I would have to say it has been very successful despite the slow start; it is definitely starting to pick up, and I have a couple tasks to complete that may take a bit of time. I am learning a lot, and constantly learning new things every day. Although I am still a bit unsure of my title, I know what I need to do to hopefully get offered a contract. I am learning high level material from deploying virtual servers to troubleshooting servers across the globe. In the work I do, there is a huge risk factor involved; one mistake can cause a bunch of important servers across the globe to crash, so I have to always be very careful and cautious in what I am doing.
So far, it is going really well. I like all the people here, and they are really friendly and always willing to help. When I was first told that I would be going to eBay, I was a bit hesitant. The description that was given to me gave me interest; it was only leaning toward programming and automation, but my first day I come to find out I will be working for two teams. The other team is the 3PP, which is pretty much System Admin work. Currently, I am working on a project to install language packs in the servers. Although, it is a lot to take in coming in blind, I am really appreciative with the material I am learning here.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Wrapping Up the 1st Week
Friday, July 20, 2012
What I am Bringing to the Table
Some of the skills that I learned at Year Up that will add value to E-Bay is using my LAMP stack skills I have developed from TAOS practice leaders. As for the QA skills that I learned, I hope to put my problem solving, critical thinking, and identify bugs skills into use that will add value. Before Year Up, I managed to build my own computer, so that should also take me a long way in my career.
When arriving to E-bay, the first set of skills I would display is my interpersonal communication skills while maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism. By displaying professionalism and interpersonal communication skills, this will help me build a network and mentors within the company to help me succeed that may help me get a job a contractor or even a full-time position.
To stand out at E-Bay, I will come to work with a positive attitude, maintain professional, and go above and beyond of what was asked. I really would like to add value, so I will be giving it my best everyday. Also, I would go around other departments to learn more about the company and to keep soaking up as much knowledge as I can that would help leverage my chances of getting hired.
These past six months at Year Up, I have practiced being dependable, positive, and eager. I have taken almost every opportunity that came my way; all while working a second job and extra LAMP stack course. Although I received my first infraction last week, I have gone through the whole learn and development phase without getting one, and still to this day I get to Year Up at 7:30 almost everyday even when it starts at 8:30. Now that I am going to a big company, I will keep the same standards, if not, I will go above that. Even with personal problems or outside issues and stress I deal with daily, I am so focused that no matter the situation, nothing is going to stop me from being successful; that is what keeps me positive everyday.
When arriving to E-bay, the first set of skills I would display is my interpersonal communication skills while maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism. By displaying professionalism and interpersonal communication skills, this will help me build a network and mentors within the company to help me succeed that may help me get a job a contractor or even a full-time position.
To stand out at E-Bay, I will come to work with a positive attitude, maintain professional, and go above and beyond of what was asked. I really would like to add value, so I will be giving it my best everyday. Also, I would go around other departments to learn more about the company and to keep soaking up as much knowledge as I can that would help leverage my chances of getting hired.
These past six months at Year Up, I have practiced being dependable, positive, and eager. I have taken almost every opportunity that came my way; all while working a second job and extra LAMP stack course. Although I received my first infraction last week, I have gone through the whole learn and development phase without getting one, and still to this day I get to Year Up at 7:30 almost everyday even when it starts at 8:30. Now that I am going to a big company, I will keep the same standards, if not, I will go above that. Even with personal problems or outside issues and stress I deal with daily, I am so focused that no matter the situation, nothing is going to stop me from being successful; that is what keeps me positive everyday.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Leveraging My Internship
1) Avoid Negativity - I chose avoid negativity as the most important one because no one likes working with a person who has a negative attitude. As soon as I enter my internship, I will bring nothing but a positive attitude and dedication. I want to prove that I can add value to the company. To measure this, I will adapt to the company's culture, professional at all times, and to be autonomous.
2) Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions - I think this will be the next one on the list because I will be entering internship without any knowledge of my responsibilities; it is kind of like walking into a dark room. As soon as I am in internship, I would ask as many questions as I can after exhausting my resources of course. By asking a colleague for help, I will take notes on what the colleague has helped me with.
3) Take Initiative - Taking initiative is very important; if you do not speak up or let your voice be heard, the manager would not know who you are, which will lead to not being offered full-time position. By taking initiative will also show leadership, and that will say a lot when your manager is thinking about hiring someone. So whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will fully take advantage and take leadership, but at the same not stepping on someone with authority toes.
4) Setting Personal Goals - Next, I believe that setting personal goals is really important as well because you can have a bigger goal you want to achieve, but it is the personal goals / tangible goals that will lead up to that bigger goal. I will achieve this by increments of small goals that will lead up to make end goal, which is to being a full-timer at the company I am placed at. Also, I will set goals to achieve week by week, whether it will be expanding my network or to ask for more work.
5) Network, Network, Network - We all have heard the saying, "it is not what you know, it is who you know". This statement is very valid; by putting yourself out there in terms of meeting new people, you increase your chance of more opportunities. Whether there are company events, meetings, or anything that has to do with the company, I will be there. Especially if there is a sporting team, I would join it just to get to know my co-workers a little better.
6) Keep a Journal to Keep Track of Accomplishments - This is very important because if you are not logging what accomplishments you have made in your internship, you will have a hard time updating your resume. I will have a small notebook in my internship to keep track of everything I have done for the company, so I will not have a hard time later on updating my resume.
7) Set Regular Meetings With Your Manager - Setting regular meetings with your manager or having a weekly check-in is very significant. It is very significant because all managers will always be busy; with that said, this will give me a chance to receive feedback, and things I could do improve or even have a chance at a full-time offer. I will do this by checking in with my manager weekly, and have it inputted into his schedule.
8) Find a Mentor - Finding a mentor at the workplace is very essential; finding someone that will teach you what you need to know and answer any questions you have will definitely giving you a chance in being successful during internship. I will find a mentor by finding someone I have common ground with in this workplace and invite them to coffee to chat about work.
9) Enjoy Yourself and Don't be too Uptight - This to me seems like one of Year Up's Core Values, "Work Hard and Have Fun". I think this is very important because being uptight you are not really open minded, and by being open minded opens you up to new relationships and opportunities. I will demonstrate this in the workplace by giving my work 110% every time and come into work with a positive attitude.
10) Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company - By not missing out on meetings, conferences, and events, this shows a lot to the manager; also, it shows how dedicated you are and willing to know more about the company. This also relates to having an open mind because these are opportunities you should not miss because this will allow you to increase you knowledge on the company, network, and build relationships. I will try to attend every meeting, social events, and even join the basketball team if they have one.
11) Leave With Tangible Accomplishments - I put this almost last because it is similar to keeping a journal of your accomplishments. With that said, you should leave the company with significant accomplishments or things you have done for the company's benefit that will help you in the long run.
12) Get as Much Exposure as Possible - I put this last because it is similar to never shunning a chance to learn more about the company. I will put myself out there in terms of everyone who works around me know who I am in terms of the guy who is doing a great job. I will not only show up to networking events, but show my presence through the hard work and dedication I am putting in.
2) Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions - I think this will be the next one on the list because I will be entering internship without any knowledge of my responsibilities; it is kind of like walking into a dark room. As soon as I am in internship, I would ask as many questions as I can after exhausting my resources of course. By asking a colleague for help, I will take notes on what the colleague has helped me with.
3) Take Initiative - Taking initiative is very important; if you do not speak up or let your voice be heard, the manager would not know who you are, which will lead to not being offered full-time position. By taking initiative will also show leadership, and that will say a lot when your manager is thinking about hiring someone. So whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will fully take advantage and take leadership, but at the same not stepping on someone with authority toes.
4) Setting Personal Goals - Next, I believe that setting personal goals is really important as well because you can have a bigger goal you want to achieve, but it is the personal goals / tangible goals that will lead up to that bigger goal. I will achieve this by increments of small goals that will lead up to make end goal, which is to being a full-timer at the company I am placed at. Also, I will set goals to achieve week by week, whether it will be expanding my network or to ask for more work.
5) Network, Network, Network - We all have heard the saying, "it is not what you know, it is who you know". This statement is very valid; by putting yourself out there in terms of meeting new people, you increase your chance of more opportunities. Whether there are company events, meetings, or anything that has to do with the company, I will be there. Especially if there is a sporting team, I would join it just to get to know my co-workers a little better.
6) Keep a Journal to Keep Track of Accomplishments - This is very important because if you are not logging what accomplishments you have made in your internship, you will have a hard time updating your resume. I will have a small notebook in my internship to keep track of everything I have done for the company, so I will not have a hard time later on updating my resume.
7) Set Regular Meetings With Your Manager - Setting regular meetings with your manager or having a weekly check-in is very significant. It is very significant because all managers will always be busy; with that said, this will give me a chance to receive feedback, and things I could do improve or even have a chance at a full-time offer. I will do this by checking in with my manager weekly, and have it inputted into his schedule.
8) Find a Mentor - Finding a mentor at the workplace is very essential; finding someone that will teach you what you need to know and answer any questions you have will definitely giving you a chance in being successful during internship. I will find a mentor by finding someone I have common ground with in this workplace and invite them to coffee to chat about work.
9) Enjoy Yourself and Don't be too Uptight - This to me seems like one of Year Up's Core Values, "Work Hard and Have Fun". I think this is very important because being uptight you are not really open minded, and by being open minded opens you up to new relationships and opportunities. I will demonstrate this in the workplace by giving my work 110% every time and come into work with a positive attitude.
10) Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company - By not missing out on meetings, conferences, and events, this shows a lot to the manager; also, it shows how dedicated you are and willing to know more about the company. This also relates to having an open mind because these are opportunities you should not miss because this will allow you to increase you knowledge on the company, network, and build relationships. I will try to attend every meeting, social events, and even join the basketball team if they have one.
11) Leave With Tangible Accomplishments - I put this almost last because it is similar to keeping a journal of your accomplishments. With that said, you should leave the company with significant accomplishments or things you have done for the company's benefit that will help you in the long run.
12) Get as Much Exposure as Possible - I put this last because it is similar to never shunning a chance to learn more about the company. I will put myself out there in terms of everyone who works around me know who I am in terms of the guy who is doing a great job. I will not only show up to networking events, but show my presence through the hard work and dedication I am putting in.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Works of the Past for a Better Future
The best job I have had was Champs Sports; it is mainly a shoe and apparel store. I have had plenty of responsibilities, but the ones that were primary was: greeting customers, pushing extra sales like shoe cleaners and apparel along with the purchase of shoes, and making sure the store was always clean and presentable.
What really made the job exhilirating was the people who I worked with; my co-workers were all around the same age as me, including my manager. When sales were slow, we would all just have fun and chat. The talking with customers from different countries were also great because San Francisco is such a tourist place, which was really great.
Since I was working in retail, that made me communicate a lot with different kinds of people. Having the courage to talk to strangers allowed me to improve by interpersonal communication skills that I can carry with me into internship. Also, by expressing my ideas in meetings that can potentially help sales grow, is another thing that I can bring to the internship. Just having that fresh mind filled with ideas I think will really help in wherever I will be placed at.
I learned that it was a fast-paced and competitive environment at Champs because if you were too slow to approach a customer you have lost your sale to another employee. By working there brought out my competitiveness. Not only do you have to work fast, but you have to be efficient as well.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Non-Fiction Book Review
To give a brief overview of the non-fiction book "Freakonomics", it is about series of events with statistics that compares two things you would never think have any relation. Unlike economics, which some may argue is a dry and uninteresting topic, the authors, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner looks at the hidden side of everything using the tools of economic research.
The authors wrote the book to explore the hidden side of everything. Whether it is teachers and sumo wrestlers cheating, the authors found out there was cheating involved by looking at statistics. A message that was being conveyed in the book was incentives. Everyone has an incentive. As for the school teachers changing the students answers for the standardized test, their incentives is seeing a bonus pay.
The last chapter in the book is what I found really interesting. It was unbelievable how names can can be perceived in a negative way. There was an example where they sent out two identical resumes to employers; one with a white name and the other with a more african american name. It was proven that the white name received more calls back. This stood out to me because it is really unfair, and the term equal opportunity is very misleading.
The book is very easy to understand and good for those who do not read often. I highly recommend the book because it touches topics that are interesting and viewed at different perspectives.
The authors wrote the book to explore the hidden side of everything. Whether it is teachers and sumo wrestlers cheating, the authors found out there was cheating involved by looking at statistics. A message that was being conveyed in the book was incentives. Everyone has an incentive. As for the school teachers changing the students answers for the standardized test, their incentives is seeing a bonus pay.
The last chapter in the book is what I found really interesting. It was unbelievable how names can can be perceived in a negative way. There was an example where they sent out two identical resumes to employers; one with a white name and the other with a more african american name. It was proven that the white name received more calls back. This stood out to me because it is really unfair, and the term equal opportunity is very misleading.
The book is very easy to understand and good for those who do not read often. I highly recommend the book because it touches topics that are interesting and viewed at different perspectives.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
READONOMICS
Currently, I am reading a non-fiction book titled "Freakonomics", by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner. I was never much of an avid reader growing up, it was almost immutable. Since being in Year Up, I decided to give reading a try again. The introduction of the book caught half of my attention, and if this were a reading in high school, I would have stopped for sure. But, I decided to keep on reading anyway. It turns out the book started to get more and more interesting to the point where I went beyond the required reading for the week.
A strategy that I have found helpful for me is to just keep reading, and to not judge a book by the first chapter. At the same time, it helps to keep an open mind while reading, ask questions, or do any type of interaction with the book. I found that by asking questions or even wonder what will happen next helps a lot that will want me to continue reading. Also, by allowing yourself for at least twenty minutes a day to read will not hurt, and if you are commuting every morning you should use that time to read which has also helped me since I do not do anything on public transportation.
To get a better understand of a book, I suggest reading the chapter twice. First, read it without annotating, but keep in mind the questions to keep that interaction alive. When you are reading the chapter the second time around, this is where you should be annotating. Again, this is a form of interaction with the book. I also find that when I am done reading a page, I sometimes do not get what I just read; I found that reading that page over again or even the page before helps a lot.
I always found a problem with me committing to reading any book. As I mentioned earlier, that when I ride public transportation I am not doing anything but be on my phone. My commute usually takes about twenty minutes every day, and since I arrive early to Year Up everyday I usually continue my reading there until the day begins. When I started reading the first chapter, I got more and more hooked into the book because i can easily relate to some of the topics and most of them are just really interesting to read about.
A strategy that I have found helpful for me is to just keep reading, and to not judge a book by the first chapter. At the same time, it helps to keep an open mind while reading, ask questions, or do any type of interaction with the book. I found that by asking questions or even wonder what will happen next helps a lot that will want me to continue reading. Also, by allowing yourself for at least twenty minutes a day to read will not hurt, and if you are commuting every morning you should use that time to read which has also helped me since I do not do anything on public transportation.
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| By Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner |
I always found a problem with me committing to reading any book. As I mentioned earlier, that when I ride public transportation I am not doing anything but be on my phone. My commute usually takes about twenty minutes every day, and since I arrive early to Year Up everyday I usually continue my reading there until the day begins. When I started reading the first chapter, I got more and more hooked into the book because i can easily relate to some of the topics and most of them are just really interesting to read about.
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