PURPOSE:
The purpose of this project is to provide you with an opportunity to interview established managers and apply information learned in class to a real-world person and organization.
OVERVIEW:
Each student is to conduct a 30 minute in person (if possible) interview of a manager. Students will write a 6 page reflection paper applying the responses given in the interview to theories and concepts from the course. Students will also transcribe their Questions and Answers into an additional Appendix section of the paper, roughly 4 pages.
Select a Manager
- Avoid interviewing your own current or previous managers. Use this as a growth experience.
- Personal reference and network–including family, friends and past colleagues
- Search LinkedIn for managers in an industry or job you are interested in learning more about.
Request an Interview
- Phone call is best. You may ask your reference to call or email an introduction for you prior to your call.
- In some cases email may be an appropriate communication source. Ask your reference; they may know how the manager is easiest to contact.
- Explain your reasons for selecting this manager.
- Remember that people are generally interested in talking about what they do and how they do it.
- Give specific details of what you are asking:
- In person, phone or Skype interview
- No longer than 30 minutes
- Purpose: to learn about the management experiences and perspective as an assignment in a Managerial Communication Within Organizations course at Baruch College. Example: “Hello, my name is __________. I am a student and am taking a course in Managerial Communications as an elective. As part of our course we are interviewing managers in our areas of interest tolearn more about their experiences with management. Would you be available for a 30minute interview to discuss your ideas?”
Prepare for the Interview
- Write interview questions that cover the span of course material (topics stated below).Write enough questions to fill the 30 minute interview.
- Be thoroughly prepared. You have 30 minutes and want to get as much information as you can.
- Preparation communicates to the manager that you take his/her time seriously.
- Review questions that you will ask during interview.
- Research your manager and his/her industry and organization. Ask him/her for a bio if they have one. Check out his/her LinkedIn profile.
Conduct the Interview
- Dress appropriately if in person.
- Take a folder with you containing a pen or pencil, paper and your questions.
- Arrive on time, but no more than 10 minutes early.
- Introduce yourself, state your purpose, and thank the person for donating his or her time.
- Use an audio or video device if the manager agrees
- Stick with the allotted time for the interview. If the interview goes longer than the allotted time,check that the additional time is all right.
- Obtain a business card or the person’s contact information
WRITE YOUR REFLECTION:
12 pt. font / Double-Spaced.
Your 6 pagereflection paper should have the following sections:
1) Work history and bio of the manager you interviewed as well as information about the organization(s) for which he/she works.
2) How did your manager responded to the questions about the following course content areas and your analysis
of that:
- style of management
- kind of managers
- assimilation process
- mentoring
- nonverbal communication
- communication styles
- communication network/channels
- organizational culture
- office politics
- meetings
- conflict management
- diversity
- organizational change
3) Personal reflection. What have you learned from doing this project? What is your “take-away?”
