<p>An alum who works at BCG agreed to talk to me on the phone and sent me this email</p>
<p>"I will be more than happy to talk to you and answer any possible questions you might have about the field of consulting. It´s great that you have interest in this area, as I am sure it can give you great work experience. We can talk this week if it works for you. Let me know when what times work better for you, and your number, and I will get in touch"</p>
<p>How should I reply?
What should I talk about during the phone call?</p>
<p>I'm not an expert on informational interviews, but you should be direct with your available times and be courteous and sensitive to his availability. As to the actual material discussed, other people can chime in, but I'm pretty sure this is something for which you can schedule an appointment with the career center. (both the general and engineering) If you tell them the nature/urgency of it, they can probably offer you some real detailed advice. I really think a lot of people don't take advantage of the career center services. I didn't do my first mock video interview til my senior year.</p>
<p>Start by thanking him for taking the time and interest in you. </p>
<p>Ask him simple straight forward questions, such as how he got into consulting?</p>
<p>His likes and dislikes about the profession?</p>
<p>Important behavioral and technical competencies for success in the field?</p>
<p>But really, you just want to have a good conversation. Connecting with him is very important. The questions you will ask each other are secondary. </p>
<p>Once you are done, definitely send him a thank you email and every 6-8 weeks, drop him a line or two with updates. </p>
<p>I agree with kb, definitely contact the career office and ask for pointers.</p>