Career & Major Exploration

To learn from professionals in your future field, check out Candid Career. It's a fun and easy way to explore careers through short video clips. You can search thousands of career videos by category to hear industry professionals share advice and insights about their jobs.

You'll discover many career fields and learn what it takes to get hired in these fields. Plus, you can get advice on networking, resume writing, interviewing, and many other topics that help you get a job.

Go to Candid Career

Informational interviews are a great way to learn about a career field or a company and meet professionals to build your network. An informational interview aims to get information and insights directly from professionals in the career field you find interesting while making important contacts for your network. Informational interviews can be done in person, over video chat or phone, or by email.

View Examples on Candid Career 

Steps for a Successful Informational Interview

• Find professionals in the career field of interest to you and contact them through email or LinkedIn.
  
  “My name is [Name],
  
  I am a student at Morehead State University majoring in [Major]. I am exploring [Field/Industry] career options and would love to hear more about your experience at [Company/Position]. Would you be available for a quick chat sometime next week? Your insights would be invaluable to me as I plan my next steps."
• Arrange a meeting by suggesting a few possible dates and times that work for you, and ask the professional to choose the one that fits their schedule. It is important to take only 20 to 30 minutes of the professional’s time.
• Arrive early and dress professionally. Take this meeting as seriously as a job interview because you’re making a first impression.
• The following are sample questions to ask during the interview. Feel free to ask additional questions.
  • How did you get started in this career field? (What was your major, and did it help you get into this field?)
  • Could you describe a typical day?
  • What do you enjoy most about what you do?
  • What is most challenging about what you do?
  • What are your career plans?
  • What are the ways that you see this field (or company) is changing? What is the future of ________?
  • What advice would you give someone in college interested in entering this career field?
  • What is the application process for employment in this company and this career field?
  • If someone with my experience were applying for an entry-level position in this field, what suggestions would you have to increase the likelihood of obtaining an interview?
  • Do you know another professional in this field willing to talk to me, too?

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Like with any project, the more effort you put in, the more you'll get out of it.
• Get good information whenever you can. Not everyone answers questions the same way, so you might need to ask follow-up questions. The goal is to learn more about the career field and the specific company. Don’t be afraid to ask additional questions to satisfy your curiosity. Most people are happy to share more about themselves.
• Interview someone you don’t know well to expand your network. You never know who might help you with a job in the future! For your first informational interview, you might find it easier to choose someone you already know from school, work, or through friends or family. For your next interview, try to connect with someone new.
• Sometimes, informational interviews may not be very helpful. Some people might be too busy or may not want to discuss their careers. That’s okay. The goal is to learn as much as possible and build your network.
• Stay in touch with the people you meet. It’s important to keep in contact so they can help you in the future. Always send a brief thank you note to show your appreciation. If someone spends more than 10 minutes helping you, sending a personal note is nice.
• Consider connecting with them on a professional networking site like LinkedIn.

Requesting and participating in job shadowing is a great way to gain real-world insight into a career field. It can also help you build your network and make better career decisions.

Here are steps and tips to help you successfully request and conduct a job shadowing experience:

Steps to Request Job Shadowing

• Identify Potential Contacts
  • University Alumni: Use LinkedIn or your university’s alumni network to find professionals in your field of interest.
  • Family and Friends: Ask family members, friends, and acquaintances if they know anyone in your desired industry.
• Research the Industry and Company
  • Understand the basics of the industry and specific companies you are interested in. This shows that you are genuinely interested and have done your homework.
  • Prepare a Professional Request
    
    Email or LinkedIn Message: Craft a professional and concise request for job shadowing. Be clear about your interest in their field and what you hope to gain from the experience.
    
    Sample Email Template:
    
    Subject: Job Shadowing Opportunity Request
    
    Dear [Name],
    
    My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Year] student majoring in [Your Major] at [Your University]. I am very interested in pursuing a career in [Industry/Field] and came across your LinkedIn profile. Your work at [Company/Organization] caught my attention, and I would love to learn more about your role and the industry.
    
    I am writing to inquire if you would allow me to shadow you for a day or a few hours. Observing your work firsthand would be incredibly valuable for my career exploration and development.
    
    Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of learning from you.
    
    Best regards,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Contact Information]
    [LinkedIn Profile URL (if applicable)]
  • Follow-Up - If you do not receive a response within a week or two, send a polite follow-up message.

Steps for a Successful Job Shadowing Experience

• Prepare in advance.
  • Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values, and current projects.
• Prepare Questions: Develop a list of questions to ask during the shadowing experience, focusing on the professional's daily responsibilities, required skills, and career path.
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What do you enjoy most about your job?
  • What skills are essential for success in this field?
  • How did you get started in your career?
  • What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in this industry?
• Dress in Professional Attire: Dress in business casual or professional attire unless otherwise specified.
• Be Punctual: Arrive on time or a few minutes early to show respect for the professional’s time.
• Show Enthusiasm and Interest: Be engaged and genuinely interested in the work. Take notes if necessary.
• Observe and Reflect: Pay attention to the work environment, team dynamics, and daily tasks. Reflect on what you observe and how it aligns with your interests and career goals.
• Express Gratitude: Send a thank-you email or note after the shadowing experience. Mention specific insights you gained and express your appreciation for the opportunity.
  
  Sample Thank-You Email Template:
  
  Dear [Name],
  
  Thank you for allowing me to shadow you on [date]. I truly appreciated the opportunity to observe your work and gain valuable insights into the [industry/field]. The experience has enhanced my understanding and excitement about pursuing a career in this area.
  
  I am grateful for your time and willingness to share your knowledge. Thank you once again for this wonderful opportunity.
  
  Best regards,
  [Your Name]

Eagle CareerNet is an online system where students can find career-related resources, tools, and services. It helps students find jobs, plan their careers, and connect with employers.

Use the employer directory to find potential employers. Explore their profiles and learn about their mission, values, and available positions. Connect with alumni or professionals in your field of interest and request an informational interview or a job shadowing opportunity.

Go to Eagle CareerNet

Use BuzzFile to identify specific employers in your field. Locate and research thousands of potential employers - in Kentucky or nationwide - filtered according to your major or area of interest.

Go to BuzzFile

Use LinkedIn to find alumni of your major. It can be a powerful way to explore career options.

• Use LinkedIn's Alumni Tool: MSU Alumni on LinkedIn
  • You can filter by major, industry or location.
• Explore Alumni Career Paths:
  • Check Alumni Profiles: Look at their career paths, their roles, and the companies they have worked for.
  • Notice common steps or certifications that they completed that might be beneficial for you as well.
• Follow Morehead State on LinkedIn.
• Join the MSU Alumni Association Group.
• Join the Center for Career Development & Experiential Education Group.