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Reflection #8 – Week 9

Over the past two weeks, I have been emailing Mrs. Oakley about meeting with her for an informational interview about working at Krispy Kreme. Unfortunately, we would not meet in person while I was home for spring break so we decided to on a skype interview this week. She had business come up unexpectedly so, for this week’s reflection, I interviewed Debra O’Connor about her small business start-up. Mrs. O’Connor and her husband Patrick began Recreation Turf in 20--. The company supplies turf and other turf supplies to companies. Because this interview was very last minute, I was not able to personalize the questions as much as I would have liked. Some of the questions and answers were:

1. Why do customers choose this company?

We have repeat customers because of our dedication to quality work. We go the extra mile to make sure everyone involved in the project is completely satisfied.

2. What does the company do to contribute to its employees’ professional development?

The company sponsors trips to trade shows to attend educational sessions and to learn what is relevant to our industry. They also hold corporate outings to help develop team building skills.

3. Tell me about a typical day? What do you do? What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of your job?

Check on payroll items: make sure everyone has a clock in time or enter sick or vacation code if someone is out. Go through invoices and purchase orders and resolve issues and decide on payments. Get with crew leader and discuss current and up-coming jobs and handle orders or call city/county for locates if necessary. Call vendors and/or subcontractors for bid prices. Go to bid openings if directed to do so by supervisor. Make bank deposit if necessary. Open and distribute mail. Help with job scheduling. Handle all company correspondence.

4. How does the time use vary? Are there busy and slow times or is the workflow fairly constant?

So much of the work is seasonal, so in colder months the work load is lighter.

5. Why did this type of work interest you, and how did you get started?

I like seeing a project from start to finish. My family has been doing this type of work for most of my life.

6. Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain this necessary experience?

Volunteer at church, your library, or and civic organization. Get involved in an organization that has the need for these skills.

7. What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging? I like the challenge of getting the best price/quality products and services. I get frustrated by subcontractors not getting their job done in time for our crew to get in and finish the job by the deadline.

Even though I do not plan to pursue an agricultural career, I thought the insight into a start-up would be helpful when it comes time for me to start my own business. I still plan to interview Mrs. Oakley and maybe another employee at Krispy Kreme but I am glad I was able to speak with someone who built a successful business form the ground up.

#2020careervision

Reflection #7 – Week 8

I am considering the Food Studies or a food related industry. The projected growth of these industries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is a bit below the average mark at 5%. This projection is lower than other industries but it is still expected to rise because of the current increase of research into food related fields. Most entry level jobs in either of these industries requires at least a bachelor’s degree level of education. But, to be able to rise in the industries, a higher level of education is often recommended. Some employers will accept prior on the job experience or training in place of education. It is also recommended that candidates have at least an internship or volunteer experience revolving around Food Studies or with the company they are applying to. I was unable to find any evidence about the weight an internship can carry when applying. An internship was recommended but not stressed upon when looking into the industry.

Although the food related industry is below average in projected growth entrepreneurship is on the rise. This industry is roughly at 13% and is expected to keep rising through the next couple of years. It was brought to my attention that once I get my started in the food industry at a reputable company, I could start up my own business. Then, I could use the network I created at my previous job to get interest and business for my company.

When conducting future research about either industries, I think it will be beneficial to interview people currently working in the Food Studies. My professors would also be good people to ask about what is going on in the industry and network through them to potential employers. Maybe interview organizations and companies that make and distribute food to consumers. Online databases, educational/certificate programs, or company websites could also be good tools to conduct research about the industry in the coming years.

Career or job satisfaction can be defined in different ways depending on the person you ask. According to the internet, job satisfaction is “simply how content an individual is with his or her job, or, whether or not they like the job or individual aspects or facets of jobs, such as nature of work or supervision”. I think career satisfaction can be defined as the willingness and want to do something for a living. Maybe not necessarily go to work for twelve hours or punch a clock but, being personally interested in what you do, getting satisfaction from completed projects, and enjoying a day of work.

Reflection #6 – Week 7

Last Thursday my school’s career services put on a career fair expo on campus. Almost one hundred prospective employers were in attendance at the fair. Unfortunately, I only had about forty minutes to circle the fair between my classes that day. I had plans to introduce myself to The Hershey Company, ALDI Foods, Erie Insurance, Altria, and the Central Intelligence Agency. I did not take into account the other students at the expo, so I underestimated the size of the lines to speak with representatives. Because of this, and having to reach my next class on time, I only got to actually speak with three of my five companies. My first stop was The Hershey Company’s table. Of my three stops, I believe this one dropped to the bottom of my potential internships list. I was mainly looking for an internship in management or finance but, the recruiter I spoke with said they were primarily concerned with finding potential employees in distributions. All the recruiters at the expo were from the Raleigh area so she was unable to tell me about opportunities that might be available in other locations or states. The second representative I got to speak with was from Erie Insurance. Meaghen Dube was just recently relocated to Winston-Salem and she was able to give me a lot of information regarding internships with the company. We spoke about internships that I could apply for in Winston-Salem or any other area. Meaghen told me that as an intern I would, in a way, be getting paid to shadow someone on the job.

The last representative I was able to speak with before I had to run to class was with the C.I.A. I was told that if I had any interest in working or interning with the C.I.A. then I had to put in an application as soon as possible. She told me it could take up to a year or more for an applicant to receive clearance and a possible interview. We discussed the possible career options for a business major for close to fifteen minutes. The representative worked in resource analyst, and she explained what she did on a daily basis and what I could possibly do as an intern. Of the original companies I planned to speak with, The Hershey company moved down a few spots on my list of internships to look into and the C.I.A. moved to the top. Although I only got to speak with three of the five companies I originally planned to speak with, the career expo was definitely worth attending.

#2020careervision #UCScareerservices

Networking can make or break a career. Networking is interacting with others to develop contacts and exchange information. By constantly talking and working with others, a person’s network can grow and this growth can be used to farther one’s career. But, networking can also break a person’s career. Just as you reach out to others, they reach out to their network. If, at your job or on social media, you slander your boss you could lose your job. The next time you apply for a job and need a recommendation, your previous boss and their network could keep you from that job.

Over the summer at Krispy Kreme I did not seize an opportunity to network when it could have been very beneficial. I work at the Krispy Kreme on South Stratford Rd and right down the street from the shop is the Corporate Headquarters. At least once a week, the CEO of the company would enter our shop and buy coffee and donuts for his staff or visiting investors. Most of the time I was the one to take his order and ring him out at the register. Instead of actively trying to engage him in a conversation, I only said the ‘required’ manuscript for greeting customers. Looking back, I am kicking myself about not asking questions about him, the company, or openings within the corporate location. If I knew then what I know now, I could have asked him to take a look at my social media sites, my blog, or if he had time to talk with me about an opportunity at the company.

Networking can be more than just talking to a boss. Networks can form from talking to neighbors, and volunteering with an organization or religious group. Increasingly, social media and online chat rooms have quickly been building online networks and leading to larger web of job opportunities. Many companies announce job openings on their social media pages. If you know how to brand yourself on your social media pages, potential employers can reach out and offer you information about recent jobs. Another form of networking is simply talking to a friend or your brother’s friend’s father. Over the summer of my junior year in high school, I networked with a man named Mr. Oakley, a manager at a Krispy Kreme location, to learn about a job opening on South Stratford Rd. Mr. Oakley also let me put him down for a recommendation on my application. This lead to me getting an interview and, eventually, a job. I can use any of my social media accounts to start branding myself for potential employers. I can tweet about a major I am interested in, research I have done about careers, or a company I would like to work for. The best thing I can start working on today is building a network to use in the future.

Reflection #4 – Week 5

In preparation for the upcoming career fair at Chapel Hill, I selected five of the represented companies to do a little more in-depth research. Ally Financial was chosen because of their main job openings are for business majors and those focusing in accounting; a career I am interested in pursuing. The Hershey Company, Erie Insurance, and Altria were also chosen for their focus in business majors. But, The Hershey Company was also researched for their jobs or internships in food science; a possible second major. Lastly, I selected the CIA because I am curious about government work also, because my cousin works for the FBI so someone in the family should work with the CIA.

For my research I used the company’s websites, www.glassdoor.com, www.referenceUSA.com, LinkedIn, and other social media sites. Most of the companies listed ‘all majors’ on the UNC Career Services page when looking for interns, full or part-time job applicants. When I took a closer look at the company websites, it became clear that some would value one degree over another when interns or job applicants applied for positions. Ally Financial, a company specializing in accounting and investment banking, would value a degree in business or a focus in accounting more than a degree in sports science and medicine. Whereas the CIA might give equal consideration for both degrees because of its wider variety in career options like an accountant or a field agent. All in all, the assumed primary degree for my five companies would be business but, there is definitely room for other interested majors.

One of the most pressed skills to have in any of these companies is communication. In order to be effective in the work place and to be able to move up in a corporation, everyone must efficient in communicating with others. Another skill that is needed in almost every field is the ability to be a leader. Having a career can mean getting a promotion and rising tiers within the company. For employers to even consider a candidate they must have the ability to keep order, rally, and leader those around them.

Crafting an elevator pitch to use during the Career Expo does not sound very hard. That is, until I start practicing out loud with my roommate and I question everything I have written down. As of now my working elevator pitch is: “Good afternoon, I am Emily O’Connor and I am a first-year here at Chapel Hill. I am currently undecided in my major but I am investigating the possibility of double majoring in Food Studies and Business with a focus in accounting. I have worked in a team setting for all of my career at Krispy Kreme. I have experience in collaboration, sales, and food production. What other skills might you be interested in having for an intern? What level of education are you looking for at an entry level position?”. I am not sure what third question I will ask, hopefully I can figure it out by the time of the expo. My main concerns for delivering my elevator pitch is that I will let the pressure to make a good impression speed up how fast I talk. When I talk fast is hard to understand all that I am saying and if I speak too fast, I develop a stutter causing me to lose all train of thought. But, as a whole, I am looking forward to the Career Expo and meeting representatives for potential employers.

#2020careervision

February 9, 2016

My Holland Code for the work interest section was C.A.E.; Conventional, Artistic, and Enterprising. My leisure interest code though was not the same, it was I.A.R.; Inquiring, Aesthetic, and Realistic. Nearly complete opposites. Thankfully careers matching those codes are offered to try and help me find an interesting career. Unfortunately, my careers for work interest and leisure interest do not have any matches. So finding a career that can somehow fit both of my codes is going to be challenging. Work interest leads me to a career in the business world. Careers such as accounting, clerical, or managerial. In the work world I am more interested in a sit down, more organized and structured environment where I can work myself and ask for help if I need it. From a leisure perspective, I would prefer to be in a n outdoor environment. A career based on my leisure Holland Code would be in the fields of life, physical, or social sciences. I have previously only considered one of these career fields so I do not know too much about all my options.

My work code was evident when I worked at Krispy Kreme. I liked having a regular schedule and going on break at a certain time. I preferred it when items in the back were not moved on a weekly basis, but instead, stayed in a specific spot. I liked it better when either I was on register and my coworker ran to get donuts or vice versa. I did not like it when we would constantly switch back and forth and neither one of knew who was doing what or when. The artistic side of my code would come through though when it was a week day and we were slow. The manager on duty would allow be to process some of the donuts with him. Meaning I would be the one to dip them in chocolate, pump them full of cream, or put the decorative icing, sprinkles, or candy on top. Since we were slow and had made a surplus of donuts for the next shift, we began playing around and filling them with two different fillings and putting anything we could fit on to the tops.

In relation to my personality assessment from FOCUS2, my Holland Code for work is very similar and my code for leisure has one or two connections. The job family of my personality assessment is dominantly business with engineering and life science right behind. So, interestingly, my personality fits both my work and leisure interest. Hopefully this can help find a job that has a link to a little of both Holland Codes like at Krispy Kreme. In my retail job I was able to exercise both my interest in order and creativity. I had the opportunity to have a say in the organization of the drive-thru area and was able to get creative in the processing area of the store. Knowing my Holland Code has allowed me to input so many more factors into my search for a career that it has narrowed down the options to a manageable amount.

#2020careervision

Reflection #2 – Week 3 2/2/17

In FOCUS2, my Work Interest Assessment was mainly confirming my interest but, a little eye opening as well. Two of my three interest results kind of clashed with each other and what they ‘prefer’ in a work environment; the Organizer and the Creator. The Organizer side of me likes structure, organizing, and systematic work. I believe these traits are very true of my personality. I like to have a steps to follow when I do most of work for school and prefer to be organized with everything in a designated place. The Creator side of me though disagreed with the Organizer traits. Such as, the Creator does not like conformity and prefers to do things as they come. But, on the other hand, the rest of the Creator traits are spot on with me. I like using my imagination and being creative on whims. I like reading, drawing, and going to any type of exhibit. My third result, on a different, third hand, was very surprising; the Persuader. I do not believe I have ever described myself as persuasive or liking to get others to agree with me but, looking at the description, I can see where I would fit. Persuaders like competition, what I thought I fit with the most, and selling or promoting. At first glance, I thought there was no way I liked selling things but, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I do and I am good at it. When I was working at Krispy Kreme, I loved to talk to customers about their donut or drink selection. From there I never failed to use their inputs and recommend another product or persuade them to add a donut hole cup to their order.

My Personality Assessment results were completely expected and so were the results of my Value Assessment. My Skills Assessment were unexpected though and worth exploring more in-depth later on. One skill was Reading Comprehension but, I knew that was one of my best skills, it was the other two that were unexpected. Negotiating and Operating machines were not skills I thought I would get. Just like Persuader, Negotiating was something that I did not know was a skill of mine until I analyzed my every day or work habits. I also never imagined myself as a big Machine Operator. But, then I thought being a Machine Operator is not just about big machines like those in a construction site. I could also operate smaller machines like those in a hospital, a dentist, or doctor’s office. My Leisure Interest results were I.A.R.: Inquiring, Aesthetic, Reality. Of all the FOCUS2 results, this one was definitely the most accurate and expected. They describe me as an outdoorsy, hands-on creator, I like to observe and analyze problems. At the same time, I love being outside creating something, or reading anything. This week’s FOCUS2 assignment has really helped me pin point my skills, interest, and abilities. Now I have a much more focused idea of what to look for in a major or career.

Taking a break this weekend and heading home to see the family.

#unc chapel hill

EDUC Reflection #1

Reflection #1 – Week 2 1/24/17

My initial thoughts on the career exploration process were “scary” and “too soon.” I have never known a single person that wanted to grow up, or take on the responsibility of planning for their future. It seemed like an overwhelming task to start exploring for a potential career in a sea of options. I was not sure where to begin looking for information about majors or careers that resonated with any personal interest of mine. During my first fall semester at Chapel Hill, I took classes that I thought were interesting and hoped they would lead to a major. By midterms, I knew my classes could lead me in the direction of a job, but none of them could navigate me in the direction of the right career. So during an academic advising appointment, I mentioned that I had no idea what I what I wanted to do for a living and, therefore, had no idea what to major in. My advisor talked about a career explorations course being offered in the spring. She mentioned that it would be a good place to start in the career explorations process if I was feeling overwhelmed and encouraged me to sign up for the course.

Thankfully, in the spring semester I enrolled in EDUC 131, the Career Explorations course. Initially it was in the hopes of finding the right career path and the major that would lead down that path. I signed up to explore different career fields and options spanning a wide variety of interest such as traditional office jobs or non-traditional jobs. EDUC 131 is even better than I had hoped. We will explore different careers, but more importantly, I also get to develop my own personal brand. While looking for the right major and career fit, I am learning how to put myself out there for potential employers. I am learning professional skills such as how to build and polish a powerful resume, and how to project an image of myself that hiring employers might see as beneficial to their company.

As this course continues, I hope to be able to put together a solid resume as well as present my projects to interviewers. I am looking forward to the end result of my blog and other social media platforms. During the first day of class I learned the importance of self-branding and projecting the right image of myself to potential employers. Until that day, I had no idea that I could use social media platforms to increase my chances of getting a job. With one assignment already done on each platform, I know that by the end of the semester my blog and other platforms will significantly increase my chances of being chosen for a job over someone who has not branded themselves.

Already this class has made me more self-aware if my interest in a future career. Food has always been a passion of mine and this course encouraged me to look into any food centered majors offered at Chapel Hill. I found that, through the Interdisciplinary Studies program, I could potentially major in Food Studies. Not only did I discover this but I also read that one of my current professors is a prominent figure in the program. Next week we are meeting in her office to discuss not only my interest in the program but also what is needed to obtain the degree and what sort of career fields I could undertake after graduation.

#2020careervision UCScareerexplore