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STEP VET YOUR

3 ASSUMPTIONS

Now that you’ve gathered some insights about the career change you’d
like to make, it’s time to “vet your assumptions,” or test what you think
you know against some real-world insights. That’s where informational
interviews can be invaluable.

Informational interviews are discussions you have via phone, email,
or in person with people who can provide knowledgeable information
about career questions you may have. In this case, you want to reach
out to several professionals in the industry that interests you so you can
learn more about what to expect. This is where belonging to relevant
professional associations can really help you in terms of finding and
connecting to the right people.

But also keep in mind the incredible value of your American Sentinel
University alumni group – just about every alumni is ready and willing
to help you build your career through information, connections, and
encouragement.

Think about what you’ve found out so far through your own research
regarding you target job, employer, or career path, and then verify that
information through questions like:

• “What do you like most/least about the job?”
• “What surprised you about the work that was different than you’d
expected?”
• “What do you think are the most important skills and/or strengths to
do this job well, and to enjoy the work?”
• “Do you think it’s still the case that strong IT skills are in high
demand?”

• “What have you found to be the case regarding job prospects?”
• “What would you say is the average salary range for this type of
work?”

• “Who do you think are the top employers (and why)?”
• “Where would you plan to take your career next? What would the
next level of responsibility be?”
Your goal is to take all the information you think you know about your
target career change and then make sure those who actually work in the
field would agree. If not, pay attention to their alternate viewpoints – at
the very least, you want to keep this information in your overall thinking as www.americansentinel.edu
something to keep an eye out for.

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