Assignment: OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT- INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
PURPOSE
The purpose of this assignment is to give you an opportunity to connect in person to have a conversation with someone currently working in the operations management field.
WHAT IS IT?
An informational interview is a meeting with an individual in the operations management field. It is one of the best ways to find out about the realities of an operations management career/job. It provides an opportunity to gather information and guidance about the people, environment, and skills involved in the field.
APPROACH
Before contacting your interviewee, do some basic research about the field. You may want to review all the topics we will discuss throughout the term. Someone working in an operations management role could have a variety of job titles and/or descriptions. Clarify what you hope to gain through the informational interview. In general, when you contact a potential interviewee or referral, you should state who you are and who referred you to him/her, and explain that you are seeking information and advice. In this instance, you can present it as an assignment for your course. Always ask about a convenient time for them to meet. Request a 30-minute in-person interview.
INTERVIEW
There are "suggested" questions for you on the informational interview worksheet. If you have not finished the interview within the time period you had requested, thank the person for helping you by saying, "I said I would only take 30 minutes of your time. I know how busy you are." Extend the time only if the person you are interviewing strongly encourages you to do so. Request a business card before leaving.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW WORKSHEET
• Describe the main responsibilities of your position.
• What is most satisfying about your job and why?
• What is least satisfying about your job and why?
• How did you decide to get into this field?
• Tell me about the training and education that you've had? Has this helped you in this field, if not, what has?
• What recommendations do you have for someone wanting to enter or progress in this field?
• What skills and personal qualities are important for success in your field?
• What do you do during a typical work day?
• What are the opportunities for promotion or advancement?
• Is this field expanding and/or developing into new directions? Please explain how.
• What professional organizations or industry associations should someone consider joining to obtain additional information about this field?
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.