Reflection Assignment

INTERVIEWING A PROFESSIONAL

An informational interview is conducted for gaining insight from a person you consider your mentor or has enough knowledge in an industry which you want guidance for your own career path. To conduct this informational interview, I met with one of my teachers. Professor X is one of the most outstanding professors that I crossed path with during my education years from school to college. He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector. He started to develop his career during his school years then during college and now he is working as a lecturer in the university. I asked him many questions which I thought were relevant and important within the education field. I had a wonderful experience during the informational interview as it was very eye-opening. Below are some questions and answers which I believe is most intriguing and captivates Professor X’s heroic journey and his positive influence on people. “When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher?”

Professor X: During my teenage years, I realized my passion in helping others in studies and other aspects of life. By the end of my high school years, I realized my passion in education and development. That passion became stronger when I met one of my college instructors and was inspired by him. I looked up to him and always wanted to be like him. (He paused, smiled and laughed a little remembering those college days.) I began by teaching my friends in college and that urge for teaching became stronger. After completing my studies, I professionally joined the education sector.

“Are there any challenges that you face in your teaching career?”

Professor: Oh, wow! There are many different emotional and mental challenges that arise within the development and education industry. Working as a mentor and instructor there are some restrictions and margins which I have to follow because my students are learning from me. They consider me as their mentor and will follow me in their life. That’s why I need to lead by example. If I do something beyond these boundaries it will definitely put adverse effects on them. Initially, there are some students who are not comfortable with my teaching and counseling style. But I take this positively and start changing my style according to my student’s expectations. Sometimes it was difficult for me to find out whether or not my students understand me. Also, some students are introverts. They have enough potential but they don’t realize it. In this situation, a lot of efforts are required by the teacher to show their students they have the ability to do something. I always try to show them that they are indebted to someone and their parents invest a lot for their bright future.

“How do you keep active and up-to-date in the teaching profession?”

Professor X: It’s very crucial to be active in the field of education and development. I look into different blogs related to my field and join social media for new ideas. For instance, during the Olympics a communist posted a few themed games that helped students learn. Using a gamified system of learning is very useful, especially in subjects like Mathematics, which students lack interest in. If I did not join social media, I would not be able to learn this new way of teaching. Keeping connected allows me to keep my teaching techniques relevant to recent news and evolving technologies. Doing so allows me to connect with my students and teach them not only in education, but by helping them grow as a person and realize their self-confidence to see their own abilities. I love my job and being able to make a difference in my student’s lives means the world to me.

Amal: “Do you discuss your career path with your students?”

Professor X: Yes, I always try to share my experience with my students and help them see what they can do in order to develop and achieve their career goals. Some students also ask different kinds of question for further guidance and I try to guide them according to their career choices and needs.

What is the most crucial method of teaching that you use to make strong interactions with the students?”

Professor X: Every week I assign group work to my students so that they can build their team working skills. I also arrange one presentation every week so that they can improve their communication skills. I open group discussions for everyone to interact and to help increase their brainstorming techniques. Group members of every project change and vary every time so that every student gets a chance to interact with each other.

“What are the strengths in your teaching methods?”

Professor X: My persistence, certainty, patience, and belief in every student has aptitude and capability that supports me to encourage my students. I have faith in cooperative

“Do you have any advice for those who just started this profession?”

Professor X: In this field of development and education everyone should remember one thing, that this field is about helping others at whatever age; whether they are teenagers or adults. As a counsellor one should not force something on students. You just need to motivate them and try not to be emotional with them because if you treat them emotionally then you will lose your strong personality and will not be able to make your students strong. (He says this in one of those stern teacher voices we all know.)

“Does this occupation have prospects to raise and grow?”

Professor X: Surely, this profession has many opportunities for jobs. In this profession you will not only achieve a respectable job, but by teaching others you can also learn a lot of things and grow on a personal level.

“According to your opinion, what must be the foremost goal of a teacher?”

Professor X: To teach honestly and adding a fun learning experience. Also, by being impartial and fair to every student should be the goal of a teacher.

“Do you think that you are self-confident in teaching all subjects? Are there some areas which you think that you are more comfortable in teaching? Has specialization in an area assisted you in teaching?”

Professor X: (With all confidence he replied like a true hero.) Yes, I feel competent and confident teaching all areas. I have a concentration in all subjects and enjoy teaching diverse range of subjects to my students. I believe all subjects bring a certain way and technique to teaching. For example, Mathematics requires more critical and logical thinking versus Business and English requires understanding and uses more creativity when writing and composing. All of these techniques go hand in hand and assist in teaching as a whole.

“What is the most pleasing part in your career?”

Professor X: When my previous students come to meet me after achieving their career goals and give me credit for their success; that moment is most rewarding for me. It makes me feel special that I have such a positive influence on their careers. (He replied with such pride that I felt that I could envision these moments myself.)

Listening to Professor X’s journey was really inspiring. Going through many challenges and being able to adapt to today’s society and still being able to connect with his students, showed that he truly is a hero. The way he influences people’s lives and guides them on a day to day basis makes me feel good that there are still people in the world that care about others. Just like Professor X looked up to one of his own professors, I look up to him. He followed the footsteps of someone amazing and became his own version of an awesome professor! This interview made me believe even more that education is the right career path for me. I also want to make a difference in people’s lives just like him.