No matter which topic you choose, nned a Routine Inquiry designed to glean information that you need via relevant, specific questions. You should include a full Memorandum heading as though you were sending the document to your chosen professional. This business professional can be a family friend, acquaintance, a person you work(ed) with, someone from whom you need information for work purposes, or simply someone you admire in the professional world.

To obtain the information you need, need Routine Inquiry that includes a set of questions you hope to have answered. You should format your Routine Inquiry in business Memorandum format (see example below as well as pages 125 - 126 of your textbook).

Your inquiry should include an introduction of yourself and why you are writing the inquiry. You'll also need at least 4-5 good questions that will help you determine what your next steps would be. These questions will, of course, vary depending on which topic you select. With this in mind, please use the guidelines underneath each topic choice below to inform your writing choices. Audience and purpose are key elements of this assignment.  

Option #3: Career Exploration (topic chosen)

    As a part of your career exploration, you recently discovered that a mentoring organization exists that provides advice to people who are considering career paths. This organization is called Mentors, Inc. You have been considering a particular career, and you want more information about it from an experienced professional. Thus, you have decided to interview a business professional from Mentor's, Inc., to learn more.
    Routine Inquiry in which you ask your questions. Find out the main elements you want to know about this field of employment in a way that shows consideration for the reader and demonstrates your won serious interest in the type of job that the mentor does.⁴ If you were to contact a career mentor, think about the types of questions you might ask: specifics about the field, advice for how to enter the field, skills needed to succeed, etc., are all things you might include in your inquiry.

 

The format of this header is somewhat flexible (you might forgo the underlining, or you might choose a different font.) But it must look professional. Memo TO: Donald Jones, CEO FROM: Student Name DATE: Current Date SUBJECT: Dear Mr. Jones: These headers are all very standard and should be included as you see here. The Memorandum format allows you to maintain a degree of formality without being overly formal. The main topic of your Routine Inquiry A mutual friend of ours, Sarah Winters, suggested I contact you to find out more information regarding software sales. My name is Kevin Fauber, and I am completing my bachelor's degree in business management and technology at the University of Virginia. I have a natural affinity toward people and a strong knowledge of software management principles that I would like to combine and put to use after graduation. I know you have been in this field for a number of years, and I would like to ask you a few questions to help my gauge my understanding, and needed skills to enter, this field. 1. What is the level of software engineering knowledge needed to be successful in this field? 2. I understand you have your degree in Information Technology. Are there any courses in that field you recommend I take to be successful? 3. I will graduate in May 2014. Would you be open to helping me find a position within your organization after I graduate? Even if there are no positions, I would be open to an internship to help me develop my skills in this area. 4. Are there any particular certifications you recommend I get in order to be more marketable in this industry? As someone who has been in this industry for nearly two decades, your knowledge, or advice you can give to me, will be valuable in helping me pursue this career choice. I know you are a busy professional, and I certainly appreciate the time you have taken to read this inquiry. I look forward to hearing from you and putting your recommendations into action.