How was your first 30 days?

Hello all of our new ETA hires, as we sit down for our "New Hire Lunch with the President"  I wanted to hear how your on-boarding experiences were?  What did we do right, what can we do better?  I hope you are feeling Welcomed.

Farewell Fairway,

It didn’t occur to me until yesterday that today was my last day here at ETA/Cuisenaire. I’m truly thankful for the experience I had this summer and the people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. It feels sad that I am leaving while everyone is here to stay and continue to work together as a team. I’ll be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I first arrived. Compared to my only other internship experience, I can say that this one certainly triumphs it. Despite my little work experience, the marketing team here at ETA/Cuisenaire took it upon themselves to make me feel welcome and part of the team, and I will always be grateful to have worked with such talented and fun people. So, I guess what I’m saying is I’ll miss you guys J

Best, Jenny

I have always taken pride in my Sunday ritual during the school year. I wake up around 9 or 10, get bagels and coffee, then hit the library. Up until now, I had considered it an accomplishment to be able to sit in a chair for 6+ hours. When preparing for a test or a paper, I could even make it to 10-12 hours in the library. However, I always found myself sprinting out of the library when it was time to go. I found cubicles too enclosed, staring at neutral colors boring, waking up before 8 unheard of, and remembering to pack a lunch impossible.

Naturally, I was a bit nervous to take on my first real "desk job." Working at Heathrow Scientific has been a delightfully pleasant surprise. I discovered that having cubicle buddies is rather enjoyable, having an unlimited, free coffee supply keeps me perky, and having time to cook a nice meal or watch a movie at the end of the day does great things for my happiness. Most of all, I have really appreciated the conversations I have had with the people I work with. As Sarah mentioned, the grass is always greener on the the other side. Though I find some truth to this statement, working at Heathrow this summer has eliminated much of what I found daunting about the "real world," making both sides a little closer to being equally green.

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that nothing is easy. Full-time job or full-time class load, each has its benefits and challenges.

During the school year, I would stay up late and chat online with my brother (working in Beijing, 12 hours ahead) while he was at work. We would always argue about whose life is harder. I’d complain about how he could go home and relax at the end of the day—about how he never had to stay up till 3-4AM to study for exams or write papers. He’d tell me about how exhausted he feels at the end of each day and how stressful work can be when the economy is fluctuating. While, there are times at Northwestern when I feel tired, unhealthy, and completely overwhelmed, I am still eternally grateful that I am still a student. Maybe, I feel that a full-time job is more difficult because of all the responsibilities that come along with it. In 2 years time, I’ll be hopefully employed and as I like to say, “a real person.” I’ll need to worry about bills, rent, cooking, etc. On top of that, I’ll need to work hard to keep my job and hopefully move up in the business world. When it comes to a full-time job, it’s not just poor grades or disappointed parents if you accidentally mess up an exam or falter, it’s your livelihood.

Farewell Fairway....

With the last week of the Scholar Program upon us, give one last farewell to Fairway and your experience here.

If 21 years of Chicago winters should teach me anything, it’s that grass, in fact, is not always greener on the other side. Yet, no matter what side I find myself, I can’t help but daydream of sprawling green fields just around the corner.

I fell into this slightly idealistic mentality while interning the past few months, as my thoughts occasionally would linger upon my school year self. In my head, this me radiated constant energy and never would succumb to the call of sleep. The college me never sits, never gets tired, and runs from class to class with a swag in her step, ready to conquer the next 10 items on her to-do list. For the work-me spending her day in the car and the office, nothing sounded more appealing than running around, waking up at 10am, and socializing with friends between classes.

Was the grass really that green six months ago? I reflect some more and hints of reality seep in, starting with the fact that never have I walked with a ‘swag’ in my step. Additionally, six months ago, I was sleep deprived and stuck in a never ending flow of midterms and finals. My brain hurt, my eyes ached, and I hardly could remember the last time I watched TV. This me drooled for the freedom soon to be mine as an intern. As an intern, I would have time to go out to dinner, watch movies, and spend the weekends away from the library. I envied the free evenings and free weekends of a 9-5 worker and filled my head with millions of exciting plans for life without school work.

While neither side is completely green, the two lives together make my version of a perfect life—one filled with activity and motion, people and interaction, work and play. These are the qualities I will carry with me as I leave the internship and start school, and the ones I will seek to preserve as I enter the real world.

Week 9

Working 5 days a week, 8 hours a day here at Fairway for 10 weeks of the summer and tunneling my way through the 40ish weeks of school per year at Northwestern are strikingly different undertakings that require completely different mental (and perhaps physical) resources and are taxing in their own wholly unique ways. But in my three years of college and my one summer at Fairway, one of the largest challenges I’ve encountered that happens to be common to both enterprises is simply sitting still—be it in a lecture hall listening to a professor drone on for an hour and 20 minute class or at an office desk for 8 consecutive hours, occasionally going cross-eyed from computer-glare.

If I have to pick the more difficult of the two—school or work—I might have to choose the latter, simply because it’s so radically different from what I’m accustomed to. Sure, classes at Northwestern pose their own challenges and obstacles and are time consuming to the nth degree. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to bed before 1am during the school year and here at Fairway, I’m snuggled under my covers at 11pm on the dot every night. But somehow, despite slumbering for a solid 8 hours every night vs. 6 hours—sometimes less—on a school night, I find myself even more tired at work. Maybe this is because I’m not moving around from class to home to class to extracurricular and back again (and I can’t just put my head down on my desk here to take a quick cat-nap in the same way that I can run home for a 20 minute snooze between classes). I think fresh air is also a huge part of being rejuvenated throughout the day. Even in negative degree, torrential rain, blizzard, or sweltering conditions (whatever weather Chicago’s temperamental mother nature decides on for the day), it’s always refreshing to walk (or run, depending on my tardiness) through the great outdoors, to or from my next class or activity.

The time I've spent here at Fairway has been wonderful, enlightening, and above all an immense learning experience for me—I’ve met new and interesting people, grown to understand what I do and don’t enjoy in an occupation, and have acquired new skills and knowledge that I might never have explored had I not been accepted as an intern here. And I’m sure that once I’m back in the full, stressful, whirlwind swing of academic life, coupled with job applications, extracurriculars, and the rushed, bittersweet senior-year-ness of it all, I will have a different mindset about present and past challenges; if someone asks the same question of me—which do I find more difficult, work or school?—I will probably respond, without a moment’s hesitation: school. The grass is always greener on the other side, isn’t it?

Week 7

Full time employment at Heathrow Scientific has definitely been way more challenging than a typical quarter at Northwestern.

Its all about the adjustments- I have been going to school for my whole life, this is the first time I have been working a traditional 9-5 job. I wouldn’t say that filming myself starring in product videos (such as the wonderful Mini Bin Foil Dispenser!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfVA9h0bgqw) is as mentally challenging as some of the typical classes at Northwestern. Yet, its something completely new and I rarely have to teach myself how to do something from the ground up. All the work from recording videos to working with a team on a presentation is all in such a different style from traditional college work, that this summer has definitely been more challenging.

Furthermore, mentally challenging is only half the game here. The physical challenge of waking up at 7 in the morning far out ways anything at college, where my normally class starts at 11, and even that isn’t always motivation enough to get out of bed… There is just a completely different mindset from taking 2 hours of class a day to going to an 8 hour workday 5 days a week that has been a difficult adjustment.

All in all though, this summer has certainly been a worthwhile challenge to undertake. I am going to have to join the “real world” soon enough, so getting this first experience under my belt should go a long way.

Week Seven

Only one month until school begins again… What do you find more challenging,a  full-time class load at Northwestern or full-time job at Fairway?  Why?

Week 6

Week 6's question about first job non-negotiables took me by surprise. Given the current job market, who really cares about my non-negotiables? Finding a job is a challenge in itself. Finding a first job that aligns with my non-negotiables is like climbing Mount Fuji - certainly possible, but certainly a hell of a long and strenuous hike, too. *This is an over-dramatization.*

Unfortunately, a small part of me has harbored this cynical point of view about job-hunting for quite some time; the state of the economy influences job offers to some extent, and the economy is obviously not at its best right now.

However, a bigger part of me knows that the cards are in my hands to achieve my dreams. As I keep my eye on the prize - to work in fashion - my non-negotiables will ensure that I sustain an appetite for curiosity, surround myself with positive energy, and have personal fulfillment in my career.

1. I want to work with dynamic thinkers who will challenge me to think outside the box.

2. I want to do valuable work and understand how my puzzle piece fits into the company's mission. In addition, I want to be a part of defining that mission and my own.

3. New York City.

Week 6

Since as long as I can remember, I've constantly changed my mind about my future career choice. Back in the day, my choices ranged from doctor to President. Last week, Julie reminded us to consider our non-negotiables for our first job out of college, so here are some of mine...

Non-negotiable #1: City
Non-negotiable #2. Exposure
Non-negotiable #3. Energy and Community

I'd like to live in or near a city. While this does not necessarily mean I'll only take jobs in NYC, I do wish to live somewhere where, for instance, everything is not closed by 9PM. Secondly and most importantly, I'd like my first job to provide opportunities for exposure-to new ideas, people, industries, and companies. I am convinced that I will not know what I truly want to do unless I try it. This could mean I work for a large corporation with many branches across different industries and products, or I work for a smaller company that frequently works with different clients and businesses. Lastly, non-negotiable #3 pertains to the culture of my future workplace. I'd like to work with high-energy people, who not only work together but also play together. Moreover, I hope to enter a company with a "class" of new graduates, so that I may grow and learn with my peers.

These are a few things on my wishlist. Keeping these non-negotiables in mind, hopefully I can approach the impending internship/job searches with more focus and less uncertainty.

Week Six

This week’s blog question challenges us to come up with three things that are “non negotiable” for our first job out of college. At this point in time I still really have no idea what I want to do out of college; so I guess this is about as good a way to narrow it down as any. Still though, since I don’t know what I want, I don’t really know how to narrow it down… Leaves me no choice but to leave these standards as broad as possible

1) I don’t want to live in the South, therefore I cannot take a job in the South. Not because I don’t like the people, the way of life or anything like that, I honestly hate hot weather. Heat is just not for me. I would say my ideal day is high 50’s and cloudy.
2) I think I would want to work in an environment where there are other fresh grads around. Especially if I move to a place I am unfamiliar with, I would like to be around and work with other people around my age.
3) I want to work in a friendly/fun/energetic work environment, I am still getting used to sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, and I don’t think I could do it if everyone around me was low energy and kept to themselves.

So that is what I have so far; I want a job that hires other recent college grads, who have energy, not in the South. Not that limiting really, but I guess I got to start somewhere. It appears I really need to sit down and do some thinking in the next couple months about all this.

Week 6

As we summer scholars are all entering our last year or two of college—and as some of us will commence job-searching in what is really just a matter of weeks—having superior interview skills is invaluable. At last week’s Lunch and Learn, however, Julie taught us that succeeding in an interview can mean little if one doesn’t truly want or won’t enjoy the job in question. I’d like to keep an open mind when it comes to my first veritable job, and I’ve always thought that I’d end up grabbing at whatever I’m able to get, so long as it pays enough to cover the essentials (and, maybe too idealistically, my college loans…). Yet Julie stressed the importance of maintaining certain standards—to not immediately submit to any potentially less-than-appealing opportunity that arises simply because it’s a job. And if sticking up for what I want means being a little more pleased with life during whatever that fated first out-of-college job is, then perhaps I can be a little more choosey than I had anticipated.

I don’t know if my stipulations are actually non-negotiable; flexibility is something I’d like to maintain, and if a trade-off existed in which one or two of my “requirements” were fulfilled in addition to some supplemental, un-thought of benefit, I might be equally pleased. Still, I do think I’ve discovered a few things that would make me truly happy as I finally step into the real work world. A high-energy, people-oriented environment in which I can collaborate with others and in which we can share our thoughts and feed off each other’s ideas; a relatively young group of co-workers so that we can relate to each other—help each other out—as we embark together on the journey and adventure that is real life; finally, an urban location, because I’ve dwelled in suburbia for 21 years now and am itching to experience the hustle and bustle of a city. As I begin my job search this fall, I’ll be sure to keep these characteristics in mind; for now, I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Week Six

I recently came across this article, called "The Start-Up of You," by Thomas Friedman:

http://http//www.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/opinion/13friedman.html?_r=4&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212

The article discusses how our generation has to be innovative in forming their jobs, as opposed to taking the conventional approach to job hunting that our parents did. Most jobs are not as defined now as they have been in the past, which is both inspiring and intimidating to think about as a student graduating from college. There is no longer a cookie-cutter, linear progression of steps that post-grads "should" take to be successful. That being said, it is important for us pending seniors to be proactively thinking about what we are looking for because the "obvious" path is no longer so obvious...

In trying to find a starting point in my job search, there are a few factors I will keep in mind. Firstly, I really enjoy working with people. Most of my engineering classes have been structured around working with a team, whether it is to solve a problem set or work on a group project. I have come to appreciate and even thrive on the dynamic that evolves when being an integral member of a team. In particular, I love working on teams that have people with diverse areas of expertise, which brings me to my second important consideration. I would like a multi-disciplinary job. I have always been a curious person. Working with people from different professional backgrounds and working on projects that require a broader focus are opportunities to learn about areas outside of my studies. I chose my major (Manufacturing and Design Engineering) in the first place because of how it incorporates mechanical, industrial, and design engineering. I would be most stimulated by a job that requires a variety of skills and fosters the opportunity to learn. Another important consideration for me is commuting time. Last summer, I had an internship that required me to take 5 means of transportation to and from work, taking about an hour and a half each way. Though I did view my morning commute as an opportunity to wake up, I was incredibly frustrated by the evening commute. Regardless of how good my work day was, my happiness was frequently sub-par by the time I got home, particularly when delays would extend my commute to 2+ hours. I have decided that if the job is worth it, I will be happy to relocate. With these thoughts in mind, I will be able to approach my job search with more direction and creativity.

Week Six

When mentioning the job search that awaits me this fall, I have been met with many a pity shrug, eyebrow raise, and squeaky wishes of “good luck.” With such enthusiastic responses, I have been conditioned to think of my needs and interests as secondary, always behind those of the employee who is gracious to hire a recent grad in today’s job market. However, Wednesday’s panelist Julie Jacobs reminded us of the importance of being a little selfish in the job search—keep me in mind when looking for a job. This approach, she explained, will not only help us in narrowing down our application prospects, but it also ultimately will lead to greater success once on the job. Convincing enough? I think yes.

So, that in mind, I have started a little Christmas list of first job wishes, one written to the all-powerful and oh-so-generous Santa of the job world today, also known as my future employer. It goes something like this:

Dear Mr. Claus,

I know you have been quite busy these days, but I have been on my best behavior the past four years and hope you have a bit of time to review my wish list. I am not asking for too very much, but if I find the job package described below under the tree, I will be the happiest girl in the world.

This package does not need to be big, shiny, or perfectly wrapped. Instead, it is only the contents that will bring a huge smile to my face. There, inside the box, I hope to find an entry level job with a program or position perfect for a recent grad seeking to gain a broad understanding of business. This program will offer guidance, great training, and support from more experienced employees, and it will give me those skills most useful and applicable to the business world. Secondly, this supportive environment will come with other recent grads ready to work on a team. We will learn together, grow together, and succeed as we tackle a variety of projects. Finally, while ideally this job will start in an urban U.S. city (no offense to the North Pole), it hopefully will include a global component, one that allows me to uphold my dream to work in France. Whether a European assignment lasted 8 weeks or 2 years, such an opportunity would fulfill my passion for travel and all things French. Together, this package is both practical and idealistic, and if granted, would provide me with all I need to launch a successful and happy career.

Thank you for reading this list, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Sarah

Week Six Reflection

Wednesday's lunch and learn introduced you to the process of preparing to interview and job search. What are the 3 things you feel are non- negotiable to you for your first role after graduation?

Scholars and managers walk along the dock of the Chicago Architectural Tour.

2011 Scholar Outing

Five Scholars and their managers enjoyed a day 'lunch and learning' in Chicago this past Wednesday! After an informative and beautiful architectural boat tour on the Chicago river, the group headed to Millennium Park to explore the grounds and enjoy lunch at the Millennium Park Grill. With the sunny sky, sparkling river, beautiful buildings, and tasty food, all left with smiles on their face and a greater appreciation of Chicago. Scholars, which building impressed you the most?

Week 3

During last week's Lunch & Learn, current CFO Mike Dost shared his experiences in the White House and his transition into the private sector. Mr. Dost spoke of the excitement of working with the President and the importance of execution. A CFO of not one, but seven companies, Mike Dost is required to execute countless plans, and as they say, "things are easier said than done." Therefore, when Mike Dost continuously reiterated his role in bringing people form A to B, from planning to actionable results, I was curious about how he managed through so many layers of people necessary for success - how does one man ensure that numerous people stay on task and execute accordingly? In response, Mr. Dost summarized his leadership style with one word, "micro-interest" as opposed to "micro-manage." The distinction between the two words separates an efficient and focused leader from an overbearing or time-consuming one. Having been searching for an answer to this question for some time now, I have never heard a better and clearer answer than that of Mr. Mike Dost.

While Mike Dost certainly has had impressive and unique experiences, it was "how" he spoke, not "what" that resonated most with me. While it is no surprise that Mike Dost is extremely well-spoken, having worked with some of the most powerful people in this country, I began to realize that some of the most valuable talents we gain from our experiences are those that are subtle and unobvious. "Soft" skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork are seldom taught and develop gradually. When I assess the possibilities of my future, I will always keep in mind the importance of these skills and search for opportunities to improve upon them.