Home    |    Career Contents    |    Employer Contents    |    Contact Us

   Milepost 4:   Seeing My Career Interest in Action

At this Milepost, we're going to take a temporary detour to visit actual job sites!

This, by far, is the most valuable and important Milepost along the road to career discovery.  Making a career decision is a complex process, and it's not something you can confidently do just by reading web pages - or knowing someone that does that line of work.

When it comes to an occupation, you need to  see it  and  experience it  first hand!

Below are four possible detours (options) of varying lengths, and you can choose the one you prefer most.  Each one will provide an opportunity for you to see your top occupation in action - and network with people in the field.  If you can do more than one, that would be great!  The more contact and experience, the better.

Ready?  Take your pick!  When you've completed the detour activity, we'll meet back at Milepost 5!

Detour Activity Options

Back to Career Plan Contents Page

This detour takes you off to observe career employees at a job site!  Do you wonder what employees in a particular career actually do on the job?  Take this detour to find out!

Activity time:   2 - 4 hours

___  1.   Choose the occupation you wish to observe.

___  2.   Look at the Employment section of the CAREER PROFILE FORM you 
               completed at Milepost 1 to see where people are employed in that occupation.

___  3.   Contact a local employer.  Ask if it might be possible to spend a morning or 
               afternoon quietly observing employees performing their job tasks.  It would be 
               nice to also have the opportunity to briefly speak with an employee to be able 
               to ask questions and receive information.

___  4.   Schedule an observation time with the employer.

___  5.   Write down the date, time, location, and name of the contact person you are
               to meet at the company.

___  6.   Make sure the company work site and department you wish to observe are
               accessible, if accessibility is a factor for you.

___  1.   Check in with the appropriate contact person.

___  2.   When you begin observing, note these features of the job:

 ___  1.   Quietly observe without disturbing or interrupting employees.

___   2.   Request a business card from the company employee that arranged the
                visit and assisted you.  If the person doesn't have a business card, simply
                record the person's name and mailing address.  Be sure the person's name
                is spelled correctly!  Keep and use the business card for writing a thank you
                letter, and for referring to when you're ready to inquire about job openings!

___  1.   Immediately write and send a brief thank you letter to the appropriate contact
               person(s).  To make a professional impression, neatly type your letter.

               Following is a sample letter:

________________________________________

                                                                                Cathy Careerseeker
                                                                                555 Discovery Lane
                                                                                Beaverton, OR 97005

                                                                                August 2, 2002

              Bob Helper
              Parts Department Manager
              Precision Parts, Inc.
              943 Careerpath Drive
              Aloha, OR 97007

              Dear Mr. Helper,

              I appreciated your taking the time to arrange my recent visit of the Parts
              Department.  I found it most helpful having the opportunity to observe and
              become familiar with the Stockroom Clerk position as I explore career options.

              Thank you for arranging such an enjoyable and valuable visit!  Your 
              assistance was greatly appreciated.

              Sincerely,

              (Signature)

              Cathy Careerseeker

________________________________________

Back to Top - Detour 1

Back to Detour Activity List

This detour leads you to actual work experience by volunteering at a job site!  How would you like to test the waters before jumping into a career?  Then take this detour!

Activity time:   time and duration will vary.

Is it possible for you to help out and volunteer several hours a week?  Although you likely won't be doing the occupational tasks of interest, you will have the opportunity to:

1. Observe and talk with employees in the field;

2. Learn about the job and work environment first hand;

3. Gain valuable work experience you can use on your resume;

4. Network with career employees; 

5. Provide a community service!

___  1.   Choose the occupation you wish to learn about and observe.

___  2.   Look at the  Employment  section of the CAREER PROFILE FORM you 
               completed at Milepost 1 to see where people are employed in that occupation.

               Note:   Schools, libraries, hospitals, and other nonprofit agencies and 
               organizations often welcome volunteer help.  Some places may require a 
               background check, depending on the nature of the volunteer assignment.

___  3.   Contact the Volunteer Coordinator or supervisor at the organization or company
               of interest to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

___  4.   If volunteer opportunities are available, schedule an intake appointment to meet
               with the volunteer coordinator or supervisor.

___  5.   Record the date, time, location, and name of the contact person you'll be 
               meeting.

___  6.   Check to be sure the facility and meeting location are accessible, if accessibility
               is a factor for you.

___  1.   Check in with the receptionist to announce your arrival.

___  2.   Meet with the volunteer coordinator or supervisor to discuss your interests and
               explore volunteer opportunities available.

___  3.   Follow application procedures for the volunteer position desired.

___  4.   If accepted for a volunteer assignment, arrange your volunteer schedule with 
               the supervisor.

___  1.   Approach the volunteer assignment as you would any paid position - arrive
               on time, notify the coordinator or supervisor in advance if you are ill, and so on.

___  2.   If the volunteer assignment involves training, try to make a commitment to serve
               for a period of time - preferably several months or longer.

___  3.   Before you end your volunteer service, notify the coordinator or supervisor
               that you will be leaving the assignment at least one or two weeks in advance.  
               

Back to Top -  Detour 2

Back to Detour Activity List

This detour heads you off to a job site where you can trail and observe an employee in the field for a day!  Are you curious to know what someone in the occupation does all day?  Take this detour to see!

Activity time:   6 - 8 hours

___  1.   Choose the occupation you wish to observe.

___  2.   Look at the  Employment section of the CAREER PROFILE FORM you 
               completed at Milepost 1 to see where people are employed in that occupation.

___  3.   Contact a local employer.  Ask if it might be possible to spend a day quietly
               observing and shadowing an employee working in your field of interest.  You 
               will likely need to make the arrangement through the department supervisor.
               The supervisor will arrange with an employee.

___  4.   Schedule an observation time with the employer.

___  5.   Record the date, time, location, and name of the contact person you will be
               meeting.

___  6.   Check to be sure the company work site and employee's work location are
               accessible, if accessibility is a factor for you.

___  1.   Check in with the appropriate contact person, or the assigned employee.

___  2.   As you shadow and observe the employee throughout the day, make note
               of the following:

___  1.   Quietly observe without disturbing or interrupting the employee while working.

___  2.   If the employee receives a visitor or phone call of a personal or confidential
               nature, move a distance away to avoid overhearing the conversation.

___  3.  Request a business card from the employee and the supervisor who 
              facilitated the arrangement - or write down their names (with the correct
              spelling) and the company address.  

              Keep and use the business cards for sending thank you letters, and for making
              contact at a later time to inquire about possible job openings!

___  1.   Immediately write and send a brief thank you letter to both the supervisor and
               employee.  To make a good professional impression, neatly type each letter.

               Following is a sample letter to the  supervisor:

________________________________________

                                                                                     Biff Wannajob
                                                                                    1542 Undecided Drive
                                                                                     Lake Oswego, OR 97035

                                                                                     May 7, 2002

              David Niceguy
              Manager
              Logan Department Store
              1 Washington Square Rd.
              Tigard, OR 97234

              Dear Mr. Niceguy,

              I would like to express my appreciation for your time taken to coordinate
              and arrange my recent observation and visit with Megan Mannequin, the 
              Display Designer.  After spending the day with Ms. Mannequin, I now feel
              certain this is the career path I wish to pursue!

              Thank you, again, for your assistance.  When I complete my education,
              I wonder if I may contact you to inquire about possible job opportunities.
              I would very much like to join the Logan team!

              Sincerely,

              (Signature)

              Biff Wannajob

________________________________________

Following is a sample letter to the  employee:

                                                                                    Biff Wannajob
                                                                                   1542 Undecided Drive
                                                                                    Lake Oswego, OR 97035

                                                                                    May 7, 2002

              Megan Mannequin
              Display Designer
              Logan Department Store
              1 Washington Square Rd.
              Tigard, OR 97234

              Dear Ms. Mannequin,

              Thank you for providing the opportunity and allowing me to become acquainted
              with your work and position.  It was a valuable learning experience, and I now feel
              confident this is the occupation I wish to pursue!

              Thank you, again, for your assistance and willingness to let me spend the day
              observing.  Not only was it a great learning experience for me, but it was fun!

              Sincerely,

              (Signature)

              Biff Wannajob

________________________________________

Back to Top - Detour 3

Back to Detour Activity List

This detour takes you to a job site to personally meet and interview an employee in the field!  

Want to get "up-close and personal" (a little reporter jargon) by conducting an informational interview with an employee in the occupational field?  Then don't miss this detour!

Activity time:   1 - 2 hours

___  1.   Choose the occupation you wish to learn more about.

___   2.  Look at the  Employment  section of the CAREER PROFILE FORM you
               completed at Milepost 1 to see where people are employed in that occupation.

___  3.   Contact a local employer.  Ask if it might be possible to meet with and interview
               an experienced employee working in the field of interest for career informational
               purposes.  You will likely either be referred directly to an appropriate employee
               or a department supervisor to arrange the meeting.  You'll find most employees
               will be happy to share information and offer advice - if their schedule allows.

___  4.   Schedule a meeting time with the employee or supervisor.

___  5.   Record the date, time, location, and the name of the person you'll be meeting.

___  6.   Make sure the facility and meeting location are accessible, if accessibility is
               a factor for you.

___  1.   Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the employee.  Allow ample space
               between questions so you can record notes during the meeting.  (See sample
               below).

___  2.   If possible, make two copies of your question list so the employee has a 
               personal copy to refer to and use.

              Following are sample questions you may wish to use!

________________________________________

Interview Questions:

___  1.   What are your duties and responsibilities in your current job?

___  2.   What are the training, degree, and skill requirements to enter the field?

___  3.   What skills and training are employers looking for?

___  4.   What experience helped prepare you for your current job?

___  5.   What physical requirements are needed to do your job?

___  6.   What is your typical work schedule?

___  7.   How did you become interested in your career?

___  8.   What personal qualities are needed to be successful?

___  9.   What do you enjoy about your job?

___ 10.  What do you least enjoy about your job?

___ 11.  What do you find challenging?

___ 12.  How stressful is this work?  Under what conditions?

___ 13.  What advancement opportunities are available to you?

___ 14.  What would be the entry-level wage for someone starting out in the field?

___ 15.  What would be the average salary for someone with years of experience?

___ 16.   What benefits does the company offer employees?

___ 17.  What future changes do you expect to see in the field?

___ 18.  What advice would you give to someone entering your field?

________________________________________

___  1.   Take your list of questions.  Take two copies if possible so you can provide a
               a copy to the employee to use and follow along.

___  2.   Check in with the appropriate contact person or department.

___  3.   When you are introduced to the employee, briefly remind the employee about
               the purpose of your visit - to gather career information.

___  4.   When you begin interviewing the employee, follow your list of questions.

___  5.   As the employee responds to each question,  write quick, brief notes
               so the interview moves along.  You can add greater detail or refine your notes
               at a later time. 

___  1.   Show interest in the information the employee provides.

___  2.   Be a good listener.  Be attentive.

___  3.   At the end of the interview, ask the employee for his or her business card, 
               if available.  Keep the employee's card on file to use as a potential contact
               for future job opening leads, and for sending a thank you letter.

___  4.   Be sure to thank the employee for taking time to meet.  It's also nice to let
               the employee know you found the information helpful!

___  1.   Immediately write and send a brief thank you letter to the employee.  
               To make a good professional impression, neatly type your letter.  Use the
               employee's business card to check the proper spelling of the person's name
               and to locate the employee's mailing address.

               Following is a sample letter to an employee:

________________________________________

                                                                                   Jolene Careerseeker
                                                                                   321 Career Path Lane
                                                                                   Vancouver, WA 97521

                                                                                    February 5, 2002

             Maggie Foster
             Graphic Design Specialist
             Happy2Help Advertising Agency
             456 5th Street, Suite 200
             Vancouver, WA 97521

             Dear Ms. Foster,

            Thank you for taking time from your schedule to meet with me and for 
            sharing such helpful and insightful information about the field of graphic design.  
            After speaking with you, I have decided to enroll at Clark College and pursue a 
            degree in graphic design!

            Thank you, again, for your assistance.  When I complete my studies and
            graduate, I wonder if I may contact you for possible job leads.

            Sincerely,

            (Signature)

            Jolene Careerseeker

________________________________________

Back to Top - Detour 4

Back to Detour Activity List

Back to Career Plan Contents Page