CalOptima demonstrates public service at the very basic core in the mission and purpose of the organization. They are a company that serves the general (MediCal and Medicare) population of Orange County. The setting of Orange county is more suburban than urban, but is a large area that accounts for many cities north and south with 5 different languages spoken. Public service in my perspective is the ability to serve a community within any industry that is supported through the state or federal government. With that perspective CalOptima fits that description as they are fiscally as well as regulated by the state government per federal requirements to provide public healthcare to the specific population when requirements are met per the member.
I also believe that this internship has been one of the greatest experiences I can have as my planned degree is public service and public policy with a concentration in business. In interning with such a large public agency I have been able to gain real world experience in the operations of how public agencies work and support their community. This internship has confirmed that I would like a career that includes public service in any given field. I look forward to learning even more after I graduate!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
If I Could Change Myself
If there was anything I could change about myself there would be two traits I would change. More confidence and better concentration would be the most likely traits I would change about myself if given the chance. I have tried different tools and gone to different classes with the hopes that it would help, but the reality is that we all have flaws. I have more traits that I would like to change, but these two are the most important ones at this time that need to be develop.
As a young woman social media and expectations are extremely influential, but if you have the right amount of confidence those influences do not create such a large negative impact. Confidence applies to all areas of life, professional and personal, and supports the ability for a person to develop and gain the support of others. Currently I am confident in my professional life and a little bit in my personal life, but I believe there is room for improvement. Secondly I would like to have a better ability to concentrate. As a student concentration is key when taking a test as well as studying. When I am in a quiet room or all alone it is often very difficult to focus as I like to day to day dream, and that is often the reason why I study at places like Starbucks where there is a lot going on around me as I am able to focus. my plan to improve on these changes that I would like to see is to be more aware of when I am faulting on them and just practice on being the best person I can be for myself and others.
As a young woman social media and expectations are extremely influential, but if you have the right amount of confidence those influences do not create such a large negative impact. Confidence applies to all areas of life, professional and personal, and supports the ability for a person to develop and gain the support of others. Currently I am confident in my professional life and a little bit in my personal life, but I believe there is room for improvement. Secondly I would like to have a better ability to concentrate. As a student concentration is key when taking a test as well as studying. When I am in a quiet room or all alone it is often very difficult to focus as I like to day to day dream, and that is often the reason why I study at places like Starbucks where there is a lot going on around me as I am able to focus. my plan to improve on these changes that I would like to see is to be more aware of when I am faulting on them and just practice on being the best person I can be for myself and others.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Disney, Need I Say More?
Disney movies and Disneyland have been a constant in my life since I was a little girl. I am not a crazy fan in that I have not seen all of the movies, but I do know most of the princesses and I have been on all the rides at the amusement park. Growing up with such an influence has taught me to believe in myself and things one cannot see, to have faith. Happily-ever-afters are the stories of fairy-tales and are created to keep the innocence of the youth. Disney has created a world that fosters that innocence but also believe that anything you set your mind to is possible. This has been the greatest influence in my personal life in any goals I set for myself.
My favorite ride at Disneyland is Space Mountain. I am a thrill seeker, and as the ride is a roller-coaster it is a perfect fit. The ride is extremely fast and is set to great music that enhances the loops and turns creating the perfect ride for any thrill seeker. My favorite Disney movie is more current animated film, Finding Nemo. The story is a classic one of an over bearing parent learning to come to terms with his child going off to the real world and the dangerous adventures that occur causing him to loose his way but then make it home with the help of friends. It is a personal favorite as I love the ocean and the characters involved in developing a parent-child relationship. I also can not forget the character Dory, who although is forgetful creates a sense of comic relief and ability to accept those that are different and struggle in life.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
LEADERSHIP!
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.
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.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)