Exploring Your Career Path Through Information Interviewing

Choosing a career is one of the most important steps in our lives, and one that frequently receives the least amount of investigation. Many people pick a career because that’s what their parents or siblings do. They really don’t know whether that work will make them happy.

Career counselors often hear clients say, "I don’t know what’s out there!" Knowing the scope of jobs and what may be "hot" when you are ready to join the work force is important, of course. But the first step in choosing a career you love is to look at yourself first – what you value, what motivates you, what situations make you happy.

Easier said than done, perhaps, but certainly not impossible. It takes time and reflection. Assessments, such as the Strong Interest Inventory or the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, may help when interpreted by a professional career counselor.

When you have identified some career possibilities, the most helpful action you can take is to talk to people who are working in jobs you think you might enjoy. Richard Bolles, in his book "What Color is Your Parachute" called this process "information interviewing." Most people are happy to discuss their jobs, what they really do, what they like and don’t like about their occupations. Talk to them! Make appointments, stressing that you are seeking information only – not a job!

It’s hard to overcome the natural resistance that most of us have to calling up a stranger and asking them to spend a little time with you. Getting names of possible interviewees is the first step. . Think of the people you know who might know someone in the field of your career interest, and develop a short list of people to call.