The Value of Informational Interviews

            In my opinion, one of the best ways to figure out if you want to pursue something in your life is to ask the people who are currently doing it.  At the end of my second semester sophomore year (just last spring), I actually conducted three informational interviews to gain a grasp of what it’s like to be a professional in my specific field of study.  Since my major is public relations, these people were all involved with communications and forms of marketing, while utilizing different forms of media along the way.  By the time I was finished conducting these interviews, I looked back through my notes and noticed three significant themes that kept coming up:  utilize opportunities that you can take advantage of (ESPECIALLY internships), be proficient in all forms of media writing and be personable, polite and presentable in your interviews and in the workplace.  Basically, nobody wants to work with someone who’s rude and incompetent, so work hard at your profession and your skills and you can become a very marketable person and a successful employee.  For more specifics about informational interviews and their specific values, I actually did a short podcast where I go more in-depth about the opportunities they present and some that I have done to give you a few examples.  The link is below.  I hope you check it out, because I’m speaking from experience and I can say I have already benefited from them.  I mention building your network, their value in the classroom and much more.

http://imeyer.podbean.com/mf/web/u9hzck/IanMeyerPodcast.m4a