This group project has taught me about efficiency. I tend to have a love/hate relationship when it comes to group projects. Some people like to participate and others don't which always puts stress on people. However, my group members have been excellent. Everyone does all their work on time so that everything can be compiled together in advance before the project is even due. This group has demonstrated that if everyone does equal work then the project is completed in a timely manner.
The best thing about this project is knowing that we have the chance to help this organization. Helping Hands does not have the resources it needs to spread the word about their organization and the things they do. However, we do and by creating a website we can try to address this issue.
The biggest challenge throughout this project would be getting everything needed for the website and blog. When taking pictures and trying to collect the information for the PayPal account, we ran into a few obstacles. The volunteers and employees for Helping Hands are from an older generation which often do not keep up or understand the new technological advancements. We tried explaining the purpose of the PayPal account, how to set it up, and how they would benefit from it. However, even after an explaination they did not understand and did not see how it would be useful.
Next time I have a group project, I will want to make sure that everyone does their own part and that it is done well before it is due. Knowing that the project is complete before its due is such a relief.
Working with my group has been a great experience :)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Dual Coding Theory
Dual Coding Theory takes three cognitive systems and allows them to function together. The first system allows for language to be processed. Next, visual displays are processed and then the mental representation is activated to relate the two.
In this Nike ad, the words are read first. The words over the locker room "Practice Like Champions" are the first words noticed. Next the words "We Believe" are read and are located just below the others and slightly inside the locker room. These words say that if you put your all into practice, then it is believed that you will play like a champion. Those words show that people believe in the players if they try their hardest.
After noticing the words, I next looked at the condition of the locker room. The outside of the locker room looks used and worn down. It appears to be the inside of an old gym from high school. I connected the condition of the room with the words and came to the conclusion that Nike is saying that it does not matter the conditions you play in, as long as you play hard (and in Nike gear) you will be a champion and people will believe in you.
In this Nike ad, the words are read first. The words over the locker room "Practice Like Champions" are the first words noticed. Next the words "We Believe" are read and are located just below the others and slightly inside the locker room. These words say that if you put your all into practice, then it is believed that you will play like a champion. Those words show that people believe in the players if they try their hardest.
After noticing the words, I next looked at the condition of the locker room. The outside of the locker room looks used and worn down. It appears to be the inside of an old gym from high school. I connected the condition of the room with the words and came to the conclusion that Nike is saying that it does not matter the conditions you play in, as long as you play hard (and in Nike gear) you will be a champion and people will believe in you.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Miscommunication
One of the first jobs I had was working in a vets office. I was all excited because I love animals and thought it would be a great experience. Key word here is THOUGHT. I was mainly in charge of the animals that were boarding. My main duties were to clean their cages, give them food and water and document how much they had consumed to make sure they were eating. However, whenever I was done with all of that, I was usually completely clueless about what needed to be done. I would usually just ask other employees and help out around the office.
The vet ran and owned the office I worked in and most of the time I tried to avoid her because she had a nasty attitude and was NEVER friendly. One day in particular still sticks out vividly in my mind. The vet had taken the cat out of the carrier and left the carrier sitting on the floor while she went about finishing her business. She never mentioned that I should clean the carrier and put it back to together, but instead she just left it lying there. Several minutes later she came back in and started yelling at me for not cleaning it and removing it from the floor. I was stunned.
Instances like these happened often during the whole 3 months that I worked there. The vet never mentioned what she wanted her employees to do, she just expected them to magically know. I feel this caused barriers and miscommunication to occur frequently. When you do not specify, especially to someone new, tasks that need to be done and what they could do to help, you typically get outcomes you don’t want. These situations usually ended with her getting mad and being meaner than she normally is which was highly unfortunate. I feel that all these situations could have been easily avoided if she had delegated different tasks at the beginning of the day to certain individuals rather than letting them stand there completely clueless of what needs to be done. Communication is key in businesses. Managers need to tell employees what is expected of them and they need to create a system of delegating tasks so that everyone is on the same page of what needs to be done.
The vet ran and owned the office I worked in and most of the time I tried to avoid her because she had a nasty attitude and was NEVER friendly. One day in particular still sticks out vividly in my mind. The vet had taken the cat out of the carrier and left the carrier sitting on the floor while she went about finishing her business. She never mentioned that I should clean the carrier and put it back to together, but instead she just left it lying there. Several minutes later she came back in and started yelling at me for not cleaning it and removing it from the floor. I was stunned.
Instances like these happened often during the whole 3 months that I worked there. The vet never mentioned what she wanted her employees to do, she just expected them to magically know. I feel this caused barriers and miscommunication to occur frequently. When you do not specify, especially to someone new, tasks that need to be done and what they could do to help, you typically get outcomes you don’t want. These situations usually ended with her getting mad and being meaner than she normally is which was highly unfortunate. I feel that all these situations could have been easily avoided if she had delegated different tasks at the beginning of the day to certain individuals rather than letting them stand there completely clueless of what needs to be done. Communication is key in businesses. Managers need to tell employees what is expected of them and they need to create a system of delegating tasks so that everyone is on the same page of what needs to be done.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Mock Interview Reflection
As I was going into my mock interview I was slightly nervous. I seem to always get nervous before any type of interview whether it is a mock interview or the real thing. In order to help ease the nervousness I thought about what questions could possibly be asked and a few answers that would be the most appropriate. This calmed my nerves a little because I knew that if anything I would be able to answer at least a few questions and would have solid answers.
For the most part I was able to answer all the questions appropriately and with ease. The only questions I had a tough time answering referred to my greatest accomplishment. Unfortunately, there is not one huge accomplishment that I can think of that would just completely blow someone away. Hopefully as I continue my college career and move on into my internship, I will find one accomplishment that I feel really proud to share during an interview and one that makes me stand out.
Besides that one question, I felt the interview went really well. I was able to answer all the questions and felt confident about my answers. For my next interview, I will prepare a few answers again to questions I know will be asked. Hopefully, I will have completed or be in the middle of my internship so I will have experience that relates to my field.
I found this mock interview to be very helpful. I have had interviews in the past but they have been mostly for jobs I had in high school and throughout the summer. This interview will prepare me to answer questions that are usually asked by potential employers and those accepting people into graduate programs. I learned which gestures are appropriate and can express enthusiasm while others may convey that you did not like the question or do not know how to answer it.
Overall, the mock interview was a very useful tool and will help me in the future. It was a positive experience and I learned how to prepare for the interview and how to maintain a happy disposition and communicate that to the interviewer.
For the most part I was able to answer all the questions appropriately and with ease. The only questions I had a tough time answering referred to my greatest accomplishment. Unfortunately, there is not one huge accomplishment that I can think of that would just completely blow someone away. Hopefully as I continue my college career and move on into my internship, I will find one accomplishment that I feel really proud to share during an interview and one that makes me stand out.
Besides that one question, I felt the interview went really well. I was able to answer all the questions and felt confident about my answers. For my next interview, I will prepare a few answers again to questions I know will be asked. Hopefully, I will have completed or be in the middle of my internship so I will have experience that relates to my field.
I found this mock interview to be very helpful. I have had interviews in the past but they have been mostly for jobs I had in high school and throughout the summer. This interview will prepare me to answer questions that are usually asked by potential employers and those accepting people into graduate programs. I learned which gestures are appropriate and can express enthusiasm while others may convey that you did not like the question or do not know how to answer it.
Overall, the mock interview was a very useful tool and will help me in the future. It was a positive experience and I learned how to prepare for the interview and how to maintain a happy disposition and communicate that to the interviewer.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Presentations
This past week everyone gave a presentation based on something they were interested in or something they enjoyed doing. I found all the presentations interesting and enjoyed listening to all the topics. Some of my favorites included Adrienn's wine presentation, Lauren's presentation on how to facebook stalk, and Morgan's presentation on how she spends her Christmas.
Adrienn was very informative on how to properly open a bottle of wine and present it to the table. This summer was the first time I have ever worked as a server and let me tell you, those wine tools are tricky. I can say that I have never completely opened a bottle of wine with one of those things by myself. I usually made my tables help me which is embarassing I know. Adrienn did a great job explaining how to open the bottle properly and showing how and who to serve first. And I am always impressed when someone can actually use a wine tool. :)
I also enjoyed Lauren's presention on "How to Efficiently Facebook Stalk". I thought the topic was very entertaining and appropriate for this generation where facebook is so popular. I thought she did an excellent job and I definitely laughed. The facebook rap also added a nice touch.
Morgan did a great job presenting her nontraditional Christmas trips. I enjoyed seeing her pictures from Finland and Slovenia. It was interesting learning about different countries especially Slovenia since I've never heard of it. I think its really awesome that she gets to travel each year to places all over the world. I know I'm jealous!
All the presentations taught me something that I did not already know. I found all of them to be very interesting but these are just a few of my favorites.
Adrienn was very informative on how to properly open a bottle of wine and present it to the table. This summer was the first time I have ever worked as a server and let me tell you, those wine tools are tricky. I can say that I have never completely opened a bottle of wine with one of those things by myself. I usually made my tables help me which is embarassing I know. Adrienn did a great job explaining how to open the bottle properly and showing how and who to serve first. And I am always impressed when someone can actually use a wine tool. :)
I also enjoyed Lauren's presention on "How to Efficiently Facebook Stalk". I thought the topic was very entertaining and appropriate for this generation where facebook is so popular. I thought she did an excellent job and I definitely laughed. The facebook rap also added a nice touch.
Morgan did a great job presenting her nontraditional Christmas trips. I enjoyed seeing her pictures from Finland and Slovenia. It was interesting learning about different countries especially Slovenia since I've never heard of it. I think its really awesome that she gets to travel each year to places all over the world. I know I'm jealous!
All the presentations taught me something that I did not already know. I found all of them to be very interesting but these are just a few of my favorites.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Next Weekend
Next weekend I am going home and I could not be more excited! Every year when I come back to school, I always get caught up with everything going on here...schoolwork, FOOTBALL, sorority stuff, and just hanging out with friends, that I always forget that it has been so long since I've been home. I am an only child and my dad died when I was four. So, it has always just been my mom and me in our household. My mom has become my best friend and I talk to her all the time. Over the summer she was diagnosed with an autoimmune muscle disease. She's been getting a lot better since she found out what was wrong and we are hoping that it will go into remission over the next few years. Just being able to go home and spend time with her will make me happy. I am looking forward to next weekend to be able to relax, enjoy my mom's company, and escape from all the craziness of school. Home is where I always feel the best. :)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Cover Letters
Some advice that I agree with is that you, as a potential employee, have to be proactive and contact the company instead of just being passive. Putting yourself out there and getting in touch with the hiring manager is the best way to get the job. Also, I agreed with the parts of the tutorial that mentioned selling your abilities and what you can do for the company. You need to research the company and know how you can benefit the company. Being able to explain your abilities and the benefits you have given to other companies will make you stand out more to managers.
The one thing that I disagreed with is putting a postscript after the cover letter has already had its closing and signature. I find that to be slightly tacky. It may be a good technique and it may really work in getting a hiring manager to read your cover letter. However, I do not see myself using this technique when writing my own.
The section that I found most helpful were the sample cover letter and the cover letter checklist. I found these to be most useful because they give me a direction in writing my own cover letter.
The one thing that I disagreed with is putting a postscript after the cover letter has already had its closing and signature. I find that to be slightly tacky. It may be a good technique and it may really work in getting a hiring manager to read your cover letter. However, I do not see myself using this technique when writing my own.
The section that I found most helpful were the sample cover letter and the cover letter checklist. I found these to be most useful because they give me a direction in writing my own cover letter.
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