Choosing a Major

Information Interviewing

Faculty and students are a tremendous source of information when facing decisions regarding choice of major or area of certification. Students tend to shy away from these valuable resources because they don't know how to proceed or they don't know what questions to ask. Gathering information directly from these sources is called "Information Interviewing". Information interviewing can be of the most assistance if you use the right approach and prepare an agenda ahead of time. Preparation will ensure that the concerns you have will be addressed, and the questions you have will be answered. What follows are step-by-step guidelines for interviewing for information, as well as a list of questions you might consider asking during your interview.

Choosing a Major

Academic Related Questions
  1. Can you give me an overview of this major? (Do research in advance of the meeting. All Nazareth majors have a webpage; see Academics.)
  2. Can this program be completed within my remaining semesters at Nazareth?
  3. Is there a GPA requirement for this major?
  4. Is a foreign language required for this major?
  5. Is foreign study required for this major/ Is foreign study an option?
  6. Are math courses required: How many? How difficult?
  7. Are science courses required? How many? How difficult?
  8. What majors/ minors available?
  9. Is an Internship required? Possible? How are internships located? Where have some previous graduates interned?
  10. What is required for the senior comprehensive?
  11. Are there different kinds of classes required (seminars, group projects, performance or field requirements?)
  12. From your perspective, what do students like most/least about this program?
  13. What are the necessary personal qualities required of someone in this major?
  14. Could you give me the names of some upper level students in your program with whom I might speak?
Career Related Questions
  1. What are the skills I will develop studying this subject and where might they be used in a job?
  2. Are there clear career tracks associated with this major? What are they?
  3. What is the likelihood of finding a job with a bachelor's degree?
  4. Where are some recent graduates currently working? In what capacity?
  5. Could you give me the names of some recent graduates of your program with whom I might speak?
Graduate School Related Questions
  1. Is graduate school required/ strongly recommended for this program?
  2. Do a high percentage of graduates from this program go on to graduate school?
  3. Are there courses I can take in this program that will count for a graduate degree?
  4. Could you put me in touch with former students who are currently enrolled in graduate programs?
Questions for Students Currently Enrolled and Recent Graduates
  1. What do (did) you like most about this major/ department?
  2. What do (did) you like least about this major/department?
  3. Are (were) the faculty friendly/ accessible?
  4. Are (were) other students in the major/ department friendly/ cooperative?
  5. Do you have plans to (did you) participate in an internship, field experience, or student teaching?
  6. Do you have post-graduation plans?
  7. Were you well prepared for employment/ for graduate school?
  8. What advice could you have for someone considering the major/ department?

Conducting the Interview with a Faculty Member / Department Chairperson

1. Call in advance and arrange for an appointment

 If you simply stop by you are assuming the person can or should drop everything to talk with you. Scheduling an appointment conveys respect for the person with whom you wish to speak. It also shows you have thought about this conversation, and are taking it seriously. When you call for the appointment, ask if there is a handout about the department/ major that you could review in advance of the meeting. If there isn't, at least review the description and course summaries listed in the institutional catalog.

2. Be prepared

You should go into each interview situation with a written list of questions for which you need answers. With this approach you are assured that you will not forget to ask questions important to you. It also shows your listener you have given considerable thought to this conversation. You should ask if it is okay to take notes during your discussion, and if it is, proceed to do so.

3. Determine time available for your meeting

Prior to your asking questions, be sure to thank the person for meeting with you. It's then appropriate to determine how much time is available for your meeting, e.g., "How long do we have to talk today?" You can then prioritize your questions accordingly.

4. Follow-up

At the conclusion of your appointment, make sure you are courteous and thank the person you interviewed for his/her time, even if you don't wish to further pursue this major as an option.

Undeclared: Open Path Program

Not sure what you want to major in?

Nazareth's Undeclared: Open Path Program is an individualized program to help you find your perfect-fit major or combination of academic programs.

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