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Career Exploration - Informational Interviews
There is no better source of realistic, factual career information than people
who are working in your field of interest. Don't be hesitant about asking
for the time of an important executive. Individuals are flattered by your
desire to learn about their business and receptive to questions you might
ask.
Identifying people to Interview
Start with a list of people you already know who might serve as contacts for
information. Consider friends, relatives, fellow students, faculty, job supervisors,
neighbors and people they know. Also, try to recall speakers you have heard,
people you have read about, etc.
Arranging the Interview
Most working people are flattered by requests from students for information
and advice, and they are usually quite helpful. It is up to you, however, to
initiate the contact. This can be done by telephoning, writing a letter and
initiating a follow-up phone call, or having someone who knows the contact
make an appointment for you. When arranging your interview, explain your mission
of gathering information.
Preparing for the Interview
Dress neatly, make sure you are on time, and handle yourself in a professional
manner. Prepare a list of questions for the interview.
- What kind of education/training is needed to do your job?
- What is the biggest challenge/greatest reward of your job?
- What other careers are related to your work?
- What advice would you give a person entering this field?
Refer to your list of prepared questions, but allow the discussion some spontaneity
as well. Prior to leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others who
might be helpful to you.
Follow-Up
Immediately following the interview, record helpful information in your notebook
for future reference. This might include the name, address and phone number
of each contact interviewed, the date of the interview, the information gathered,
and names of additional referrals. Within a week of the interview, you should
send a thank you note to the person you interviewed.
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