Thank you for volunteering to conduct an informational interview. Your insights and guidance can have a meaningful impact on the career development journey of a young professional. Here’s a guideline to help you structure the 30-minute conversation:
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Start by introducing yourself and explaining your role or expertise.
- Express your enthusiasm for helping them in their career journey through this interview.
- Create a comfortable and open atmosphere for the conversation.
Understanding Their Background and Goals (5 minutes)
- Ask the participant to briefly introduce themselves, including their background, current studies, and athletic involvement.
- Inquire about their career aspirations and what they hope to achieve through the NIL Empower program.
- Listen actively and take notes to better understand their individual context.
Discussing Their NIL Empower Experience (5 minutes)
- Ask them to share their experiences and key takeaways from the NIL Empower program sessions they’ve attended.
- Inquire about any specific challenges or insights they’ve gained so far.
- Encourage them to discuss how they plan to apply the knowledge gained to their career development.
Exploring Areas of Interest (5 minutes)
- Inquire about their areas of interest within the realm of career development, branding, and leveraging NIL.
- Ask about specific industries, roles, or projects they’re curious about or have considered pursuing.
- Share your insights, experiences, or resources related to their interests.
Addressing Questions and Concerns (5 minutes)
- Open the floor for any questions they might have about career paths, personal branding, or industry-specific insights.
- Offer guidance based on your expertise, sharing both successes and challenges you’ve encountered.
- Address any concerns or uncertainties they may have about the post-athletic career transition.
Sharing Advice and Actionable Steps (5 minutes)
- Provide personalized advice based on their background, goals, and interests.
- Suggest actionable steps they can take to enhance their personal brand, explore career opportunities, and maximize their NIL potential.
- Share resources, tools, or networking opportunities that can aid their career development.
Closing Thoughts and Follow-up (5 minutes)
- Summarize the key points discussed during the interview.
- Encourage them to reflect on the conversation and jot down any insights or action items they want to pursue.
- Offer to remain a point of contact for any further questions or guidance they might need.
Express Appreciation and Gratitude (5 minutes)
- Thank them for their time and openness during the conversation.
- Reiterate your belief in their potential and remind them that the journey is ongoing.
- Conclude the interview on a positive note, wishing them success in their endeavors.
Remember, this is a flexible guideline, and the conversation can naturally evolve based on the participant’s responses. The goal is to create a supportive and informative environment that empowers them to make informed decisions about their career journey.