I’m seeking assistance for an interview for my Criminology class assignment. Ideally, I would like to interview someone who either lives in or is originally from New Mexico, USA. I believe this would make it easier for me to connect, though I understand this might not always be feasible.
Here are the assignment details:
Objective:
The Professionalization project aims to explore the question, “What can I do with a sociology or criminology degree?” For this part of the project, I need to conduct an informational interview with someone currently working in a field of interest or pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate program that I’d like to learn more about. The interview will be used to collect information to craft a brief report.
Steps to Follow:
Step 1: Find an Interviewee.
Reach out via email or phone to arrange a suitable time for the interview—it’s best to do this as soon as possible!
Provide the interviewee with a selection of times that work for you, allowing them some flexibility in scheduling.
Have alternative times ready in case they need to reschedule or forget.
Step 2: Prepare an Interview Guide.
Draft a list of 15 questions for the interview. Note that if you’re interviewing someone in an educational program, you may need to modify some questions:
– Start with: “Can you share your job title or the details of your bachelor’s/graduate program and describe a typical day in your role?”
– Choose 13 questions from the Informational Interview guide provided by UC Berkeley, specifically from the “Questions to Ask: Informational Interview” section: UC Berkeley Informational Interview Guide.
– Conclude with: “What final advice would you offer someone interested in this career path or educational journey?”
Step 3: Conduct the Interview.
Schedule at least 20-30 minutes for the interview, and it’s fine if it runs longer—just be mindful of your interviewee’s time.
If possible, ask if you can record the interview (if conducted via Zoom or Teams, the camera can be off unless they prefer otherwise). This recording will help you refer back to the participant’s responses later, but please remember you won’t need to submit the audio or video.
Take thorough and clear notes during the interview as these will provide the data needed for your report.
Allow your interviewee ample time to think and respond to each question, and avoid rushing or interrupting.
Make it clear that they’re not obligated to answer any questions they’re uncomfortable with.
Be sure to express your gratitude at the conclusion of the interview for their time and insights.
In Summary:
I’m looking for someone with a Criminology degree to interview, preferably over email or phone. It’s important that this person is reachable, ideally because they are from New Mexico, USA. Thank you!
It sounds like you have a solid plan for your informational interview project in your Criminology class! Finding someone with relevant experience can definitely enhance your understanding of the field. Here are a few suggestions to help you find an interviewee:
Network Locally: Reach out to local universities or colleges with criminology or sociology programs. Professors or program coordinators may be able to connect you with alumni or current students.
Professional Associations: Look into organizations such as the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association or local law enforcement agencies. They may have members who would be willing to share their experiences.
Social Media and Forums: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, or Reddit to connect with individuals in the criminology field in New Mexico. Posting your request in regional groups can yield results.
Community Resources: Consider reaching out to local non-profits, community centers, or rehabilitation programs that deal with crime prevention or criminal justice. Staff there may have insights or know someone who does.
Friends and Family: Ask around in your personal network to see if anyone knows a criminologist or someone working in a related field. Personal connections can lead to more comfortable conversations.
When you do reach out, be sure to explain the purpose of your interview and how it can be beneficial for both you and the interviewee. Good luck with your project!