So, imagine that it’s the day of your job interview (dun dun dun). You’re anxious, excited… possibly even sweating! You’ve done all that you can to prepare, including having sent your resume and cover letter to your future (wink) employer ahead of time – and most likely they’ve already reviewed it thoroughly, because that’s why you’ve even made it this far. But you’re thinking, “I’m so nervous! If only there was a way besides the dreaded first interview that I could represent myself? – A more relaxed environment, where I could still display my professional skills, all rolled up in to one.”
Putting your best face (?) forward
Generation “bursty"?
When I first read that Gen Y’ers (like myself) may now be referred to as “bursty” workers, I wasn’t sure whether to feel proud or offended? The term still makes me raise an eyebrow, while at the same time feel explosive… like I’m BURSTING on to the work scene (or perhaps it could be the Red Bull that I’m currently enjoying).
In any sense, Holly Hoffman’s smart article, Generation Y: Not Slackers, Just Sprinters. You Know, “Bursty” analyzes a modern presentation by Stephen Collins, I Am Knowledge Worker 2.0, where he defines both “bursty” and “busy” workers – and all that they encompass.
Hoffman rephrases Collins’ thoughts:
“Bursty workers are what we often define ourselves as in the Gen Y set. We may not look like we’re doing work, but we are. We might be at a café, chatting with coworkers in other departments, on Twitter… all the while, we are collecting information in our minds. We’re generating ideas; we’re rolling them around in our heads, working out the kinks.”
So, does this confirm that I shouldn’t feel like a slacker because I’m currently checking my personal email, scouring YouTube for some potential blog video links, networking through my LinkedIn account, eating a piece of cake from a surprise Birthday party that we just had… while at the same time trying to produce a somewhat cohesive blog here? I think that I look/sound pretty busy, actually!
Hoffman goes on to write…
“Bursty workers are called such because they tend to have highly productive bursts in which the majority of their work gets accomplished. They don’t want to be at a desk very often. They can often do in 30 hours what a busy worker will accomplish in 40. They surf the Web, they don’t keep normal office hours, they place importance on connecting with other departments and companies outside of their own, and they don’t mind failure.”
So, the real question here is, will “bursty” and “busy” workers ever truly understand eachother? (Can’t we all just get along?) More importantly, I, along with Hoffman both came to the realization that our work “styles” have now been identified, and can hopefully be accepted as well as valued. I'd suggest that you strive for the same! Because at the end of the day (or at midnight, when you are still staring at your computer screen because your work just isn’t finished yet) – it is really key to complete your work, complete it successfully and with you best effort… and to balance your work-style with that of those around you (whether you deem yourself “bursty”, “busy” or “other”).
On that note, I’ll leave you with this statement from Holly Hoffman:
“A problem with Gen Y’s work ethic? It’s not Gen Y. And it’s not a problem.”
For more insightful articles about the work-place, careers, as well as other industry tips and tools – check out Experience’s section on Office Culture!
Photo by: David Sifry
Yes, Jenna is Alive!!
As you may or may not know, fellow intern and blogger, Jenna has been in
Jenna has been very busy, but did find time to update us on what she has been up to so far while in
- Visited the
- Visited
- Climbed the Great Wall
- Eaten at the most famous Peking Duck restaurant in
- Walked around the Ming Tombs and the
- Seen a
- Blogged for Emerson, for her hometown newspaper, and for the Tampa Tribune
- Found some awesome coffee shops in
Trying to brainstorm in a bubble
By Allison Jones
Since working at a school I have had to deal with the lack of access to the internet and social media tools. The bans on websites and downloads are put in place mainly to ensure that students using the computers don't visit inappropriate websites and download items that can be harmful to the computer and to the entire system. However, it is making it difficult for me to work since I have spent a great deal of time integrating social media into my work.
For example, I can't use delicious to bookmark and categorize websites that give great ideas for lesson plans, outreach, and fundraising, nor can I search other people’s bookmarks and see what they have come up with. All blogs are banned which means I can't keep up-to-date on what my favorite bloggers in the nonprofit and education sectors are doing. I can't download google desktop to help me search, take notes, and set tasks. Even if a website’s address is too long, I’m unable to open it.While these are minor inconveniences for some, they make working difficult for me. Over the past year the internet and social media have provided the following benefits:
a. I can share what I discover: Not just with other people over the internet, but also with coworkers. By sending them a link with great information or having everyone set up a google calendar, we can all be on the same page and better exchange ideas.
b. I can access information from anywhere: If I need to leave my office for some reason, I can access what I have been working on via the internet, thus making it accessible from any computer.
c. I can learn more: The internet has changed my approach to learning; I can research terms and bounce ideas off of people making learning something that can occur at any time in any place that has access to the world wide web.
Essentially the change in internet access has required me to change my work style, which has not been easy. Brainstorming in a bubble is not nearly as useful as brainstorming in an online community. And bookmarking in IE (since I can't download Firefox) while as simple as pressing two buttons is not as easy to organize and is impossible to share.
In many ways, my work has become localized. The benefit of this is that it is easier for me to create boundaries between work and personal life now that my work cant follow me around on the information super highway. On the other hand, having to use several word documents and pen and paper to organize my notes is taking more time than I anticipated. Yet while my porductivity may be suffering my creativity is being given the boost it needs. Limited internet it has forced me to:
a. Reevaluate how I will get certain projects done that I have been planning (like my “Why I love My School” Project done completely with different types of media showcased online);
b. Realize that many people simply don't use to internet as much as I do, requiring me to reach them differently;
c. Take my time completing projects since their completion and presentation requires the usage of hard copy resources that are hard to come by in a money strapped school.
In other words, I have had to reapproach my work. The job I do inherently requires creativity and resourcefulness–not just in terms of what kind of work I do, but how I do my work. So while work may take longer, the quality may also be better overall.
Allison Jones graduated from Haverford College in 2007. She chronicles her life as a newbie in the professional world at Entry Level Living.
Onboarding: Sink or swim in the office pool?
When starting a new job, remember that you’re not the only one making a first impression… because, your new company should be stepping up to the pressure plate as well.
Employee “onboarding” or orientation as we used to call in the olden days, has become a major responsibility in most Human Resources departments – and for some very good reasons. Not only are more and more Gen Y’ers breaking on to the work scene (who ahem, seem to require the red carpet to be rolled out – don’t look at me!) but more simply – the faster, more welcomed and well-prepared new employees are from day one, the more successful the company will be!
If you’d like to get your own on a more successful employee onboarding plan, even if you are an employee yourself – here are a few tips:
· The Cocktail Hour: Have all new employees meet and shake hands with every current employee at the company (to put a face to the name).
· Make sure that when going back to the cubicle, that there is a printed-out list of the very same people, with their titles (and perhaps even a brief description of their department & job as well). This will ensure that after a week or so, the new employee feels quite comfortable with their new co-workers (because we wouldn’t want to confuse the CEO with someone else while making small-talk at the water-cooler, now would we?!)
· The Observation Deck: Some employers tend to think that having new employees sit in on daily/weekly meetings might be a waste of time (since they are not totally onboard yet). I believe that this is foolish, and that from day two all new employees should just jump right into all meetings. It will help to make them feel like a part of the team, but even more so – to hear what projects are in the works.
· Just Say No to Binders: So, I realize that when starting in any new position, there is plenty-o-documentation to review, deep into the night. Even though a lot of it will not even register in your brain until the third read, save it someplace (hence, the point of a new employee handbook or documentation binder). I would caution against too many binders or too many documents for a new employee to review, so it won’t turn into paper overload! Even better, go over the documentation with the new employee, instead of just sending them to read it by themselves. It’s called one-on-one contact!
But don’t just take my word for it (and certainly DO NOT take Michael Scott’s lead). Instead, here is a great employee onboarding checklist that I found, available on money-zine.com. Check it out – and jump right into that new office pool with confidence (or at least make sure that you’re getting everything that you need, as the new kid).
Photo by: patrick dentler
Don't waste your college degree
Jobs, economy, career issues -- always on my mind, and probably yours as well. But a show-stopper I saw this week was a WSJ article on "The Declining Value of Your College Degree."
There are no guarantees in life, everybody knows that. And a college degree (and beyond) tremendously increases your lifetime earnings -- everybody knows that, too. But knowing that simply having a degree won't insure a steadily rising income -- or even a job for you -- is tough to swallow.
This is not to say you'll never face a layoff (you probably will!) or be forced to take a job for less money (equally possible). During the dot-com bust a few years ago, I joined the tens of thousands of college-educated professionals who had to deal with those realities. What did I do? I took those skills and changed industries -- same job, different sector.
Self-defense, as outlined in the WSJ article, is key -- diversify, as they say in the investment world. When applying for a new job, it's not unusual to hear a prospective employer ask how you've kept up your skill levels (and you MUST have an answer for this question).
It's easier to do if you start now, while you are still employed, and the rules are pretty basic. First, network like crazy. Join professional organizations, social organizations, take new courses, keep current or learn additional skills. Would it make sense for you to try out a little freelance work, a volunteer gig, maybe even a (very) small business venture? Absolutely!
Now you'll have a plan, now you'll have more confidence in your ability to stretch, and now you'll be better able to withstand tough times -- making the most out of that college degree of yours.
Photo by CarbonNYC
Happy workplaces II
Several weeks back, we asked you whether your workplace was a happy one. While most said yes, many of you suggested it could be better.
My parents always said that if you feel good, the people around you will, also. Can that translate into a happier workplace, and how?
Socialization is number one -- the more common activities you share, the better people tend to feel. Celebrating birthdays and other personal or professional milestone events is not a new concept, but it's one of those small things that makes a difference. Form a committee, help organize other group activities, start up a new (or work on an existing) internal newsletter -- department, division or company. Suggest and solicit other team-building ideas -- everybody has at least one.
But "what about me?" you say (it always comes back to you, doesn't it). Lots of possibilities here. First, can you do anything about your schedule -- start work earlier or later to avoid commuting hassles? Is telecommuting on a regular or semi-regular basis a possibility for you?
Speaking of commuting, can you walk at least part of the way to work -- possibly from a train station that's not as close to your workplace? You'll get some fresh air and exercise, feel better, and maybe you and a few colleagues could walk together -- which will be something else to share.
What do you do to make your workplace a happier place?
Generation Y Women at Their Best
By Allison Jameson
Today, women of generation Y (yes, that’s me!) who can bring our social networking skills and technology-friendly attitudes into a workplace definitely have an advantage. Many organizations today are looking for people who are tech savvy and who know how to utilize social websites to the company’s advantage.
I know many baby boomers and even some generation X'ers (I won’t mention any names, but you know who you are) who barely know how to use a computer, and the idea of text messaging baffles them. Now it’s not their fault, they just weren’t exposed to these kinds of technologies growing up, so it wasn’t the norm for them.
The new norm is that companies are using social networking and collaboration tools as standard business strategies. This allows us Gen Y women to use our social and tech skills to build software applications and work together with colleagues across the country, even if we aren’t IT majors.
In fact, I heard about this internship through a classmate who sent me a message on Facebook. I corresponded with her through Facebook, and then finally sent an e-mail with my resume attached to Ken (my boss) and was e-mailed back to come in for an interview. The rest is history!
Image by: lightfusio
Getting off to a good start at a nonprofit
By Allison Jones
Last Monday I started my position as Development Director at a catholic school in Manhattan. My first week has been absolutely amazing. My focus this summer will be on advertising and recruitment for the school so I have been thinking of creative ways to do to outreach. The great thing is that since I work at a school, the hours are shorter during the summer and the work load is lighter, so I have had the opportunity to get adjusted at a comfortable pace.
To make the first week productive and exciting I made sure to do a few things that would allow me to become as involved as possible in my nonprofit organization:
1. Get to know the neighborhood: What stores, organizations, and resources are nearby? If you work in a nonprofit like I do, you know the critical value of partnerships and coalitions in an effort to not only save money but also increase access to resources. Build community by getting to know the community.
2. The key people aren’t just the managers: In all of the discussions about turn over in the nonprofit world, rarely is it highlighted how maintenance and administrative staff members tend to stick around for long periods of time. They will be the ones to give you insight on where to go and who to talk to if you need something.
3. The secretary runs the building: You know this as soon as you walk in or talk to your immediate supervisor. Any time you have a question, the secretary will be the one to answer it as they have access to everything and, as mentioned before, they tend have been around longer than the managers so can be more helpful in getting you adjusted to the organization and the neighborhood.
4. Learn someone else’s job: One of the benefits of working at a small nonprofit is that I have access to everyone. Last year at my old job, I walked over to the development office to introduce myself and asked people what their responsibilities were (since I had no clue what “development” meant). Their descriptions intrigued me so I learned more about the field, pushing me deeper into nonprofit work and the various opportunities available. I would have never learned this had I sat at my desk in my department. Now I work with the principal and am always asking her questions about her responsibilities and what her days are like.
5. Come with questions: One thing I have learned in the past year is that we can't always expect for there to be work for us to do. Our supervisors, while expecting us on a particular day may be so consumed with their won work that they forget to give us some introductory tasks to get us used to the organization. So come with questions that will help guide you in planning your work week, aside from getting to know people and the area. A good one is “What are some pressing needs that I can address?” Asking questions that assess the needs of an organization allow you brainstorm better solutions.
Allison Jones graduated from Haverford College in 2007. She chronicles her life as a newbie in the professional world at Entry Level Living.
Finding my niche
By Tasha Naatz
The other day as I flashed around one of my fancy new business cards, which reads Tasha Naatz … Entrepreneurial Associate, I thought “Wow, I’m pretty impressive!” But then, (with the help of a sharp jab to my ribs, from the oblivious man standing next to me on the train), the reality of what I'm doing came crashing in.
Experience’s Entrepreneurial Associate’s Program is a truly unique opportunity for recent college graduates or young professionals (ahem, such as myself), to develop business skills - by working in every division of the company and creating different independent projects with the guidance of mentors. The EA then moves on to find their “niche” within…and pursues that dream happily ever after! (well, you get the gist).
Considering that our company’s mission is to help students explore careers, why wouldn’t we have a program that helps promote the future careers of some of our own employees internally. Brilliant idea, right? I concur.
And, apparently so did the folks at ABC Nightline News as well! So they came over to our “place” and filmed a story on Jon Cifuentes, a recent graduate applying for another open position within this very program. Check out this segment for an extraordinary look at how he interviewed for the job.
Jenny Floren, CEO and Founder of Experience, holds this program in very a special light herself.
“The EA program brings the mission of Experience to life, which is why it’s so important to me on a personal level. The ability to allow new grads the opportunity to explore various career paths and discover the direction that offers the best fit is the mission of our company – and I love that we have demonstrated that we can do that while at the same time creating enormous value for our business by incorporating their perspectives and contributions to important projects all across our company.
"Additionally, I think this program will serve as a breakthrough model for other employers to follow because it demonstrates a way companies can truly optimize the performance and contribution of entry-level hires.”
So, I’m pleased to say that I’ll be the next product of this characteristic program… and you’ll just have to keep tabs on me to see where I land next!
Tasha Naatz is an Entrepreneurial Associate at Experience, trying to find her "true calling". She has defined herself as a true anglophile, for she studied and worked abroad in London, though she has also ventured to eight other countries! Tasha's goal for the summer? To have a "good" hair day after her daily, overheated/overcrowded "T" commutes.
Empty cubes and the 300-pound gorilla
Call it AltWork. Alternative working conditions, especially telecommuting, seem to be the hot topic this week (and I say that knowing that it's cooled down to 88 degrees outside).
The obvious disconnect between gas prices and the reality of new ways of working keeps resurfacing, and a lot of people seem to be looking in their proverbial rear-view mirrors to predict the future of the workplace. Not us.
Offices are not what they were 20 or 30 years ago, nor should they be. Telecommuting (along with accompanying practices such as flextime, project-based work, and virtual communities) really seems to be what's evolving.
Now the 300-pound gorilla is about to enter the room. The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a Telework bill a few weeks ago, and that's a huge step. (The Senate still has to work out more details, but there's no real opposition, apparently!)
If you don't think this is important, think again. If the federal government institutionalizes a telework policy for its employees, you can absolutely take it for granted that private industry will follow. That means us, and that means a lot of changes possible over the next few years.
What's truly amazing about all this is the timetable -- just a few years ago, only a relative handful of technology firms really elevated telecommuting to a standard practice. Now, it's us.
Is your company likely to implement telecommuting any time soon. Are you already doing it regularly (and how is it going)?
Dear Boss, I have an appointment with life
By Tasha Naatz
It happens to all of us… a doctor’s appointment, dentist appointment – LIFE appointment! And recently having to go to the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles), I pondered and experienced first-hand the question of “How to balance a personal life during normal, 9-5 business hours… and oh, a job too?!”
As hard as we try, we just can’t take care of all of our personal appointments during weeknights and weekends, especially when most of the businesses we are dealing with close right at the same time we finish work! These so-called “errands” become chores that spill over into our workweeks… where we somehow now have to find and ask for the time from our bosses and busy schedules for “permission.”
So, the other day as I Iooked down at my RMV waiting-line ticket, that read, “56 people before you” -– I thought, 1) This is going to take hours until I get back to work, and 2) If I am already getting the time off to take care of one personal appointment, how am I going to convince my boss that I also have to go to my doctor next week?!
I came up with this, not-so-shabby list of suggestions: (Because let’s face it, I had plenty of time)
1. COMMUNICATE! Talk to your HR department, other colleagues and yes, even (and especially) your supervisor, about how to best go about taking some time off, before the day actually comes. This way everybody’s expectations are clear, and there are no surprises when you’re looking for the time off.
2. Do your best to take care of any and all personal appointments outside of work. I know, my whole premise has been that off-hour appointments are basically not possible. But attempting to do this will only ensure that your time to have to ask off from work will be limited.
3. If and when you do need some time off, whether it’s a few hours, an extended lunch-hour, or a whole day – prove to your boss that you’re not just looking to get off easy and try to make up those hours somewhere else. Or, depending on what you found out in suggestion #1… perhaps even use a “personal/vacation” day off, if needed.
4. RELAX! Most employers are definitely more open to letting their employees take some time off here and there to take care of personal appointments than we might think, after all, they usually need to do the same things. So, don’t fret – just don’t make it a habit. Life happens!
Lauren, a wise colleague, offered a few great thoughts on the subject, as well: “As long as you remember to be as organized as you can, really communicative to your teammates and boss, as well as reasonable - I think every person in the 9-5 work environment realizes how important it is to take the time needed for personal matters as they arise. Productivity and contentment in your personal life is absolutely related to, and carries over to your productivity and contentment at work.”
Let’s face it, if you’re counting on a paycheck, the work is never going to end… and unless you’re a superhero, most likely you’re going to eventually have to ask for some time off from work for a personal appointment or two. So, it’s just about finding a nice, harmonious work-life balance (or, a personal assistant). And as for me, I may have tackled the RMV this time… but now it’s on to City Hall!Tasha Naatz is an Entrepreneurial Associate at Experience, trying to find her "true calling". She has defined herself as a true anglophile, for she studied and worked abroad in
Learning to play nicely
Treat them all the same, or treat them differently -- is this a recipe for raising children or the latest management philosophy?
If you said "both" you'd be correct. More and more, companies (as do parents) seem to be getting past traditional practices of treating everybody alike. A recent Wall Street Journal article suggested that failing to recognizing generational differences is a problem that just won't go away.
We've talked about this before, but the controversy still remains bothersome. The Journal article noted that something as simple yet critical as passing along information became an issue. "The boomers preferred Power Point presentations, while younger workers favored more interactive learning methods," the article stated.
The whole theory of Social Capital comes into play here -- are you worth more as part of a team, interacting with others, than as an individual in the workplace? If you're a follower of the team concept, how do you learn to play nicely with others who are either older or younger?
If you can figure that out, here's your chance to test yourself. Tell us what you think is the answer, and we'll collectively tell you if you're right or wrong.
IM = Instant Messaging or Interruption Management?
By Allison Jameson
A study done by R. Kelly Garrett and James N. Danzinger proves that instant messaging can help decrease the amount of interruptions and increase communication within the workplace. Really??
The two other interns (also very important people) were in other areas, but a big move last week put me right smack in the middle of both of them. This new location will prove to have a few more distractions as it is in a high traffic area and I admit I will definitely be chatting with the other interns from time to time.
I still am able to get my work done in this new spot, but I think that if I were in my own office, the concept of using IM to communicate would be very beneficial. Instead of me leaving my office to chat with other co-workers, I could shoot them an IM to save precious work time. Now all I have to do is convince my boss to give me my own office!
Do you think allowing the use of IM in the workplace will really help lower disruptions? Let’s hear your opinion!
Allison is at
