Preparing for the Informational Interview
Begin to prepare for this informational interview by identifying the professional you plan to interview. Ideally, the professional should be engaged in a career that you hope to pursue. (You may want to identify a second candidate in case your initial choice is unable to complete the interview with you.) This professional may work in your local area, but that is not necessary. If you cannot identify a professional easily, ask your friends and family if they know anyone who works in the field of psychology. You may also want to phone your local community mental health center or social services agency to ask for names and contact information of potential professionals you could interview. Contact your facilitator for guidance if you have difficulty in identifying someone.
Tasks
In a 1- to 2-page Microsoft Word document, address the following:
- Provide the following identifying information about the individual you have selected:
- The name
- The job title (licensed psychologist, social worker, or case manager)
- The level of education (a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree)
- A description of job responsibilities or day-to-day tasks
- The type of license, if applicable
- The state of residence and practice
- The e-mail address or phone number
- Develop a list of at least fifteen questions to ask in your informational interview. Research possible questions to include using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet. Refer to the Job Resources document to conduct an Internet search using the search terms “informational interview questions” in order to find suggested questions. Be sure to put them into your own words for the purpose of this assignment and to give credit to your source by using in-text citations and a reference list in APA format.
- Ask the interviewee about his or her work, academic preparation, and advice. In addition, include the interviewee’s answers to questions on the following topics:
- The experience, skills, and knowledge necessary for success in a career in psychology or in graduate school
- Relevant professional organizations
- His or her views on professional ethics and academic integrity
- The role of psychological research in his or her work
- His or her greatest challenges and rewards
- His or her reasons for choosing the field
- Develop a script (word-for-word written statement) that you will use during the warm-up (meet-and-greet) portion of the interview. What will you say to the interviewee when you meet him or her? What will you do? For example, will you shake the person’s hand and introduce yourself? Include small talk of a professional nature that will serve as an introduction and explanation of the purpose of the interview. Demonstrate in your script your ability to interact professionally and effectively in a professional environment.
- This assignment is preparatory work for the interview to be conducted later in this course. Do not conduct the interview for this assignment.
Submission Details:
- Write a 1–2-page paper in Microsoft Word format. Apply APA standards to cite sources.
This is an example of what I need!
Informational Interview
Dr. Robin Brooks is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and consultant at LSU Health Sciences Centre in Louisiana. She is also the founder and director of the ‘Putting the pieces together’ Behavioral Health Services (BHS) at LSU. Dr. Robin Brooks is a Ph.D. holder in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University, with over eleven years’ experience in the field. In his routine task, Dr. Brooks oversees developing treatment plans for all his patients, leading the therapy sessions, monitoring patient recovery, along with providing patient care and intervening upon crisis. Dr. Robin can be contacted directly in his LinkedIn bio or even contacted using the med facility administrative number +1504-568-4808 or street address number 433 Bolivar or on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-brooks-dbh-lmsw-b1891053).
The primary reason for having the interview with Dr. Robin Brooks is to inquire his insights into a field of study I am passionate to join. I believe that information derived from the interview will be an eye-opener in encouraging me to excel as a future professional mental health counselor. Besides, I am motivated to play a part in alleviating the rising problem of increasing population of mentally challenged people in my society, considering that I also lost close relative due to such state of health (Donaldson et al., 2014).
Questions
Some of the fifteen questions I had drafted before-hand for the interview with Mr. Brooks in understanding the profession seek to inquire about:
1. Why did you choose the profession and what did you like in the profession?
2. Some of your challenging encounters as a BHS specialist?
3. Some of the memorable experience during your career?
4. What number of cases have you intervened and how many do you handle daily?
5. Which is the most intriguing case you have ever handled?
6. What other identified elements of work exposure that should be emphasized during classroom learning?
7. What other qualifications are important for new graduates joining in the field?
8. What are some of the ideal professional bodies you would recommend to students seeking to nature their career?
9. What are your motivation/ drive for working as a mental health specialist?
10. What overall accomplishment/ satisfaction does an individual achieve from being a BHS specialist?
11. What is your take about online degree and on-campus degree for the course?
12. What impact does the job has on one’s personal life?
13. What are your views regarding the level of professionalism and integrity that goes along with the job?
14. What other areas of majors are available for students pursuing this field?
15. What is your general take about the profession, and what is your advice to any student seeking to join the profession?
Interview Script
In commencing the interview, it is essential that the formalities of engagement be prioritized to facilitate a smooth discussion. Therefore, in my discussion, it will be important that I introduce myself with civility by first gesturing for the greeting (along with the hallway or pavement) before introducing myself and my purpose for visit. However, if in the office I would knock before proceeding with the introduction formalities. After which, I will ask for the interviewee consent to have a face-to-face interview, including other acknowledgments of how I seek to achieve the interview purpose (Crosby, 2014).
For example, “greeting Madam? My name is XXX, a final year student at Argosy University pursuing my degree as a social worker. We did communicate a week ago where you booked me an appoint today.” If she consents me to take a sit I will then proceed with the purpose of my invite. “I am glad to have joined you today and hoping to benefit much from your insights about life as a licensed professional social worker in the field”. Also, the interviewer must acknowledge the interviewee for his participation in the interview both through formal acknowledgement and a thank you note. For example, “thank you ones again for your time and patience, I am very grateful to be in your presence and for sharing in detail. I look forward to meet you again in future, all the best in your career and bye.” Generally, it is important to conduct self diligently to enhance the cordial relationship and atmosphere important to encouraging a good interaction platform (Crosby, 2014). Also, it is essential that the interviewer asks for permission all the time when seeking to include other instruments for the interview, or when seeking clarity. Good communication etiquette is paramount to the success of an interview process (Crosby, 2014).
