Interview Analysis Memo
To: Professor Marty Nabhan
From: Deanna Jacobson
Subject: Interview Analysis
Date: October 4th, 2012
Deciding on a career path can be very challenging. Like many college aged students, I too have struggled with making this decision.
In an interview with a dental hygienist named, Tammy Bohman, I was able to gain more knowledge on a career I am interested in pursuing. She has 7 years of experience in the hygiene field and has been on various service missions around the world. She gained her degree at Weber State University in the dental hygiene program I am looking to apply for.
This memo analyzes the information I gathered during our interview and the actions I plan to take as a result of what I have learned.
Educational Requirements:
From my interview with Tammy, I gained more information about educational requirements for dental hygienists. With any dental hygiene program there are specific classes I must take before I can be put on a waiting list. After I have been put on the waiting list it is a matter of time before I can be accepted into the program. I was pleased to learn that I have completed all of the math requirements for a hygiene degree. I also learned that some courses can satisfy two course requirements.
Previous to the interview, I didn’t know which dental hygiene program to apply for and how to complete the application process. I had many questions about the differences between the dental hygiene program at Weber State University and the hygiene program at the Salt Lake Community College. Tammy helped clarify my choices indicating that both were great and credible programs.
Training:
Regardless of any career in the health care industry, ongoing training is an important part of the job. I asked Tammy what she did to keep up with her training. She explained that as a requirement for maintaining her hygiene license, she must complete and record a minimum of 15 continuing education credits per year. These credits can be fulfilled by attending conventions, completing online courses, or participating in workshops related to the hygiene field. Every two years when she renews her license she must show proof of her credits. Without these credits a hygienist could potentially lose his or her license.
Experiences:
Learning about Tammy’s experience as a dental hygienist has increased my understanding of what a hygienist may experience from day to day. Tammy’s favorite part of the job is talking to different patients and providing them a service that some patients can’t do for themselves. I too enjoy talking with patients. She also explained that the hardest part of her job is when patients refuse to listen to her advice. I could tell that she cares a great deal about the health of her patients. This is the type of positive attitude I want to have as hygienist; helping patients realize the importance of maintaining good oral health.
Clearinghouse Questions:
When I asked Tammy the clearing house questions, I learned about the many service and educational opportunities involved with dental hygiene. Tammy explained how I can build my resume by becoming involved in service activities within the hygiene field. In this way I can increase my chances of being accepted into a hygiene program. She encouraged me to make myself known to hygiene program instructors. She invited me to participate with her in a service project this November. She also referred me to her friend who had gone through the hygiene program at Weber State and currently teaches in the SLCC hygiene program.
Analysis of Dental Hygiene as my Career Choice:
From my interview with Tammy, I have solidified my decision to pursue a dental hygiene degree. After the interview I made a list comparing myself with the characteristics of a dental hygienist. The list included the characteristics of patience, good posture, positive attitude, great communicator, enjoys working with others, and detail- oriented. As I compared the characteristics I had with the list, I noticed that good posture was an area for improvement.
Through Tammy’s explanation about the application process and educational requirements, I plan to finish my associates degree and move on to the prerequisite courses for the Salt Lake Community Dental Hygiene program. I am excited to continue my education and launch my career as a dental hygienist.
Analysis of my Interview Process:
I have learned the importance of the interview process. It is important to plan ahead and come prepared with many different open and closed questions during an interview. An interview does not always follow the planned agenda; however, this can be beneficial because it allows more information to be gathered.
Conducting an interview can be intimidating. During the interview it was difficult to keep my hands still since I fidgeted with my pen most of the time. There were some awkward pauses when I lost my train of thought. My strengths were eye contact and active listening. In future interviews I will focus on keeping my hands still and practice interviewing with more confidence.
This interview has been beneficial in my decision of a career choice. I have discovered new opportunities and educational requirements needed for a hygiene degree. I now am currently working towards becoming a dental hygienist someday.
Through this interview process I have discovered my strengths and weaknesses. Preparing for different situations is a key concept I will use to better my interviewing skills. This knowledge has greatly affected the way I prepare for an interview. I will use this knowledge to improve interviews I may have in the future.
