Mock Interviews What Was the First, Critical

Mock Interviews What was the first, critical inspiration that encouraged you to select your line of work? Did you ever have any doubts about your success? What is your passion and how is it manifest in your work? What is the most difficult aspect of your work today? How has your industry changed over the years? What advice would you give to a recent graduate, facing this difficult economy? What do you do to stay 'current' with trends in your profession? Do you have any regrets? Interview 1: Graphic designer My first interview was with a local graphic designer who designed logos and websites for businesses and individuals.

According to the designer, her first inspiration for success was the art lessons she took at a young age. "Art was always my best subject in school. I loved being able to create new things with images." However, she was not always certain that art would 'pay the bills.' "I first studied studio art in college, but I was concerned about making a living.

I saw so many talented artists who were really struggling, and I felt that if I was constantly worried about money, I wouldn't be able to be creative. My parents wanted me to become an art teacher, because they felt that it was the most stable field of art. But I still wanted to be creative, so I decided to study graphic design." "I love graphic design because every day I get a chance to make something new.

I like to work with a client and strive to distill his or her vision into a pictoral representation. It's so exciting to hear someone say 'yes, that is exactly what I was looking for!'" Some people, according to the designer, have trouble putting into words what they desire to see on the page.

"Often, people don't really have a visual idea of what they want, instead they have a concept like 'fresh food' or they simply say that they want to create a logo that will encourage people to buy their product.

I have to use fonts, lines, colors, and shapes to express a mood while still satisfying the customer that the logo is true to their vision of the product." "The most difficult aspect of being a graphic designer is undoubtedly the fact that in a sluggish economy, some people cut art design from their budgets first.

Also, as a freelancer, I am always looking for work and I don't have the benefits of someone with a stable job might have, like a weekly paycheck, a pension, health insurance, or unemployment pay. However, the flexibility of the lifestyle and the ability to do something I love makes it all worth it." "The industry has changed a lot since I have begun working in the field because of technology. Most of my business involves website design, although I do design some business cards and advertising logos.

I've had to grow very web-savvy and pick up computer programming and HTML formatting, in addition to the basics of visual design itself." "That comment ties in to my next bit of advice: anyone wishing to enter my industry should really have a strong technical background. If I could do it over again, I would double major in computer science or computer design. Regarding the economy, my main piece of advice would be to stay persistent.

The economy will pick up again, and as various industries grow more competitive, people will need advertising to promote their product." "I am always learning. I am always on the web, scanning different designs, trying to learn new techniques and to get new ideas.

I'm also always looking for ways to advertise myself, including working on my own website and increasing traffic." "Other than wishing I had acquired a stronger computer background so I didn't have to play so much 'catch-up,' in terms of the web-based aspect of my field, I have no regrets." Interview 2: Teacher My second interview was with a 'master' teacher who had won several awards because of the successes of her elementary school children.

"Like many teachers, I was inspired by my own teacher to select the profession of education. My teachers were always formative influences on my life.

I still remember how teachers inspired me to do things I never knew I could, from learning the multiplication tables in third grade to the abstruse philosophy I had to study to get my master's in teaching as an adult." "The first time I walked through the door of a classroom I certainly did have doubts about my success! Teachers are always learning, and having to deal with a class of different levels of preparation, ability, and willingness to listen to you has taken a lifetime of self-study! My passion, however, is helping students learn.

I love seeing how far all of the students progress every year, and the changes within them. Of course, some of the changes come from other influences, but I like to think that I have a positive hand in the process of transformation." "The most difficult aspect of my work today -- and also the greatest sources of change in my profession -- is the increase in standardized testing of students.

More and more of my day is occupied preparing students for standardized tests, which limits my creativity as a teacher. And classes are more diverse and larger than ever before. It can be hard to deal with students of a wide range of cultural and economic reference points.

While there is some 'tracking' in the school in terms of reading groups and math, when addressing a lesson plan to an entire class, I have to be careful not to bore the more academically advanced students and not lose the students who are coping with learning challenges." "If someone has a passion for teaching, I would definitely suggest that they go for it.

However, don't do it if you're mainly fixated on having your summers off -- first of all, during much of the summer I am planning my lessons and often.