Objective: The objective of this assignment is to help you connect with professionals in your desired industry, gather insights, and reflect on how well the industry aligns with your career goals and interests.

Instructions:

$$ Connect with an Industry Professional: Find a professional working in the industry, role, or company that you aspire to work for. You can set up an informational interview with them in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, etc. Ensure that you have their permission to record the interview or take detailed notes.

$$ Prepare Questions: Develop a list of $5-7$ thoughtful questions to ask during the informational interview. Your questions should aim to gain insights into their role, the industry, or the company they work for. Be sure to customize your questions to the specific context of your career interests.

$$ Conduct the Interview: Schedule and conduct the informational interview with the industry professional.

$$ Record the Interview: If the professional grants permission, you may record the interview for reference. Otherwise, take thorough notes during the conversation. $($You don$$t need to submit the recording$)$

$$ Summarize and Reflect: After the interview, write the name of the person you interviewed, their position in the company, a summary that includes the questions you asked, the answers provided by the industry professional, and your reflections on whether a job in this industry aligns with your strengths, interests, and career goals.

Grading Criteria:

$$ Quality of Questions $(10$ points$)$: The questions you prepare should be thoughtful, relevant, and specific to your career interests. Are your questions well$-$crafted and customized to the context?

$$ Reflection $(5$ points$)$

$$ Maximum of $800$ words

By completing this assignment, you will gain valuable insights into your desired industry and career path, helping you make more informed decisions about your future.

Good luck!