Table of ContentsInterview ObjectivesInterview OutcomeDiscussion and ConclusionAs a new Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) student, it is essential to obtain information about the field and the opportunities available by studying the field. In order to obtain useful information, it is important to conduct informational or research interviews. Practicing such an interview in itself teaches professionalism and gives confidence for future communication. The information collected during the interview could also give an idea on the subdivision of fields within the CLS (Microbiology, Immunology, Hematology, Chemistry, Histology and fluid analysis). The information may showcase different types of recruiting organizations and companies available for future employment and may inform about the flexibility and mobility that exists with them. In addition, the life experience shared by professionals constitutes initial information which highlights the opportunities and challenges of the study of CLS and the profession in the world of work. The advice they provide could help us complete our studies successfully. Additionally, tapping such professionals in the field gives the opportunity to establish contacts and develop further networking with them. This informational interview was conducted as part of the Introduction to CLS course, Howard University. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayThe interviewee's contact address was provided by the course instructor. The interview process began with sending a brief professional email containing a personal introduction and communication objectives. She responded quickly within the day accepting my request. The positive and prompt response was encouraging to design the interview questioner and get the interview as quickly as possible. Then the interview questioner was constructed as soon as possible. The interview took place a few days after the first contact. In the second email, possible dates and times for the interview were requested. She proposed three alternative dates. The interview was conducted by telephone on September 14, 2020 between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The interview began with a brief personal introduction and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Objectives of the interview The interview was conducted with the following objectives: a) to learn and practice professionalism; b) draw from the CLS Professional's current and past business experience, background, education, certification, and job responsibilities; c) assess certain opportunities and challenges existing in the CLS profession; and d) get advice on how to successfully complete the CLS program and how to proceed after graduation. Interview Outcome The interviewee currently works at Merck. She said it is one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies, working to deliver medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. She said the company has many divisions and is committed to increasing access to health care through policies, programs and partnerships. It was further mentioned that the company is recruiting many CLS professionals and a number of CLS Howard University (HU) graduates are working at Merck. The company also collaborates with HU. The interviewee works in the Global Customer Insight division as an HIV liaison covering three different states. As she mentioned, in this position she leadsresearches and produces quantitative and qualitative data. It focuses on research that addresses important medical needs and helps people living with HIV. She works with partners in the global HIV community to address the complex challenges of HIV. It implements innovative, high-quality, evidence-based HIV research and prevention services and contributes to reducing disparities in access to HIV care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV. HIV. Engaging very closely with HIV positive community members and their families and helping them in real life is the very interesting part of his job. She has a very busy schedule. The transition she made from MLT to HIV seemed very interesting to her. The career path of the interviewee was very interesting and reveals the possibilities that exist within the CLS profession. She graduated from the HU-CLS program and started as a medical laboratory technologist (MLT) at HU Hospital. His interest was in hematology and immunology. Later, she joined another company and became a biotechnologist and started working in research and commercialization of vaccine development. She then joined Merck and became an executive professional representative in the biotechnology division until taking her current position approximately eight years ago. She remembers that working in the hospital setting at HU was one of the exciting times because she interacted with so many professionals on a daily basis. The most interesting part of her current job is that she deals with people outside the lab and in the real world. As a graduate of HU's CLS program, the interviewee believed that HU's CLS program is a great way to get a job. or to go to medical school. Initially, she was mainly interested in hematology and immunology. This is one of the reasons she turned to biotechnology, vaccine development research and commercialization. She didn't remember any specific challenges at school. However, she said this field requires a lot of study, a lot of work and patience. She achieved good results and was able to obtain a scholarship, especially during the last years of her studies. She encouraged me to work hard and have excellent practical experience and a 3.0 top GPA. This will especially help in securing a scholarship while you study and other opportunities after graduation. Furthermore, she pointed out that in addition to obtaining the BSc. certification with a professional organization such as ASCP or obtaining an MBA certificate would expand opportunities. Based on CLS's profession and job prospects in general, she had no specific recommendations and it was difficult for her to say whether one subdivision of CLS (say for example Microbiology versus Hematology) would be better than the others. As she said, it all depends on the interest and hard work of the students. However, she also pointed out that the job outlook for medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) is generally quite good. Even his company is currently recruiting more than 20 candidates from HU and 3 of them are going to medical school. Demand for MLT labor may increase with the outbreak of diseases such as COVID-19. However, she also mentioned that increasing automation could be a challenge as well as an opportunity in this area. She believed that everything depends on the person himself. Some of the recommendations she made include hard work, acquiring practical skills.