Career Services Write Up #2

I had the pleasure of attending the Idealist Fair in mid-October.  It was really great.  This fair had TOP schools from right here and all around the country that were pitching how great their graduate schools were. 

Some of the schools there were: Harvard, Yale, Columbia, University of Michigan and even ASU.  Basically, the programs offered were programs that have the public in mind.  Masters of Sustainability or Masters of Public Policies.  There was so much there, it was hard to decide where to go first!

I made my way around the room and it was a bit overwhelming.  I'm not one to talk about myself so I found it tough to mingle with the schools that I was interested in.  I talked with some schools and because of the cutoffs, I probably won't be able to do graduate school for another 2 years.  My schools of choice only have fall starts and the package needs to be submitted in early December.  It's ok though, I am really looking forward to having the time off and being with my family.

Overall, the fair got me thinking about some things that I have planned and I really hope that my hopes become reality some day.  If you have big ideas and need a little direction, check out the idealist website.  They have great tools for advancement and also events that are held around the country that are really interesting.  http://www.idealist.org  

:)

I'm Gonna Do It!

I don't care what anyone says, I am going to do what so many other bloggers are doing and am going to tell everyone who cares what I am thankful for. BORING, but hey, it's a free write and it's my blog.

So, this year has been really tough.  I am thankful for the opportunity to stand up in front of my family and telling everyone to get over themselves and we need to come together as a family unit and support one another.  I have a huge majority of my family back and I love all of them, even though many of them annoy me.

I'm thankful for my mom.  Cuz, she's amazing.

I'm thankful for my kids.  Because they give me SO much love, support and they drive me nuts.  I love my kids with all my heart and they love me with all their hearts. I'm so lucky to have these kids.  

I'm thankful for my hubs.  He makes me laugh and feel so important.  I've never felt so much love in my life.  He completes me.  No, seriously, he does.

Now for the good stuff.  I'm thankful for chocolate chip cookies and champagne.  Sleeping in to 7 am.  I love my TV and OrangeTheory Fitness.  I love my friends and my kick ass  car.  I love my Vera Wang heels and my Target Converse.  I love food, NYC and my hairdresser.  Traveling is also pretty cool too.  (Except for people next to me on the airplane who fight me for the "correct" amount of arm space.  Those people suck.)

And I'm thankful to live in a country where I have clean drinking water and the ability to speak freely.  Thank you to everyone who keeps me safe and my kids free from harm.  

Thanks to you all.  :)  Happy Thanksgiving.

Getting Closer!

It has been nothing but crazy in school lately and I cannot wait to cross the finish line!  It seems as if this time of the semester everyone is getting antsy for their papers and finals to be complete and then relax!  I know I am looking forward to it being over!

One thing that I was able to do today was a presentation (my one of two this semester) and work on my fear of public speaking.  It went as well as expected... I had flash cards with what information I needed to get across, but I most definitely sounded as if I was working off a script.  One thing my teacher mentioned to me that when I went off script, I sounded a lot more relaxed and comfortable.  I knew I needed the script to keep from saying, "UMMMMMMM" and have those dreaded long pauses.  

While it was super uncomfortable, I was happy to have done it.  It helps me grow each time and I was able to take some advice from my teacher that did help.  She told me to take my time and really think about talking slowly.  This way, you don't sound rushed and you can actually get your words out clearly.  Again, it did help, but I still freaked out!   :)

We are almost done guys!  Good luck with your presentations, projects and reports!

My Organization's Strengths & Weaknesses

What are the strengths of your organization? If you were in charge of a similar organization, are there any things you would do differently?

The organization I work with is considered one of the elite that do this type of work in the industry.  So, what makes me happy is that I am held to a higher level and looked up to from other consultants in the area.  It keeps me on the top of my game and pushes me to be the best and exceed what the client wants. 

While we are one of the best consultants in the area, behind the scenes can be a different story at times.  There are some managerial issues that could be tweaked.  For example, there is no formal handbook or training.  I had a difficult time adjusting when I first started because I had no idea what to do and made some mistakes, many embarrassing.  However, this has made me learn the job more intricately and now I am able to pass along my knowledge to people that are coming into the organization.  Also, there were no standardized forms that we used throughout the organization.  I was able to take the opportunity to standardize the forms for the company. 

All things considered, I really enjoy working for this company.  Being a consultant is very rewarding as I am able to use my own judgment on issues and to get things done for my client. 

TV Time

One thing that I absolutely love to do is watch TV.  It's something that my family and I did when I was little together.  I would watch football with my dad and soap operas and game shows with my mom.  My brother and I would always find a way to watch the latest movie together.  

When I have an hour or so to kill, TV is my go-to.  First off, I love love love reality TV.  Ever since the inception of when "reality TV" became a buzzword, I was hooked.  It is what killed the music video!  (And I loved me some music videos back in the day...)  I named my second child after I was enamored with this hot guy on Survivor.  No joke!  I loved his name so much that I named my kid after him.  And don't get me started on Bravo/TLC and A&E!  LOVE!

I also love documentaries.  Netflix is the best because there are countless documentaries at my disposal, which is the coolest thing ever.  The best one I have seen to date is Marley.  A great documentary on Bob Marley's short, yet amazing, life.  I also love any documentaries on space, the planet and animals.  Really any documentary rules.  Which ones would you suggest I watch?

Lastly, who doesn't love to watch sports on TV??  Football season rocks. Baseball is kinda boring but awesome when you have DVR. Basketball is amazing....but hockey!  That is where it's at!  Growing up in Cleveland, we did not have a hockey team.  Teams would come in and play at the coliseum every once in awhile and it was great to go to those games with my dad.  My husband lived in NYC for a brief period and we would go and see the Rangers play.  Combined with the most awesome fans in the world and the best colors ever, the Rangers are my fav! 

My Role in Public Service/Urban Governance

How does your organization demonstrate public service and/or urban governance?

In my search for how to answer this question, I found this quote:

“The progress of a country depends in no small measure on the quality of its governance. While a democratic government may lay the foundation for good governance, a vigilant and active citizenry is essential to its sustenance. Nowhere is this need more evident that in the management of public sectors services for which citizens depend largely on their government. The quality of governance is enhanced when government as a whole and public agencies in particular become open to new ideas and responsive to citizens. Responsiveness in turn is improved when citizens are well informed and collectively seek better performance from these agencies.” ~ Policy Affairs Centre

I never thought of what we do at Shaw & Associates as helping with the governance but when thinking about it, we do have an influence on contributing to the public good.  We work with telecommunication companies to bring stronger cell coverage to the areas.  This need is driven by how many are using data and voice over the system, in a particular area.  One thing that is of utmost importance of the cell tower is the lack of landlines and the increase of cell phones being the only phone in a household.  Without cell towers, many people would not have the power to help in their hands, pockets and purses.

Another thing we are doing is working with local jurisdictions that have their emergency services using the cell towers for their own communications.  Many cities police and fire departments are using Verizon, Sprint and AT&T and are relying on the system to be fast and reliable.

I guess I always realized that cell towers are serving quite a purpose, I just didn’t think it was in such a large scale.