Every field of study has the potential to lead to multiple career options, some of which students may not be aware of yet or currently only have a vague understanding of. So, how can students learn more about jobs that sound interesting to them? Informational interviewing and job shadowing are great ways for students to obtain information that will help them make educated decisions about the focus of their career path while enhancing their professional network at the same time.
Informational Interviewing
Typically a casual, low-stress opportunity for a student to ask an expert questions about a particular occupation or industry. Students can find people to interview by either contacting someone they already know or by looking in the yellow pages. Professionals are usually delighted to discuss their careers with college students, so finding people to interview is easy. Students can obtain facts and advice regarding anything from educational preparation to challenges in the workplace. Suggestions for interview questions can be found on the Career Services website.
Job Shadowing
An opportunity to observe the daily routine associated with a specific position. These experiences vary greatly in how interactive or passive they may be for the student, depending on the position and company. Additionally, the length of time a shadowing opportunity may last (half an hour, a full day, a week-long project) will vary. Job shadowing provides a unique chance for a student to witness what an occupation is really like, as well as how positions with the same job title can be quite different between companies. Finding professionals to job shadow is much like finding professionals to conduct an informational interview with. Often, these career exploration experiences can be combined.
Renee Mallo
Career Specialist
Informational Interviewing
Typically a casual, low-stress opportunity for a student to ask an expert questions about a particular occupation or industry. Students can find people to interview by either contacting someone they already know or by looking in the yellow pages. Professionals are usually delighted to discuss their careers with college students, so finding people to interview is easy. Students can obtain facts and advice regarding anything from educational preparation to challenges in the workplace. Suggestions for interview questions can be found on the Career Services website.
Job Shadowing
An opportunity to observe the daily routine associated with a specific position. These experiences vary greatly in how interactive or passive they may be for the student, depending on the position and company. Additionally, the length of time a shadowing opportunity may last (half an hour, a full day, a week-long project) will vary. Job shadowing provides a unique chance for a student to witness what an occupation is really like, as well as how positions with the same job title can be quite different between companies. Finding professionals to job shadow is much like finding professionals to conduct an informational interview with. Often, these career exploration experiences can be combined.
Renee Mallo
Career Specialist
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