Matthew Wong

Interview Project: Part 2

02/20/2015

Interview Analysis Memo

DATE: February 19, 2015
TO: Professor David Gagon
FROM: Matthew Wong
SUBJECT: Interview Analysis Memo, COMM 1010

I recently had the opportunity to interview Ms. Glory Stanton, one of Salt Lake Community
Colleges Academic Advisors. I originally tried to schedule time to meet with her through the
secretaries at Academic Advising, but they were unable to find a time that was convenient for
me. Luckily, I ran into her later and she made time for me that day.
I have been considering entering a career as either a Guidance Counselor or Advisor for the past
several months, so I find that Ms. Glory makes an excellent candidate for an interview on the
subject since she has been working at her current job for the past seven years.
This memo summaries the useful advice I acquired from my interview and its subsequent
analysis.

Summary of Lessons Learned

Getting Started
I learned that Ms. Glory didnt originally plan to be an advisor. She actually obtained a degree in
communications originally. Later on, she obtained an Educators license and worked with at
risk students at Clear Field Job Center as a Supervisor for over 20 years. However she feels that
her choice to work at Salt Lake Community College was one well made, as she still gets to
participate in educating youth.
When I asked Ms. Glory what education path she would recommend for somebody interested in
this field, she recommend that they take Education, Psychology, and Sociology classes. I also
learned that someone doesnt necessarily need to major or minor in any of these fields, however
taking courses from these fields would be beneficial for someone pursuing this career. I also
learned from my interview that being able to listen with empathy helps not only the students but
also helps you be a better Advisor. Being able to pay attention to the student, with the right prior
knowledge, can also help identify and understand a students specific disability.
I also learned that because she had wonderful African American teachers while she was growing
up, she knew from an early age that she would want to do something similar. Luckily I can relate

to this, as I find that our some of the Asian American advisors Ive met have also inspired me to
follow in their footsteps.

Average Work Day

I learned that Ms. Glory spends from 10am in the morning to 6:30pm at night on paper, meaning
she has 8 hour days on paper from Monday to Friday. However, she does mention that she
frequently stays at her office till 8pm or 9pm. Even though Ms. Glory works well over 40 hours a
week, she never feels like time drags on at work. She says that it helps to never use words like
boring.
Ms. Glory answers to the directly to the director of Academic Affairs, Sonia Parker, as she is one
of the six Salt Lake Community College Multicultural Advisors. Most other advisors typically
have someone in between them and the director.
Ms. Glory wasnt able to think of anything she would like to add to or take away from her daily
routine. She did, however, state numerous times that she really enjoyed spending time to meet
and help the students.

Continuing Education
I learned that for Ms Glorys position here, continued education in a specific field is not required
however it does help you in interviews. Ms. Glory also recommended again that I take courses in
Education, Psychology, and Sociology, but not necessarily obtaining degrees in any of the fields.

Clearinghouse Questions
I asked Ms. Glory what she thought if I interviewed Tung Trantruong, one of our new advisors
in Salt Lake Community Colleges First Year Experience department who has 10+ years of work
experience at the University of Utah. She stated that she thinks it would be a good idea for a
possible different perspective on the job at a different type of institution that also has a much
different demographic than our college.

Interview Analysis
This interview gave me a look into what an Academic Advisor does here at Salt Lake
Community College and how does it work.

Analysis of Advisor or Guidance Counselor as my Career Choice

From the interview with Ms. Glory, I feel as confident as when I first thought of becoming an
Advisor or Guidance Counselor. This career is really for the people who care about the wellbeing

of the students, and I feel that I am one of the few people who not only truly cares for them but
has a desire to do something to help them. I also feel encouraged to do so because there are so
few Asian/Asian Americans in our education systems. This means that there are fewer faces for
our Asian/Asian American students to either relate to or fewer faculty that truly understands their
experiences. Seeing Ms. Glory as an Academic Advisor for Salt Lake Community Colleges
African and African American students also helped further cement my choice to pursue this
career, in hopes that I can one day look after my own demographic at an institution.

Analysis of my Interview Process

I knew from the day this was assigned that I would have to record the interview somehow. Even
if it was just a voice recording. Before we got started, I asked Ms. Glory if it would be ok with
her if I recorded the interview. Luckily, she agreed to a voice recording, much to my convenience
as I have a memory that tends to forget things easily. I also noticed that I had a tendency to be
rather redundant with certain words when I responded to one of Ms. Glorys responses. I caught
myself numerous times saying like in a single sentence, much to my annoyance.

Letter of Thanks
P.O. Box 38080 STC 240P
4600 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84130
February 23, 2015

Dear Ms. Glory,

Thank you so much for taking part of your time from your busy schedule and letting me
interview you about your career. The answers you provided were both helpful and interesting.

I would also like to thank you for helping make Salt Lake Community College a welcoming
environment, easily seen with by your clear desire to help your students. Its both heartwarming
and inspiring to see.

You truly helped me out, not only with my assignment, but also with my choice of career.
Sincerely,
Matthew Wong