Have you wondered what it might be like to be an
Emergency Nurse? How about a Computer Programmer? If you believe that you are gleaning all
of your knowledge of a Crime Scene Investigator from watching CBS’s CSI (Crime
Scene Investigation) you may encounter a rude awakening when you go for your
education and actually get your job.
Informational Interviewing is another foundational
step within career exploration. While
you are in your own investigative place as a student you would be wise to
conduct informational interviews of people within the potential careers/jobs
that you think you might enjoy. The
informational interview communicates the first hand experiences and impressions
of someone in the occupation, and is directed by your questions. Steps to conducting an interview of this type
consist of locating a person that is currently employed within the field and calling
to request a visit with them while they are on the job. The amount of time together is negotiable. You could spend an hour or you could plan to
spend a day. Please be respectful of the
professional’s time when making your request.
Determine on your initial phone call if you might like your visit to
include a departmental tour or perhaps a day long “job shadow” appointment. These may be items that your contact person
can arrange. Also, regard the time
together as a business appointment.
Dress should be "business casual" and be sure to have a planned set of questions
to ask.
Questions can vary based on what you wish to glean. Sample questions include: “What are the best and worst things about this career? Why might
somebody leave this career? What are the things that it really takes to be
great in this career? What is the smartest way to get trained?” Additional
questions can be found HERE. Plan to take
notes while with your interviewer being careful not to detract from the
conversation. After your appointment, create an outline of themes from your
questions asked. This can then carry you forward into next steps with your career
exploration.
Feel free to connect with me with specific questions. Some information referenced can be fully located by visiting About.com/Informational Interviewing
Karen M Lingrell, M.Ed, Assistant Director of Collaborative Programs
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