Explore Ranger Style
Choosing a Major and Exploring Careers
Choosing a future can be overwhelming, but it is also exciting because of the limitless opportunities available. The NWCC Beverly Brewer Stark Career Center offers a variety of resources to help navigate this process for you with ease!
To begin, self-assessment is the best approach when deciding on a major or career followed by exploration and research. It is important to begin your assessment by asking yourself important questions such as these:
What is important to me?
What is my dream job and why?
What topics and/or ideas spark my curiosity?
What comes naturally to me?
What are my favorite classes and why?
What extracurricular activities do I enjoy most?
What activities make me happy or energized?
If I were guaranteed success, what would I do?
When have I been most inspired or motivated?
Are you choosing a major/career for your parents, from your own excitement, or for money?
You may find it helpful to seek guidance from one of the NWCC Career Counselors, Marla Kennedy or Teandrea Jones, in choosing a major or career. You can also explore the many programs and pathways available at Northwest Mississippi Community College to help steer you in a direction that is the best fit for you.
Informational Interview
What is an Informational Interview?
An Informational Interview is a type of interview where YOU meet with an individual who is working in a career or industry that you would like to learn more about. It is a great way to gain valuable insight about a career from a person who is actually working in that field and help determine if this occupation is right for you!
Before the Interview
Step 1: Determine who you would like to interview. Ask your friends, family, instructors, and/or career counselor in helping you network in making contact with someone in the profession of your choice.
Step 2: Make contact. This can be done by emailing and/or calling to schedule a day and time to meet. Be sure to introduce yourself, explain why you would like to meet, and what you are hoping to gain from the meeting.
Step 3: Be prepared. Dress professionally and know what questions to ask.
During the Interview
Step 1: Be on time. Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Step 2: Show professionalism. Thank your interviewee prior to and after meeting and have questions in-hand ready to start.
Step 3: Stay on task. Be organized and do not exceed the agreed upon allotted time of interview.
After the Interview
Step 1: Follow up. Write thank-you note and send either via email or mail within 24 hours of the meeting.
Step 2: Reflect. Consider what you learned to narrow your career search.
Step 3: Schedule more interviews. Schedule additional interviews and/or job shadowing opportunities, if needed.
Common Interview Questions
Below are several questions to consider when preparing for an informational interview. It is recommended to tailor your questions to the specific career or industry and be prepared with more questions than you plan to ask to avoid unnecessary silence or ending the interview too soon.
Why did you decide to work in this industry/career?
What type of education, training, and/or certifications is needed?
What do you do on a typical day?
How did you get the position you are in today?
What is it like to work for your company, role?
What is most satisfying about your job?
What is most challenging about your job?
What does the future look like in this profession?
What do you wish you would have known prior to entering this career/industry?
Can you share with me any other information that I may not have asked?
Resume Development
Developing a Professional Resume, Cover Letter, and Thank-You note
A resume and cover letter is a marketing tool of you. The purpose is to communicate valuable skills, work history, education and certifications to potential employers and/or post-secondary institutions. The NWCC Beverly Brewer Stark Career Center has a variety of resources to help you in any stage of your resume, cover letter, and/or thank-you note development. Contact Marla Kennedy or Teandrea Jones, Career Counselors, to schedule a personal consultation.
Resource Tips for Developing a Professional Looking Resume and Cover Letter
Effective Writing Essentials for Resumes, Cover Letters, and Thank-You Notes
Resume Template 1
Resume Template 2
Resume Template 3