Last week I wrote about informational interviews of two kinds: (1) with professionals whom you admire and respect for their career endeavors and (2) with people close to you about what you do exceptionally well. For a variety of reasons, people tend to dismiss the importance of each of these types of interviews. Let me make the case for both.
In 1994, my husband and I relocated to Tokyo for his position. Given that Tokyo is one of the largest financial markets, I assumed it would be fairly easy to continue my professional career. That assumption was a bit optimistic; most importantly for the work visa requirements. Faced with the reality of a possible career change, it was the perfect time to assess my professional pursuits.
I began my career in financial services in 1988 based upon my enjoyment of and capabilities in my finance classes in college. The move to Tokyo provided the opportunity and time to assess if this was the appropriate career choice for me and what other options might fit. I used an excellent guide book, What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. From the work I did on my own with the book, I was able to establish that indeed, financial services is a good fit for my skills and interests. It also revealed that training and development was an equal match for my skills and interests. Given the proliferation of programs teaching English as a second language in Japan, it seemed more likely that I would find an opportunity to redirect my career into the training and development area.
Now it was time for the informational interviews – both kinds. I scheduled meetings with other expatriates who were working in the financial services field and the training and development area. I also “interviewed” family and friends to ask what they saw as my strengths. As I was thousands of miles from most friends and family, and years before easily accessible e-mail, my interviews were written letters to family and friends asking for their input.
I learned a lot from both interview types. Expatriates were eager to share their experiences and learn more about what I wanted to do during my time in Japan. Feedback from family and friends provided awareness of strengths I had never considered. Those family members who were witness to my maturation had amazing insight as they had observed first-hand the things I enjoyed and that came naturally to me when I was simply being me…a kid.
As I promise to keep these brief and engaging, you will have to tune in next week to see how things turned out!