Life design involves collaborating closely with others and establishing strong connections. By exploring and engaging with others, you can discover what is achievable and establish connections for potential opportunities. Networks such as student organizations, clubs, school career centers, and alumni connections are invaluable resources.  

We understand talking to strangers can be daunting and challenging for many, especially those who need stronger social connections and are trying to enter new and unfamiliar social and professional circles. If you feel intimidated about reaching out, try using this approach:

  • Focus on listening to others instead of talking about yourself.
  • Approach the conversation as an exciting opportunity to discover and learn more about the other person.
  • Use the opportunity to learn about the other person and their journey, as it can open doors to future opportunities and connections.
  • Wait to send your resume. Ask for their resume and tailor your approach based on what they share.

It’s so common for job seekers and networkers to feel discouraged when they don’t get responses to their outreach emails. Crafting a compelling message is crucial for increasing the likelihood of a response. Crafting an impactful email is all about adding value and considering the recipient’s time. With today’s shorter attention spans, it’s important to keep emails brief and make requests crystal clear.

In Steve Dalton’s book The 2-Hour Job Search, he suggests using a concise 6-point email format that is briefer and more effective than typical messages. Here are the six key points to remember:

It’s essential to keep it concise. Many people provide excessive details, which dilutes the message.

Similarly, request a brief 20-minute conversation about the person’s career path.

Members of the same affinity group are more likely to elicit responses. For example, “I noticed that we both studied at Johns Hopkins.”

Be direct and ask a straightforward, direct question.

Don’t worry if this advice seems confusing at first – it’s all about safeguarding you from getting a standard rejection email like, “Apologies, no openings available. Good luck!” Try this instead: “I’m really excited to learn more about your company and your professional journey.”

Show that you have done your research on them. This email is not meant to sell them on you but to open the door to an in-person or virtual conversation. Let them know you are not sending this email to everyone on your contact list.

Dear Jane,

I’m Johns Doe, a student at Johns Hopkins. I got your contact information from the OneHop Mentoring Alumni Database. 

I am interested in learning more about marketing as a career path and would greatly appreciate your insights.

Could you spare 15-20 minutes to talk about your experience?

Best regards,

John

Johns Hopkins to recognize four honorary degree recipients at 2025 Commencement

Hub staff, May 17

A leading education entrepreneur, a local publisher and pillar of the Baltimore community, a longtime university board member and supporter, and a visionary astrophysicist and data scientist will receive Johns Hopkins University honorary degrees later this …

By Jishuo Yang
Jishuo Yang
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Summer opportunities at the Center for Staff Life Design

HR NewsWire, May 14

As part of its commitment to helping staff members grow their careers, Johns Hopkins University launched a Center for Staff Life Design during this academic year.

The center’s workshops, courses, events, and experiential learning are designed …

By Jishuo Yang
Jishuo Yang
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Join JHU’s Mental Health Challenge today

HR NewsWire, May 6

Join in on the fun during Mental Health Awareness Month by registering for the Mental Health Challenge, which runs through May 30. All full-time JHU employees are invited to join in to learn new skills and …

By Jishuo Yang
Jishuo Yang
Read more

Hopkins night at the museum

Hub staff, May 9

The Office of the Provost Arts Initiative hosted a festive event for the Johns Hopkins community at the Baltimore Museum of Art on April 30, when more than 650 students, faculty, and staff from across the …

By Jishuo Yang
Jishuo Yang
Read more

Senior Dalhart Dobbs selected as Johns Hopkins student Commencement speaker

Claire Goudreau, Apr 30

Johns Hopkins University senior Dalhart Dobbs has been selected by his peers as the 2025 student Commencement speaker. The universitywide Commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22, at Homewood Field, where Dobbs will graduate …

By Jishuo Yang
Jishuo Yang
Read more

Labor Market InsightsIn partnership withLightcast logo

Find a career that aligns with your career interests, see current salary projects, and identify skills you need to apply for that next job or internship.

There are two ways to use this tool below:

  1. By Keyword: Search for the name of the occupation you’re interested in.
  2. By Industry: Not sure what job you’d like? Search by desired industry and see available occupations.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Type in a keyword to select a relevant occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Talk to Alumni

  • VP of Marketing L-Soft international, Inc
Meet Gabriela
  • Registered Nurse Hospital at Johns Hopkins
Meet Margaret
  • Washington, DC
  • Facilitator InnovatorsBox®
Meet Florence
  • Faculty/Physician University of Pittsburgh SOM
Meet Mohamed
  • Executive Director Ithaca Children's Garden
Meet Candice
  • St Charles, IL
  • Retired Various
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  • Alexandria, VA
  • Pharmacologist Food and Drug Administration/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Meet Seun
  • Producer Freelance
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  • Education Paraprofessional AmeriCorps
Meet Autumn
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Professor Tacoma Community College
Meet Anh-Duong (Bill)
  • Associate Professor (Teaching) Stanford University
Meet Chris
  • Maryland, USA
  • Research Scientist NORC –UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (National Opinion Research Center)
Meet Jessica

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Prepare for the Adobe Express certification exam with this comprehensive course. Designed for beginners and experienced users alike, this course…

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Contact & Location

Phone
410-516-8400
Address

Imagine Center
113 W. University Parkway
Baltimore, MD 21210

Imagine Center Hours

Monday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED

Please check Imagine Center's operating hours before planning your visit.