Essay Assignment: Interview and Analysis
Having learned about yourself and about potential employers in the area you are interested in, the next step is to have a deeper understanding of what it is like to work in the industry/company you have chosen.
Personal Interview
Conduct a personal interview with a highly successful professional working in the field you are interested in. You need to identify such a person, make the contact and schedule the interview, personally visit the professional, and gather information on the following:
• Name of the professional, position and what he/she is primarily responsible for.
• What are the most important strengths or skills necessary to achieve his/her position?
• Name of the company, products and general description of target customers.
• What characteristics does the company look for when hiring?
• How does the company find qualified employees?
• Can he/she provide some recommendation on improving a student's leadership skills?
• Obtain a business card or a link to the professional's LinkedIn profile.
Prepare a write-up of the interview. DO NOT use a question-and-answer format.
Analysis
Review your findings and write-up from the interview and provide the following analysis.
• Explain why the person you interviewed was selected for the assignment.
• What did you find was the most interesting part of the interview?
• Is this an area (i.e., company/industry) that you would like to explore for a job after graduation? Why or why not?
If you ARE interested in a job in this industry or with this specific position:
• Describe 3 characteristics that the person you interviewed told you were important. To what extent do your current qualifications fit within these characteristics?
• What should you do to prepare for a job in this industry between now and graduation?
• Are there courses you think you should take? Explain.
• Are there specific activities you believe will enhance your characteristics in the eyes of employers? Describe them.
If you DON'T want a job in this industry based on your interview findings:
• What industry have you found in your research that you might want to explore? Why?
• What are 3 characteristics you think you will need to join that industry? Why?
• What should you do to prepare for a job in this industry between now and graduation?
• Are there courses you think you should take? Explain.
• Are there specific activities you believe will enhance your characteristics in the eyes of employers? Describe them.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.