Instructions
Step One: Interview someone working in a career you may be interested in
Good places to find someone:
- A professional you already know
- A family friend or relative
- A supervisor or coworker
- Someone recommended by a friend
- A professor/teacher or staff member in the department related to your interests
If you are unsure who to interview, visit one of our academic departments on campusLinks to an external site. and/or visit the Career Center.Links to an external site.
The interview can be done:
- In person
- Over Zoom
- By phone
- By email
Step 2: Prepare for the Interview
Before the interview, spend a little time learning about the career online.
Write down the questions you want to ask and bring them with you to the interview.
Step 3: Conduct the Interview
Be respectful and professional.
Tips:
- Be on time
- Thank them for their time
- Ask your questions and listen carefully
- Ask if they recommend anyone else you should talk to
After the interview, send a short thank-you message or email.
Interview Questions
Ask questions like the ones below. You can use these or add your own.
- What is your job title and what do you do on a typical day?
- What education, degree, or major is required for this career?
- How did you get started in this field? What steps did you take after high school or college?
- What skills or personal qualities help someone succeed in this job?
- What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging part?
- What types of entry-level jobs, internships, or experiences help people get into this career?
- What is the typical salary range for someone starting in this field?
- Do you think this career will grow in the future? Why or why not?
- What advice would you give a college student interested in this career?
- Is there anyone else you recommend I talk to about this field?
Step 4: Reflection
After your interview, reflect on what you learned.
You can choose one of the following formats:
Option 1: Written Reflection (1 page) Option 2: Short Presentation Option 3: Video or Audio Interview
Include the following in your reflection:
- Who you interviewed and their job title
- What you learned about the career
- The education or major required for this field
- What steps you would need to take to get there
- What surprised you most
- What parts of the career sound appealing or challenging to you
- Whether this career still interests you