Informational Interview Reflection

“Dominic Calabrese”

Dominic Calabrese is diverse in his personal interests, but also professionally.

Meeting at a Publicity Club of Chicago luncheon, I was intrigued to learn more about,
“The Chicago Lighthouse.” Pleasantly surprised, I reconnected with Dominic to complete
a civic service project with the Lighthouse.
Calabrese earned a B.A. degree (cum laude) from Dominican University and
graduate degree at the University of Cincinnati. Credentials include deputy press
secretary with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Next Calabrese was a director
of public relations for the Gateway Foundation and the College of Podiatric Medicine.
Calabrese free-lance writes for several magazines and a professor of public relations at
Colombia University.
Conducting the interview while touring, “The Chicago Lighthouse,” a non-profit
serving the blind and severely disabled since 1906. Serving since 2004 as the public
relations director leading a team of 3 professionals has proven much. Calabrese’s team
successfully pitched a story dealing with the clock making factory at the lighthouse to the
Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, ABC Evening News, and
Associated Press.
Some of the benefits were putting me in contact with non-profits an area I’ve
always wanted to experience. Mr. Calabrese worked for the government, a career path I
currently consider.
The ability interact with a seasoned professional was refreshing. Politics were
discussed and pros and cons were listed. The operations at the non-profit relied on
politics and lawmaker’s policies.
Reflection
Learning about this field did question my individual development plan, but not
overall direction. Achieving my goals requires adjustment; however helping other people
has only grown stronger. Calabrese touched on disillusionment with the ability to change
policies. Many challenges are ahead and public relations will help address them.

Informational Interview 1
 The way I would rate my conduct during the interview is to reflect upon my
statements, ability to listen, and feedback from Mr. Calabrese. In this situation I was
honored by a compliment sent to my boss from Mr. Calabrese regarding my good
character. Next time, one thing I would improve would be to simply interview the
individual earlier, so I could be of more service.
Dominick Calabrese admirable traits include practical passion that I’d hope to
incorporate into my developing leadership style. I now know why many people peruse a
career in non-profit.

Informational Interview 2