chosen field without an MBA.
•  Learn about the expectations and preferences of employers in a particular industry.
• Determine what type of work experience or MBA internship seems important.
• Identify gaps in your background, experience, or training that could prevent you from achieving your goals.
• Fine-tune your career plans and related school objectives.

Informational interviews are not job interviews. Prior to business school and in the early stages of MBA studies, you are not under any pressure to sell yourself—but do keep in mind that any industry contacts you make could be useful later on.

Here are some pointers to help you make informational interviews successful.

Before:

• When making appointments, be sure to tell your contacts how you got their names and why you hope they will be willing to talk to you.
• Send a résumé in advance, so your contact knows something about your background prior to the meeting.
• Confirm the meeting time and promise not to take more than 30 minutes.

During:

• Do NOT ask for a job during your meeting.
• Listen carefully. Don’t argue with the answers you hear.
• When asking for additional contact names, do not push if the person declines to provide any.
• Don’t overextend your welcome—if you asked for 30 minutes, honor the time contract unless the other person invites you to stay longer.

After:

• Send a thank you note after your interview is over.
• Keep the person posted on your progress, such as after you talk to one of his or her contacts, after you make the decision about where to submit MBA applications, and after you receive offers of admission.
• As soon as you matriculate, send an announcement to your current network, telling them of your decision and your new address. Include in that communication the course of study you are planning and the type of internship you hope to obtain.