Vicarious Learning through Informational Interviews: A New Experiential Learning Tool

Abstract

Many students find it difficult to transition into the workforce successfully. They often accept unsuitable positions through happenstance rather than actively planning their career trajectories. This is due to their unawareness of career exploration and mapping. We use informational interviewing as an in class experiential learning assignment to solve this problem. The assignment gives students the opportunity to source information from industry experts and expand their professional network. It helps students develop their professional presence, find careers of interest, and ultimately succeed in their transition into the workforce.