Marissa Duff COM 438 A Dr. Porter 15 April 2016 Career Research Interview Name: Rebecca Messer Position or Title: Dance Teacher Company or Organization: Renaissance at Olympic High School Mailing Address: 4301 Sandy Porter Road, Charlotte, NC 28293 ‘Telephone: 980-343-1107 Email: rebeceal.messer@ems.k12.ne.us Career Goals As an aspiring educator and professional artist, [have developed several goals for my career, My first career goal is to obtain a job as a dance educator within the school system, Through this position, I desire to bring about a positive reaction when those affiliated with the school think about dance and the arts program, I plan to do this through development of classes, concerts, performance, and a repertory company. Next, I will open my own business and dance studio for children within the community at low cost, Lastly, I will create a visual and performing arts recreational complex for children and adults throughout the community. With my initial career goal of becoming a dance educator within the school system, I decided to research and interview a dance teacher within the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. I chose CMS because this is, where I want to begin my teaching career. I also knew who I wanted to interview within the CMS school system. I decided to research and interview Rebecea Messer who is the dance teacher at Renaissance at Olympic High School. I believed she was a great potential interviewee because she worked at a CMS school that I have already been conneeted with for (wo years through the dance team. I also had never officially met her. I was very curious to find out moreabout her as a dance educator, how she came to Olympic and what insight and advice she had for me as I prepare for my career. Research Findings In preparation for my interview, I researched a little bit about the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system and about Ms. Messer. Through my research, I found that CMS is the primary school system for the Charlotte area and Mecklenburg County. Out of all the schools within CMS, I also found that there only nine schools that have dance programs. When [ attempted to research Ms. Messer, | could not find much information, The only information that I found useful was on the Renaissance at Olympic High School website. It listed her name, position and contact information which | used to reach out to her. Through the pre-interview and research process, I earned that it ean be difficult to find information about people or organizations that are not large or well-known. I believe the strategy for that issue is to find as much information through other sources that you may get access to such as their social media, people that may know them or their professional websites like Linked In, Methods of Contact My first initial contact was through a message box via Olympic’s website. Through the message box, I was able to introduce myself, state my purpose of contact and provide all of my contact information, After a few days, she responded through email. This was my second method of contact, We were able to discuss and plan the day that I would come interview her and observe her in class through email, At first, [ was nervous that she would not receive my message box. After she responded, I encountered no problems. Everything went smoothly. My methods of contact were very successful because it allowed me to introduce myself, get the interview and also observe almost an entire class day. What I have learned about contacting strangers is that itcan be beneficial to always make reference to something relatable if possible. For example, I noted in my introduction that I had been actively involved at Olympie for two years with the dance team. I wanted this to show that J am genuinely interested in the school and dance. Interview Goals and Topic Arcas Thad three overall goals for this interview. One goal was to see through my class observation if becoming a dance teacher is the right career for me. My next goal was to explore ways T can get into the school system as a dance teacher, Lastly, [ wanted to learn just how the structure ofa dance class operates within a school setting. The topic areas that I chose for this interview are class structure, job description, lifestyle, preparation and advancement, Interview Questions There were several questions that I prepared for the interview. The majority of my questions came from the sample questions given to us in class. For the job description area, I asked questions about a typical day at work and the amount of freedom in conducting work. I also asked about the amount of hours and types of standards in relation to the lifestyle area. Lastly, I asked questions about academie preparation and types of work experience in the preparation and advancement topic area. The questions I developed were related to the topic area of class structure. I asked questions about the types of classes, levels of classes and curriculum design, My primary questions consisted of the sample list and a few others that will be attached to this report, The secondary questions came from my interviewee’s responses. At first, T did not think that I would have good secondary questions, but [figured out that when [am passionate about a topic then my questions naturally flow, Some of my secondary questions were about her college background, teaching experiences, and thoughts on dance programs within CMS. I also found that my prepared questions differed from the questions I actually asked because some wereredundant or had been asked already before the interview when I was observing, I definitely learned from my experience during the interview about questioning strategies. One thing | realized is that the simpler the questions, the easier and more likely it will be to receive a great response from your interviewee. Account of Interview 1 began by thanking Ms. Messer for allowing me to conduct the interview. Again, I stated the purpose and intent of my interview and questions. The body of my interview consisted of asking my questions and recording her responses. I concluded the interview by asking for any additional advice or suggestions and thanking her one last time for meeting with me, Overall, the entire interview went well, She seemed pleased with the questions I asked and my genuine care about cach of her responses. | also believe that she appreciated my gratitude about being able to come meet, watch and talk to her. The only problem that I could see that arose was that because of the block schedule time of classes, we were unable to talk as long as we wanted, I believe if we had more time, I would be able to find out so much more about her and what she does in dance and teaching. I also found that being an observer in a classroom with children I know and teach was difficult. They were a little distracted during class and wanted to converse with me instead of focusing on their teacher. I believe that I could have handled the situa n better by scheduling one day to interview and another day to observe. I also could have planned to observe a elass that did not contain any children that | am associated with or teach. Results of Interview Overall, I had a great time in the field and during the interview. I will definitely keep in contact with Ms, Messer and go back to sit in on classes. She also wants me to come back and teach master classes. I believe it is very beneficial to keep a relationship with her because I woulddefinitely like to have a mentor doing what I want to do where I want to do it, Iwill stay in contact with her through email and more visits. [ have also learned a lot about my chosen field. After observing the dance classes that day, I could see myself being a dance teacher for the rest of my life. 1 also learned about other ways and contacts to get into teaching positions at CMS. ‘The useful information that [ gained from the conversation were important contact information about dance people in CMS, the best ways to get into CMS as a dance teacher and the importance of getting more experience in: fc the classtoom teaching different levels. Summary During this process, | leamed a lot about my own interview style. I have found that 1 am definitely more comfortable about topics that [ am passionate about and that relating to your interviewee is key to a successful interview, In the future, I will make my questions simpler. This will allow my interviewee to understand what I am asking in a clearer manner, One thing that I know now that I did not know before is the director over all of the dance programs in CMS. All of the lessons that T leamed through this research and interview process can help me achieve my personal goals by knowing what it takes to get into CMS, by providing me with things to do in preparation for my career and by foreseeing what it takes to teach dance in a classroom setting, T also plan to send a thank you letter to Ms, Messer for her time and help, I will definitely use everything I leamed and the connections I made to help further prepare for my career as a dance educator.Wwioy ypeqpaay auytup wos aBessayy salqng expaqey ‘s2SsoWN 201 WY ETOT 9TOZ ‘OE YOseW ‘Aepsoupany :3Uas FT spro99y1 HM (o6e step 01) g dy JooUPS YaIP] tduss[Q Ww eoDqGay “HossoW 308 WLIO] YIVGpIa,J OUTUO Woy aSwssayAl :9y‘Bujwow poo eovaqay 0} (Be skep 01) gady una essuew ung essuey) “Ayunyoddo SI] 40} soueApe Ul suey “eUNAUE Ow 29 JO HELIO 0} 2044 924 ‘2INPAYDS 4NOK LpIm SIM sitp J MOUy OWL J9] eSEElq “aIqISsOd tre 7e J! uoNDe UL NOK yoyem eqfew ose pue S4aam ONY }xOU OLA UL NOK YW MayUOIU! 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This purpose of this assignment is three-fold: first, the student gains information about a career s/he Is currently considering; second, the student has the opportunity to apply information obtained in class about interviewing in a more realistic setting; and finally, the interview experience provides a rare chance for the student to receive candid, thoughtful feedback about the impression s/he makes in a face-to-face interview. As the faculty member in charge of this course, | appreciate your assistance with this assignment. Please complete the questions below after the interview, when the student is not in your presence. Then, Using the stamped and addressed envelope provided by the student, mail this form directly back to the instructor. After reviewing your comments, the instructor will pass along this sheet to the student. Rest assured that nothing you say will affect the student's grade in any way, The sole purpose of this form is to provide the student with objective and constructive comments from a knowledgeable person outside the classroom. Thank you for your assistance. if you need any additional information and/or have questions or comments, please contact me. Sincerely, Dr. Laurie Porter Instructor of Communication Arts lcporter@jesu.eduFeedback form for Career Research Interview Assignment NAME of student; Qoyisce DU Date of interview: UV \bo Directions: FOR BACH ITEM PLEASE PLACE A CHECK MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE COLUMN. Any additional feedback you can provide is most appreciated. Needs Opening of the interview improvement | P28'eally O.K. | Well Done 1. Did the student arrive on time, prepared for the interview? 2. Was the purpose of the interview made clear? 3. Was the student poised? @, Ware you made to feal the interview was worth your time and energy? 5. Did the student make a good initial impression? (Appearance, voice, language, bodily behavior, etc.) Any additional comments on the first few minutes of the interview: Interview questions Needs Besically | Well Done Improvement | O.K. 6. Were questions and topics arranged in an appropriate sequence? | 7, Were the questions well chosen? &, Were questions worded clearly? 9. Did the student follow up your answers appropriately with additional questions? | 10. Were the number and nature of questions | appropriate for the available time? Any additional comments on the first few minutes of the interview: \\ +Needs Improvement Student characteristics Basically OK, Well Done 77, How qood a listener was the student? 12. Did the student seem sincerely interested In your answers? 13. Did the student conclude the interview by summarizing insights gained and thanking you for your time? Additional comments on student characteristics: |. \ In conclusion 414, What particularly strong points should the student continue to stress? 15. What interviewing techniques or behaviors should the student try to correct in the future? Please provide the following information: NAME « bie POSITION OR TITLE: COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION: MAILING ADDRESS: ‘) | 5° TELEPHONE: r SIGNATURE:SAMPLE questions for career research interviews Gelting the right answers in an information-gatharing interview depends on asking the right questions. The list below is only a guide. Depending on your goal, different issues may be important to you. As you know from your reading, the approach to take when designing questions is + Define your goal for the interview + Identify topic areas you want to explore + Create questions within each topic area JOB DESCRIPTION 1. How does your organization fit into the industry? How is it similar and different from other firms in the field? 2. How does your department or job fit into the work your organization does? 3. Would you describe a typical day (week, month) in your job? 4. How does a person in your position interact with other s inside your organization? With people outside the organization? ‘What is the title of the person to whom you report? Who reports to you? How much influence do you have other the day-to-day operations of your department? Your firm? Your industry? How much influence do you have over long-range planning and policy-making? 7. How much freedom do you have in the conduct of your work? 8. What are some of the challenges you face on your job? What skills are required for handling them? 8. 1 What are the most satistying parts of your work? ‘The most frustrating? (0. What constraints affect you in your work? (6.g., financial, legal, policy, consumer demand, etc.?) LIFESTYLE 1. What hours do you normally work? How do you feel about these hours? 2. To what degree is travel a factor in this job? 3. Are there any standards of dress that are appropriate in this field? 4. In what ways Is. geographic location important in this career? 5. Is membership in any professional organizations important this field? 6. Whatis the typical salary range for a beginner in this field? For a more experienced person after ‘15!10 years? ‘What are the stresses with which you contend? How do you deal with them? How does this job affect your social and/or family lite? PREPARATION AND ADVANCEMENT. 4, What career path(s) might a beginner expect in this field? 2. What kind of academic preparation do you recommend for a person entering this field? 3. What kinds of work experience would prepare and qualify a person to enter this field? 4, What trends and developments in the field do you see affecting the career advancement for someone entering this field? 5, What opportunities do you see for advancement in this field? 6. What risks might a person in this field encounter in coming years? 7. What are the best ways to receive educationitraining in this field? CONCLUDING Note: Always ask this question! 1. Do you have any additional advice or suggestions for me?Interview Questions? ‘What types of classes do you teach throughout the day? Does each class consist of a different level? I f's0, what are the levels? Do you have a curriculum? Or do you create your own curriculum? Where do you get your creative teaching ideas? How do you handle group work or projects?DM LY. (10 AsQ0 em —. Antinano Notts 1 Orwut arin iol Se yqeorure anu — byl cen poss oa HC ere Mote! Of dpodire, aL Wr ok s On me Cows aso itn S Thay dooh 3 \\ y Ln sols PL ae pian Mes os | Yeorchurs. oe OD vot Comnon Pan Ww]? Thottt - Dont - PQ Ovo, tA NS ws POLLAN. oF Ohh te 8B. 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Through this position, I desire to bring about a positive reaction when those affiliated with the school think about dance and the arts program. I plan to do this through development of classes, concerts, performance, and a repertory company. Next, [ will open my own business and dance studio for children within the community at low cost. Lastly, I will create a visual and performing arts recreational complex for children and adults throughout the community. With my initial career goal of becoming a dance educator within the school system, I decided to research and interview a dance teacher within the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. I chose CMS because this is where I want to begin my teaching career. I also knew who I wanted to interview within the CMS school system, I decided to research and interview Rebecca Messer who is the dance teacher at Renaissance at Olympic High School. I believed she was a great potential interviewee because she worked at a CMS school that I have already been connected with for two years through the danee team. I also had never officially met her. I was very curious to find out more