| 1 |
Identify & research career field/occupation
- Professional experience
- Self-assessment (TypeFocus & Career Counselling)
- Career Cruising
- O-Net
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| 2 |
Identify company/organization
- Job search websites
- E-blue book
- Glassdoor
- Networking events (Carleton’s Career Website -CUHire; Community Listings; Chamber of Commerce)
- Contacts (e.g., friends, family, professors, past employers, etc.)
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| 3 |
Identify people
- Contacts (e.g., friends, family, professors, past employers, etc.)
- Contact the company/organization
- Networking events (Carleton’s Career Website-CUHire; Community Listings; Chamber of Commerce)
- LinkedIn
- Contact professionals and let them know you are researching careers, and would like to meet for an information interview
- Be clear you are not asking for a job and are instead interested in learning about their experience
- Have a specific timeframe and location in mind that is convenient for your contact
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| 4 |
Conduct information interview
Possible questions to ask about:
- 1) Person you are interviewing (e.g., their career path, educational background, training, memberships, etc.)
- 2) The job (e.g., workday, responsibilities, likes/dislikes, skill(s) they had to learn, etc.)
- 3) Company (e.g., training opportunities, projects, events, student opportunities, etc.)
- 4) Advice unique to your situation (e.g., volunteer/work recommendations, courses, etc.)
- 5) Follow-up & referral (e.g., involvement opportunities, other professionals you may contact, etc.)
Ask about AIR: Advice, Insight, Referral |
| 5 |
Follow-up & maintenance
- Thank you note/email
- Stay in contact (e.g., update the person about your progress, respond to opportunities)
- Ways to give back (e.g., volunteer opportunities, information about research, events, articles, etc.)
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