Once matches have started to identify careers to learn more about, protégés can start taking steps to learn more and gain experience with the support of their mentors. Explore this page and upcoming PowerUp! Events and set next steps. You can always head back to the Exploring Careers to set new goals along the way.
Informational Interviews are a way for you to learn more about careers, work environments and explore pathways for reaching career goals. By having conversations with people working in careers you're intersted in, you can learn about possible career paths, different career settings and other factors you may not think of like how your work environment can impact your mental health, and more.
Together, mentoring matches can
Identify people to connect with for informational interviews
Set goals for informational interviews
Prepare a list of questions for an informational interview
Work on the protégé’s resume
Prepare the follow up thank you email to send to the person they interview
Debrief with protégé after the interview - how did it go? What did you learn? How can this help you with your future goals?
Finally, mentoring matches should talk about expectations for communication, attire and time management prior to all informational interviews.
Resources for additional support in preparing for an informational interviews:
Self Accepted Podcast, “Find Yourself Through Conversation: Informational Interviewing 101” with Dr. Beth Dennard and Lauren Jefferson of Focus Copy.
If you'd like to connect with one of our board members, alumni or mentors for an informational interview, contact your staff support person and complete our interest form so we can introduce you!
Your cover letter and resume is what you send to colleges/jobs that you are interested in so they know why you want to attend their school or work for them and highlight your past experiences.
Cover Letter for Colleges - some colleges require a cover letter when applying that expresses your interest in their school. Make sure to research the school you are applying to beforehand and include why you want to attend that specific school. Also include why your background and interests make you a good candidate for the school.
Resume for Colleges - this is required when applying to some colleges.
Tips here - keep it concise and highlight things you weren't able to include in your college essay
What to include:
Name, address, email - Put this at the top of the page
High school info with graduation date (this can be your expected graduation date if you haven’t graduated yet), GPA and SAT scores if applicable
Academic awards, honors, or other achievements
Any coursework that isn’t on your transcript
Extracurricular activities, community service, work experience. This could include civic engagement activities you partake in with your match!
Hobbies and special skills
Cover Letter for Job Applications - When applying to most jobs, you will have to provide your cover letter in addition to a resume. It is a formal letter that your potential employer will read and it is your first impression. Make sure to include why you are interested in the job and why your background would help their company.
Template for a recent high school graduate applying to a job
Job skills that high school students can include in their cover letter: time management, organizational skills, leadership skills, teamwork, a quick-learner, and communication skills, and many more!
How to Write a Cover Letter - Matches can work together to write a cover letter. Click the link for tips on how to start your cover letter.
Resume for Jobs - a resume is almost always required when applying to a job. This can be pretty similar to a college application resume.
**Make sure to save different versions of your cover letters and resumes depending on where you are applying!
EvolveMe - Watch videos, do quizzes, play games and get ready for your future.
More coming soon!