Interviewing professionals in careers that interest you is a fantastic way to gain insights and make informed decisions about your future. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of these interviews:

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by pinpointing the fields or careers you’re interested in. Consider your hobbies, subjects you enjoy in school, and industries that intrigue you. This will help you narrow down whom to approach for interviews.

2. Research Professionals

Once you have identified your areas of interest, look for professionals in those fields. You can start by asking your teachers, family members/friends, or school counselors for contacts. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource for finding professionals and learning about their backgrounds before reaching out.

3. Prepare Your Outreach

When reaching out, be concise and polite. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in speaking with them, and be clear about what you’re asking for—a short informational interview, either in person, over the phone, or via video chat. Make it easy for them to say yes by suggesting a few different times or asking what time works best for them.

4. Do Your Homework

Before the interview, research the professional’s career path, the company they work for, and the industry.

5. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Your questions should aim to gather insights about their career path, the skills and education necessary for success in their field, and any advice they have for someone starting out. Avoid questions that can be easily answered with a quick internet search.

Sample questions to ask:

• Give a brief explanation of your career (title and purpose).
• Are you self-employed or do you work for a company? If so, what company?
• How long have you been working in this particular industry?
• What inspired you to want to go into this industry?
• What are some special skills or personality traits that would be most helpful in your type of work?
• How much schooling did you need in order to obtain the position you have now?
• What university did you attend and what was your major?
• What steps did you have to take in order to get to where you are today?
• What are some of the aspects of your job that you like/love?
• What are some things that you did not anticipate entering this career that surprised you?
• Explain the daily schedule of an average workday.
• How would you describe the pace of your workplace?
• Does your work require you to work in a team or independently?
• How many hours does your work require of you each day or week?
• What is the highest position that can be attained in your line of work?
• What is the average starting income for someone in your line of work? What is the earning potential?
• Where do you see the future/potential of your career/industry going?
• What other opportunities/careers are there in your industry that you suggest looking into?
• For a student pursuing your line of work, what activities or organizations should they begin to involve themselves in?
• If someone were to approach you or anyone else in your profession about doing an internship with you, what would you suggest be the best method?
• What advice or words of wisdom would you give to a student who desires to pursue your type of work?

6. Conduct the Interview Respectfully

Be punctual and professional. Dress appropriately for the interview, and ensure you’re in a quiet place if it’s a phone or video call. Listen actively, showing interest in their responses, and feel free to ask follow-up questions.

7. Follow Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your gratitude for their time and the insights they shared. This is not only polite but helps build a professional relationship. You might want to keep them updated on your progress or ask further questions as you delve deeper into your career exploration.

8. Reflect on the Experience

After the interview, take some time to reflect on what you learned. How does this information influence your thoughts about pursuing a career in this field? What new questions or interests do you have? This reflection can guide your next steps, whether that’s more research, seeking out internships, or revising your college plans.

Remember, the goal of these interviews is not only to learn about specific careers but also to build a network of professionals who can provide guidance and support as you embark on your career journey. Approach this process with an open mind, and you’ll gain invaluable insights and connections along the way.

 

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