A quick piece of advice to start the week.
One of the most beneficial things I have done is serve on committees for the hiring of new people in the places where I have worked.
This exercise gives a person much better insight into the hiring process (valuable for the next time you are trying to get hired somewhere). Additionally, it gives you a chance to both better understand your company and to have a real impact on the future of your company.
TBL: Search out these opportunities.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Another dilemma
The great discussion of the last few days has brought forward another challenging issue.
"Here's another topic related to the last baby thing.
One big issue that I'm having some trouble with is balancing my time with my family and being involved as much as possible with social activities at work, which also potentially affect career development. I was asked to be on a broomball team and found out that the two people who asked me are a manager and senior level research scientist. It's very hard to say no to them, but at the same time it's very hard to say yes because that cuts in on the time I spend with with my son, which I feel isn't enough in the first place. I don't want to miss any opportunities (especially when they are amazingly fun) to extend my network at work, but I don't want to miss out with family, either. Right now there's not an ideal solution except if it turns out the league happens late at night when he is asleep, but it's an issue that's tough to deal with. And since none of my close friends are really going through the same stuff right now either that makes it hard to get advice or share with anybody."
"Here's another topic related to the last baby thing.
One big issue that I'm having some trouble with is balancing my time with my family and being involved as much as possible with social activities at work, which also potentially affect career development. I was asked to be on a broomball team and found out that the two people who asked me are a manager and senior level research scientist. It's very hard to say no to them, but at the same time it's very hard to say yes because that cuts in on the time I spend with with my son, which I feel isn't enough in the first place. I don't want to miss any opportunities (especially when they are amazingly fun) to extend my network at work, but I don't want to miss out with family, either. Right now there's not an ideal solution except if it turns out the league happens late at night when he is asleep, but it's an issue that's tough to deal with. And since none of my close friends are really going through the same stuff right now either that makes it hard to get advice or share with anybody."
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Maternity Leave -- Part Two
Wow! We have reached a new high with 4 comments on one blog entry!!
Let's analyze the options:
1. Quit work completely to raise children. Maybe go back much later when the youngest child reaches an appropriate age.
2. Work full-time except for the few months after each birth.
3. Work a flexible schedule that allows for balance between work and children.
Now with those options stated, here are some of my observations:
*Each of us as sets of parents, need to decide what is best for our own children.
*A mother staying home with her children, while the father works, is an acceptable and good thing to do.
*A father staying home with his children, while the mother works, is an acceptable and good thing to do.
*My three children went to daycare. There are no evident scars. In fact, they seem like normal, talented, and kind people to me. The reason we did this is we felt it was necessary to both work in able to provide the lifestyle we wanted for our family.
*A person who stays home with children has to have a certain mentality. I couldn't have done it. I need the social interaction with adults.
*Today I am staring empty nest straight in the eyes and I do not like it. 2 of my children are gone and the 3rd turns 16 in 2 days. The time went wayyy too fast and as was said in one of comments, you can't rewind time.
Now, I will give my opinion of what I think I would do in the case presented to us. I think I would take the option in the middle that allows for good work a little more than half time. This keeps you active in your career, keeps you involved with your child(ren), and involved with real adults. When, the time comes to work full time again, you can then be a project manager and succeed at the high levels. You will still have 20-25 years left in your career.
This entry has led to another great topic emailed to me today for posting tomorrow.
Let's analyze the options:
1. Quit work completely to raise children. Maybe go back much later when the youngest child reaches an appropriate age.
2. Work full-time except for the few months after each birth.
3. Work a flexible schedule that allows for balance between work and children.
Now with those options stated, here are some of my observations:
*Each of us as sets of parents, need to decide what is best for our own children.
*A mother staying home with her children, while the father works, is an acceptable and good thing to do.
*A father staying home with his children, while the mother works, is an acceptable and good thing to do.
*My three children went to daycare. There are no evident scars. In fact, they seem like normal, talented, and kind people to me. The reason we did this is we felt it was necessary to both work in able to provide the lifestyle we wanted for our family.
*A person who stays home with children has to have a certain mentality. I couldn't have done it. I need the social interaction with adults.
*Today I am staring empty nest straight in the eyes and I do not like it. 2 of my children are gone and the 3rd turns 16 in 2 days. The time went wayyy too fast and as was said in one of comments, you can't rewind time.
Now, I will give my opinion of what I think I would do in the case presented to us. I think I would take the option in the middle that allows for good work a little more than half time. This keeps you active in your career, keeps you involved with your child(ren), and involved with real adults. When, the time comes to work full time again, you can then be a project manager and succeed at the high levels. You will still have 20-25 years left in your career.
This entry has led to another great topic emailed to me today for posting tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
A Real Topic for Discussion
Below is an email I received today. I am going to post it here for a day or so, before responding. The topic is one that any of us who have children are going to face. There is no right answer only tough decisions. I will post my response tomorrow:
"Maternity leave…
I have asked to work part time as an engineer after the baby arrives. I asked for 3 months off and then 3 days per week for the next 7 months or so. I’m planning the days so that the time off will equal less than 6 months total so that I don’t have to push back my original PE exam date at all.
My employer has a Project Manager position open in the next two years and would like for me to be able to fill it. Which is really cool.
However, it looks like working part time may not allow me to perform the tasks to prepare for the Project Manager position. Also, it is not possible to be a Project Manager and work part time.
Fortunately my employer is willing to find tasks that will still use my skills and engineering knowledge without requiring full time work.
I’m still struggling a little with the decision between being there for our child versus advancement of my career.
Should we be blessed with more children this situation could continue for a few years.
Any experience to share or advice?"
"Maternity leave…
I have asked to work part time as an engineer after the baby arrives. I asked for 3 months off and then 3 days per week for the next 7 months or so. I’m planning the days so that the time off will equal less than 6 months total so that I don’t have to push back my original PE exam date at all.
My employer has a Project Manager position open in the next two years and would like for me to be able to fill it. Which is really cool.
However, it looks like working part time may not allow me to perform the tasks to prepare for the Project Manager position. Also, it is not possible to be a Project Manager and work part time.
Fortunately my employer is willing to find tasks that will still use my skills and engineering knowledge without requiring full time work.
I’m still struggling a little with the decision between being there for our child versus advancement of my career.
Should we be blessed with more children this situation could continue for a few years.
Any experience to share or advice?"
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Young Workers: U Nd 2 Improve Ur Writing Skills
This is from a research study done on young professionals in Minnesota:
"A generation ago, employers were still lamenting the poor technical abilities of their entry-level workers. Well, that's not much of an issue anymore, thanks to the omnipresence of computers, cell phones and the Internet.
In a survey of 100 human resources executives, only 5 percent said that recent college graduates lacked computer or technology skills, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement firm.
The problem now is more basic. Nearly half the executives said that entry-level workers lacked writing skills, and 27 percent said that they were deficient in critical thinking.
It seems that some young employees are now guilty of the technological equivalent of wearing flip-flops: they are writing company e-mail as if they were texting cell phone messages with their thumbs.
In response, employers are sending a message of their own: When you're in the office, put on those dress shoes and start spelling your words correctly, and in full.
Survey Results
Human Resources executives were asked: "What skills do entry workers lack the most?"
Respondents could select more than one answer.
Written communications 45%
Critical thinking 27%
Other 27%
Workload time management 9%
Listening 5%
Computer/Technology 5%
Verbal Communication 0"
TBL: I love texting and being efficient in doing so, but we must make the transition to using proper writing in our professional emails!
"A generation ago, employers were still lamenting the poor technical abilities of their entry-level workers. Well, that's not much of an issue anymore, thanks to the omnipresence of computers, cell phones and the Internet.
In a survey of 100 human resources executives, only 5 percent said that recent college graduates lacked computer or technology skills, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement firm.
The problem now is more basic. Nearly half the executives said that entry-level workers lacked writing skills, and 27 percent said that they were deficient in critical thinking.
It seems that some young employees are now guilty of the technological equivalent of wearing flip-flops: they are writing company e-mail as if they were texting cell phone messages with their thumbs.
In response, employers are sending a message of their own: When you're in the office, put on those dress shoes and start spelling your words correctly, and in full.
Survey Results
Human Resources executives were asked: "What skills do entry workers lack the most?"
Respondents could select more than one answer.
Written communications 45%
Critical thinking 27%
Other 27%
Workload time management 9%
Listening 5%
Computer/Technology 5%
Verbal Communication 0"
TBL: I love texting and being efficient in doing so, but we must make the transition to using proper writing in our professional emails!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
A Match Made in Engineering (ICC that is)
Most of you came to ICC to start your engineering education. But a few came here to meet your life-mate. First came Rick and Crystal, today Sami and Josh got married, and now Teresa and Ryan are engaged! Whenever I can make it a former student's (in this case students'!) wedding, I do. It is a great experience to see you progress through this step in life and often your friends are my friends too! 5 of the people in today's wedding party were ICC Engineers...plus many more guests. Here are some pictures.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Help
Hi and Help!
I am teaching Intro to Engineering right now. Our students are having one of the best experiences we have ever had. We are working really hard to combine 1. exposure to engineering principles, 2. exposure to engineering through doing (like the canoe experience), 3. exposure to careers in engineering by touring (yesterday we went to Boston Scientific -- thanks Alisha and Kari), and 4. exposure to real engineers. This is where I need your help.
I would like to be able to walk into class each day and show a highlight of a former student who is now an engineer (and I mean engineer in the broadest sense...see my former blog about being an engineer!). Here is my request:
Please send me an email with the following information:
name:
high school:
years at comm college:
transfer university:
major and year of graduation:
list of different places you've worked:
current job description (a paragraph here would be helpful):
thing you like best about being an engineer:
favorite class in college:
piece of advice to first year engineering student:
and a picture (any picture will work...even none if you don't want)
THANK YOU... THANK YOU... THANK YOU!
I am teaching Intro to Engineering right now. Our students are having one of the best experiences we have ever had. We are working really hard to combine 1. exposure to engineering principles, 2. exposure to engineering through doing (like the canoe experience), 3. exposure to careers in engineering by touring (yesterday we went to Boston Scientific -- thanks Alisha and Kari), and 4. exposure to real engineers. This is where I need your help.
I would like to be able to walk into class each day and show a highlight of a former student who is now an engineer (and I mean engineer in the broadest sense...see my former blog about being an engineer!). Here is my request:
Please send me an email with the following information:
name:
high school:
years at comm college:
transfer university:
major and year of graduation:
list of different places you've worked:
current job description (a paragraph here would be helpful):
thing you like best about being an engineer:
favorite class in college:
piece of advice to first year engineering student:
and a picture (any picture will work...even none if you don't want)
THANK YOU... THANK YOU... THANK YOU!
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