- Find professionals to guide you.
- Explore CandidCareer, LionLink, and LinkedIn for networking and job shadowing opportunities.
- Ask parents and other network contacts to identify leads on organizations seeking professionals.
- Call, email, and reach out to professionals to request an informational interview or job shadow.
- Emphasize your desire to learn more about what the professional does in their career.
- Conduct an informational interview.
- Interview the professional about their role in a polite, casual, and conversational manner.
- Whether face-to-face or virtual, greet the professional appropriately and thank them for their time.
- Learn as much as possible about their role, education, and workplace environment.
- Shadow a working professional.
- Identify professionals in career fields that match your desired interests.
- During a job shadow, take part in their day-to-day activities and ask questions when appropriate.
- Observe daily operations and document the experience accordingly
- Ask questions during an informational interview or job shadowing experience:
- What does a typical workday consist of for someone in your role?
- What skills and talents do you feel you most utilize in this role?
- What work do you most enjoy in this role? Any challenges?
- What is your educational background?
- What academic courses and accomplishments did you find most helpful in obtaining this role?
- Post follow-up experience.
- Send a sincere thank you, either by letter or email, thanking the professional for allowing you the opportunity.
- Review your notes, reflect on conversations, and determine your interest in pursuing such a role further.
- Schedule a meeting with a Career Counselor to discuss overall experience and plan future career steps.
- Plan and execute additional informational interviewing and job shadowing opportunities.
For assistance with professional development, please schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor—call 814-898-6112 or schedule in Starfish.