IDEAS Framework Phase 3: Exploration

Exploring Career Paths: Three Tactics for Career Connected Learning

Now that you know the industry you’re excited about and you’ve done the work to identify the companies and people in those industries, it’s time to work the plan you designed. It’s time to have those valuable conversations with professionals so you can validate your ideas and start building your network.

Yes, reaching out can be a little scary, but it can also be so rewarding to learn more and meet new people.  I’ve seen it happen multiple times where it just takes one time to realize it’s not that bad and the person on the other side really wants to help you out.  It certainly makes setting up the next one that much easier.  

We focus on three tactics in Exploration…informational interviews, job shadows and internships/apprenticeships.

1. Informational Interviews: Talk to Someone in Industry

An informational interview is a conversation where you ask a professional about their career path, industry insights, and day-to-day responsibilities. It’s not about landing a job, but about gaining firsthand knowledge of a field.

• Find the right people: Reach out to professionals in roles or industries that you’ve identified that interest you.
• Prepare questions: Ask about a day-in-the-life, required skills, industry trends and advice they have for you.
• Reflect: Afterward, assess whether the role aligns with your skills and goals.  Were you leaning into those conversations or leaning out?  Meaning, were you engaged and excited about what they were talking about or maybe it wasn’t at all what you thought and not aligned with you.

The more informational interviews you do the more you’ll learn whether that job type is the right fit for you.

2. Job Shadowing: Observe the Day-to-Day

Job shadowing allows you to observe a professional at work, offering a clearer picture of what a role actually looks like. It’s a chance to assess the work environment and job culture firsthand.

• Job shadows can be 2-3 hours long.
• Engage actively: Ask questions about tasks and processes to maximize learning.
• Observe the environment: Pay attention to how the team operates, company culture, and workflow.

This immersive experience helps you evaluate whether the role and environment align with your career goals.

3. Internships/Apprenticeships: Gain Hands-On Experience

An internship provides practical experience in a role, allowing you to apply your skills in a real-world setting while building professional connections. It’s the most immersive career exploration method.  And of course, looks good on your resume.  Apprenticeships are the same thing, but are offered in the trades.  Sometimes they’re paid, sometimes they’re not.

• Choose wisely: Find an internship that aligns with your interests and career goals.
• Be proactive: Take initiative by volunteering for tasks and seeking feedback.
• Evaluate afterward: Reflect on whether the experience matched your expectations and helped you develop professionally.

Internships not only help you refine your career path but can also lead to full-time job opportunities.

Conclusion

Informational interviews, job shadowing, and internships/apprenticeships each offer unique ways to explore different career paths. By combining these tactics, you’ll gain the clarity needed to make informed career decisions. Start by setting up an informational interview.  You never know where it could lead!