Topic 10 - The Informational Interview

The last one...

What better way to learn the ins and outs of a career than actually having a detailed conversation with someone in the field, someone actually doing the work you are interested in? In my opinion there is no better way to get the information that is going to steer you closer or further away from your chosen profession than an informational interview. I was quite unfamiliar with this interview concept until I began the graduate school application process and needed detailed, specific facts about the physician assistant profession. I shadowed a PA at a clinic one weekend and before it was over I set up another date to meet and discuss the profession itself and her schooling experience; not to shadow and follow her through patient care, but have a conversation with her where I came prepared with thorough questions about what to expect as a new member of the field and what her long term plans and goals are. I work alongside doctors and physician assistants at Florida Hospital but our second meeting was by far the most informational in regards to job specifics, job outlook and the future of the profession.

I highly recommend conducting an informational interview with a professional in all the areas that you are interested. You can even set one up for a profession that you know little about and just want to get some basic info. Whether it is a profession you are extremely serious about and want to one day work in or it is a job you just heard about and want the basic facts, remember that it is to be conducted in a professional manner. By professional I do not necessarily mean suit and tie, stuffy office building and intimidating atmosphere; I actually conducted my interview at a local restaurant over lunch wearing casual clothes. But I was on time, called the day before to confirm the location and was very grateful at the conclusion. Whether over a casual meal or in the uncomfortable office, remember the basics of professionalism as well as the fact that the person who are interviewing may one day be interviewing you for a job opening. An informational interview is a great tool and usually something that passionate professionals like to be a part of; they tend to enjoy speaking with people who are looking into a career that they have dedicated so much of their time to.

For this week’s exercise and posting follow these instructions about conducting an interview…

Informational Interview Instructions:

Log on to Perfect Interview. (http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/). For "Your Level of Experience," choose the level that fits you the best.

Complete one "short" interview where the selections are chosen for you. Complete one "short" interview where you make the selections. Choose at least three areas you'd like to work on the most. Note the options of the "Alternate Response" and the "Coach" that can be used.

You may choose to either use video capture or no video capture. Save both interviews.

For responses this week, comment on your interview experience.

What questions did you find problematic?

What did the “coach” teach you about interviews? Anything you will use down the road?

Click on "Review Saved Interviews." Click on the "Share" button. E-mail yourself your interview if you want to save it and include the links in your posting if you’d like to share.

Reference information:

Further information about informational interviews: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/summer/art03.pdf

Information from UCF"s Career Services: http://www.career.ucf.edu/UserFiles/File/Plan%20for%20the%20Interview/player.html

This is our last blog topic as the semester in winding down and summer is approaching. I truly enjoyed this mentoring experience and hope you all benefited from the insight of our group. I wish you all the best in your next semester and your search for the next step to take!

Jeff Owens

Topic 9 - Understanding Interdisciplinarity and Integration

Topic 9 - Understanding Interdisciplinarity and Integration

What were your thoughts the first time you heard of Interdisciplinary Studies? I remember I was sitting at a table with some co-workers who were doing homework in classes for this degree. Looking back it seems they didn’t explain it well to me, because I walked away and did not fully understand what it was they were graduating with. We all have been there. Although it’s a simple concept, we find it hard to comprehend. Interdisciplinarity is pulling our different areas of expertise together for one cause. Integration is where each participating element evolves into something else together. Individually these components are not as effective, or do not produce the same result.

Personally, I sell my interdisciplinarity in the job that I do. The EMS system, at least here in Florida, is interdisciplinary. First, there are separate parts like medical, fire, public assistance (taking blood pressures, installing smoke detectors). When these services come together they integrate to provide the highest level of service to citizens. As a supervisor there are even more aspects to consider. While there are fire departments in the country that provide fire services only and there are ambulance companies out there that provide medical care only, when the two are combined it’s like a marriage without divorce. The quality of patient care is higher, public service is higher because there is one point of contact. Satisfaction for public services received by the citizens is higher. These go hand in hand with my areas of Health Science and Life Science. I truly feel like I use what I have learned in college in my every day life.

How have or haven’t you integrated your areas and minor? Why is integration important in terms of professional, academic and/or personal develpment? What would be the perfect job to integrate your areas? If you went into an interview and someone asked you what is Interdisciplinary Studies would you be ready to answer? What would be your response be? I look forward to hearing your responses! Don't forget to sign your name.

Kimberly Buffkin