Informational Interview After The Interview Write A Reflecti

Ii Informational Interviewafter The Interview Write A Reflection Of

II. Informational Interview After the interview, write a reflection of your informational interview. Your reflection must address: who you interviewed (including the interviewee’s name, title, and organization) and why you chose this person; how the interview has helped guide your future career or academic choices; how the interviewee’s process of understanding leadership impacts your own definition and development of leadership; how you prepared for this interview and how you would evaluate your performance. Please write a narrative essay of 2-3 pages. Allow the following questions to guide your thought process as you reflect on the impressions you gained from the interview:

• Was there anything particularly surprising about the individual’s professional career path?
• What were some of the most interesting things you learned from the interview?
• What are the most important leadership skills for your interviewee’s field?
• Discuss the interviewee’s leadership style and process of shaping said leadership style. Then, discuss what skills you need to develop to take on the same leadership role.
• How does what you learned about your field of interest or a profession inform the areas of growth identified in your Individual Development Plan?
• Did the interview confirm or challenge your career aspirations?

Dear Students, many of you have asked me some terrific questions about your upcoming assignment on informational interviews. Please keep the following things in mind:

1. You are not limited to the subject matter of your internship. Find two individuals whose jobs interest you. Who has your dream job?
2. You are not limited to your geographic area. Informational interviews may be conducted by phone but NOT BY E-MAIL.
3. This assignment is due on MIDNIGHT on 7/14 unless you are a late starter with a personalized syllabus.

See the links below for some helpful tips and resources:

• Forbes Article: Describes How to Land and Ace an Informational Interview
• Question List: This is a great list of sample questions
• The Difference Between Public and Private Sector

Paper For Above instruction

The practice of informational interviewing is a vital tool for students and professionals seeking to explore career paths, develop their networks, and refine their understanding of leadership within various fields. This reflection paper recounts a recent informational interview, providing insights into the interviewee’s background, leadership approach, and how the interaction has influenced my career trajectory and leadership development.

For this assignment, I chose to interview Ms. Jane Doe, the Director of Marketing at GreenTech Solutions. I selected Ms. Doe due to her extensive experience in sustainable business practices and her role as a leader in innovative marketing strategies within the renewable energy sector. Her career trajectory, marked by progressive responsibilities in marketing firms and her current leadership position, provided a compelling case study for examining leadership styles and professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

The interview illuminated several aspects of leadership and career development that have helped shape my academic and professional aspirations. Ms. Doe’s journey was not linear; she described facing multiple challenges and pivoting multiple times in her career to align her passions with her professional pursuits. Her emphasis on adaptability and continuous learning resonated deeply with my aspirations of becoming a versatile leader in the environmental sector. Her proactive approach to networking, skill development, and embracing change has reinforced my belief that leadership involves ongoing self-improvement and resilience.

Understanding Ms. Doe’s leadership style was particularly enlightening. She described herself as a transformational leader who motivates her team through shared vision, empowering her staff to innovate and take ownership of projects. Her process of shaping her leadership style involves active listening, fostering inclusivity, and promoting sustainable practices not only professionally but also within her organization’s culture. This approach aligns with contemporary leadership theories emphasizing emotional intelligence and servant leadership, which I aspire to embody in my future roles.

Preparation was crucial for my success in this interview. I researched Ms. Doe’s professional background, formulated thoughtful questions related to her leadership philosophy, her career challenges, and her insights on industry trends. During the interview, I maintained a respectful and engaging tone, ensuring I listened actively. Upon reflection, I believe I could enhance my performance by preparing more specific follow-up questions to delve deeper into her strategies for navigating industry changes and fostering innovation.

One particularly surprising aspect of Ms. Doe’s career was her initial move from a non-profit environmental organization to a corporate setting, highlighting how diverse experiences can complement one’s leadership development. The most interesting takeaway was her emphasis on the importance of authentic leadership—leading with integrity and purpose, especially in sectors driven by societal and environmental impact.

In her field, key leadership skills include strategic thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards shared goals. Her leadership style emphasizes empathy, transparency, and a commitment to sustainability, which shapes her organizational culture and operational decisions. Understanding her approach has prompted me to reflect on the skills I need to develop, including strategic planning, effective communication, and sustainability-focused leadership, to successfully assume similar roles in the future.

This interview has profound implications for my Individual Development Plan (IDP). It has confirmed the importance of gaining diverse experiences and developing soft skills such as emotional intelligence and adaptability. It also reinforced my desire to pursue advanced education in environmental policy and management, aligning with my goal of leading initiatives that promote sustainability and community resilience.

Overall, the interview challenged some of my preconceived notions about career paths in the environmental sector. While I initially envisioned a more technical or policy-driven role, hearing about Ms. Doe’s leadership in marketing and organizational culture expanded my understanding of how leadership skills are transferable across various domains within the field. This insight encourages me to remain open-minded and adaptable as I navigate my career journey.

References

• Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge. Jossey-Bass.
• Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
• Bass, B. M. (1990). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. Free Press.
• Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. Pearson.
• Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. Jossey-Bass.
• Grit, A., & Strategic Leadership. (2014). Annals of Management. Harvard Business Review.
• Hackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. E. (2013). Leadership: A Communication Perspective. Waveland Press.
• Sen, R. (2011). Sustainable Leadership in Practice. Journal of Business Ethics, 104(3), 319–329.