Professional Exploration
This lesson plan was a part of the "EDUC 198 Directed Research in Education course" which I started teaching in Fall 2021. Course participants are Research Assistants (RAs) for the UCI Working Memory and Plasticity Lab (WMP Lab). This course is an introductory and supplementary class for undergraduate/new RAs who are doing research for course credit. In addition to their lab responsibilities, RAs are required to complete the assigned readings and a final project.
Shall I make Research a Part of My Career?
The purpose of this assignment is to reflect and refine your professional goals. I know that not all RAs are interested in doing research as a career or are still exploring what they want to do. Below is a list of blog posts that I’ve found helpful for them to learn more about what’s out there and what transferrable skills can research bring.
What Types of Jobs Are There for Research-Oriented Personalities: https://careertrend.com/list-6868459-types-there-research-oriented-personalities-.html
This blog post features a collection of different types of research careers based on your interest.
The Pros and Cons of a Career in Research: https://inomics.com/advice/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-career-in-research-283390
This blog post compares the pros and cons when considering a career in research.
Skills you gain during a Ph.D. that is transferable to industry roles: https://www.scientifica.uk.com/neurowire/skills-you-gain-during-a-phd-that-are-transferable-to-industry
This blog post talks about “transferrable skills” - skills you’ve learned from one domain that’s easily applicable (and often time highlight sought after) in other fields. Although written for Ph.D.-level audiences who are considering a career change, this post also articulates skills that you’ve been or will be learning when working in research, which could inspire you to consider other career options based on skill sets.
Learning from Informational Interview
To help RAs explore their interests and get connected with faculty, I have assigned them an informational interview as an assignment. In 2 weeks, students have to conduct an information interview with someone who is working in a field or a job that interests them. The purpose of an informational interview is for you to interview someone and gather information about a field, a career, or any topics you are hoping to learn more about! Here is a cute video (Links to an external site.) that goes over what an informational interview is all about!
Here is a list of things you have to do to facilitate and complete this assignment:
ASAP: Think of someone who is doing a job or working in a field that you are curious about. It can be people from the lab like Susanne, Jacky, Eunice, or any of the grad students! Or it can be someone outside of the lab like your professors, your supervisors, your TA, or even someone you found on Linkedin!
After figuring out who you want to interview, send an email to invite them for an informational interview using the given template (see below).
Interview about their experiences using the given questions (see below).
By the given deadline, submit a 2-page double spaced short journal entry on the following questions:
Who did you interview and why did you interview them?
What did you learn from their professional journey?
What is something surprising you've learned from them?
How did this interview help you with your professional interest or plan?
What is your next step/plan to further your professional goals?
Below is a list of suggestions, templates, and questions you can use. Please note that these are just a guide, feel free to personalize it to meet your needs and personality!
Before the Interview:
Google the person and read as much as you can about them
Read information about the institution and department (or company) the person is working at
Read information about the lab, research, or publication of the person
Email Request for Informational Interview Template:
Dear...
My name is (insert your name) I am a x-year student majoring in (insert your major) at the University of California, Irvine (add 2-3 things about you - like what you are curious to learn, what you are studying in the lab).
As a part of my Directed Research coursework, I am encouraged by my lab manager to further develop my professional goals through informational interviews. I am curious to learn more about (insert what you want to learn from the person, i.e. their research in XYZ, their experiences as a grad student, their current work in XYZ company), I wanted to reach out and ask if you would be so kind as to allow me the opportunity to do a 20-40 minute (virtual/in-person) meeting.
This informational interview will be a great opportunity for me to learn more about your professional journey and the work you do at (institution/company). If you could please let me know the best way to set up the informational interview or dates and times that work best for you.
I thank you in advance for your assistance and look forward to hearing from you.
During the Interview - Introduction
Begin by introducing yourself (2-3 things about you)
Thank the person for taking the time to meet with/speak with you
During the Interview - Questions:
Can you please share your professional journey?
How long have you been in your current role and what attracted you to this career/field?
What are your main responsibilities as a ___? What is a typical day like for you?
Can you talk about what you enjoy the most about your current role/job?
What do you enjoy the least about your current role/job?
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
What factors have contributed to your professional success?
If you had to do things over again would you have done anything differently?
What didn’t you know before you got into this industry that you wish someone had told you?
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow a similar journey to yours/or to a student like myself?
Can you recommend trade journals, magazines, or professional associations which would be helpful for my professional development?
Will it be OK for me to follow up in the future if I have additional questions?
Additional questions to consider -
After the Interview -
Send a thank-you email
Follow them on social media Twitter, Instagram and connect with them on LinkedIn
