Checking Out Career Options Can Help You Decide
T
hinking about Grad
School? Not quite sure what you
want to do? Try the informational
interview.
Most of us know that graduate
school is not the best place to discover
what it is that we want to do with our
lives, yet many of us will still go on to
pursue a Master’s Degree simply because
we cannot think of a more attractive path
to take. While admissions officers at
graduate schools across the country are
getting ready to crack down on admitting
“unfocused students,” it is time for these
“students of many options” to go out and
explore the careers available to them
without getting their feet too wet. This is
where the informational interview comes
in.
An informational interview can
not only be used to get a better idea of
how people like a variety of careers and
find out what they had to do to get there,
but it can also be used to get your foot in
the door of a company that you are
interested in working with. Your first goal
in an informational interview is to learn
whether a potential career or position fits
your skills and interests. There is “no
better way to get a taste of the real world than by talking with
people working in jobs that interest you,” according to Joanna
Gordon, a business writer in New York. And often, says Gordon,
“deciding a career is wrong for you is as important as finding one
that’s right.”
The key to informational interviews is that you are in
charge. Because you initiate the interview, you set the agenda.
Begin the meeting by introducing yourself and stating why you
requested the interview. Gordon advises that in order to dispel any
misunder-standings, you should “restate that you want to learn
about the company and industry, not ask for a job.” This way,
your contact won’t feel pressured. Be sure to conduct research
before the interview by visiting the company’s Web site and
preparing questions. Don’t worry about whether you’re wasting a
busy person’s time, you will be surprised by how willing many
professionals are to spend time with you. As Gordon states, “they
were in your shoes once and needed advice on breaking into the
working world. Now it’s their turn to give back.”
Your second objective in an informational interview is to
initiate a long-term relationship with your contacts. If you make a
good impression, you may be invited to interview for a job if one
opens up. This is why it is so important to do your research, and
to be professional and enthusiastic. You will also want to be sure
that you listen more than you talk.
Re member, according to Dana Alexander, the director of
Career and Life Planning at Westmont College in Santa Barbara,
graduate school admissions officers are looking for applicants who
“demonstrate clear direction, focus and self-understanding.” The
informational interview can help you get there.
Put your degree to work for someone really important.
Yourself.
We know that you are looking for a career that puts your brain power to work. One that gives
you the autonomy to make top-level decisions while impacting bottom-line profitability. One
that financially rewards you for your contributions, not your tenure. ■ Well, you just found it!
Enterprise Rent-A-Car's nationally acclaimed Management Training program offers the
challenge of learning to run your own business without the financial risks or obligations. Join us
and have hands-on involvement in every aspect of business management, from sales and
marketing to customer service and staff development. ■ We realize you didn’t major in
renting cars. That’s why Enterprise offers so much more. So, if you've got a head for powerful
accomplishments, multiple tasks, thinking on your feet and exceeding expectations, we at
Enterprise invite you to use your head! "You'll be glad you did."
Find out why Enterprise was named Ernst and Young National Entrepreneur of the Year!
Visit our booth at the career fair Wednesday, November 4
in the EMU Ballroom
Interviewing for Sales/Management Trainees and Summer Interns
on campus Thursday, November 5
Visit our website at www.erac.com
We are an equal opportunity employer.