Fashion Career Exploration

STEP 3: INDUSTRY RESEARCH (individual)
In this step, you will complete two activities including interacting with an ‘industry expert’ i.e. alumni of the fashion school to gather further real-world information and sharing with your classmates.

Activity 1: Informational Interview
Read/watch the following to learn how to request as well as conduct an Informational Interview:

This article from the Harvard Business Review is a great overview of informational interviews.
https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-an-informational-interview

This article gives tips on how to actually ask for the interview in a professional and understandable way.
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-an-informational-interview-and-get-a-yes

This video shows the difference between a strong, well-prepared Informational Interviewer and a weak one. Don’t be like Don!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixbhtm8l0sI

Now it’s time to brainstorm on potential alumni to request an interview with. If possible, try to think about alumni who may work in a position you are interested in, or are at the sort of company you would like to target, etc. so that you may gain the most relevant insights. Your interviewee can be a recent graduate or an executive. Interviews may be conducted in person, via Skype, or phone. Ideas on where to seek out alumni include your current/former internship, friends, sorority/fraternity, instructors, social media, etc. Be creative! If you get really stuck, let me know and I will help you find someone to connect with.

Apply the suggestions for a successful and professional Informational Interview as noted in the articles and conduct your meeting. Be sure to follow up with a hand-written thank you note within 24 hours of your meeting. 

Activity 2:  Discussion Board

Once completed, visit the Discussion Board forum for Informational Interviews and post the following:

A – Begin a thread with your interviewees name, job title, and company in the message subject. In the body of your post answering the following:

        
     1) How did you connect with them and why did you choose to interview them? (1 – 2 sentences)
     2) How did you prepare for your interview? (1 – 2 sentences)
     3) Discuss two key insights gained relevant to this WebQuest assignment. Examples may include but are not limited to self-reflection, choosing companies to target, components involved when considering a company, etc. (1 paragraph)

B – Read all the postings from your classmates and comment. (One comment)

Industry Research Resources:

LinkedIn online social network for business professionals

KSU fashion alumni Facebook page request an invite to post an Informational Interview request, and/or explore other KSU groups as well.

Hillary Stone, Kent Fashion School Internship Coordinator You all know Hillary! She knows everyone! If you’re seeking out particular alumni she might be able to help.