Interviews and dislikes

After reading the article I am actually jealous of the people who have been through interviews like that. I've always thought the traditional interview process was too rigid and formal. I've also always thought that I am successful in interviews because I can present myself well, rather than being successful because of my skills and abilities. So, a creative process such as the one about playground equipment makes sense. It takes a psychological perspective to interviewing in combination to the face to face perspective.

I, however, do not agree that in all jobs everyone should get along. In creative environments, I've found even in school, people tend to do better when they have someone to compete with. Most of the time a person is not threatened competitively by someone they like. Yes, liking some people is important, but it is human nature to dislike some people. In the situations where it really matters, the dislike is generated from an inner jealousy of their abilities over yours. Annoying people, I do not believe, are a great downfall in the professional world because everyone has had to deal with "that guy" that no one likes their entire lives. This can be overcome by ignoring the problem. Strong dislikes generate competition.

Dual Coding Theory

When thinking about dual coding theory, the most prevalent examples I could come up with all included alcohol ads. One might think of Corona ads, where the beer is associated with the beach and therefore its refreshing taste. I've noticed that many organizations use sexual appeal to sell their product, whether it be targeted to men or women. Those generally targeted to men (Budweiser, Miller, Captain Morgan, etc.) tend to have a more illustrious look, while those to be marketed more toward women I feel have a more elegant look. The ad on the right is for Bailey's Irish Cream, and I think this is targeted to either sex but using the lust and attraction to associate the smooth elegance of the product. Using sex to sell is probably one of the most extreme ways to use dual coding theory, but seeing it that way makes it easier to understand the topic, I think.

Groupwork

I have had a lot of experience with groupwork in my major, so I've learned a lot about how to work out problems. Miscommunications happen inevitably in every group. You just have to work around them and not be afraid to do a little extra to make up for others when they do the wrong thing. You also have to know it is not always their fault, and there was a miscommunication of ideas. The only way to prevent this is to have someone manage all work while it is being done. Unfortunately, in a college environment, schedules just do not line up in a way that everyone can work at the exact same time. So, some precautions for time can be made to make sure that, although miscommunications happen, they are able to be fixed.

My group is very good about being punctual with their work. It makes it easy to spot mistakes quickly, so that the individual that made them can fix them rather than the person who spots them. Plus, my group is good about not letting criticism about mistakes bother them. If that were a problem one person would end up having to do all of the work, and that just does not happen in our group.

Honestly, I am worried about Phase 2. I am skeptical about how this many people all working on the same project will work out. I am confident in my group's ability to try to get the work done. However, I am worried about their technical ability toward creating a Web site. I know I have some experience and can learn these type of things quickly, but I do not know how the others in the group will fair. I suppose we will see.

Interview Reflection

On Monday, I had my mock interview with Angie. I feel that personal interviews are one thing that I have always been good at, so I was confident going into the interview. I think that calmed my nerves and only allowed me to think better for better answers.

The interview went as normal as most job interviews I've had in the past went. I was pleased with the interview actually because it makes me more confident that I can do well in a real interview for my career in the future.

The biggest surprise of the interview was the depth of the questions asked by Angie. I have to say I was very impressed that she actually seemed to have done some research on the job. This was good because it made the mock interview more realistic and makes me feel even better about future real ones.

Chicago

Last week I went to Chicago with architecture. It was kind of a combo trip in that it was half supposed to be for school and half supposed to be for fun.

It started off rocky, though, because they cancelled our flight that was supposed to take off at 7:30 AM. They didn't have any other flights to put us on until 2:30 PM. So, we were at the airport too many hours early and had no choice but to wait there all day. We convinced them to put us on standby on a 1:00 PM flight. Luckily, the last two seats on the plane were still available, so we got to leave a little early.

However, once we got there it was tons of fun. I ate LOTS of pizza. There was this one place that made pizza pot pie. It was one of the most delicious things I've ever had. Part of the trip was spent doing tours of the notable architecture around (Unity Temple, IIT, Frank Lloyd Wright's home/studio, etc.). The other part of the trip was like being a kid again. I went to Navy Pier and rode the ferris wheel, went to see Transformers in IMAX, and went to the zoo, the aquarium, and the natural history museum. One of the coolest things I did was get cocktails on the 96th floor of the John Hancock tower.

Overall, I had a great time. To be honest, though, I like New York a little better than Chicago. I didn't like that Chicago was such a cab city. Other than that though, it was awesome.

Hip Hop

I wanted to write about Gerald's presentation on the development of hip-hop because it stuck in my mind a bit. I've always been interested in history of modern music styles including hip-hop, punk rock, grunge rock, and metal. His power-point was made well, and I liked looking at all of the images he put up to go with the information.

What I liked most about Gerald's presentation was the personal flavor he put on it. He gave us his opinion on the genre today and in the past. Also, letting us read his personal lyrics and hearing his own rhyme was real cool, especially since I know him to be a somewhat private person.

21st Birthday

Given the chance to write a blog about anything this week, I wanted to write about something especially special that happened for me this weekend. I turned 21.

Friday was absolute and utter madness. Downtown Clemson was filled with alumni and students alike, and there was no way I could prepare for the night my friends had in store for me. As soon as I walk in to 356 for the first time as a 21 year old I was greeted not with happy birthday wishes...but greeted with shots. I suppose that is the happy birthday wish for a new 21 year old...the alcohol which welcomes them into American adulthood and beverage legality. Needless to say the 35 or so of my friends that showed up throughout the night had a hay day ensuring that it would be a night for me to remember...or not.

Growing up I only had two real birthday parties. Real exciting right? Well, that is okay with me because I think it made this birthday stand out even more. Not only was I given a plethora of drinks without ever spending a dime, but I also was given two cakes (one cookie cake and one yellow cake...my favorites). I will be getting fat on those for the rest of the week, and I assure you that I will thoroughly enjoy it.

I think the only thing funnier than the pictures I have seen from the night is the fact that Bob was unable to recover the day after my birthday, and I, who was definitely in rare form that night, woke up feeling wonderful, completely lacking a hangover.

Perhaps this is not the most professional of topics, but I thought someone might enjoy it. I wish I could turn 21 all over again next year.