Informational Interview for Operations Management Career

The purpose of this assignment is to give you an opportunity to connect either in person or through technology (Skype, Zoom or Facetime) to have a conversation with someone currently working in the operations management field.  

An informational interview is a meeting with an individual in the operations management field. It is one of the best ways to find out about the realities of an operations management career/job. It provides an opportunity to gather information and guidance about the people, environment, and skills involved in the field.

Before contacting your interviewee, do some basic research about the field. You may want to review all the topics we will discuss throughout the term.  Someone working in an operations management role could have a variety of job titles and/or descriptions.  Clarify what you hope to gain through the informational interview. In general, when you contact a potential interviewee or referral, you should state who you are and who referred you to him/her, and explain that you are seeking information and advice. In this instance, you can present it as an assignment for your course. Always ask about a convenient time for them to meet. Request a 30-minute either in person or through technology (Skype, Zoom or Facetime) interview. 

There are “suggested” questions for you on the informational interview worksheet. If you have not finished the interview within the time period you had requested, thank the person for helping you by saying, “I said I would only take 30 minutes of your time. I know how busy you are.” Extend the time only if the person you are interviewing strongly encourages you to do so. Request a business card before leaving.

Send a short thank you note and/or email within a day or two after your interview. Keep the interview information on file for future reference – the person may be an important contact for you later.

This is an individual assignment.  Please do not just send the form to someone to fill out for you. After you have performed the informational interview, compile and submit the responses.

Your work should be combined into one document and submitted electronically through D2L via the online Submission folder.  

The document should include the following Four items which are labeled:

Item 1 Submit a summary of your impressions and/or insights gained from the interview. You need to include a discussion on the how the concepts discussed during the interview link directly to the course material. Your summary of your impressions and/or insights should be between 750 -1000 words using an 11-point to 12-point font. You should include a word count of your summary.

Item 2 Submit the completed informational interview worksheet. You may scan a copy with your notes.

Item 3 Submit either a copy of the interviewee’s business card or copy of the interviewee’s LinkedIn page. 

Item 4 - Submit a copy of the thank you note sent and/or emailed.

1. Describe the main responsibilities of your position.

2. What is most satisfying about your job and why?

3. What is least satisfying about your job and why?

4. How did you decide to get into this field?

5. Tell me about the training and education that you’ve had? Has this helped you in this field, if not, what has?

6. What recommendations do you have for someone wanting to enter or progress in this field?

7. What skills and personal qualities are important for success in your field?

8. What do you do during a typical work day?

9. What are the opportunities for promotion or advancement?

10. Is this field expanding and/or developing into new directions? Please explain how.

11. What professional organizations or industry associations should someone consider joining to obtain additional information about this field?