Do more research about Customer/Client Engagement.
Customer Engagement on Wikipedia
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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.
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:
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!
- Ernst & Young
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Deloitte & Touche
- 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.
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.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
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:
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:
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.
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.)
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.)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
