Guide 7 of 9
Follow Up Well
How to send a thoughtful thank-you, close the loop professionally, and stay in touch without being intrusive.
The coffee chat does not end when the video call ends. A thoughtful follow-up reinforces appreciation, shows that you listened, and helps turn the conversation into something useful. Many students treat follow-up as a formality. Strong students treat it as part of the relationship.
Send a Thank-You Note Within 24 Hours
The message should thank the professional for their time, mention something specific from the conversation, briefly explain why it was helpful, and indicate any action you plan to take.
Generic (forgettable): “Thank you for speaking with me. I really appreciated your advice.”
Specific (memorable): “Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today. I especially appreciated your point about building credibility through project work before applying to strategy roles. It gave me a clearer idea of how to use the next few months more intentionally.”
Do Not Turn the Thank-You Note Into a New Ask
Avoid using the note to immediately ask for multiple additional favours. If the professional offered something during the call, it is appropriate to follow up on it. Otherwise, keep the note focused on appreciation.
Connect on LinkedIn Thoughtfully
If appropriate, connect with the professional on LinkedIn after the conversation, with a brief note rather than a blank request.
Capture Your Notes While the Conversation Is Fresh
Write down what you learned soon after the call, while the details are still easy to recall accurately.
Stay in Touch Without Being Intrusive
A single coffee chat does not automatically create an ongoing mentorship relationship. It can be appropriate to follow up later if you have a meaningful update — you acted on their advice, completed a project they suggested, or applied to a role their guidance helped you prepare for.
Key takeaway
A good follow-up is brief, specific, and professional. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Mention something specific you learned. Capture your notes while the conversation is fresh. Stay in touch only when you have a meaningful reason.