Networking assignment reflection paper

23 March 2008 Networking Assignment Reflection Paper My interviewee’s career path My interview graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from a reputable university. Right after college, she landed a job as a research associate for the Institute Development of Econometric Analysis, Inc where she wrote numerous industry analyses. Having been very concerned about taking care of her children, she opted to work home based for Euromonitor International, Inc as a field based market research analyst.
2. My interviewee’s top four values
During the interview, I have noted my interviewee’s deep sense of professionalism which I believe is her major strength. She is really passionate about market research, has a strong sense of responsibility, and very much knowledgeable about the situation of the different industries in the market.
3. How values match her occupational choice
I believe that her professionalism enables her to generate interviewees from industry players and trade associations. Her innate passion for market research coupled with her strong sense of responsibility allows her to finish each project to the best of her ability. These values also encourage her to work amidst the difficulties in data gathering. Her interest in the market and knowledge on how it operates makes her as a credible source and enables her to giver accurate reports.
4. My interviewee’s top four transferable skills
From my assessment, my interviewee’s top four transferable skills are writing concisely, forecasting and predicting, data gathering, and data analysis.
5. How these skills match her occupational choice
Written skill is a very important requirement for her job because it enables her to communicate her knowledge about the market. The ability to make rational forecast on the market will perform is also important as it is a very crucial part of the industry reports. The capability of gathering data and analyzing them are keys to having accurate results.
6. How the interviewee’s skills match mine
Compared to the interviewee, I am more comfortable in verbal communication than writing out my ideas. Being inexperienced, I am not adept in making forecasts about industries. However, I am also confident of my skills in gathering data and analyzing them. I love to do researches even though I know that I still need to learn more about judging the quality of the data and how they can be used in order to come up with rational results.
7. My career choice
I have always been interested in market research yet I am not really motivated to pursue this profession when given a chance. What I really want when I choose this interviewee is how various think-tanks like AC Nielsen come up with the market reports which they present to business organizations. Also, interviewing a market research analyst enabled me to understand her work and the important characteristics needed to excel in her career.
8. Challenges when approaching an unknown professional
The primary challenge when approaching an unknown professional is the fear of being rejected. Noting her busy schedule, I anticipated that I might not be accommodated. Another challenge is the fact that I feel really intimidated when dealing with someone whom I think is very successful. I also forgot some of the important questions which I need to ask because of lack of focus.
9. My thank you note
This is the e-mail that I sent to the interviewee a day after the interview:
Dear Ms. Lilac,
After our conversation yesterday, I really gained adequate knowledge on your profession. I want to express my warmest thanks for devoting your precious time to answer my questions and your kindness in helping me meet my course’s requirement.
May you continue to excel in your chosen career. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here