Here is a long-term assignment designed to help you explore a possible occupation. Parts are due on different dates to help those who are having difficulty with procrastination. What you have to do and when it is due is typed in this font.
Purpose
Gain information about your field and specific jobs
Find out about a typical day
Learn which skills are necessary to be successful in a specific career
Gain some idea of the future prospects of a field
Become familiar with a particular field, how you fit in, and where it is going in the future
Make contacts for possible interviews
Develop leads on positions as they become available
Preparation
Before you attempt an informational interview, it is critical that you do some research on the web searching occupations, industries and companies that interest you. On web or in the library, you can find general descriptions of many career fields and information on specific industries and companies. Some good sources include the CSUS, College of Engineering and Computer Science web site at www.ecs.csus.edu/career, http://www.experienceondemand.com/, The Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*NET (www.doleta.gov/programs/onet/), U.S. Industrial Outlook, and The Best 100 Companies to Work for in America. These are all good places to start your information search.
How to find what's "out there"
You can identify the organizations in your field of interest by looking on the web or in the Yellow Pages, in technical directories, in business directories, in Chambers of Commerce listings, or in newspaper articles and by talking with your professors or career counselor. Now that you have background knowledge, the next step is to talk with people who are doing the kind of work you want to do.
How to find people to interview? Don't forget, it's both what you know and who you know.
Ask people you know: Ask your professors, career counselors, friends, and relatives for the names of anyone they know who is in a company you are interested in or who is in a field you are pursuing. If they don't know any names of people ask for the names of companies that are engaged in a specific activity that interests you.
Chamber of Commerce: Call the local Chamber of Commerce and ask for the names of companies in the area that engage in a specific activity. The more specific you are the easier it is for people to focus in on and identify companies you might be interested in. If you are vague you will find it difficult to obtain the information you need.
Local university career center: Talk with the staff at the local university career center about companies that hire your specific major. They can give you a list of companies, and tons of information about companies. We have lists of the companies that recruit engineers and computer scientists at CSUS on our web site at www.ecs.csus.edu/career.
Contact professional associations and attend conventions for leads and information. You will also find job listings and recruiting ads in professional journals. Most professional associations also have web sites and monthly journals with jobs listings for their members.
Periodicals and Resource Books: Scan written material such as technical journals, newspapers, magazines, directories for articles on your area of interest, for company names or names of individuals doing things of interest. Reference Librarian: Ask your local reference librarian for any other reference sources for local companies in your area of interest.
Talk to people: Talk casually with people wherever you can. Be sure to explain clearly what you are interested in. I have heard of people getting leads in the strangest places like: hot tubs, riding buses, at Greek food festivals, playing volleyball, and from family members at holiday dinners.
If all else fails, walk into the target company, approach the secretary or receptionist and ask him/her to recommend someone with whom to speak. Make sure to explain that you are only seeking information, (not a job), about this career. This method has worked quite well for some people.
Part 1: Due Monday, November 16, 2009. Worth 3 points.
Getting Started
How to arrange an Informational Interview
Telephone the person you are interested in talking with and request a meeting. Explain that you are exploring career fields within that company, and that you were referred to them by so and so, and that you really are just seeking advice. You will also want to follow up with a email confirming your appointment and indicating how much you are looking forward to meeting with them.
Always tell the person that you are seeking to meet with that you need only 20 minutes of his or her time to meet at his or her convenience. Most people, even the most busy, have 20 minutes to share with a person exploring a career field. (Your appointment may last longer so don't book yourself too tightly.) Remember these important rules:
If you call or write, be absolutely clear in how you present your request. You must avoid allowing the person you wish to see, the receptionist or the secretary to assume that you are seeking a job interview. Some individuals have had luck just dropping in and requesting to meet with an individual in a particular department. This is a little more dicey than making an appointment.
When you arrive at your informational interview be very prompt. After all, the person you are seeing is doing you a favor. Be businesslike and look professional, though not like you are there for a job interview.
Don't bring a resume!!! You can send one after your informational interview, tailored to the needs of the company if it seems appropriate then.
Prepare your questions beforehand and write them down to take with you. Ask yourself what you need to know about the occupation, firm or industry. Do your homework!!!
Part 2 Due Monday, November 30, 2009; 2 points
Conducting the Interview
You want to take on a "professional" demeanor, communicate clearly, and have writing materials to record your interviewee's answers. Also be aware of the interviewee's demeanor and how comfortable you are in the professional setting (office, clinic, etc.).
How to start your informational interview and questions you can ask
Start your interview with a brief statement reminding the person you are talking with why you are there, who referred you, and what you hope to gain. Example: I am interested in exploring careers in the __________ field. I am trying to get a better understanding of what a person does in this field and what it takes to be successful in this field and how to get into the field. I was referred by so and so who said you'd be a good person to talk with.
What do you do? - Title? Ask for a business card at this point.
How did you get involved in this field?
What is your background? - What other types of backgrounds do people in this field have?
What kinds of projects or activities do you work on?
What types of skills are needed for this field? What makes someone successful in this field?
What is a typical day like?
What do you like best about your job?
What do you like least about your job?
What areas in the field are growing?
How is the future of the field changing?
How is this field tied to economy? How is it being effected by the current economic climate?
What are the entry-level jobs in this field?
What is the salary range for entry-level jobs? Top-level?
Is there much upward opportunity or room for career growth?
Can you recommend any sources of information for this field - professional associations, publications, or conferences? Who are the other key players in this industry?
Are there any drawbacks to a career in this field or in this industry?
Can you give me the names of any other people that I might speak with for more information?
There are dozens of questions you may want answered, but think about them carefully before you arrive at your interview. Write your questions down just in case you get nervous but don't get too rigid or appear to be interrogating the person you are talking with. Be sensitive to the time constraints of the person you are talking with and remember you asked for 20 minutes.
The key to this whole process is enthusiasm. If you are truly interested in a topic, that will shine through. When it does, the person you are talking with will most likely respond positively.
Processing the Interview and Following Up with Your Interviewee
How to evaluate the information from an informational interview
Immediately after the interview, "debrief" yourself by taking a sheet of paper or an index card and write the name and address of your contact plus the answers to the following questions:
What did I learn?
How does what I learned fit with my skills, values and interests?
What else do I need to know? Who else do I need to talk with?
An excellent tool for organizing the information you collect is The Job Search Companion, by Wallach.
How to follow up
Once you have evaluated the information you need to
Send a thank-you note immediately to the person you spoke with. Just write a few lines expressing your appreciation and indicating what your next step will be.
If you were closer to exploring jobs, you would want to keep a binder of interviews, set up more interviews, and plan to contact companies/organizations about jobs.
Part 3: Due Wednesday, December 9, 2009; 9 points
Record the questions you asked and answers you received.
Include written answers to the 3 questions bulleted under "How to evaluate the information from an informational interview."
Also include a business card of the individual and a list of names they referred you to.