Goals for 2008

Make a list of goals for 2008.

• Begin CFA certification
  
• Read at least 6 books
  
• Be a better boyfriend, son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, friend
  
• Continue working out
  
• Run another 5K race
  
• Join a ToastMasters group
  
• Volunteer at least once a month
  
• Send a birthday card or email to all of my family and friends
  
• Create a disaster preparedness kit and a plan
  
• Take better care of my teeth:
  
  • floss regularly and use mouth rinse
    
  • see a dentist regularly
• Explore micro-lending opportunities with Kiva

FactSet F4Q07 Earnings Call Transcript

F4Q07 Transcript

Weather in Norwalk - February

I'll be in Norwalk, CT from January 28th to March 1st. The average temperature during the month of February is between 39 and 21 degrees.

Norwalk, CT
Maritime Aquarium

Wall Street

The stock market is fickle. The slightest news about the economy creates rapid swings from day to day. Key players interpret economic indicators to mean one thing or another and begin to act upon those opinions. People begin to panic when they see a few people buying or selling and follow the crowd. Often times this results in basic news about the economy to be blown out of proportion. Even when the news isn't surprising, when everyone already understands the state of the economy and the 'news' is just a report stating that what we thought existed in fact does exist, people overreact.

The ability to predict the market has less to do with understanding the economy and more to do with understanding the people in the marketplace. The ability to predict the actions and/or reactions of the people is what you are truly hedging as a participant. The market value of a company is not based on how well a company is doing, but how well a company is perceived to be doing.

Port of Redwood City

http://www.redwoodcityport.com/

Ewaste

Look into Ewaste environmental impact, disposal, and market opportunities.

Ewaste Definition
Where to Recycle Ewaste in the SF Bay Area

Redwood City, City Hall; Redwood City
1017 Middlefield Rd.
Redwood City, CA 94063

Phone: (650) 780-7000

Customers Served:
Commercial
Residential
Schools/Nonprofits

E-Waste
Electronics - Phones/Pagers
Services End Use Types of Payment
Drop-off Recycle No Charge

Information updated on: 08/07/2007

-http://www.recycleworks.org/cgi-bin/bin/user/guide.pl?id_guide=8

Bartending

Here is a working list of items needed to set up and stock a bar:

Alcohol:

• Gin
  
• Vodka
  
• Rum
  
• Tequila
  
• Scotch
  
• Whiskey
  
• Bourbon
  
• Brandy
  
• Vermouth - Dry and Sweet
  
• Irish Cream
  
• Wine - White and Red
  
• Beer

Liqueurs:

• Amaretto
  
• Midori
  
• Apple Pucker

Mixers:

• Triple Sec
  
• Grenadine
  
• Lemon/Lime
  
• Cola
  
• 7up or Sprite
  
• Water
  
• Tonic
  
• Club Soda
  
• Juices:
  
  • Cranberry
    
  • Orange
    
  • Pineapple
    
  • Grapefruit
    
  • Tomato

Nautical Notes from the SF Bay

Bay Bridge

The trusses on the Bay Bridge are named in order starting from San Francisco:
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot (Alcatraz)

Nautical Terms:

• Bow - Front of a boat.
  
• Stern - Rear of a boat.
  
• Starboard - Right side of a boat.
  
• Port - Left side of a boat.
  
• Fore - To the front of a boat.
  
• Aft - To the rear of a boat.
  
• Lines - Ropes used to tie a boat to the dock.
  
• Cleats - Fitting on boats and docks to which lines are tied.
  
• Bow Line - Line in the front of the boat.
  
• Spring Line - Line in the middle of the boat.
  
• Stern Line - Line in the rear of the boat.
  
• Fender - Buoy that placed between the boat and the dock.
  
• Shore Power - Electrical line that is connected to a boat to give it power when the boat's generators are not running.
  
• Generator Power - Generators on a boat to provide power for the vessel.

Nautical Notes:

• Running Lights are red and green. The red light is on the port side of a boat and the green light is on the starboard side. When passing another boat at night the running lights allow you to see which side of the other boat you are facing when it is far away.

CAPM Exam Prep

CAPM Exam Prep Kit - Rita Mulcahy

Customer Engagement

Do more research about Customer/Client Engagement.
Customer Engagement on Wikipedia

My Story (again)

I started my professional career working for a technology start-up company. What attracted me to the position was the opportunity to be a part of something that had the potential to become huge. I liked the idea of getting in at the earliest possible stage and building the company from a simple idea into a successful business. I liked that my ideas were seriously considered and implemented, despite my limited experience and I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment in seeing how my contributions had a real and direct impact on company performance.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of hurdles to overcome. As one potential investor put it, "There's early, and then there's too early". I reached a point where I found myself unable to contribute in a way that the company needed at that time. Most of the work that needed to be done was technical and I did not have an engineering background or any relevant experience in that field. So I decided it was time to move on. I do keep in touch with the company and the friends I made while working there, and I have a vested interest in seeing that the company still succeeds.

For my next position, I wanted to find a company that offered a stable corporate structure. While I had enjoyed the freedom of creating new methodologies and practices at my first position, I had never been exposed to a large corporate bureaucracy and felt that there was much I could learn in the way of corporate structure and large-scale business interaction.

I took a position as a Software Analyst for a Market Research Software Company. It was an excellent fit both me and the company as I was a key member of a new software project team. In this role I had the opportunity to initiate and improve team processes, a practice which I was familiar with from my previous position. I was also exposed to working within an established corporate structure and cooperating with a large team to see that our overall goal was successful. As a bonus, I gained experience using web-based software. Since I have always been interested in technology and the internet, this was an exciting area for me to gain some valuable experience.

I enjoyed this position and from a career standpoint had no immediate reason to leave, but I had an opportunity to move closer to family which required new changes (and opportunity) in my career. Now I'm in the Bay Area and seeking a challenging position that offers the opportunity to continue to grow and have a real impact on the company.

Personally, I would like to better myself by gaining new degrees and certifications. I'm currently studying to become a Certified Associate in Project Management. I also plan on getting my MBA within the next 5 years. Depending on the position I end up getting, I'd like obtain any and all relevant certifications, i.e. CFA or CFP.

Ideally, I would like to find a position that allows me to utilize my experience in business and/or technology. I have a passion for both areas and feel that I would excel in either field.

Job Research

'Big 4' accounting firms:

1. Ernst & Young
   
2. PricewaterhouseCoopers
   
3. Deloitte & Touche
   
4. KPMG

Entry level career site: CollegeGrad.com

From a broader view, you’ll be most likely to succeed at Ernst & Young if you can:

* Think and work analytically.
* Communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
* Prioritize effectively.
* Think independently.
* Exercise sound judgment and common sense.
* Cooperate and work well with others.
* Develop strong, lasting relationships.
* Show flexibility and quickly adapt to new situations.
* Embrace and thrive on challenge.

http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/US/_Careers_-_Student_-_Joining_EY_-_What_We_Look_For

An interview can help you make a lasting impression—so be ready for it.

Prepare
Review your resume and accomplishments. Plan and practice for the interview. "Mock" interviews with another person often help. We want to get a sense of the contributions you can make. We may ask you to describe examples of how you've handled a difficult situation in the past, or to tell us about something you’re proud of.

Know Yourself
Be confident. Examine your skills, interests, strengths and goals. Be ready to relate them to the job for which you're applying. If you're curious, ask questions; just be aware of things you should already know or could easily answer yourself.

Research
Be knowledgeable about the profession and Ernst & Young. Check out various sources, including our website and recruiting brochure (pdf, 820K), magazine articles, and professional journals. Talk to people in the industry to gain insight into the business.

Be Professional
Be on time. Look professional and express yourself as best you can. Consider the position, work culture, and office environment when you dress. Speak clearly and stay on topic when answering questions. Try to maintain appropriate eye contact and use positive body language to show you're engaged in the conversation. If you have a cellular phone, don't forget to turn it off before any interview.

Relax
There's no one "right" way to behave in an interview, and we’re not here to make this difficult for you. We want to get to know the real you, so please, be yourself. Our people are just trying to get the best information they can from you in the time that you have together, so try to enjoy it!

Career Notes

Hardship:

When the CEO, CFO, and COO of my company all resigned within 2 months of each other. Created a lot of unrest amongst the employees. Several other key members resigned as a result. I saw it more as an opportunity. New positions were opened up and voids needed to be filled. The company's foundation was strong and there were great employees all around who could step up and fill the shoes of those who had left.

Skill:

My ability to learn new software quickly. I became an expert in using 3 company software programs within 6 months, mostly through self-teaching. I learn on the job well.

The Wire

The best show I have ever watched in my entire life.

5th season starts in January.

Los Cabos, Mexico - Fishing

I went sport fishing while in Cabo. It was a blast. I would recommend it to anyone who isn't squeamish about killing fish.

What to bring with you before leaving for Cabo:

• cooler
  
• duct tape
  
• large zip lock bags
  
• dramamine or the patch if you get sea sick

Our boat caught 4 dorado and 3 marlin (1 got away just before we could land it). Our hotel contacted a man named Victor Vargas who is apparently the head honcho of fishing in Cabo San Lucas. He set us up with another couple and a boat (the Charly III, captained by Rambo and deck handed by Salvatore).

Be sure to bring plenty of food and beer (including a few for the captain/deck hand) for the day. Plan on being out for about 5-6 hours. If you are prone to sea sickness, take half a dramamine pill the night before and half in the morning (or apply the patch before you go to sleep).

Cost:

• Cab fare to the dock - varies
  
• Fishing license - $14/person
  
• Bait - $20/boat
  
• Boat - We had a coupon from a timeshare presentation so the cost was $140, I think it's about $300 otherwise. We didn't know the other couple we were with and they paid about $300. I think you can get the whole boat for about $300 if you know all 4 passengers, but they'll obviously charge as much as they can if you pay as two couples.
  
• Tip for crew - I'm not sure what's appropriate we tipped 20% but I think it depends on how many fish you catch and how good your day is.
  
• Filleting the fish - $5 per dorado, the marlin could be filleted, smoked, vacuum sealed and delivered to your hotel for $5/lb.

It's not cheap, but it's a blast. This boat went way out into the Pacific (about 45 minute ride from the marina). We trolled about 6 miles off the coast at a pretty swift pace. This is the place you want to go if you want to catch big game marlin. It's a thrill and a lot of hard work. It's also a good way to catch dorado (mahi mahi). But catching tuna this way is supposedly much more difficult. Salvatore told me that the tuna can be right on the coast or 50 miles out so catching one takes a bit of luck.

I heard from two other people that you can also go fishing in the Sea of Cortez. The people I spoke with left directly from the Palmilla and the Hilton resorts on the Corridor and were shuttled out to large fishing boats on smaller vessels. They spent the day mooching and caught lots of tuna and dorado, but no marlin. This sounds like the much more tame version of sport fishing, but it also seemed to be a more productive way to catch good fish to eat.

Los Cabos, Mexico - Hacienda del Mar

I went to Los Cabos, Mexico from 11/16/2007 to 11/24/2007. This is the first of a series of posts with my reviews, notes and commentaries.

I stayed at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar in the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. The resort was beautiful. The landscape, view and amenities matched my ideal image of what a trip to a Mexican resort should be. However, you were essentially stranded at the resort because of its location (10 minutes and $20 USD from town), and everything there came with a price. Drinks at the pool/bars were $88 pesos (the exchange rate was about 10.9:1) a piece. The cheapest breakfast at any of the restaurants was $160 pesos. A hamburger at the 'appetizer' lunch time restaurant was also $160 pesos. I didn't even pay attention to what dinner prices were.

All in all it was a great place to stay and relax. Because we had a car for part of the week and a kitchen in our room we were able to go to Costco and buy all of the food, beer and tequila we needed at a reasonable rate. But next time I would like to stay in town to experience the night life and be able to go to different restaurants and shops. (There was absolutely no night life at the Hacienda del Mar; everything shut down at 5 pm.)

What are your greatest strengths?

A revised answer to a question I've already addressed:

• One of my greatest strengths is my ability to see the big picture and to understand my role in achieving company objectives. I collect data from several sources, analyze potential solutions, and create an action plan to achieve goals.
  
• I'm not deterred by problems and obstacles that arise in the process.
  
• I have excellent communication skills and work well with others.
  

One of my weaknesses

In general I work very well with teams. I make sure the team goal/objective is clear, I listen to and analyze input from team members, I offer my own suggestions and solutions, and I help facilitate an action plan based on our consensus. However, when I feel very passionately about something, it's hard for me to see it another way. In instances where I disagree with the group I will make my opinions known and offer support for my reasoning, but in the end I will agree to go along with the group consensus.

Common Conversions

• 16 oz. in 1 lb.
  
• 1 oz. in 28.3 g
  
• 100 g in 3.5 oz.
  
• 1 kg in 2.2 lbs.
  
• .45 kg in 1 lb.
  
• .5 oz. in 1 tbsp.
  

The 8% rule of Rock

Live 105 is a radio station in the SF Bay Area. I've methodically calculated the percent chance you have of hearing new music at any given moment on the station. Here is the break down:

• Commercial - 50%
  
• A song that wasn't recorded in the last ten years - 40%
  
• New music - 10%
  
• Chance that new music is Icky Thump by the White Stripes - 2%

So at any given moment, your chances of hearing a new song that isn't Icky Thump is 8%.

Moral of the story: It's time for me to invest in satellite radio.

BMI and Protein Intake

My Height: 6'1"
My Weight: 188 lbs.
My Weight (in Kilograms): 85
My BMI: 24.7

Daily Recommended Protein intake:

• 1 g per pound of bodyweight

Daily Nutrition:

• 50% Carbs
  
• 40% Protein
  
• 10% Fat

188 g protein/day
235 g carbs/day
47 g fat/day

31 g protein/meal
39 g carbs/meal
8 g fat/meal

1 g carbs = 4 calories
1 g protein = 4 calories
1 g fat = 9 calories

752 calories from protein
940 calories from carbs
423 calories from fat

2115 total calories/day
352.5 calories/meal

2nd Interview

I had a second interview today and one question that I could have answered better was, 'What is it about PM that draws you to it?'

So here's a list of reasons why I want to get into PM:

• I enjoy a challenge.
  
• It's not a stagnant position; the job is always changing and presenting new challenges.
  
• You never know what's going to happen; I adapt to change very well and don't panic when things don't go to plan.
  
• I enjoy seeing a plan through from beginning to end.
  
• I like being presented with a challenge, envisioning a way to meet that challenge, and then leading a team past any and all pitfalls on the way to completing the task.
  

I'll probably add more later.

PMI CAPM Exam Notes

CAPM Exam:

• 150 Multiple Choice Questions
  
• 3 hours to complete exam
  
• Exam Breakdown by Chapter of PMBOK:
  
  • 1 - 4%
    
  • 2 - 4%
    
  • 3 - 11%
    
  • 4 - 11%
    
  • 5 - 11%
    
  • 6 - 11%
    
  • 7 - 9%
    
  • 8 - 7%
    
  • 9 - 7%
    
  • 10 - 7%
    
  • 11 - 11%
    
  • 12 - 7%
    
  
  

My Story: Where I've been and where I'm heading

An outline of the things I've learned throughout my career:

Intern – U.S. Senator:

• Handle myself well in fast-paced environments
  
• Multi-tasking is not the exception, but the rule
  
• Communication is HUGE. Learn to listen and convey appropriate responses.
  
• Establish and nurture relationships with local government and non-government agencies. Required poise and confidence.
  
• Organization, Process and Attention to detail. Institute new processes to manage ongoing correspondence between co-workers and between constituents and staff.
  
• Disliked the limiting confinement of political structure

Event Supervisor - Full Service Catering Company

• Hard work pays off
  
• Customer service is essential to running a successful business
  
• I have the ability to multi-task like no other
  
• Poise and hard work are essential tools for leadership
  
• Be as specific as possible when asking somebody for something
  
• Delegating is an art form
• Prepare: don't be on time, be early and be prepared to be late if necessary
  
• Improvise, think on your feet, make something up, just get the job done
  
• A smile and a polite attitude go farther than you think

Project Manager – Technology Start-up:

• Foundational business skills. Writing a business plan and creating an adaptable business model.
  
• Establish procedural foundations for co-workers and interns
  
• Initiate and manage two major company projects.
  
• Create template outlining processes for co-workers to repeat and continue the project after my departure
  
• Preparation is HUGE. Constantly meeting with potential clients, partners and investors and need to be able to answer any and all questions.
  
• Learned to think on my feet and maintain composure and poise at all times.
  
• In start-ups, there’s early and then there’s too early

Software Quality Assurance Analyst – Market Research Company

• Communication is essential to managing large scale projects across multiple company departments
  
• Respect for process keeps the project focused and on-time
  
• Understanding the big picture and your role within that picture
  
• Organization helps you manage your day-to-day responsibilities and makes reporting status much easier and more efficient
  
• Building solid relationships and gaining trust helps your ability to influence project team members
  
• Planning and managing resources is essential to getting a project done on time
  
• Be vocal about your goals within your company
  
• I have the skills, desire and initiative to become a great Project Manager
  

Cover Letter and Resume: Painting a Picture

A cover letter and resume should paint a picture as to what you have accomplished and should show a logical progression as to where you are heading.

Mental Note: Detail my story. Make sure it coincides with what my cover letter and resume are saying.

PM Podcast Episode 62: "How can I become a PM?"

Some notes from the podcast (click on the link to right to find the podcast):

• A successful PM is a great Communicator & Motivator and has thick skin.
  
• Let your Management know you want to move into PM*.
  
• Prepare: take classes, read books, understand the profession.
  
• Position: being in the right place at the right time.
  
• Perform: Begin using PM skills as you are developing them. Any assignment can be treated as a Project:
  
  
  
  1. Define your Project - Document an assignment request and present it back for verification. (Project Plan)
     
  2. Plan your Project - Develop an approach for accomplishment with a schedule for hours, dates and durations.
     
  3. Track your Project - Keep record of efforts and how long they take.
     
  4. Report on your Project - Create a simple status report for co-workers.
     
  
  
• PMI always has projects that need to be worked on.
  
• Consulting offers insight into several companies and allows you to greatly increase your skills and perspective.
  
• Networking is the key to getting your foot in the door. It's not always what you know, but who you know.
  
• 3 Main Character Traits of a PM:
  
  
  
  1. Communication - Risks, Issues, Status, Budgets, everything involves excellent communication
     
  2. Integrity - Read the PMI Code of Ethics
     
  3. Thick Skin - protect your team from upper management, while dealing with backlash from your team regarding time-lines and work loads
     
  
  
• 3 Career Moves to Make to Get into PM:
  
  
  
  1. Preparation - read and learn about PM, practice what you've learned and treat everything like a project
     
  2. Certification - tells people that you are willing to make a career move
     
  3. Positioning - Networking, letting your company know your career plans, taking an entry-level PM position to get your foot in the door
     
  
  

My Biggest Weakness

This is always a tough interview question to answer because you don't want to say the wrong thing and set off a warning sign to your interviewer, but you also want to come up with something real and significant to show that you can be critical of yourself and you understand the area(s) in which you need improvement.

Presently I don't have a good answer to this question, so I'm giving myself a Mental Note to think of one during the next week.

PMBOK Study Schedule

For week beginning on:

• 09/24/07 - Chapter 3
  
• 10/01/07 - Chapter 4
  
• 10/08/07 - Chapter 5
  
• 10/15/07 - Chapter 6
  
• 10/22/07 - Chapter 7
  
• 10/29/07 - Chapter 8
  
• 11/05/07 - Chapter 9
  
• 11/12/07 - Chapter 10
  
• 11/19/07 - Chapter 11
  
• 11/26/07 - Chapter 12
  

Check for Exam dates for December.

MBA Books

This list came from an article in the WSJ. Note: It appears to be heavy on the Princeton Review.

• 'Best 282 Business Schools' - Nedda Gilbert & Princeton Review
  
• 'Your MBA Gameplan' - Scott Shrum & Omari Booknight
  
• 'Cracking the GMAT' - Princeton Review
  
• 'Business School Essays That Make a Difference' - Nedda Gilbert & Princeton Review
  
• 'Guide to Your Career' - Alan Bernstein & Princeton Review
  
• 'Math Smart for Business' - Paul Westbrook & Princeton Review
  

My Best Quality (as an employee)

An interview question that is commonly asked is, "What is your best quality?". Here is my response to that question:

My best quality is my ability to see the big picture. When working on a project, I am able to identify the overall team goal, my role in helping to attain that goal, and how I can effectively work with others to help reach the key milestones.

Obviously this response is quite brief. In an actual interview I would elaborate and be much more descriptive, but this is the general gist of my response to this question.

Another question that is often asked is, "What three words describe you professionally/personally?" I may not always have a standard response to this question. It depends on what job I am applying for, or what I think the person interviewing me is looking for, but I feel like this is a decent response to the question:

Professionally:

1. Diligent
   
2. Poised
   
3. Leader
   

The goal here is to paint a picture of someone who is self-confident and who leads by example.

Personally:

1. Quick-witted
   
2. Personable
   
3. Well-rounded
   

Not sure what the overall goal is here. I guess it says that I have a positive personality and I get along well with others.

Again, there are lots of different words that could be used. I could probably dedicate an entire post to good words to describe yourself as in an interview.

SPSS: Predictive Analysis

A brief overview of SPSS:

• Make data-driven analytical decisions
  
• Statistical Highlights include:
  
  
  
  • Linear Regression - Relationships between predictors
    
  • Factor Analysis - Identify variables that explain correlations within a set of observed variables
    
  • Cluster Analysis - Group and analyze data in multiple large sets
    
  • Ordinal Regression - Predictions based on ordinal responses
    
  
  

Phone Interview Questions - Estimator/Project Manager

I had a phone interview on August 22nd, 2007 for a position as an Estimator/Assistant Project Manager. Here are the questions that were asked:

• Why are you interested in this position?
  
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  
• How would you deal with a scenario where you were behind schedule?
  
• How would you deal with a scenario where you have a conflict with a co-worker?
  
• What do you hope will develop in this role?
  
• What are your salary requirements?
  
• Talk about your experiences in Project Management.
  
• Talk about your experiences dealing with clients.
  
• How adept are you with MS Office?
  
• How adept are you with reading construction plans?
  
• What is your reason for leaving your current position?