Faster than you can imagine, you will be finishing college and will be having to decide upon a career. Many of you may already have a career choice in mind, which may or may not change as you continue your education. One of the best ways to decide upon a career is to actually talk to individuals currently working in that field. This marking period’s project will give you the opportunity to do just that. Hopefully this will enlighten you as to some of the possibilities that are available.

For this project you will research a career in the physical sciences. These include (but are not limited to) engineers, chemists, pharmacists, architects, x ray technicians, electricians, opticians, air traffic controllers, hydrologists, geologists, meteorologists, surveyors, pilots, and astronomers. If you have a career in mind, but do not see it listed, please ask before you do the project!! You may NOT interview the following without my express permission – doctors, nurses, marine biologists, teachers, professors, college students. In addition, the individual you interview must be currently working in the field or have left it within the past three years.

Begin the project by decided on an individual to interview. Your interview should be set up (not completed) by December 15. You will then research the career using some outside source (the IMC has a list of career related websites and guidebooks). From this research, you will develop a list of questions to ask your interviewee. These questions must be submitted to me by December 19 (or earlier). We will discuss examples of questions in class. Be sure that you are covering the following areas: educational background and licensing requirements, personal characteristics, responsibilities, workplace environment, positives/negatives relating to career, and career outlook. After your questions are approved, you may then conduct your interview. From the interview and your outside research you will then write a 3-5 page typed/word processed paper on the career. Make sure you include specifics and quotes from your interview. This paper will be due no later than January 13, 2005. Late papers will not be accepted.

Please see the checklist and the attached grading sheet.

NAME_____________________ PERIOD______

Information Presented (60 points*)

Background Information (5) ________

Personal Characteristics (10) ________

Responsibilities (10) ________

Positives/Negatives (10) ________

Description of Workplace (10) ________

Future Outlook (5) ________

Mechanics (40 points)

Bibliography (5) ________

Spelling/Grammar (10) ________

Writing Style (10) ________

Quotes (5) ________

* Full points for each requirement indicates a detailed explanation, citing specific examples from interview and/or outside research.

** Questions are to be turned in by December 19, 2005.

Dear sir or madam:

Thank you for consenting to be interviewed regarding your career in the physical sciences! This project provides students with the opportunity to examine their career choices and learn more about your field of expertise. Without you, this project would not exist. Your time is greatly appreciated!

Please sign and date the bottom of this form to verify the date that the interview was completed. Again, thank you so much for your time and cooperation.

Mrs. AF Carpinelli

WTHS Physics Dept.

I, _____________________________, was interviewed by _________________________________ on ________________.

____________________________________ __________

Signature Date

Links to Web Sites on Careers
Career Handbooks  -- Career planning guides which provide information for planning a career, identifying qualifications, education and training, salary and work environment.

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