This document provides instructions for students to conduct a career interview with an adult working in a field of interest. Students must [1] independently set up the interview, [2] prepare at least 20 questions on topics like education, typical work day, goals, and advice, and [3] submit a typed report including a cover page, questions and answers, and a 1-1/2 page reflection on what was learned. The goal is for students to learn about different occupations from a professional in that field.

1. Social Studies Career Interview
You are to interview an adult in the Lawrence area who does something, either as a vocation or
hobby that is of interest to you. You may not interview a relative or any WJHS employee. If you cannot
decide on an area of interest (law, medicine, retail sales, accounting, banking, cosmetology, restoration of
homes, etc), I might help you locate a person to interview.
YOU ARE TO:
1. Call and set up an appointment with the interviewee. You are to do this, not your mom or
dad. The interview should take place at the interviewee’s place of employment if at all
possible (do not go to their home). Phone interviews are acceptable only at the request of
your interviewee but will result in a lower grade.
2. Think of a minimum of 20 good questions to take with you to the interview. I suggest you
ask questions about the persons past (educational background, what or who has influenced
their life), present (typical day on the job, what they like the best and least about the job,
interesting job experiences), future (goals, changes)—also include questions on family,
hobbies, advice to young people, etc. You must come up with additional original questions
that are pertinent to your career choice. Items from the cover page may not be used as
questions.
3. Hand in your typed project on ______________, which consists of the following sections:
1. COVER PAGE
Biographical information such as:
a. name of interviewee
b. type of job
c. name of company
d. phone number
A written explanation of:
a. how you went about setting up the interview
b. any problems you encountered
c. location of interview
d. length of interview
e. did you tour the facility
2. A copy of your questions and answers. If you taped your interview, you still need to
write out the questions and answers.
3. Reflection Paper- An explanation of what you got out of this interview—what you
learned about this occupation, your impression of interviewee and this occupation,
summer job contacts, overview of your day. (1-1/2 pages)
4. Any additional pamphlets, pictures, etc. (optional-extra credit)
Grade-total= 100 pts.
25 points--cover sheet
50 points--thoroughness of quality of questions
25 points—quality of written report

2. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SET UP YOUR INTERVIEW