Interview

Original Text: Interview


Names, addresses and personal identifications are deleted for privacy reasons.

Memorandum

Date: 3-2-2011
To: XXXXX
From: XXXXX
Subject: Career Professional Interview

Introduction

I chose to interview XXXXX, owner, XXXXX. XXXXX is a Clinical Psychologist with a successful business in Raleigh, NC. I chose to interview XXXXX because she has experienced a great deal of success in operating her own practice, and because her practice closely models the type of consulting work that I am interested in. Lastly, I chose to interview XXXXX because I respect her work, and I hope to emulate her success. I interviewed XXXXX on the phone, February 22, 2011. The purpose of this memo is to relay to you the information I obtained, through the interview process.
Background
XXXXX earned a B.S. in Psychology and Mathematics from XXXXX University in 1996. She earned a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from XXXXX in 1998; and she earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at XXXXX University in 2003. She has been in private practice for 6 years. Prior to working in private practice, XXXXX was a Psychologist at XXXXX Hospital, in Raleigh, NC.
Communication
Verbal and written communication is a crucial function of XXXXX practice. XXXXX explained that usually her first form of communication is proper listening. In order to accurately analyze, treat, and report a case, she must first begin by actively listening to her clients and sometimes representatives of her clients. She further explained that during this communication, she is not only actively listening, but also “visually listening,” as well as taking accurate notes. She then prepares lengthy reports detailing methods, findings, and recommendations. XXXXX emphasized the importance of clarity, both in written and verbal communication, explaining that mistakes in her business can ruin lives.


Advice
XXXXX gave outstanding advice on operating a business and professional communication. In regards to becoming a business owner, XXXXX advised me to make as many contacts with professional business owners as possible. She explained that there are many factors that go into running a successful business and the more advice I can gain, the better. She also highly recommended a mentor. She said that although there are pitfalls to operating your own business, in her opinion, the benefits far outweighed those pitfalls. In terms of consulting specifically, XXXXX recommended that I spend a great deal of time researching various businesses and industries before developing a specialization. XXXXX also suggested that I pay particular attention to developing good interpersonal, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
Conclusion
I learned a great deal from XXXXX. Clearly, communication is the cornerstone of her business, which is one reason I originally chose to interview her. Throughout the process of preparing for and conducting the interview, as well as compiling this memo, my views on proper, professional communications began to strengthen. I have long known the benefits of good communication; however, I now have a renewed commitment to myself to strive for better communication skills, both written and verbal.

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Revised Text:

Memorandum

Date: 3-2-2011
To: XXXXX
From: XXXXX
Subject: Career Professional Interview

Introduction

I chose to interview XXXXX, owner, XXXXX. XXXXX is a Clinical Psychologist with a successful business in Raleigh, NC. I chose to interview XXXXX because she has experienced a great deal of success in operating her own practice, and because her practice closely models the type of consulting work that I am interested in. Lastly, I chose to interview XXXXX because I respect her work and I hope to emulate her success.

I interviewed XXXXX on the phone, February 22, 2011. The purpose of this memo is to relay to you the information I obtained, through the interview process.

Background

XXXXX earned a B.S. in Psychology and Mathematics from XXXXX University in 1996. She earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from XXXXX in 1998 and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at XXXXX University in 2003. She has been in private practice for 6 years. Prior to working in private practice, XXXXX was a Psychologist at XXXXX Hospital, in Raleigh, NC.

Communication

Verbal and written communication is a crucial function of XXXXX's practice. XXXXX explained that, usually, her first form of communication is proper listening. In order to accurately analyze, treat, and report a case, she must first begin by actively listening to her clients, and sometimes representatives of her clients. She further explained that during this communication, she is not only actively listening, but also “visually listening,” as well as taking accurate notes.

She then prepares lengthy reports detailing methods, findings, and recommendations. XXXXX emphasized the importance of clarity, both in written and verbal communication, explaining that mistakes in her business can ruin lives.

Advice

XXXXX gave outstanding advice on operating a business and on professional communication. Regarding becoming a business owner, XXXXX advised me to make as many contacts with professional business owners as possible. She explained that there are many factors that go into running a successful business and the more advice I can gain, the better. She also highly recommended a mentor. She said that although there are pitfalls to operating your own business, in her opinion, the benefits far outweighed those pitfalls. In terms of consulting specifically, XXXXX recommended that I spend a great deal of time researching various businesses and industries before developing a specialization. XXXXX also suggested that I pay particular attention to developing good interpersonal, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

Conclusion

I learned a great deal from XXXXX. Clearly, communication is the cornerstone of her business, which is one reason I originally chose to interview her. Throughout the process of preparing for and conducting the interview, as well as compiling this memo, my views on proper, professional communications began to strengthen. I have long known the benefits of good communication; however, I now have a renewed commitment to strive for better communication skills, both written and verbal.

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