By asking the professional a series of questions about their career and role in their organization, their skills and experience, and the attributes they seek in hiring new professionals to join their organization, students will apply interview skills while gathering information relevant to their professional development and organizational communication acumen.
Papers should be a total of 4-7 full pages in length: (a) 2-3 pages of transcript/observation notes (please refer to the Sample Transcripts template online), and (b) a 2-4 page summary report and reflection. Papers may exceed page length if the reflection exceeds the recommended lengths (please keep assignments to fewer than ten pages).
Students will choose a professional in Human Relations (HR) and reach out to them to set up an interview. Please note, this professional should not be a parent or relative. It is preferred that the interviews take place in a live, face-to-face environment; however, if necessitated for geographic reasons, health/safety reasons, or otherwise, virtual interviews will be considered on a case-by case basis and require instructor approval.
Upon completion of the interview, the students will work individually to prepare a set of notes that reflect a transcript of the interview and their observations. Each student will prepare a 2-4 page summary report to discuss key points of information, discuss their take-aways and reflections based on the interview experience, and apply and cite (at least) three concepts from the course material to within their discussion (please note: In some instances the interview contents may not directly connect back to our course material; in this case, please apply, discuss, and cite relevant course material from your program of study). Concepts from the course: The nature of communicstion in organizations, barriers to effective communication, structure and functions of organizations.
Questions/Items: The items that you want to address in this report, at minimum, are as follows:
(1) What is the job title of this professional? In what organization are they currently employed? What is the mission of the organization and this individual’s role in it?
(2) How did this individual achieve their current role? What is the story of their career path?
(3) How does organizational communication contribute to job roles within their organization and industry?
(4) What advice does this professional have for college students regarding getting a job and establishing a career in this industry?
(5) What advice does this professional have for how to grow and be successful with their given industry?
(6) Please create/choose at least 5 of your own questions to present to the professional who you interview.
The brief report should not simply repeat the information in the interview transcript. The report should discuss the responses to these questions in addition to addressing your personal reflections on the process, experience. and information, and apply course material to the gathered information.