I have been fortunate to meet and listen a number of the Executive leaders within the organization. Listening to tenured executives talk about their career path and perspective on their careers has made me realize that there is no One path.
Executives have made their way into positions of leadership by staying true to themselves, trying new things and learning from every experience and always looking for an opportunities to constantly be challenged.
In the moments of uncertainty, second guessing career decisions, I have to keep in mind that there are multiple paths to the same goal.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Corporate Giants
Working in the corporate world takes a strong sense of self and confidence.
In my previous work experience I have worked for other major corporations, but now I have a better understanding of what it takes to stand out and forge a career path in a large organization.
The responsibilities that you have along with your team to get the job done are the priority of the day, after all. . . it's your job.
Finding where you fit in and managing your career path are left for you, and you only. Mentors and instrumental managers can help guide and advise along the way, however, you need to know what you want.
You are the voice for your career. I had to remind myself several times, I'm working for my manager, she's not working for me. It's my responsibility to be vocal about my goals and interests and not just fall into a position because it works for someone else.
And in this corporation, You Be You is the theme.
In my previous work experience I have worked for other major corporations, but now I have a better understanding of what it takes to stand out and forge a career path in a large organization.
The responsibilities that you have along with your team to get the job done are the priority of the day, after all. . . it's your job.
Finding where you fit in and managing your career path are left for you, and you only. Mentors and instrumental managers can help guide and advise along the way, however, you need to know what you want.
You are the voice for your career. I had to remind myself several times, I'm working for my manager, she's not working for me. It's my responsibility to be vocal about my goals and interests and not just fall into a position because it works for someone else.
And in this corporation, You Be You is the theme.
On Being an Intern
I thought that adjusting to grad school after working full time for 7 years was tough. It was just a tough to re-adjust back to the working world.
It only takes a few weeks to get into the routine, but I found it more of a challenge to be an intern with a limited amount of time in a new role in a new organization. Finding the balance between working hard, setting personal limits while making a good impression and dealing with the new set of responsibilities.
I'm the type of person that wants to be challenged. I know I'm capable of taking on greater challenges, but I've had to keep in mind that my working timeframe is limited and I also want to complete the summer with a set of accomplishments and with a sense of closure.
There will be plenty of time for the full cycle of responsibilities with ongoing and longer term projects. . . just another year of grad school.
It only takes a few weeks to get into the routine, but I found it more of a challenge to be an intern with a limited amount of time in a new role in a new organization. Finding the balance between working hard, setting personal limits while making a good impression and dealing with the new set of responsibilities.
I'm the type of person that wants to be challenged. I know I'm capable of taking on greater challenges, but I've had to keep in mind that my working timeframe is limited and I also want to complete the summer with a set of accomplishments and with a sense of closure.
There will be plenty of time for the full cycle of responsibilities with ongoing and longer term projects. . . just another year of grad school.
Monday, June 25, 2007
MBA Intern Group Project
In keeping with the MBA spirit, I am part of a MBA Intern Group Project this summer. There are 5 other MBA interns and together we will be working on an industry research and benchmarking study for the company.
The intern project is great opportunity for the MBA's to work together, learn from each other experience in cross-functional areas and in different brands, as well as to put our first year of MBA study to work.
The intern project is great opportunity for the MBA's to work together, learn from each other experience in cross-functional areas and in different brands, as well as to put our first year of MBA study to work.
Fitting In
As I mentioned before, all of my interviews were over the phone. Although I was nervous about not actually meeting my manager prior to accepting the job. . . I think that the phone interview process allowed me to fully express my own personality and experiences. I wasn't concerned about trying to adjust my responses or behavior in response to the non-verbal cues during the interview. Instead, I was the more natural version of myself.
Having been in my job for 2 weeks, I can really see just how naturally I fit into the team and how easily I can work with my manager.
Having been in my job for 2 weeks, I can really see just how naturally I fit into the team and how easily I can work with my manager.
Meeting my Manager
Day 2 of my summer internship, I actually get to meet my manager and the team. Finally, everything starts to feel real. Only 2 1/2 days in SF, orientation behind me, I am ready to start the job that I was hired to do. It may seem unusual to be meeting my manager for the first time on my second day of work, but the entire interview process took place over the phone.
The team is great, very open and excited to have some additional assistance in the area. My manager is very serious about her work and the work generated in our team, but also very personable and open to questions. By the end of my first day, I've met the team, reviewed my summer project, dug into the business and started to work on my first report.
The project is going to be challenging, but not completely overwhelming. I'm looking forward to being able to apply the new skills that I have learned in school as well as building on my previous work experience. Everything will come into play in my new position.
The team is great, very open and excited to have some additional assistance in the area. My manager is very serious about her work and the work generated in our team, but also very personable and open to questions. By the end of my first day, I've met the team, reviewed my summer project, dug into the business and started to work on my first report.
The project is going to be challenging, but not completely overwhelming. I'm looking forward to being able to apply the new skills that I have learned in school as well as building on my previous work experience. Everything will come into play in my new position.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Moving In
Backtracking: just a note about moving to a new city.
I moved in on Saturday, arriving later in the day and started work on Monday.
I am thankful that I had a good friend in town that accepted several packages in advance to help with the move in process.
I realize that despite all of the best planning, when moving to a new city it really takes a few weeks to feel settled and it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight. Finding the local stores and best neighborhood places just takes time. I'm enjoying all of the exploring and mental mapping of the city. I have three weeks until I host my first out of town guests, at least I should know my way around by then!
I moved in on Saturday, arriving later in the day and started work on Monday.
I am thankful that I had a good friend in town that accepted several packages in advance to help with the move in process.
I realize that despite all of the best planning, when moving to a new city it really takes a few weeks to feel settled and it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight. Finding the local stores and best neighborhood places just takes time. I'm enjoying all of the exploring and mental mapping of the city. I have three weeks until I host my first out of town guests, at least I should know my way around by then!
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