Purpose:
The purpose of the Week 1 assignment is a pre-requisite for the Week 4 final assessment that is a mock (practice) career interview with (ideally) a professional organization in your field of study. You will be graded separately for both.
Use this assignment to practice your skills or network your way to your next career move. What is your ambition? What is your next career goal?
Through the mock interview you will gain interview experience, network/make a connection in your industry, and/or potentially get a job offer. This could be your next opportunity, so prepare accordingly.
Finding a mock interview will mimic what you will experience when looking for a job after you graduate. Some of you may only need to contact a few people before you find someone willing to interview you. Some of you will have to call twenty companies before you find one that is willing to do the interview. The purpose of this practice interview is to gain real-world experience. This will be not be easy, but just like finding a job in your field, you will need to keep trying and not give up when you meet your first obstacle.
If you are getting a degree to change careers and go into a different field, you will need to take the time to interview to get that new job. If you are currently employed, and are planning to move up in your company, then by all means ask your current employer to interview you. The interviewer, however, should not be your current supervisor.
This interview should ideally be with someone in your field of study. If you are having difficulty finding an interview with someone in your field of study, you may look into other areas, but it is preferred that you interview in your field of study.
Please note when you contact the interviewer, that you are asking for a mock or practice interview. If this interview results in a job, that is great; however, the point of the interview is for you to gain valuable interviewing skills as you move into the job market in your field of study.
Preparation:
For the Week 1 assignment:
1. Determine your professional goals.
2. Search for jobs or networking opportunities in your area that meet your future career goals.
3. Identify 3-5 companies in your area in which you are interested in working.
Ideally these companies should…
· Be within your program of study
· Provide an attainable job opportunity
4. Contact the companies to schedule an interview to be conducted during weeks 3 or 4. You may want to set up multiple interviews in case one of them falls through.
·Readings & Tools contains a script that you may use to direct your communication.
** If you are having trouble connecting to make your interview appointment and meet your Week 1 deadline, contact the Instructor to discuss accommodations. You can also contact your Career Services Advisor for additional help.
