Informational Interviews

Informational Interviews

Here's an activity guide for intellectual development, information literacy, and conducting informational interviews:

1. Introduction to Informational Interviews:

Explain the purpose and benefits of informational interviews. Discuss how they provide an opportunity to learn from experts, gain insights, and expand knowledge on a specific topic or career field.

2. Identify Interview Topics:

Ask participants to identify topics or areas of interest they would like to learn more about. It could be a particular profession, industry, or subject matter.

3. Research Potential Interviewees:

Instruct participants to research and identify professionals or experts in their chosen field of interest. Encourage them to explore online platforms, professional networks, or personal connections to find potential interviewees.

4. Prepare Interview Questions:

Guide participants in developing a list of thoughtful and relevant questions to ask during the informational interviews. Encourage open-ended questions that delve into the interviewee's experiences, insights, and advice.

5. Contact Interviewees:

Instruct participants to reach out to the identified professionals to request an informational interview. Emphasize the importance of being polite, professional, and respectful in their communication.

6. Conduct the Interviews:

Once participants have scheduled the interviews, encourage them to prepare for each session by reviewing their questions and doing background research on the interviewee. Remind them to be attentive listeners and take notes during the interviews.

7. Reflect and Analyse:

After each interview, engage participants in a reflection session. Ask them to share their key takeaways, insights gained, and any surprises or new perspectives they encountered. Encourage critical thinking and analysis of the information received.

8. Synthesize Information:

Guide participants in synthesizing the information gathered from multiple interviews. Encourage them to identify common themes, trends, or patterns that emerge from the different perspectives shared by the interviewees.

9. Presentation or Report:

Ask participants to present their findings or create a report summarizing the insights gained from the informational interviews. This can be done through a presentation, a written report, or a visual representation of the information.

10. Reflection and Discussion:

Engage in a reflection session where participants discuss their experiences with conducting informational interviews. Ask them to reflect on the value of the interviews, the challenges they faced, and the impact on their intellectual development and understanding of the chosen topic.

Remember to provide guidance and support throughout the process, including tips on effective communication, active listening, and professional etiquette. The goal is to promote intellectual development, information literacy, and the ability to gather insights from experts in a given field. Enjoy the process of conducting informational interviews and fostering a culture of curiosity and learning!