Thursday, October 22, 2009

Service Learning

My initial understanding of service learning goes like this: Service learning is basically volunteering to do a task that someone possibly does not want to do or just might not have the resources available to do it. So an individual steps in to offer a helping hand. Along the way this individual actually learns something and gains a greater respect for the organization that they volunteered with. It is a win/win situation. Another thing about service learning is that it helps to spotlight a person's abilities. You never can tell what a person is capable of unless you give them a little freedom but also a bit of stucture.

The only concern that I have currently about doing this Service Learning Project is that 1) I will not be able to find any organization to help
2) They will want me to do something and I will be lost

Some solutions might be to search high and low for an organization and as for my second concern I will ask for help from my organization so they can give me feedback on what they need.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

PLCR Strategies I will employ

First of all my current career does not match up with what I ultimately what to do, which is to own a restaurant. But since that is in the future, I will concentrate on my current job. I know that one thing I need to do is communicate more efficiently. I have a habit of saying things that I should not. I call it footinmouthitis. Sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't have made a better gymnast with how many times a day I put that foot in my mouth. So a strategy to "cure" that is to step back and think before I speak.

I also believe that I need to learn to have a more positive attitude. I walk into work expecting the worst. Sometimes that helps me but other times it hinders me. For instance the other night I was so not into working and a co-worker asked, "How many boxes do you think you'll get? I answered, "I hope I can get five." As the night wore on I realized that I could get six (which is what I got). If I could just have that positive attitude ALL THE TIME I think it would carry me far in life.

When it comes to culture, it is relaxed at my job but maybe we need to be a bit more strict. For instance, when it comes to trimming the parts, no one trims them the same way even though we have trim samples. Currently that is a problem because we have a prototype part that has to be done the same way by all of the shifts. Trying to get everyone to do it the same way has been a challenge to say the least.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Social Networking Sites vs. Professional Networking Sites

Professional Networking sites such as Linkedin and VisualCv offer many people the option of seeing what type of person you are by looking at your resume and the things that you have accomplished in your experiences as an employee. You can post professional pictures or share the types of awards or certifications that you have earned. It is a great way to make yourself known to potential employers. When you use a professional networking site all sorts of opportunities could come your way. Someone could be looking for an employee and like what they see on your page. The next thing you know you have a job opportunity knocking at your door. I think that it pays to have a Professional Networking site that you visit and update regularly because you never know what may come of it.

Social Networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twiiter have no real value, in my opinion. They are there to let you relax and have fun with your friends. It is a great way to keep in touch with friends that have moved away or friends that you can't see very often. The down side of Social Networking sites is that you never know what may come back to bite you. One of the most valuable things on a Social Networking site is to keep your profile private. You do not want a potential employer finding you partying it up with friends. I do not think you should post anything questionable on a Social networking site. You have to think about your actions before you display them for the world to see. One good example of what not to do is Miss Nevada Katie Rees. She was dethroned because of sexually explicit pictures. Did she not know that they would eventually get out?

DO’S DON’TS
Keep your private life, private Share things that might hurt you
Be professional Act crazy
Be calm and collected Bring drama in your life