Career Research |
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The second component of your work term report involves conducting an informational interview with someone that is working in a field that interests you. Most students interview a colleague, but you may select an individual from another organization if you prefer. Informational interviewing is a personalized form of research and complements alternative research methods, such as Internet and library research. Gathering information this way can help you gain deeper insight into a particular field or occupation.
During an informational interview you may ask about:
- how to get started in the field, occupation, and organization
- current trends
- the major advantages and disadvantages of working in the occupation
- the working environment of an organization or a position
- personal opinions and observations about daily activities
- entry-level jobs available and where to find them
- opportunities for advancement or lateral moves
- factors influencing advancement
If you have questions about the informational interview process or need help in getting started, be sure to speak with your co-op co-ordinator early in the term. After completing your informational interview, summarize your meeting in two or three pages, and include the summary in your work term report. Include the following information when completing the meeting summary:
- job title of the person you interviewed, how you connected with him or her and why you chose that person
- reflections on what you learned
- benefits of doing an informational interview
- how the information has affected your future career interests
- any other thoughts and ideas that arose during this assignment
- a copy of the questions you asked in the appendices (do not list questions and answers in the body of this section)