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Frequently Asked Questions about ACAP
Why use ACAP?
To obtain valuable career information and feedback from SIPA alumni.
To enhance your current knowledge of a field or sector.
To gain exposure to new career paths.
To develop your professional network.
To discuss other working world-related issues.
Who are the ACAP mentors?
SIPA graduates working in a wide variety of fields.
Recent graduates, as well as those who are more experienced.
Alumni who hold positions ranging from entry level to executive.
How to select mentors?
Begin with researching careers or jobs that interest you.
Narrow your search to alumni whom you would like to contact.
Research the specific organization the alum is working with, and learn more about the type of position they hold.
How to Contact Alumni and Conduct Informational Interviews?
The purpose of networking phone calls or meetings is not to ask for a job, but to ask for career and job hunting advice and contacts.
You should always have your resume ready to send before you contact anyone about your job search. Do not send your resume unless you are asked.
Do not ask an alum to forward your resume to someone else without first establishing a relationship with him/her.
You should be well prepared for your informational interview. Since you will be taking the lead, Decide what kind of information you would like to gather, and prepare questions in advance.
Dress professionally and be on time.
Be honest about your background and skills. Promise only what you can deliver.
Always follow up a networking meeting or interview with a thank you letter within two days of the interview.
When you receive a job offer, send a note of thanks to your networking contacts for their help in the process. Even if they might not have provided you with that specific job, their advice helped you become a successful interviewer.