Description Of The Assignment: Interviewing Is A G ✓ Solved

Description Of The Assignmentinformation Interviewing Is A Great Oppor

Describe the assignment: conduct an informational interview with a professional in a non-academic organization or company related to your career interests. The interview should occur at the interviewee’s place of work if possible. Complete two components: a reflection essay on the interview experience and the questions you asked, and a thank-you note to the interviewee.

The reflection essay should be double-spaced, grammatically correct, and thoughtful, addressing your experience, insights gained, how the interview influences your career plans, and feedback received. Specifically, you will provide contact information for the interviewee, analyze whether your values, interests, personal qualities, and skills (VIPS) align with the career, and describe how this experience impacts your future career exploration. You will also identify your next potential interview target and interpret feedback on your resume.

You will also list ten questions asked during the interview, ensuring proper spelling and grammar.

The thank-you communication must be professional, well-structured, with an opening, middle, and closing paragraphs. It should thank the interviewee, note specific beneficial insights, and include your contact info or LinkedIn URL. The gratitude expression is emphasized for building professional networks.

Finally, the assignment requires scheduling tips, conducting the interview professionally (attire, punctuality, preparation), and follow-up protocols including requesting additional contacts.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The process of conducting an informational interview provides invaluable insights into professional careers, enhances networking skills, and deepens understanding of the realities of specific industries. This paper reflects on my recent informational interview with Mr. Robert Smith, a financial advisor at Investments for Life, and explores the impact of this experience on my career decision-making process.

Interview Details and Contact Information

My interviewee was Mr. Robert Smith, Financial Advisor, Investments for Life, located at 321 Roarke Ave., Toledo, OH 43606. His email was rsmith@investmentsforlife.com. Mr. Smith has over a decade of experience advising clients on financial planning and investment management. I reached out via email and scheduled a meeting at his office during his working hours, which proved to be an excellent way to gain firsthand insight into the profession.

Alignment of Personal Values, Interests, Qualities, and Skills with Career

During the interview, I assessed how my VIPS align with a career in financial advising. My core values, such as independence and a desire to help others, matched Mr. Smith’s emphasis on client service and autonomy in managing his schedule. My interests in investments and economic trends were directly related to his daily tasks of portfolio management. My outgoing personality and good communication skills, evidenced through my participation in class discussions and leadership roles, would help me build strong relationships with clients. Additionally, my active listening and verbal expression skills are essential for explaining complex financial concepts clearly. This congruence reassures me that pursuing a career in financial advising aligns with my authentic self and strengths.

Impact on Career Exploration

This interview reinforced my enthusiasm for financial advising. It clarified that my interests and strengths are suitable for this career path and encouraged me to seek internships and shadowing opportunities to gain practical experience. I now plan to connect with financial firms in my area over winter break and explore other finance-related roles to broaden my understanding. The conversation inspired me to continue leveraging informational interviews as a regular part of my career research, which I believe will help me make more informed decisions and refine my goals.

Next Target for Informational Interview

If I conduct another interview, I would prefer to speak with a finance analyst working on the corporate side. This will allow me to compare the client-facing advising role with internal corporate finance functions, helping me identify which environment better suits my interests and skill set. I believe this broader perspective will aid me in making a more strategic career choice.

Feedback on My Resume

Mr. Smith provided constructive criticism about my resume, noting that it primarily highlighted my job titles rather than my transferable skills and tangible achievements. He advised me to emphasize skills such as financial analysis, client communication, and problem-solving, supported by quantifiable examples where possible. I plan to revise my resume to feature these competencies prominently, using action verbs and including relevant metrics to demonstrate my impact clearly. Implementing this feedback will strengthen my application materials and better showcase my suitability for finance roles.

Additional Thoughts

This experience underscored the importance of proactive networking and diligence in career planning. Mr. Smith’s willingness to connect me with other professionals exemplifies how seeking diverse perspectives enriches understanding and expands opportunities. I am grateful for the courteousness and generosity of my interviewee, which further motivates me to approach future networking with professionalism and gratitude.

Questions Asked During the Interview

1. When did you know you wanted to become a financial advisor?
2. Who were your greatest influences in your career decision?
3. What type of experience did you have before you became a financial advisor?
4. How important are grades in college once you begin interviewing?
5. Describe your career path for me.
6. What’s an average day like for you?
7. If you weren’t a financial advisor, what do you think you would be?
8. As you look back at decisions you’ve made and positions you’ve held, would you do anything differently?
9. What do you value most about your position?
10. Would you be willing to offer the names/contact information of two or three other individuals for informational interviews?

Conclusion

Overall, this informational interview reinforced my commitment to pursue a career in financial advising. It provided clarity, valuable feedback, and expanded my professional network. I will continue to seek such experiences to build my understanding and confidence in navigating my future career.

References

• Korkki, P. (2015). The power of informational interviews. The New York Times.
• Lindsay, S. (2018). Networking strategies: How to make connections that count. Career Development Quarterly.
• Martin, J. (2019). Crafting effective resumes for finance careers. Journal of Career Planning & Development.
• Smith, R. (2020). Insights into financial advising. Personal interview.
• Thompson, H. (2021). The role of internships in career development. College Career Journal.
• Williams, A. (2017). Mastering professional communication. Business Communication Review.
• Young, M. (2016). Building your professional network. Harvard Business Review.
• Zhao, L. (2022). Career decision-making in finance: A comprehensive overview. Financial Analyst Journal.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the APA
• The University of Toledo Career Center. (2023). Informational Interviewing Tips and Resources.