An online application is not the only way to learn about a field. In my internship video, I talk about reaching out to people doing work that interests you. A thoughtful cold email can start a conversation. It does not bypass hiring requirements or guarantee a referral, so keep applying through the official process too.
Choose someone for a specific reason
Start with the kind of work you want to understand. Look for a person whose role, project, or career path connects to that interest. A short list of people you can write to thoughtfully is more useful than a large list receiving the same message.
Read their public professional information before contacting them. You should be able to explain why you chose this person without using a sentence that could apply to anyone at the company. Use a published professional contact method and respect their boundaries.
Ask for a conversation you can prepare for
Introduce yourself briefly, explain the connection, and make a small, clear request. An informational conversation is a chance to learn about the work, not a disguised demand for a job.
You might say: “I’m a student exploring environmental engineering. Your team’s work on water systems caught my attention because I’ve been working on a related school project. Would you be open to a brief conversation about the skills students should develop before applying for internships?” Adapt that example to your actual background.
Prepare questions that go beyond the website
If someone agrees to speak, make their time useful. Read what is already public and bring questions that draw on their experience. Listen for what the day-to-day work involves and what skills you could begin building.
- What does a typical project look like for someone in your role?
- Which skills would help a student contribute to this work?
- What do you wish you had understood before entering the field?
- Where should students look for the organization’s formal internship opportunities?
Follow through without making the relationship transactional
Send a brief thank-you that mentions something useful you learned. If there is a relevant next step, take it. A conversation that leads you to a better project or a clearer career direction can be valuable even without a referral.
If an email gets no reply, a concise, respectful follow-up may be appropriate. After that, move on. Keep a simple outreach record so you do not contact the same person repeatedly or lose track of a commitment you made.
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