What they never taught you in college

I've always said nothing will provide a lesson better than experience itself. College can help you with a lot of areas in the business world. One thing it can't truly prepare you for is the corporate world.

If you have noticed my lack of posts lately, it is due in part to a new position I accepted. I currently work as the lead IT for Results - Galax. The company is an XM Radio call center based out of Galax, VA. It's a nice mix for yours truly - fast paced job in a slow paced living environment.

Enough venturing off the subject though. Results has reminded me of what Alpha Kappa Psi was intended to prepare me for: Corporate America. Granted, my fraternity did wonders, but I feel in as little as two weeks I have learned a few things that I can pass along to those yet to reach the cubicle or conference room.

The Go-Getter will receive responsibility
Nothing impresses a supervisor or your peers more than being able to tackle the job and the lack of fear to jump in and get your feet wet. This isn't kissing up - it's showcasing you have a desire to help the company. Don't overdo it though - sometimes stepping up and taking more work than you're required will give others the notion that you will do their job for them. Only do this if you're going to be making their salary ;).

Get used to the Microsoft Office Suite
There are plenty out there that probably hate Microsoft and its Office Suite. The fact is though, businesses use this suit like a preacher uses a bible. Excel will become your best friend for data manipulation! Practice with the suite now for best results in the future!

Promotions happen.. and then they don't
Promotions are a tricky thing in the real world. They come fast to others and at times they don't come at all. Don't down yourself if it doesn't come at the pace you'd like. If you feel you're going nowhere - look into other options.

It's a new world from when your parents were there
Granted, my parents never did the whole office gig. But from what I've been told by their friends, the real world work has changed greatly. Why is that? We're a media driven generation. We can send files in the matter of a seconds with only a few clicks. No need to walk a folder to someone! It's also becoming evident that work productivity isn't as great when you sit at a computer from 8 to 5. In the future, maybe the work week won't start at 8am. Who knows, maybe it will only be 4 hours a day, 3 days a week!

Be social.
It's a no-brainer. Where you go is because of the people you know. Also, being social brings out a more team friendly environment and increases company morale.

That's a few of my tips I thought I'd share from my first two weeks working in the corporate world. If anyone has anymore, feel free to post them as a comment.

The Advantage of Networking

Now to the professional aspect of this blog -

How do you use networking to your advantage?

I was pondering this question while on my way back from PA. I have done more than my fair share of networking over the years and I was completely desperate to use it to my advantage. But how? What really was the important element of networking that would help me out, in this case - land me a job?


The more I thought about it, people that know you best are able to line you up with the job you want. With that thought, I was able to realize a true essential piece of networking, with that being the relationships you make through it. With that, I looked at my best friends that could potentially lead me in the right direction with employment. Now, a few days later I have found myself hired at a well respected brand company with the potential to be moving up into a position that I will more than love.


I will now leave you with my 4 tips for the zesty networker and how it can be used to your advantage:

• Meet people you can touch base with often. This really helps on keeping up-to-date.
• Build a working relationship - you wouldn't realize how much this would help the word-of-mouth advertising that always scores brownie points with employers.
• Don't limit yourself to just one criteria. There could be job openings for another one of your interests and you just don't realize it.
• Ask your friends. Believe it or not, they know your abilities just about as good as you do.

Good luck with the summer job search and keep coming back for more posts!

Back from PA / New Job

Well, the vacation was great but now it is time to get back to work. Boy do I have a lot to cover in this installment!

Last week I was 6 hours north of Independence in Carlise, PA. Why go there you ask? It's the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals! I'm a huge car enthusiast, especially since I grew up the son of a die-hard Ford supporter, automotive technician, and have been around Fairlanes and Mustangs since I was in diapers. With that being said, it's a no-brainer as to why I was at this large event.

Camping out was a fun time and selling parts was just as much fun also. The only complaint I really had about the whole week was the 90-degree weather. That wasn't so bad though, the nights were comfortable and I found a few integral pieces to complete my complete rebuilt of my baby - my 1985 Mustang 5.0 GTX (GT/LX for those that are confused) Convertible (project starting soon!).

On to other notes - I will start training for Results, a company that is apart of XM Satelite Radio. I'm very excited about my new position and I expect to see a lot of growth in the company if things work accordingly.

For those interested, here are a few photos from my trip to PA:

New Olympic Logo Crap?

I haven't been in town long and I've already come across an article sparking my interest design-wise. What does it include? The Olympics of all things!

Recently the logo for the 2012 Olympic Games, which are to be held in London, was unveiled. It is a very rampant approach, tearing down the comfortable previous logo with a broad ravaging new look.

As a designer, what is my take? Honestly, I like the fact that London wants to spice up the games. By changing the logo I feel it shows that the games have their own flavor in each city which hosts them. Unfortunately in this attempt though, the logo conveys far too many things that contradict what the games stand for. For example - notice how all of the pieces are different, but are far from coming together? It's a contradiction of what the Olympics does best- bringing people of different backgrounds, regions, countries, and all corners of the world together for friendly competition and to celebrate the gift of brotherhood.

Best of luck to London. They have started on a shaky road to the 2012 games and have no where else to go but up.

*Photo credit the AFP and Yahoo*