The PA Informational Interview
Making informed decisions about your career path is crucial, and one of the best ways to gain valuable insights into the physician assistant profession is through informational interviews with practicing PAs.
Whether you're seeking guidance, clarifying doubts, or looking for networking opportunities, informational interviews offer a unique chance to interact with those who have already walked the path you aspire to follow.
You learn more about a profession in an informational interview than reading about it. You can get some insight into their motivations for deciding to become a PA, what they did for the admissions process to stand out, and how they went through PA school. You can also choose to focus questions on different aspects of working as a PA – benefits, challenges and work-life balance.
PA Informational Interviewers last 15-30 minutes, and are a lot easier to obtain than PA shadowing experiences in Canada.
I. Overview of the Informational Interview
a) What is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a conversation or meeting with a professional in a particular field or career of interest, with the purpose of gathering information, insights, and advice.
Unlike a job interview, the goal of an informational interview is not to secure employment but rather to learn more about a specific profession, industry, or career path.
During an informational interview, you have the opportunity to ask questions and gain firsthand knowledge from someone who has experience and expertise in the field you are interested in. The interviewee can be a practicing physician assistant, and they can provide insights into their day-to-day responsibilities, educational journey, challenges, rewards, and overall experiences in the physician assistant profession.
b) How can Informational Interviews help me as a Pre-PA?
Informational interviews are valuable for pre-PA students and PA school candidates as they offer a chance to gather insights and make informed decisions about pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
They offer a unique opportunity for pre-PA students to go beyond textbooks, classroom learning and what can be found about PAs online. You get to gain real-world insights directly from those who are already immersed in the profession.
Here are some key reasons why informational interviews are invaluable for your journey towards becoming a PA:
Firsthand Knowledge: Informational interviews allow you to tap into the firsthand experiences and perspectives of practicing PAs. Through these conversations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day tasks, challenges, and rewards of the physician assistant profession. Hearing personal anecdotes and stories can provide you with a realistic picture of what it's like to work as a PA, helping you make well-informed career decisions.
Advice and Guidance: Experienced PAs can offer valuable advice and guidance based on their own career paths. They can share insights on the various pathways to becoming a PA, including different educational routes and specialties. By seeking advice from PAs who have walked the same path, you can gather tips and strategies for success in PA school, navigating the certification process, and building a fulfilling career as a physician assistant.
Networking Opportunities: Informational interviews provide an excellent platform for networking within the PA community. Connecting with practicing PAs opens doors to potential mentors, preceptors, and professional contacts who can support your journey. These connections can prove invaluable when seeking shadowing opportunities, obtaining letters of recommendation, or even exploring job prospects in the future.
Informed Decision-Making: Engaging in informational interviews equips you with a wealth of information to make informed decisions about your career path. By gathering insights from different PAs with diverse backgrounds and specialties, you can assess how well the physician assistant profession aligns with your goals, interests, and values. These interviews help you gain clarity and confidence in pursuing your aspirations to become a PA.
These interviews provide a deeper understanding of the profession, help you gauge whether it aligns with your goals and interests, and offer advice on how to navigate the educational and career pathways to become a PA.
II. Finding a Canadian PA to Interview
a) Where to find a PA to interview
Be resourceful when looking for a PA to do your informational interview with. You can contact the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (admin@capa-acam.ca) to see if they will put you in touch with a PA volunteer who has agreed to speak with Pre-PA students.
Otherwise other sources to find PAs include:
Going on LinkedIn and searching “Canadian physician assistant” and see who comes up! This is a lot like cold calling and you may not always get a response.
Networking through friends and family (if they happen to know a PA) who may help you get in touch with a practicing PA.
Through your University: If you attend a school which has a Canadian PA program go through your University career centre or a career counselor who may have the connections to reach out to the PA programs so you can have a conversation with a PA student or alumni
b) Requesting the Interview
Craft a professional and concise email or make a phone call to request an informational interview. Introduce yourself briefly, express your interest in the PA profession, and explain your desire to learn from their experiences. Be respectful of their time and offer flexibility in terms of scheduling the interview.
Keep your email request short and sweet. Here’s what should be included:
Greeting
Introduce yourself and where you are in your studies
Mention your interest in the PA profession
Discuss how you came across the PA’s contact information
Setup the Interview: Discuss the preferred mode of communication, whether it's an in-person meeting, phone call, or video call. Be flexible and accommodating to the interviewee's schedule. If it's an in-person meeting, choose a mutually convenient location. Ensure you arrive on time and dress professionally to make a positive impression.
The next sentence should reflect that you understand if they do not have enough time, but if they could refer you to another PA or resource for more information
Thank them and mention you look forward to hearing from them soon.
c) Tips to getting a “Yes” for an Informational Interview!
State you are willing to meet the PA close to their workplace around work hours – or the location of their choice (whatever works best for them!). Your willingness to be flexible make this work may make the PA more willing to meet up with you!
Do not come across as overly needy and entitled (e.g. picking a location to meet without any regard for how far the PA has to travel or if the time works for them). PAs who do this are volunteering their free time to speak with you, be appreciative and respectful of that time.
Use language in your email to demonstrate your genuine interest in the PA profession and have done your research.
III. Preparing for an Informational Interview
To ensure a productive and meaningful informational interview with a practicing physician assistant, thorough preparation is key. By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to make a positive impression and extract valuable insights from your interviewee:
Research: Before reaching out to potential interviewees, take the time to research the physician assistant profession. Familiarize yourself with the role, responsibilities, and current trends in the field. This background knowledge will help you ask informed questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the profession during the interview.
Preparing Questions: Compile a list of well-thought-out questions to ask during the informational interview.
Avoid asking questions that are easily found on google (What is a PA? What are admission requirements for the PA programs? How many PA programs in Canada?), and focus instead on more personalized questions that can’t be found online.
Consider topics such as the interviewee's educational journey, their day-to-day responsibilities, challenges they've encountered, work-life balance, opportunities for career advancement, and advice for aspiring PAs. Tailor your questions to reflect your personal interests and goals.
Example Questions to ask during a PA Informational Interview
Can you walk me through your educational journey to become a physician assistant? What influenced your decision to pursue this career path?
What does a typical day or week look like for you as a physician assistant? What are your primary responsibilities and tasks?
Are there any specific challenges or rewards you've encountered in your role as a PA? How do you handle those challenges and find fulfillment in your work?
How would you describe the collaboration between PAs and physicians in your practice setting? Can you provide examples of how you work together as a team?
What opportunities for specialization or subspecialization exist within the PA profession? Have you pursued any specific areas of interest or additional certifications?
How do you maintain a work-life balance as a physician assistant? Are there any strategies or practices you've found helpful?
Can you share any insights into the job market for PAs in your area or specialty? Are there specific trends or opportunities to be aware of?
What advice do you have for pre-PA students preparing for PA school? Are there any specific qualities or experiences that admission committees value?
In your experience, what are the most important qualities or skills for a successful physician assistant? Are there any areas you would recommend focusing on during pre-PA education or clinical experiences?
How do you see the future of the physician assistant profession evolving?
IV. Conducting the PA Informational Interview
Now that you've prepared for your informational interview, it's time to engage in a productive and meaningful conversation with the practicing physician assistant.
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of the interview:
Professionalism: Approach the interview with professionalism and a respectful demeanor. Dress appropriately, whether it's an in-person meeting or a video call. Arrive on time or join the call promptly, showing that you value the interviewee's time and expertise.
Engaging Conversation: During the interview, strive to have an engaging and interactive conversation. Ask your prepared questions, but also be attentive to the interviewee's responses and ask follow-up questions based on their answers. This shows your genuine interest and allows for deeper insights.
Active Listening: Practice active listening throughout the interview. Pay attention to the interviewee's experiences, stories, and advice. Avoid interrupting and focus on understanding their perspective. Engage in non-verbal cues such as nodding or using affirmative statements to show that you are actively listening.
Taking Notes: Take notes during the interview to capture important details, key insights, and any advice or recommendations shared by the interviewee. These notes will serve as valuable references for future decision-making or when reflecting on the interview later.
Gratitude and Follow-up: Express your gratitude to the interviewee for taking the time to share their knowledge and experiences with you. After the interview, send a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation. This gesture not only shows your professionalism but also leaves a positive impression for future interactions.
Remember, the goal of the informational interview is to learn and gain insights. Be respectful, engaged, and genuine in your conversation. The information you gather during the interview will serve as a valuable resource as you continue your journey towards becoming a physician assistant.
V. Reflecting and Applying the Knowledge Gained
You have completed your informational interview with a practicing physician assistant and gathered a wealth of knowledge and insights about the PA profession!
Now, it's time to reflect on the information you've acquired and apply it to your own journey towards becoming a PA.
Here's how you can make the most of the knowledge gained:
Compare Expectations: Reflect on the insights you gained from the informational interview and compare them with your initial expectations of the physician assistant profession. Identify any similarities or differences and consider how they align with your goals, interests, and values. This reflection will help you refine your understanding of the profession and make informed decisions moving forward.
Evaluate Program Fit: Use the knowledge gained to assess the fit between your career goals and the different PA programs available. Consider factors such as program curriculum, clinical rotations, faculty expertise, and any specialty tracks offered. Reflect on how the interviewee's experiences align with your desired program qualities and make a more informed decision when selecting a PA school.
Refine Career Goals: The insights gained from the informational interview can help you shape and refine your career goals as a future PA. Did the interviewee discuss opportunities for specialization, research, or leadership roles within the PA profession? Reflect on how these aspects align with your long-term aspirations and adjust your career goals accordingly.
Seek Additional Experiences: Based on the knowledge gained during the informational interview, identify areas where you may need additional experiences or skills. If the interviewee highlighted the importance of certain qualities or experiences, such as patient interaction, research involvement, or volunteer work, consider incorporating these into your pre-PA journey. Seek out opportunities to strengthen these areas and enhance your candidacy for PA programs.
Maintain Professional Connections: Remember to maintain professional connections with the PAs you interviewed. Send periodic updates on your progress and express your gratitude for their guidance. These connections can be valuable resources for future mentorship, shadowing opportunities, or letters of recommendation. Networking with practicing PAs allows you to build relationships within the profession and establish a strong support system.
By reflecting on and applying the knowledge gained from the informational interview, you can make informed decisions about your education, career path, and personal development as a pre-PA student. Embrace the insights you've gathered and let them guide you as you take the next steps towards pursuing your dream of becoming a physician assistant.
Final notes
Informational interviews provide a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable insights, and establish connections within the physician assistant profession. Take advantage of these opportunities and approach each interview with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to learn. Your informational interviews will undoubtedly contribute to your journey towards becoming a successful PA.
