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Informational Interview Rubric

PurposeThe purpose of this assignment is to:

Help you gain practical insight into the steps required to be successful in a field of interest to you;

Provide an opportunity for you to examine leadership styles first-hand;

Build your verbal and written communication skills;

Help you develop confidence in interacting with accomplished professionals;

Provide opportunities for you to develop professional contacts in your field of interest.

Category Target Acceptable Unacceptable

Selects an appropriate interviewee

Student provides a clear rationale for his/her choice of interviewee. The student demonstrates a link between his/her choice of interviewee and the Individual Development Plan.

Student provides a clear rationale for his/her choice of interviewee.

It is not clear why the student selected the interviewee.

Demonstrates increased understanding of a field or profession of interest

Student is able to articulate new knowledge or insight gained through the interview about his/her field of interest. Student reflects on what it takes to be successful in the target field. Student analyzes how this insight supports or contradicts his/her long-term vision described in the Individual Development Plan.

Student is able to articulate new knowledge or insight gained through the interview about his/her field of interest. Some connection is made with the Individual Development Plan

The student simply recounts what happened in the interview and does not demonstrate any new knowledge or insight gained.

Assessment of preparation for the interview and how the interview was conducted

Student reflects on his/her preparation for the interview. Student sets clearly defined goals for the interview. Student assesses his/her communication style during the interview. Identifies elements of the interview that were effective, and areas that needed improvement.

Student reflects on his/her preparation for the interview. Student’s goals are defined for the interview. Student assesses his/her communication style during the interview.

Little to no self-reflection. Goals for the interview are not clear. No analysis of the way in which the student conducted the interview.

Examination of Student is able to identify the Student identifies the Student is not able to

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

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leadership styles and effectiveness

interviewee’s leadership style or approach and analyzes how specifically the individual has achieved success through the use of this style. Student reflects upon how he/she might incorporate this style or approach to leadership in his/her own growth.

interviewee’s leadership style and analyzes how specifically the individual has achieved success through the use of this style.

discuss or comment upon the interviewee’s leadership style.

Writing style, grammar and overall organization

The student’s writing is clear and concise. The length is appropriate. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are correct. The essay is well-organized and easy to follow.

The student’s writing is clear and concise. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are correct. The essay is well-organized.

The student’s writing is not clear or concise. There are grammatical and spelling mistakes.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminar