1. Exploring Occupations How can you learn what opportunities exist in your community? How can you learn what opportunities exist in your community? –Visit work sites –Talk to people –Participate in your community

2. The Information Interview Is a meeting, in person or by telephone, with someone who works in a field that interests you. Is a meeting, in person or by telephone, with someone who works in a field that interests you.

3. The Information Interview Be Prepared: do not ask obvious questions; be informed. Be Prepared: do not ask obvious questions; be informed. Start with a brief introduction: indicate who you are and what you are looking for- be simple, short and clear. Start with a brief introduction: indicate who you are and what you are looking for- be simple, short and clear.

4. The Information Interview Prepare your questions: Prepare your questions: –What happens during a typical work day? –What do you most like about your work? –Are there things you don’t like about your work? –What skills would I need to work in your field? –What education would I need? What specific training would I need? Where would I get it?

5. The Information Interview Be courteous: Be courteous: –Thank them for their time and help. –If a telephone interview ask if you could visit the person at work.

6. The Information Interview Follow up: Follow up: –Write down what you’ve learned. –Add the person to your contact list. –Organize your information and keep it in a special file so you can refer to it again. –Make sure to send a thank-you note.

7. Contributing to your Community It helps you: It helps you: –Learn new skills –Meet people who can influence your career –Learn about yourself –Develop self-confidence –Get credentials

8. Work Term & Internship Programs Many colleges and universities require these. Many colleges and universities require these. Vary in length – up to a full semester. Vary in length – up to a full semester. Give students practical experience prior to entering the workforce. Give students practical experience prior to entering the workforce. Students may get paid. Students may get paid. Supervised and graded by supervisor. Supervised and graded by supervisor. These often lead to job offers. These often lead to job offers.