Interview and Reflection

• What is it like to be a/n _____________? (Executive Director, Development Director, Vice President of Research and Evaluation, etc.)
• What do you enjoy most about your job/career? Least?
• What qualities do you look for in people you hire?
• I want to be/am thinking about being a _______________. What would you suggest as the best way to prepare for a career in this area?
• How do your organization’s vision, mission and values influence your day-to-day operations and management?
• In what ways does your organization interact with government and market/business institutions? Has this changed over time and how do you think it impacts the governance and management of your organization?
• Does your organization engage in larger systems-level change or advocacy efforts? Why or why not?
• What are the 2 or 3 most difficult things you face in your organization currently? How are you addressing these issues?
• What do you see as upcoming trends, opportunities, or important issues in your field?
• Anything else you’d like to add!

If your interviewee allows it, consider recording your discussion to refer to it for your brief. Transcribing the discussion will also make summarizing easier. Don’t forget to send a thank you note after your meeting – paper is still ideal!

Format for Reflection:

• Synthesis and summary of responses to questions
• Analysis of findings described in the summary. How does the information you learned from your interview relate to readings and concepts covered in the course? Reference concepts from class and citations from the readings.
• Conclusion that reflects on what you learned. Consider:
  • Main take-aways?
  • What will you do differently after speaking with your interviewee?
  • What was the biggest surprise about their role and/or the nonprofit sector?
  • Will you maintain contact with your interview in the future? Why or why not?
  • Who else do you want to speak with in the future?