This question is a tough one for many reasons, but first and foremost because most people don’t have an honest clue where they’ll be in five years, much less where they want to be in five years. It can be hard enough just to settle on a college major without second guessing your decision one or two – or seven or eight – times. Secondly, most graduates don’t have a whole lot of “real-world” experience, meaning it’s probable that you don’t even know if you’ve picked the right field. So how do you answer that question when it comes up (and let’s be realistic here, it probably will)?

For starters, you have to realize what it is they’re actually asking. Interviewers don’t actually expect you to know exactly what you want to do in five years. They want to know if you’re committed to furthering yourself.

Don’t tell them that you don’t know. Saying something like this will only show them that you haven’t given much thought to your career or the potential positions within their company. Companies want to hire people that have a clear idea of where they want to go in life.

Conversely, don’t be so specific that you dig yourself into a hole. You don’t want to tell your interviewer that in five years you want to be managing XYZ with 15 people working under you. This can make you come across as narrow-minded and result in them picking someone that has a more flexible approach to the position.

Being specifically vague is the best way to approach this question. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? It’s not – you want to tell them that you’re interested in advancing with the company and you’re eager to take on new opportunities as they arise – not that you plan to be managing a certain division. Being open is good, being narrow-minded is bad.

Everyone knows that there is no accurate way to predict what the next five years will hold. Interview questions like these are meant to draw out the individuals interested in and committed to furthering their opportunities with a company. It’s when you learn to embrace these types of questions that you’ll set yourself apart from the rest.

Author Bio

Melanie Slaugh is enthusiastic about the growing prospects and opportunities of various industries and writing articles on various consumer goods and services as a freelance writer. She writes extensively for internet service providers and also topics related to internet service providers in my area for presenting the consumers, the information they need to choose the right Internet package for them. She can be reached at slaugh.slaugh907 @ gmail.com.

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What type of person succeeds in this position?

Knowing the characteristics required for success can help you determine your fit for the position.  After hearing the hiring manager’s description, you might realize that the job doesn’t match your personality or abilities.

How will performance be measured?

Not knowing how your performance is measured can cause a lot of anxiety at work.  Before you start work in a new position, you should know your manager’s standards and how these are assessed.  This will also allow you to better assess your own performance.

What opportunities for growth and advancement does this position offer?

Nobody wants a dead-end job and this question can give you an idea about how much potential the position offers. You may also learn about the typical promotion timeline and ensure the job matches your career goals.

What are the typical obstacles and challenges faced by someone in this position?

Learning about potential problems upfront is always better than discovering them after you start a new job. This gives you the opportunity to seek advice and think of solutions. 

Most interviewers ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview.  A few questions can be asked at this point, but you may also find opportunities to ask questions throughout the interview.  You should also ask industry- and company-specific questions that demonstrate your knowledge and show you’ve done your research on the company.

For more on successful job interview strategies, read Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions That Will Get You the Job.

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How did you get your job as a new media spokesperson?

My passion with social media and online marketing started when I was hosting and organizing art/ poetry events around town and I had to utilize the internet to increase attendance. From there, I knew that was what I wanted to do.

In my senior year of college I interned at an amazing marketing firm in Toledo, Ohio. After interning, I was an Account Coordinator and also was a Business Development Associate, but that never really allowed me to fully invest myself in my passion. One day I got a call from the CEO of the marketing firm that I had interned at and he said he had the perfect job for me- a social media job where I would be the brand ambassador for 8^th Continent Soymilk. Being a vegetarian and lactose intolerant, I knew 8^th Continent Soymilk because it was, and still is, my favorite soymilk. I made a 7-minute video that had everything from me speaking Spanish to dancing on desks, to one of my favorite Rock n’ Roll songs. The tattoos, the red faux-hawk, everything that would normally make a corporation hesitant to commit to me were the same things that made the people at 8^th Continent fall in love with me. I was chosen out of about 11 different submissions and from there I used my online skills, my video editing experience and my ridiculously outgoing personality to become successful at my job.

What are your primary responsibilities?

My primary responsibility is to listen to and engage with soy fans.  I also raise awareness about the benefits of soymilk and in particular, 8^th Continent soymilk. The social interaction aspect of my job has got to be one of the most important attributes. Marketing and social media is now a two-way communication experience. If one of my readers/ friends online, tell me that they have feedback or that they want to try 8^th Continent for the first time, I send them a special link for a coupon.  I also  have the ability to take their feedback and share it directly with the people at 8^th Continent so they can get their voice heard.

Which social media outlets do you use?

I try to use the inclusive social media networks as opposed to the exclusive ones. I have a fan page on Facebook, a Twitter account, an account on Brightkite, Youtube, Flickr, Foursquare, Gowalla, Whrrl, Dailybooth. Pretty much if you name it, I am probably on it at least once a day.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

The relationships I have built online.  I have always been the person that loves to meet new people and experience new things. And, through this job I have been able to meet all types of personalities from all over the US. Although it is my job to promote online, I still build a very tight-knit relationship with the other people I interact with. For example, I was on a three-month road trip that was called the 8^th Continent Soymilk Taste of Life Tour.  I went around to the coolest events and places in the US – like Burning Man and The House On the Rock. In the middle of my road trip my fiancé and I split up. You can imagine how devastating this can be alone and in the middle of a three-month trip. My online friends really helped me through that time in my life with “You deserve better”s and “His loss”s .  Since I developed these relationships online we have helped each other through heartache and congratulate each other on accomplishments. We have truly become friends.

Are there any downsides to the position?

Sometimes I get calluses from typing so much, which is something lotion can tackle. Besides that, I am hard-pressed to pinpoint any downsides. Of course there are always the average challenges of finding enough time in the day to accomplish all that you would want to get done. But when you love your job, filling your hours with work feels more like fun activities instead of “work”.

What personality traits make a successful social media spokesperson?

The biggest thing I have learned from working as a social media spokesperson is that you just can’t take yourself too seriously. You really do have to have a sense of humor about things because you are not writing for a newspaper nor are you a journalist. You have been hired as a spokesperson to endorse a brand because of your personality and your belief in the product.

Any advice for aspiring new media stars?

You must be true to yourself. Do not present yourself as anyone except for the true you because you are linking your name to a personality the entire world could potentially witness. Also, I cannot stress the importance of networking! A “re-tweet” from the right person could open an entire new world of audiences.

Online Profile Links:

http://twitter.com/8thlopez

http://facebook.com/8clopez

http://brightkite.com/people/Lopez

Blog:

http://8cpassport.com

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RealMatch finds jobs by matching your qualifications with those in job listings.

Create and store resumes for free at Emurse.

A list of 50 Standard Interview Questions from CollegeGrad.com.

The OWL at Purdue gives detailed advice about writing cover letters.

FD Career includes company reviews and ratings from current and former employees.

Research companies and occupations at CareerLeak.com.

Find thousands of career resources and links at Job-Hunt.org, including free e-books.

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How long have you been teaching? What grades and subjects have you taught?

I’ve been teaching for thirty years – eighteen in special education, one year teaching 5th grade language arts and math, six years teaching 5th grade reading, and five years teaching 5th grade United States history.

How has your job changed since you started?

When I taught special education all the SPED were basically self-contained for language arts and math. They were in grade level science and social studies with help from the SPED teacher. Now students are included within the regular classroom and the inclusion teacher comes to them in the regular classroom. Inclusion has a lot of advantages for these students. Being around their peers is a good learning experience and many of the students adapt well. However, the inclusion teacher cannot be with all of them all the time.  Also, there are students that truly need to be self-contained. Inclusion is frustrating for these students, the SPED teacher and the regular teacher. Inclusion will be a great program if they hire more teachers and assistants for the inclusion program.

NCLB ( No Child Left Behind) is another thing that has caused changes within the school since I have started teaching. I understand that schools need to be held accountable for successful instruction of all the students. However, it seems to many teachers that the guidelines were written by people who have never set foot in an average classroom.  Students are being tested that have only spoken English for about 4 years. They may speak English well and even get to use a dictionary to translate, but we are talking about long passages to read and on top of that comprehend these passages. SPED students are also tested and expected to score well on the test without any individualized instruction that they have become accustomed to during the year. Then, the teachers are held accountable for the scores.  The state publishes these scores and rates the schools according to this. Many schools do not have any ESL (English as a second language) learners or as many special populations as other schools in the state. But all schools must meet the same standards.

What are the most in-demand jobs in education?

Special needs, math, and science teachers.

Besides a degree in education, what are ways that one can become qualified to teach?

There is an alternate route where anyone with a four year degree can become a teacher. There are certain criteria to meet. I don’t know a lot about this but I know they have to go to some classes and pass the Praxis (teacher’s exam).

What’s the hardest part of your job?

The lack of respect from not only some of the students but also the parents. The fact that many of the students don’t care. Also, the home life that some of these students have to put up with and which we have no control over.

What do you like best about teaching?

There is never a dull moment and you hope that hopefully you are making a difference in their lives and helping them to one day be productive citizens in our society. Children can be fun to work with if you can keep your sense of humor intact.

Why do you think so many new teachers leave the profession within a few years?

Many new teachers do not realize just how hard of a job teaching is. Many times you take work home, you come back at night for PTO meetings and ballgame duties. You cannot always go to the restroom when you want to because you are not suppose to leave students unsupervised. When they have lunch or recess you do not always get a break because you are on duty. Some new teachers also come in acting like they have all the answers to students’ problems and it discourages them when they do not see immediate results. New teachers need a teacher mentor whether they think so or not.

What kind of person does it take to be a good teacher?

A good teacher is not in it for the money or extra vacation days. If they are in it for those reasons, they are in for a severe shock. A good teacher must have loads of patience, of course, and never ever give up on students.

Would you choose the same career if you had to do it again? Why/why not?

Yes, I would choose the same career. I cannot  think of anything else I’d rather do with my life. And I must really mean it because as I am writing this our state legislature has not appropriated money yet for our salaries. And the end of next month is looming closer and closer.

* real name not used

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1. How do recent graduates get started in a career when they have no relevant experience?

If your experience is minimal or non-existent, you face one of life’s greatest employment challenges.  You need to go into your interviews with a positive attitude and demonstrate your flexibility, your social skills and your ability to get the job done even if you have to learn new skills and meet demanding deadlines.

It’s a tough economy right now, so the job market is hypercompetitive; experience is a key differentiator between candidates.  It’s never too late to start building up relevant experience through intern positions, co-oping, volunteering, etc.  If you have no experience, be willing to take an entry-level job in order to build experience, and then work your way up. Or be willing to work for free in a post-graduation internship.

2. How can job candidates best prepare for an interview?

There are some great books out there, and many web sites, that have tons of advice on general interviewing skills. There are books on common interview questions and how to answer them correctly. In your specific field it is likely that there are sample “stumper” questions available on web sites, as well as advice on how to deal with them. If you have “problem areas” in your resume, research how to talk your way around them and accentuate the positive. Then practice. Assume the first several interviews you do will be a little rough around the edges, so do those with companies you don’t really care about. Get used to answering the questions and smooth out your responses. Ask your friends to interview you. If it’s a possibility, go to the career center and ask for a practice interview. Practice. Then when the “big interview” falls in your lap, it will be easy(er).

3. What are the most important soft skills and technical skills for graduates to have?

Your degree should have covered the technical skills, which you should have been able to perfect with internships in your chosen field. Therefore, technical skills should be solid at this point.

“Soft skills” include things like leadership ability, communication (spoken and written), teamwork, relationship-building, work ethic, problem solving, etc. You should have been building these skills over the last four years by taking on leadership roles (which would look good on a resume), working on team-based projects and extracurricular activities (which would look good on a resume), solving real-world problems in competitions (which would look good on a resume), etc. Assuming you have done none of those things, then your next-best option is to read about these soft skills. Get books on things like leadership, communication, negotiation, team building, business ethics, etc. and become a sponge.

4. What industries should graduates focus on while job searching?

Ideally a graduate should focus on industries in his or her area of expertise. But jobs are so scarce at the moment that graduates may want to cast a wider net. Or you may want to consider working for no money if you have no experience (I.E. a post-graduation internship). There are some startups getting venture funding right now. You might look for a venture-backed company like that since it would be hiring. Some industries (e.g. Green energy) are getting a boost from federal stimulus funding. Do some research and see which companies in your area are getting funding and may be hiring. Some areas are affected less in a recession. For example, people still get sick when the economy drops. Look for recession-proof industries.

5. How can new employees make a good impression during their first jobs or internships?

Some general traits that make a good impression with employers: working harder than everyone else, meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, making friends, helping others, being grateful, figuring out what needs doing and getting it done before being asked, understanding what is important to the bottom line and focusing on that, putting first things first, making customers ecstatic, etc.

6. Many students are going to graduate school to ride out the recession. Is this a good idea?

Graduate school is something to consider regardless of the economy.  The focus should be on making the most of your time and opportunities to fill holes in your resume.  Graduate school is just one proven way to strengthen your professional profile.  Build your soft skills.  Get intern positions.  If you come out of graduate school with a stellar resume and a marketable advanced degree, you are putting yourself in a position to succeed.

7. What options do recent graduates have if they’re having trouble making payments on student loan debt?

Every lender is different, and there are many different types of student loans. So if you are having trouble making payments, you need to communicate with your lender(s) and find out what options may be available. In some cases you can arrange for deferment or forbearance. You may also be able to delay payments with graduate school, military service, AmeriCorps service, etc. Loan consolidation may also help a little. Research all options.

But you might also want to consider sucking it up and getting started with payments. Get two jobs, move in with your parents (or get a couple of roommates to drastically lower rent), ride the bus instead of getting a car, etc. Yes, it’s painful. But the sooner you start paying, the sooner you get done.

8. Any other tips for recent graduates?

You have chosen one of the toughest economies in several decades to graduate. Expect things to be harder than normal in the job search, and do what you can to avoid discouragement. Do not forget that getting rejected is a normal part of job hunting, even in a good economy.

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After interviewing with several different companies, I could anticipate what kind of questions would be asked.  I’m still not extremely confident in interviews and feel that they’re too subjective, but at least I know what to expect.  You might “practice”  by interviewing for part-time jobs and internships.  Unlike mock interviews held by some career centers or practicing with your friends, these interviews will allow you to feel the full effect of a job interview.

The most important thing I’ve learned by interviewing is to deal with rejection.  Unfortunately, rejection can become a vicious cycle.  You don’t get a job you wanted, your self-esteem plummets, you carry a negative attitude to your next interview and are turned down once again after the interviewer(s) pick up on your lack of enthusiasm.  It can be demoralizing to face rejection after jumping through so many hoops, but it is a fact of job hunting that we have to accept.  Interviews can give you an idea of what working at a company will be like and whether you would be a good fit for the company culture.  Try to keep several options open and not put all your hopes on one company.

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How long have you been in the nursing field?  Where have you worked?

32 years. I have worked in three local hospitals, the state health department for 3 years. I have worked for two different private home health agencies and 2 nursing homes. I have been a nursing instructor since 1992.

Of the jobs you’ve had, which did you like the most and which did you like least?

I least liked working for one of the private home health agencies and I like working as an instructor the most.

What made you decide to become a nursing instructor?

I became an instructor because I had always thought I’d like it even when in school. Plus, I like the hours and the pay is good too.

What are the characteristics of a good nurse?

Reliability and competence. You need a sense of humor and a good attitude. You have to be willing to work with difficult people at times.

What are the wrong reasons to choose a career in nursing?

Money. It pays good but not great. Don’t chose it thinking it is glamorous like on TV. Mostly, it is not.

What are the right reasons to choose a career in nursing?

It is very interesting work most of the time. The pay is good and some jobs pay very well, but money alone is not a reason to choose this profession. There are usually jobs available even in a down economy.

What is required for entry into the nursing program where you teach?

You need to be good in math and science. These courses are required for entry. An ACT of 18 is required but you really need a 21 to get admitted. There are usually about 500 applications for 130 or so spots. A C in Anatomy and Physiology 1&2 is required before admission. Most students spend a year getting pre-requisites.

Any advice for potential nursing students?

My advice to potential students is to check out nursing before entering the program. Most high schools have programs that allow students to work in medical related fields. Do this or volunteer in the local hospital and see if it is really what you want before investing a lot of time.

Do you have a lot of career-changers in your program? Are there advantages to being an older student?

A lot of our students are career changers. We have cops, chemists, and a psychologist in the current class.  Older students seem to be more motivated and don’t have some of the issues that younger students have. For example, they don’t have the pressure to party and have fun and not study.

What is nursing school like?  Is there a lot of hands-on experience in your program?

There are lectures in nursing school, but most of it is hands on. There are clinicals in actual hospital settings, the skills lab where students practice skills with real equipment, and the sims lab–where students practice clinical sims with a life like sim man/woman.

Where can nurses work besides hospitals and doctors’ offices?

Nurses work in many areas. Factories, research facilities, and most colleges hire nurses to manage clinics to treat students. Home care agencies and cruise ships hire nurses. Drug companies hire nurses as sales people and as phone consultants for patients. The military has a huge demand for nurses.

What are the educational requirements to be come a registered nurse?

The minimum requirements are an Associate’s degree in nursing and pass the state board exam.

Where do most nurses work just out of school?

Most nurses coming out of school work in hospitals first. Many agencies won’t hire new nurses until they have had some experience. Our state health department, for example, requires two years clinical experience for a nurse to be hired.

Why do you think so many new nurses leave the profession?

Most nurses leave because they either “burn out” or they never realized what working all hours, weekends and holidays was like when they were in school. Also, nursing is used as a “stepping stone” profession by some–going into administration or other related fields.

As a male in a female dominated field, what advice would you give to men who are considering a career in nursing?

Men should consider that nursing has a lot of advantages for them. Nursing pays well and overtime work is readily available. There is great job security even in recessions. It also offers the chance to get into many other related fields, such as anesthesiology. Also, becoming a Nurse Practitioner is an option. Nursing is such a female dominated profession that sometimes being in the minority is beneficial–some employers are looking to balance staffs with more men.

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Derrick Shapley is a graduate student who is working on his Ph.D. in sociology while teaching and doing research. I asked Derrick some questions about the field of sociology.

What drew you to the field of sociology?

I originally went back to school about 3 years ago after working on campaigns to get a PH.D in political science. I waited too late for the filing deadline for most universities I wanted to go to. So I decided to get another undergraduate degree in sociology. While I was in sociology I felt that I could have a greater impact on society than within political science. I also felt that sociology was a broader field and I could study more things than the restrictions of studying within one field.

What can one do with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?

With a bachelors degree in sociology a lot of people actually go to work with the government, usually within a research capacity.  A few people work with non-profits and NGO’s.  If you have criminology or criminal justice certification you can also get jobs with FBI, CIA or state and local criminal justice agencies.   Also there a fair number of people who get a job in marketing and consumer research.

What kind of jobs are available for those with a doctorate in sociology?

Most people go to work at universities as professors with doctorates. However, there are a few people who go to work as private consultants. also people with PH.D’s can lead research departments at nonprofits or government agencies. Many businesses also hire sociology PH.D’s to lead marketing departments. Economic development also hires sociologists to do research.

Are university research positions extremely competitive?

It really depends on the year and the economic positions. the last few years there have been a large amount of sociology openings. However, recently with the downturn in the economy a lot of schools are cutting off searches and states are imposing hiring freezes. There are supposed to be a lot of openings in the future with the baby boomers who went into sociology in the 1960′s and 1970′s retiring. However, it remains to be seen how many retire.

Would you recommend work experience before entering a graduate program?

Yes, I think one can gain valuable experience from work and it can enrich their graduate school experience. Also since sociology is the study of society actually going out and actually experiencing society will probably add some experience to go along with the knowledge you will gain by entering a sociology program

How long does it typically take to get a Ph.D. in sociology?  What are the typical responsibilities of a graduate student?

If you work hard and have some good luck to go along with it you can possibly finish your PH.D 4 years after getting your bachelors.  However the process normally takes 5 to 6 years, with a few people lasting as long as 8 or nine years. There are many different responsibilities you have as a graduate student. If you are on an assistantship remember your primary responsibility is to perform in the classroom. You will be required to read roughly between 500 to 1000 pages per week for class.  Also you may be required to teach a class or work for a professor as a research assistant, which usually consumes 20 hours a week.

What are some of the different concentrations within the  field of  sociology?

There are many different fields in sociology. Probably the most popular are

1. Crime/deviance

2. social inequality/stratification

3. race/ethnicity

4. gender

5. Demography

6. Urban sociology

7. political sociology

8. medical sociology

9. Theories

10. Research Methods

11. sociology of Religion

12. Marriage and Family

13. Community development

14. Culture

15. Socialization/children

16. aging/gerontology/Death and Dying

There are many other fields such as sociology of sports, rural sociology, and also many of these fields listed above have subfields.

What is the best part about working in the field of  sociology? What is the worst aspect of your occupation?

The best part of entering the field is you are going to gain a lot of knowledge about society and even about your own life in general. You will also learn that many of the common assumptions we make about life are not true. What you learn in sociology can not only be used on the job but also in your personal life. You will find that through studying sociology that life is not simple and their are many different facets of our environment and others in our life and institutions within our life have a profound impact on who we are and where we are going in life.

The worst part of the occupation is that you will have to explain to people what the heck is sociology. I suggest having a prepared speech ready for these encounters.

What other advice would you give to those considering  entering the sociology field?

Sociology is an interesting field that provides views from a wide variety of point of views. The one thing for those considering graduate school is that you have to come in with a willingness to learn. Also you cannot be afraid of criticism. Finally, one needs to keep in mind that getting your PH.D is priority one.

For more information about careers in sociology, see the Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors page.

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1. Volunteer Work Ideally, you’ll find a regular volunteer activity that you can continue throughout your college career. Examples include tutoring, working at an animal shelter, and volunteering at a food bank. In addition, you should also try to participate other events such as fund raisers that occur less frequently.

2. Leadership Roles Interviewers frequently ask about leadership experience. Serving as a club officer or in another leadership capacity will prepare you for interviews and will set you apart from other candidates.

3. Teamwork Almost all jobs today involve teamwork. Job interviewers will likely ask you if you work well in teams, and will want proof that you have handled yourself well in a group situation.

4. Internships/Job Shadowing Interviewers want to know that you are familiar with the industry or type of job you are applying for. As a recent graduate, you will set yourself apart if you have some experience already. If you are unable to find an internship, ask someone in your chosen profession if you can shadow them to get a feel for the job and to see if it is something you would enjoy.

One of my questions for my last interviewer was what characteristics her ideal candidate would have. She told me that the ideal candidate would be well-rounded and would be able to balance several responsibilities at one time. Participating in student organizations, part-time jobs, and volunteer work will demonstrate your ability to handle many responsibilities and will show potential employers of your diverse skills.

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