Platform Guide
Using informally
Learn how to use our platform to build direct, low-pressure professional relationships.
Welcome to informally. We built this platform to prioritize personal conversations over automated job boards. Follow these steps to set up your profile and start connecting.
1. Write Your Profile
Your profile introduces you to potential mentors. Write in a conversational tone rather than pasting a formal corporate biography. List the topics you are currently studying, the challenges you face, and the specific subjects you want to discuss.
2. The "Find Mentor" Tab
Use the Find Mentor tab (also known as the Discover Tab) to locate mentors based on shared interests or targeted roles. Look for professionals who are one or two years ahead of you in their careers. These individuals often provide the most tactical advice for your immediate next steps.
Video provided by the Stanford Life Design Lab
3. Send a Request
Include a brief, customized note when you request a chat. Reference a specific detail from their profile that caught your attention. State who you are, explain why you chose to contact them, and ask for 15 to 20 minutes of their time.
4. Complete the Meeting
Arrive on time if the mentor accepts your request. Confirm the meeting details beforehand using the in-app messaging system. Send a brief thank-you note through the platform after the conversation ends.