Informational Interview Assignment & Grading Information

Assignment Information：

The purpose of the informational interview is to encourage you to gather more information about a particular major, profession or career you wish to explore during your studies at School. It is an opportunity to approach someone in order to ask specific questions about such things as the degree requirements for a major, possible minors to complement the major and your interests, occupations related to majors, skills needed to enter a particular job, or clubs and organizations that are beneficial to join and get advice on how to be successful. It is also a valuable networking opportunity.

Assignment Components：

STEP 1 – Identify a list of people interview

 The best person for this assignment is someone you do not know so that the interview expands your knowledge and your network. Your interviewee can be someone on campus (, staff, a senior in your major, etc.) or someone off campus (an alumni who graduated in your major, an individual at an organization or business in

your field of interest, etc.)

 To help you create your list of potential interview candidates, start with a list of people you already know who might serve as a contact for information and/or referral to someone you can interview:

o Consider friends, , fellow students, faculty, PALS, Academic Advisors, , the Career Counselors, job supervisors, relatives, neighbors, connections through social media (Facebook, LinkedIn and the School Community Group), and people they know.

STEP 2 – Arranging the interview

Most people are responsive to requests from students for information and advice, and they are usually quite helpful. It is up to you, however, to initiate the contact by telephoning, writing a letter or emailing, or connecting through social media.

 If your first contact is by letter or email, follow-up with a phone call.

 If you were referred to your contact by someone, mention the name of your referral source when introducing yourself.

When arranging your interview, explain your mission of gathering information and advice. You might say something like:

“I’m a student at University and I have an assignment to interview someone who majored in______ (or is working in the field of ____) . I’d like to ask for 20-30 minutes of your time to learn more about your experiences.”

If the contact is unable to meet with you in person, you may be able to gather your information over the phone or via Skype (but in person is much better)

STEP 3 – Developing questions

Your questions should elicit responses that assist you in gaining a better understanding of the major, career, the area of study, and/or the process of securing work in a similar position. Remember to ask who else they might know and could recommend you speak with. See the final page for sample interview questions.

STEP 4 – Conducting the interview

Try to establish a good rapport with your contact and indicate an interest in her/his area of education/expertise. Refer to your list of prepared questions, but allow the discussion some spontaneity as well. Prior to leaving, ask for:

1) a business card (if in person) or email address if over the phone or via Skype

2) a suggestion of names of others who might be helpful to you

STEP 5 – Follow up

Within one day of the interview, send a thank you note to the person you interviewed. The note does not have to be long. Email is okay, but hand-written is preferred– people remember hand-written notes.

Interview tips:

1）Be prepared; above all, be relaxed and be yourself

 2）Practice with a friend, family member or classmate

 3）Prepare a folder to include questions

 4) Dress thoughtfully. That is, if you meet a senior-level student in the Dining Center, you might dress casually. If you meet alumni in an office environment, dress professionally.

 5）Be natural; appear prepared but not rehearsed

 6）Don’t talk too much; let the interviewee do most of the talking

 7）Don’t ask personal questions

SAMPLE QUESTIONS:

What kinds of occupations might someone with this degree pursue?

How important is it to do an internship in this field?

How did you become interested in this area of study, and what keeps you interested?

If I pursue this degree, how do you recommend I get the most out of my education?

What are the most important skills I will learn with this degree?

What clubs or organizations would you recommend to a student interested in this major?

How would you describe the students who pursue this degree?

How would you describe what is involved in pursuing this degree?

What do you enjoy most about this major?

What do you think is the least interesting aspect of this major?

Would you recommend graduate school right after college or, after gaining some professional experience?

If you were starting out again, what would you do differently?

What kind of experience would employers in this field look for in a job applicant?

How can I obtain such experience? Would you recommend any extracurricular activities?

If I decide to look for a job in this field, how would you advise me to go about it?

Do you have any other advice for me?

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT

Include the following:

Your Name: Tom Date of Interview:03/20/2015

Interview Subject’s Name: Emma Position/Title:

Email Address: / Phone:/

Introduction (1/2 page)

Briefly describe the major or occupation you have chosen and why you are interested in it. Identify the name and position of the person you interviewed. Be sure to include how you got connected with them and how the interview was conducted ( i.e. over the phone, in person, via Skype).

Summary of Informational Interview (1-1 ½ pages)

A summary of the questions and the interviewee’s responses need to appear in your report. Provide a summary of follow-up activities the person you interviewed suggested.

Reactions and Conclusion (1/2 page)

Include your reactions to the interview. What did you learn from the interview? Do you possess or can you acquire the necessary skills to be successful in this major/job/position? Having done the interview, how do you feel about the path you are currently on? How has the interview assisted your decision-making process?

FORMAT OF TRANSCRIPT

Margins: 1” borders on all sides

Font: 12 pt. standard (Times New Roman, Arial)

Spacing: Double spaced