Leadership plays a large role in my internship as I am learning about different leadership styles as well as the capabilities that come with that position. I have an immediate supervisor that I communicate with daily and support as well as the director and managers of the split style department. The leadership styles are very different between the three I report to and support. My immediate supervisor has the leadership style of being laid back and creating tasks for me that allow me to use my creativity as well as develop my independent judgment. We meet weekly to go over my current tasks and any questions that I might have that are important to the internship.
One of the managers I support that my supervisor reports to has a leadership style of micromanaging. I believe this is due to her previous position at her previous place of work as she did not have anyone reporting to her and often had to complete the work herself. It has been a struggle learning how to work with a micromanager, but a good lesson to learn when working in the real world with different types of leadership. The last style of leadership that I work with is the director of department. She is often out of town, attending workshops or meetings required by the state, creating a leadership style that relies of communication via email and phone when needed.
In my current position I am able to display leadership by taking charge of certain tasks as well as being involved with business related programs at lunch that support professional development. Many of my co-workers and superiors display their leadership skills in the staff meetings explaining current status on tasks as well as any future projects.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
Future Plans
Where do I see myself in 5 years? Well there are two areas of my life that I think will have changed since I was in college. The first being my professional life and the second being my personal life. I have the motto and belief that events in life happen for a reason and it is important that they happen. I am hoping with the support of my family and educational status that I will lead a healthy and happy lifestyle!
In my professional life I see myself in 5 years holding a management position within a stable and established company. From previous research it is very likely that I will be working in the public sector, but where in the sector I work is still being decided. As long as I am serving others and making the world a better place for everyone than I believe I will be accomplishing my career goals. In addition I am hopeful that my future career will support furthering my education by paying for a Master's degree as they are often very expensive and time consuming. With such support within the company, I look forward to a position that will support my personal life as well.
A family, a comfortable sized house and a dog is where I see myself in my personal life 5 years from now. I am hoping that my career will be able to support the lifestyle I see for myself, or at least have the additional support of my significant other. I currently enjoy the finer items in life and I would like to keep that for my future. I would also predict that in 5 year I would be almost finished paying off my students loans and saving for my future children's college funds as I know how expensive college has been and would like to give them the same opportunity I have been given by my grandparents. Although this might not seem much for what I see for myself in 5 years, it is just the start and I believe it can only get better from there.
In my professional life I see myself in 5 years holding a management position within a stable and established company. From previous research it is very likely that I will be working in the public sector, but where in the sector I work is still being decided. As long as I am serving others and making the world a better place for everyone than I believe I will be accomplishing my career goals. In addition I am hopeful that my future career will support furthering my education by paying for a Master's degree as they are often very expensive and time consuming. With such support within the company, I look forward to a position that will support my personal life as well.
A family, a comfortable sized house and a dog is where I see myself in my personal life 5 years from now. I am hoping that my career will be able to support the lifestyle I see for myself, or at least have the additional support of my significant other. I currently enjoy the finer items in life and I would like to keep that for my future. I would also predict that in 5 year I would be almost finished paying off my students loans and saving for my future children's college funds as I know how expensive college has been and would like to give them the same opportunity I have been given by my grandparents. Although this might not seem much for what I see for myself in 5 years, it is just the start and I believe it can only get better from there.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Interview with my Supervisor
On my first day of the internship I learned that the management of the department would be changing within that week, so my supervisor and I were taking on new roles at the same time. This opportunity created a great collaborative experience in we used each other to determine the best plan of action. Her responsibilities of course were much more important and intense than mine, but it was still an opportunity to learn about the different levels within a career. As the supervisor of Health Education at CalOptima, she was in charge of ensuring that members were receiving the proper education and responses to their request. In addition she supported the department in developing educational programs and events for both members and office personnel to stay in order with compliance regulations. Providing quality healthcare education and opportunities is her passion and it can be seen in her work today.
The role of supervisor for the department is not an easy role and requires hard work and patience. Her previous position was a senior health educator, interacting with members providing services and education per request. Now she has less member interaction but knows that her job is not any less impactful to the members. Along with experience a Master's in Public Health supports her current position. Now it is not required but it is certainly an added bonus and often can be accomplished with the support of a government organization or successful company. An important piece of advice she passed on was to remember that we are here to help others and not to judge. We live in a society that views disabilities in a negative light and in reality it is what makes us all different. From this piece of advice I am extremely interested in a career that is in the field of healthcare for the sole purpose of being able to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
The role of supervisor for the department is not an easy role and requires hard work and patience. Her previous position was a senior health educator, interacting with members providing services and education per request. Now she has less member interaction but knows that her job is not any less impactful to the members. Along with experience a Master's in Public Health supports her current position. Now it is not required but it is certainly an added bonus and often can be accomplished with the support of a government organization or successful company. An important piece of advice she passed on was to remember that we are here to help others and not to judge. We live in a society that views disabilities in a negative light and in reality it is what makes us all different. From this piece of advice I am extremely interested in a career that is in the field of healthcare for the sole purpose of being able to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Career Services Event USAJOBS webinar
Currently I am sitting in on the Federal Jobs webinar for the website USAJOBS. It is a great resource for those in the public sector looking for other internships as well as positions. The website is so large which can be scary when first looking at it but the webinar helps navigate and understand the steps to find the position you are looking for. There were a lot of questions due to the high involvement from other universities, but that only made the experience better. Specific to internships make sure to check out Pathways.
The first part was to understand what you are looking at and how to determine if you are able to apply to the position in the first place. It is well known that working for the federal government does not always pay the best but an interesting fact that I learned was that many agencies they can increase your pay due to locale, but all under the specific level allowances. All of this can be defined or searched for in any specific positions. The next section was how to read a job announcement in that there are often too many applications to jobs that people do not qualify for in order to work. Touching back on the levels (GS) many announcements also have specific level requirements.
A great question that was asked was do you have to have the degree before you able to the job? The answer was not, but that they could be looking for someone who already has the degree, but make sure you have it by the time you start the job. Specially agencies have different hiring times so make sure you contact the agency to determine when best to apply.
Federal Resume Quick View and Applications
Important details that are specific
Applications
The first part was to understand what you are looking at and how to determine if you are able to apply to the position in the first place. It is well known that working for the federal government does not always pay the best but an interesting fact that I learned was that many agencies they can increase your pay due to locale, but all under the specific level allowances. All of this can be defined or searched for in any specific positions. The next section was how to read a job announcement in that there are often too many applications to jobs that people do not qualify for in order to work. Touching back on the levels (GS) many announcements also have specific level requirements.
A great question that was asked was do you have to have the degree before you able to the job? The answer was not, but that they could be looking for someone who already has the degree, but make sure you have it by the time you start the job. Specially agencies have different hiring times so make sure you contact the agency to determine when best to apply.
Federal Resume Quick View and Applications
Important details that are specific
- Length- Needs to be longer
- Level Detail- include coursework
- Required information
Applications
- Length- 15 to 100 Questions that can vary in type to determine your level experience in different areas
- Additional information is always important.
- Cover Letters may not be required, but can often be important
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Adventure of a lifetime!
Not a day goes by where I do not think about my trip to Europe with my Girl Scout sisters. London to Paris to Florence to Rome, what an adventure at such a young age. This trip started about 10 years earlier to the trip. Girl Scouts is an a great organization that supports the development of young girls and their skills. I would not be the same person it if was not for Girl Scouts, but back to the trip. So 10 years prior to the trip we made an agreement that if we stayed together and graduated high school we would save our earned money from product sales and go to Paris. As years progressed we added and dropped girls from our group going back to the original five at the very end and all being best friends. Within the 10 years we went back and forth on going to Paris, but when the time came we found the Educational Tour foundation and they had a special program just for Girl Scouts. Three days in London, visiting many landmarks but also one of the Girl Guides of the World Centers known as PAX Lodge. A peace lodge meant for any Girl to stay at while traveling and exploring the local surroundings. I am one of many girls who have visited but it was truly a privilege to say that I have been. If there would be any place that I would visit that I have already been to it would be London.
The next leg of the trip was Paris. Two years earlier I had been to Paris with my grandparents, so I was often the translator (I speak conversational French) and tour guide. It is not to say that specific leg of my trip was bad, but more that it was just a new experience. There was one night that did not go as planned and turned into an adventure that allowed us to explore the area without a tour guide. Paris to me has endless abilities to explore but is another center of the world that supports diversity. At the Eiffel tour it is clear why it is a wonder of the world to so many. Paris will always have a special place in my heart.
Italy was the last leg of the trip four our group, but not the end of us forever. As many of were going off to different states to attend college the time spent in Italy brought us even closer together. We started on the overnight train from Paris to Florence and that was an interesting ride as many of us did not sleep. Once in Florence we received a tour of a ceramic and leather sellers that make their products and sell them only locally. The last day of activities in Italy was spent in Rome at the Vatican. I left speechless as well as educated about art and religion and without a single taste of gelato! I hope that one day you are able to have an adventure similar to mine and learn about the world outside of a book.
The next leg of the trip was Paris. Two years earlier I had been to Paris with my grandparents, so I was often the translator (I speak conversational French) and tour guide. It is not to say that specific leg of my trip was bad, but more that it was just a new experience. There was one night that did not go as planned and turned into an adventure that allowed us to explore the area without a tour guide. Paris to me has endless abilities to explore but is another center of the world that supports diversity. At the Eiffel tour it is clear why it is a wonder of the world to so many. Paris will always have a special place in my heart.
Italy was the last leg of the trip four our group, but not the end of us forever. As many of were going off to different states to attend college the time spent in Italy brought us even closer together. We started on the overnight train from Paris to Florence and that was an interesting ride as many of us did not sleep. Once in Florence we received a tour of a ceramic and leather sellers that make their products and sell them only locally. The last day of activities in Italy was spent in Rome at the Vatican. I left speechless as well as educated about art and religion and without a single taste of gelato! I hope that one day you are able to have an adventure similar to mine and learn about the world outside of a book.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Career Services Advising Meeting Outcome
So on August 27, 2015 I went to the career services center and meet with a career services advisor. Going in I thought well she is going to tell me information that has been drilled into my brain since high school. The reality was much different. I did go in with a plan of asking what careers and job titles support a skill of detailed scheduling but that are within the public service industry as I want a career where I serve others. She did ask me a number of questions regarding my previous work history and what type of tasks I enjoyed at those positions. It was clear then that I was going to receive more from this meeting than I expected. With that we discussed future educational options as well as different types of career paths I could explore.
In regards to my education we discussed considering going to law school and working for the government within the background of law. My concern was that I was starting so late as well as the amount of school still left to do, and with that she suggested a Master's in legal studies at Arizona State University. I have never heard of the program or the degree but after further research it would be a considerable option for an extra year as well as a concurrent degree. The other option would be to attempt to earn my Master's in Public Policy at University of California, Irvine. Either option would require more consideration as well as another appointment to make sure it was even an option. With all of these different possibilities it is important that I still consider current work status. Internships would support my degree as well create a more real world experience to the specific job title I am seeking.
I was surprised at the outcome and I have a lot to research as well as consider for my future. I do plan on scheduling another appointment soon to practice my interview skills as well look over my resume and current career opportunities!
In regards to my education we discussed considering going to law school and working for the government within the background of law. My concern was that I was starting so late as well as the amount of school still left to do, and with that she suggested a Master's in legal studies at Arizona State University. I have never heard of the program or the degree but after further research it would be a considerable option for an extra year as well as a concurrent degree. The other option would be to attempt to earn my Master's in Public Policy at University of California, Irvine. Either option would require more consideration as well as another appointment to make sure it was even an option. With all of these different possibilities it is important that I still consider current work status. Internships would support my degree as well create a more real world experience to the specific job title I am seeking.
I was surprised at the outcome and I have a lot to research as well as consider for my future. I do plan on scheduling another appointment soon to practice my interview skills as well look over my resume and current career opportunities!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Snickers.
Snickers, period. Many think of a cookie or candy whereas I think of my best friend. Snickers is the name of my dog and my life changed forever the day I saw him in the pet store window. Before Snickers I was terrified of dogs due to a traumatic experience I had as a child with large dogs and animals in Texas. Since the experience I would avoid going to places or making friends where there would be dogs. It created a number of issues and I often missed out on a number of opportunities that I now regret. But I have the belief that events in life happen for a specific reason, and that reason was for Snickers to come and change my life forever.
My mother found Snickers at the local mall in a pet store window. She had not been much of a pet person but it was clear that from the moment they caught eyes they were hooked and that Snickers would come home with us that day. We went over a few names, but the only one that seemed to stick was Snickerdoodle, Snickers for short. His name fitted him even better when he would jump to sit at the table with us for dinner. He was clearly a member of our family from the start. When he turned 2 years old we had a scare in which we almost lost him forever. Due to his eating habits and breed (Puggle- Pug/Beagle) he suffers from Diabetes Type 2. For dogs this is a serious condition that is often difficult to manage when not caught early. Thankfully my parents and I learned how to probably care for him for the rest of his hopefully long life. I miss him everyday and try to Skype as much as possible but I will see him soon enough and he knows that I love him. It is true what they say. Dog is man's best friend.
My mother found Snickers at the local mall in a pet store window. She had not been much of a pet person but it was clear that from the moment they caught eyes they were hooked and that Snickers would come home with us that day. We went over a few names, but the only one that seemed to stick was Snickerdoodle, Snickers for short. His name fitted him even better when he would jump to sit at the table with us for dinner. He was clearly a member of our family from the start. When he turned 2 years old we had a scare in which we almost lost him forever. Due to his eating habits and breed (Puggle- Pug/Beagle) he suffers from Diabetes Type 2. For dogs this is a serious condition that is often difficult to manage when not caught early. Thankfully my parents and I learned how to probably care for him for the rest of his hopefully long life. I miss him everyday and try to Skype as much as possible but I will see him soon enough and he knows that I love him. It is true what they say. Dog is man's best friend.
Sports
One look at me and you would probably not think this girl likes sports, but you would be wrong. Now I am a die-hard sports fan, but I do enjoy a good game and time at a sports event and stadium. Football, Hockey, and Baseball are the top three sports I like to watch on television or in person. I have never played sports in my life and often was too busy to watch the games. That all changed when I went to college and had the time to explore my options and the teams.
I went to my first football game my freshman year of college and although we lost the game, it was the excitement of the crowd and the passion for a team that pushed my interest to learn more. From that day on I was going to be a fan of football. Living in Washington it was almost a death sentence if you were not a Seattle Seahawks fan, and although I was a home team- San Diego Chargers fan- I still supported the Seahawks when they went to the Superbowl both years in a row. Although I may not know a lot about the rules and positions on the field, it is the passion of the players and their supporters that have made me a fan.
Hockey and Baseball are on my list due to my hometown and the popularity of the sport within my area. The Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Kings are the two other sports teams that I follow when I can. Hockey and Baseball are often during the school season so it becomes difficult to watch the games not to mention it is always better to see them in person and college budgets do not allow for that luxury. I do plan in the future seeing more sports games in all of my favorite sports for my favorite teams!
I went to my first football game my freshman year of college and although we lost the game, it was the excitement of the crowd and the passion for a team that pushed my interest to learn more. From that day on I was going to be a fan of football. Living in Washington it was almost a death sentence if you were not a Seattle Seahawks fan, and although I was a home team- San Diego Chargers fan- I still supported the Seahawks when they went to the Superbowl both years in a row. Although I may not know a lot about the rules and positions on the field, it is the passion of the players and their supporters that have made me a fan.
Hockey and Baseball are on my list due to my hometown and the popularity of the sport within my area. The Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Kings are the two other sports teams that I follow when I can. Hockey and Baseball are often during the school season so it becomes difficult to watch the games not to mention it is always better to see them in person and college budgets do not allow for that luxury. I do plan in the future seeing more sports games in all of my favorite sports for my favorite teams!
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