As I wrapped up my most recent semester of school taking a refresher course in web development and a week of interviews with a couple of software companies. After describing my skills and work experience to many recruiters, hiring managers and employees of the companies. It made me take a step back and ponder why people, in general, think having technical ability as it relates to computers and various software applications is so hard? Why is this such a difficult thing for people to grasp or obtain to complete their "tool kits"? For me I think it's simple and it boils down to two basic facts; 1. People are either not interested or 2. not motivated to commit something to their memory.
As you dissect a person's "technical aptitude" (me in this case), all it is really, is their ability to apply knowledge they've learned about a particular subject matter. For me it's how I learn and apply what I've learned in the areas of computers and software applications; with others it could be chemistry, medicine, criminal justice, etc. So does this mean "rocket science" isn't rocket science? No, but it does mean that someone could learn about and apply the knowledge related to rocket science and sound like an expert without ever conducting an experiment. Think about it; all our lives we learn and apply what we've learned and with the resources available to us we shouldn't ask so many questions; or should we?
Well, I wouldn't say we should ask questions because that's what makes us grow; but I would say be proactive in "quenching" your thirst for knowledge. There a far too many solid resources out there for people to not search first, then ask an even more educated question. Just a thought from a guy who thrives himself on only asking a question once when it relates to learning new things, namely technology. So why did I decide to post this you may ask yourself; it's a ramble about learning or the ability to learn, why should I care? It's simple since I've been on the hunt for a new gig I've had the opportunity to speak with many recruiters and hiring managers and have answered many different types of questions that are commonly asked during interviews.
The one question that was asked that really provoked this whole blog post was probably the best question I've had the opportunity to answer during an interview in a really long time. Basically I was asked "if there was one thing that I'd want someone to remember about me from an interview, what would it be?" I know awesome question, so I took a minute took a step back and said, "while I have a diverse background and various valuable skills, I would say I think I'd want you to remember that I have a strong aptitude for learning new things and applying them. Whether it's technology or services a particular company offers; I have a knack for learning what's and who's so that I can be effective and contribute to the main goal of making that company a success."
I thought this was the best answer because it's true that what I feel my best attribute is and in honesty if you ever get a chance to visit my LinkedIn profile where I've been fortunate enough to have colleagues contribute recommendations to my profile. In just about every recommendation is commentary that speaks to my learning aptitiude; things like being able to "pick things up quickly and apply them" or "Geophrey has the ability to understand the client's needs and propose the right solution". Okay I'm done with all of that talk about myself but the point I'm trying to make is all that I've done is taking the ability to learn and made useful to me in my career.
In closing this was just something that hit me as I looked back on my week of closing out a semester and a series of interviews. Next time you have a question or get asked a question answer but also encourage that person to learn more if it makes sense. Like they say, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
-GG
April 06, 2009
March 27, 2009
Fiscal Responsibility
Let's chat a minute about this; on the eve of probably another article, news report, or panel discussion about a failing financial services company asking for more money, let's ask ourselves am I and my employer being fiscally responsible?
Being that I was recently invited to a "corporate-sponsored" vacation this is a bit of a subject I'm familiar. Since I'm such a "class act" as one of my colleagues put it; this won't be a platform to whine and gripe about any potential irresponsibility that happened to me. But rather focus on the things that employers may be (or should be) discussing and what employees should want to know (if given a chance to ask).
A Little Housekeeping
Before we talk about specifics and let's bring it up a level for those who may not be super-familiar with how companies and organizations operate. There are two types of companies public and private; public companies are traded and some of us own shares (a percentage ownership stakeholder) in them through our retirement plans. These types of companies are bound by law to disclose just about everything that has to do with their financial standings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Anyone can access these public filings through the SEC's site, so employees do take a look at these to see what's going on if your company doesn't hold quarterly meetings. Private companies are just about the exact opposite; they answer to themselves and their financial investors which could be just about anybody with a checkbook.
In either case companies exist to provide services to their clients but in providing those services also have to make commitments on hitting various goals for their investors. By hitting the goals the investors keep investing and make a profit and everyone is happy; failing on the goals is effectively the exact opposite. Lastly, company health is often measured in terms that we use in everyday life but for other things. Here's a couple and their meanings: "churn", this usually refers to the company's ability to manage existing clients and retain and grow those relationships, "burn" or "run" rate, this refers to the expense to operate the company and do business with new and existing clients.
Why is this business 101 lesson so important?
It's simple, you are now equipped to read your company's health meter and really understand if it's "good times" or to be prepared for cost cutting measures. And by cost cutting measures I don't mean the coffee maker and water bubblers in the kitchen. Depending on the company you work for they may have different practices. In software companies which is my industry, they tend to look at research and development which is one of their most expensive operations then other departments like sales, marketing, and IT. Again this is in MY experience and not a traditional "fact" but tends to be par for the course I play on.
So if you are in these areas of practice it's simple; keep your head on a swivel, bust your hump, and try your best to be part of the solution and not the problem. If you are a salesperson and struggling this quarter don't be the person at the meeting asking questions about company "churn and burn". This raises an even bigger point about questions. Do ask your questions but people be willing to help fix it. For example, "What's our churn rate and how can I help sustain or improve it?" is much better than "What's our churn rate and do I need to start looking for a new job". Again my advice and you don't have to follow it but seems to be a smart suggestion to me.
Tying it all together
So as we wrap up on this ramble let's remember the reason why we find out these bits of information about our employers is so we too can assess and manage our OWN fiscal responsibility. If the company is cutting back, you should too. Be prepared and save as much as you can so in the event that you are laid off you don't have to worry about making the mortgage or rent in the coming months. I know it's tough, my wife will tell you I'm a spender, but luckily for me I married a hermit so while I'm currently in search of my next venture the lights will stay on.
In closing you noticed I didn't make mention or give examples of irresponsibility but simply the tools to decide for yourself. If a company is doing poorly with things like "churn" and "burn" but still hiring like crazy; buying odd stuff like foosball tables, free snacks like cookies'ncake'njunk'nstuff, then chances are you should know after reading this post its not good and should be looking for a new gig.
As a sidebar a little light read for those of us watching this debacle that is the "bailout"
See Article By PETER EDMONSTON March 20, 2009
http://tinyurl.com/cln6qm
-GG
Being that I was recently invited to a "corporate-sponsored" vacation this is a bit of a subject I'm familiar. Since I'm such a "class act" as one of my colleagues put it; this won't be a platform to whine and gripe about any potential irresponsibility that happened to me. But rather focus on the things that employers may be (or should be) discussing and what employees should want to know (if given a chance to ask).
A Little Housekeeping
Before we talk about specifics and let's bring it up a level for those who may not be super-familiar with how companies and organizations operate. There are two types of companies public and private; public companies are traded and some of us own shares (a percentage ownership stakeholder) in them through our retirement plans. These types of companies are bound by law to disclose just about everything that has to do with their financial standings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Anyone can access these public filings through the SEC's site, so employees do take a look at these to see what's going on if your company doesn't hold quarterly meetings. Private companies are just about the exact opposite; they answer to themselves and their financial investors which could be just about anybody with a checkbook.
In either case companies exist to provide services to their clients but in providing those services also have to make commitments on hitting various goals for their investors. By hitting the goals the investors keep investing and make a profit and everyone is happy; failing on the goals is effectively the exact opposite. Lastly, company health is often measured in terms that we use in everyday life but for other things. Here's a couple and their meanings: "churn", this usually refers to the company's ability to manage existing clients and retain and grow those relationships, "burn" or "run" rate, this refers to the expense to operate the company and do business with new and existing clients.
Why is this business 101 lesson so important?
It's simple, you are now equipped to read your company's health meter and really understand if it's "good times" or to be prepared for cost cutting measures. And by cost cutting measures I don't mean the coffee maker and water bubblers in the kitchen. Depending on the company you work for they may have different practices. In software companies which is my industry, they tend to look at research and development which is one of their most expensive operations then other departments like sales, marketing, and IT. Again this is in MY experience and not a traditional "fact" but tends to be par for the course I play on.
So if you are in these areas of practice it's simple; keep your head on a swivel, bust your hump, and try your best to be part of the solution and not the problem. If you are a salesperson and struggling this quarter don't be the person at the meeting asking questions about company "churn and burn". This raises an even bigger point about questions. Do ask your questions but people be willing to help fix it. For example, "What's our churn rate and how can I help sustain or improve it?" is much better than "What's our churn rate and do I need to start looking for a new job". Again my advice and you don't have to follow it but seems to be a smart suggestion to me.
Tying it all together
So as we wrap up on this ramble let's remember the reason why we find out these bits of information about our employers is so we too can assess and manage our OWN fiscal responsibility. If the company is cutting back, you should too. Be prepared and save as much as you can so in the event that you are laid off you don't have to worry about making the mortgage or rent in the coming months. I know it's tough, my wife will tell you I'm a spender, but luckily for me I married a hermit so while I'm currently in search of my next venture the lights will stay on.
In closing you noticed I didn't make mention or give examples of irresponsibility but simply the tools to decide for yourself. If a company is doing poorly with things like "churn" and "burn" but still hiring like crazy; buying odd stuff like foosball tables, free snacks like cookies'ncake'njunk'nstuff, then chances are you should know after reading this post its not good and should be looking for a new gig.
As a sidebar a little light read for those of us watching this debacle that is the "bailout"
See Article By PETER EDMONSTON March 20, 2009
http://tinyurl.com/cln6qm
-GG
March 24, 2009
First Time OUT, keep with me and we'll get it!
Hey Everyone,
After several years of accruing bits of knowledge during my nearly 10 yrs in software I need some therapy. What better way to treat myself then to post it here for your enjoyment; comeback soon we got some stuff that may be of interest to you!
A question was asked if this was to treat me or readers. My hope is we all get a lil something out of what is shared.
After several years of accruing bits of knowledge during my nearly 10 yrs in software I need some therapy. What better way to treat myself then to post it here for your enjoyment; comeback soon we got some stuff that may be of interest to you!
A question was asked if this was to treat me or readers. My hope is we all get a lil something out of what is shared.
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