MyPlan. Take free assessments online to determine your values, interests, personality and skills. Access a database that includes extensive information on majors, colleges and careers. To access MyPlan, go to career.ucf.edu, click on “Students,” then “Virtual Career Center” and click on “Explore Self and Careers.”
Here are some sample questions to get you started: •W hat kinds of tasks do you do in a typical day or week? • What do you like most about this job? •W hat characteristics or qualities does a person in this job need to have?
Career Counseling.
Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss major and career options. To arrange an appointment, visit the main office or call 407-823-2361.
•D o you usually work independently or as part of a team? • Is your schedule flexible or set? •W hat types of advancement opportunities are available in this career? •W hat emerging trends do you see in this career field?
Exploring Careers: Informational Interviews If you want to know what a career is really like, ask someone already in the field. Informational interviews are a great way to talk to people about their field while getting the information you need to make the right career choice. Select Individuals to Interview First, identify a few possible occupations—then look for people in those occupations. Ask professors, friends, family members or past coworkers if they know people in the field. You can also call professionals in the field. Most professionals are happy that you want to talk to them about their job and will schedule an interview with you. Research the Organization Knowing something about the companies will help you develop questions and show potential employers that you are interested in them and their organizations. Create a Resume Bring your resume to the interview. The person you are interviewing may critique your resume. You can also ask them what skills or qualifications you should develop to become a stand-out candidate. Develop Questions This is the most important step. Develop and write down open-ended questions. Think about what is important to you in a job. Get information about job tasks, working conditions and career preparation.
• How did you prepare for this career? •W hat was your major? What are typical majors for this career? •W hat type of entry-level jobs does the industry offer?
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING RESOURCES Externship/Job Shadowing–This program is held during the winter and spring breaks, and offers students the opportunity to shadow an employer in their professional area of interest. Apply early. Alumni Mentoring Program–This program provides you with an opportunity to meet with professionals in various career fields and gain real-world perspectives. To access the list of professionals who have agreed to volunteer their time to meet with UCF students, register with KnightLink.
Orlando Business Journal/Book of Lists–This journal provides industry-specific employer lists for metropolitan cities across the nation that you can use to find individuals to interview. Access the online journal through myUCF.
Demonstrate Professionalism • Dress appropriately. Dress how the person you are interviewing would dress on an important work day. • Arrive early. Be on time, but no more than 15 minutes early. • At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time. A follow-up email or handwritten note also makes a great impression.
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