Activity:

Career Research in your Subject Area

Time Duration:

6 weeks to complete and connect with a professional in their field of interest.

Overview:

Students will engage in the career research process and networking by connecting with a professional in a field of interest.

Objectives:

• Engage in conversations with professionals in fields of interest to gain greater insight into career possibilities
• Demonstrate professional communication skills by arranging a meeting, conversing with employers, and writing appropriate follow-up correspondence.

Informational Interview Assignment:

1) Identify a professional in a career field(s) of interest

- Speak with faculty, family, friends, co-workers for in-network connections or research a company online using Yelp.

2) Reach out to arrange a meeting by email or adjust the script for a phone call.

Sample Script for Email:
Dear -----
My name is _____ . I am a student at MiraCosta College pursuing a degree in _____ . I am currently exploring areas of interest, to guide me in determining my future career path. I was referred to you by .. ./1 found your information through ___ . I am hoping you might be available for a short 20-minute informational interview, either in person or by phone, sometime in the next few weeks. Please let me know and thank you for considering my request. You may reach me at...(phone and email.)
Sincerely,
Your Name

3. Think about what you want to know about the job, the company, the path to this career, and how the position aligns to your personal skills and values. Then create your questions accordingly.

Sample Questions:

• What is a typical day like?
• What has your career path looked like?
• What jobs and experiences prepared you for your current position?
• Is there anything you would have done differently in pursuing your current field?
• What skills are most desirable and important in this field?
• What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is the most challenging?
• Can you recommend other individuals in this field that I should speak with?

For Online Course: You MUST include a picture of the Interviewees Business Card. A simple photo will do.
For Traditional Format Course: You MUST include the Interviewees Business Card.

Informational Interview Assignment:

Date of the Interview:
The Interviewee's Name and Title:
The interviewee's job and responsibilities:
The preparation needed to pursue this career (academic requirements, skills, experiences, or certifications):
The interviewee's unique career path:
What it is like working at the interviewee's specific company (company culture, opportunities for advancement, plans for growth, company needs):
At least 3 additional questions and answers:

Informational Interview Reflection:

Write a reflection on your informational interview experience which addresses the following questions. Remember all outcomes of your informational interview can be viewed useful even if you discover a dislike for the occupation. This experience can be a valuable learning opportunity to explore multiple career areas, and reassess your plans as needed.

• After speaking with a professional in this field, how has your understanding of a career in this industry developed ( e.g. what have you learned?)
• What was the most useful piece of information you took away from your conversation?
• Is this a career path you will consider pursuing? Why or why not?
• What steps will you take next to either pursue this career path or explore other career areas.

For Online Course: You MUST include a picture of the Interviewees Business Card. A simple photo will do.
For Traditional Format Course: You MUST include the Interviewees Business Card.