Interview a Professional - Essay Example

Interview on Sociology career This is interview with a sociology lecturer in Department of Sociology at the Open University, United Kingdom. The name of the lecturer is Carter, Simon. The interview took place on the 27th of October 28, 2012 through Email. The Email contacts of the lecturer is simon.carter@open . ac. Uk. I have an interest in advancing in sociology field and later pursue master’s and Doctorate in order to become a lecturer. My parents are the greatest source of motivation and I would like to follow the footsteps of Uncle who is a lecture in South Africa.

The first thing was to introduce myself and after that, the interview kicked off (James 2005).Student: Let me know who you areLecturer: I am a lecturer at Open University under department of sociologyStudent: Why did you choose to be a lecturer?Lecturer: Since I was a young child, I have always dreamt and wished to be a lecturer and especially in sociology field. I had great inspiration from my parents and good friend of mine who always encouraged me.Student: What have you learnt about the world of work that yu think a college student should know?

Lecturer: For one, one should understand his or her area. The next thing is that one has t be passionate about his career and develop a positive attitude in order to deliver the best.Student: How are the changes in organizations affecting your work?Lecturer: There are various changes that have taken place in many organization and this calls for us to change. For example, the minimum qualification for one to be a lecturer was changed to a master’s holder and this made some of us to go back to school.

Student: How many hours does someone in your position typically work in a week?Lecturer: This largely depends on the amount of work each and every person has but at average, it is about 56 hours.Student: What characteristics are most important for success in the first year of work?Lecturer: One has t be patient, have a positive attitude and above all be hard working.Student: What skills, abilities and personal attributes are essential to successful employment?Lecturer: one has to have good communication skills, one must be qualified academically for the job, one must know how to work with other people and have self drive.

Student: What can I be doing now t best prepare mynself for transition to the role of an employee?Lecturer: For one, you have to know what you want and then you have to work hard for it. You have to consult more people in your area of interest in order to get more information.Student: With whom do you suggest I talk for further information?Lecturer: You should talk to more senior persons in your area of interest for example senior lecturers, research sociologists and chairmen of departments.Student: Any challenges on the way?

Lecturer: Obvious there are many challenges on your way to your career. First, you have to be patient and develop positive attitude to everything that comes on your way. Second, you will not get everything on your way and one has to be patient. One has also to bear with the tough working conditions.After the interview, I had to thank the lecturer for sacrificing his time in order to assist and answer my questions.ReferencesJames H. Frey (2005). How to conduct interviews by telephone and in person.

New York: Sage Publication.