I can't tell you how excited I am to see ASU take on Utah this Saturday. It'll be a tough match up as Utah is ranked 18th in the nation. If you thought Washington's defensive line was tough, Utah is right up there and ranks 1st in the PAC-12 in sacks. It may end up being a close game, but ASU is ranked higher (15) and this will be a home game. The outcome of this game will definitely be reliant on Taylor Kelly becoming more comfortable and consistent with the offense. Taylor Kelly looked so uncomfortable out there, you would have thought that was his first start...ever. I have nothing against him because I was heartbroken when he got hurt early on in the season, but Bercovici has the hot hand as of late and many people wanted to see him be put into the game. ASU prevailed and ended up winning anyways, but I don't think it was convincing enough as a win which is why they dropped to #15.
With that being said, ASU can put themselves on the road to a prime playoff position if they can beat Utah this weekend. A win against Utah would move them forward at least one spot (14), if not two (13). The real test will come against Notre Dame on November 8th. They're currently ranked 6th in the nation and will probably hold that ranking as they face Navy this Saturday. ASU faced Notre Dame in a close battle last year at a "neutral" site and lost. This time, the game will take place at Sun Devil stadium. The home field advantage will be helpful because the Sun Devil defense will be dealing with Heisman Candidate Everett Golson.
If ASU can manage to beat Notre Dame, they will most likely be ranked within the top 10. The University of Arizona will be the only ranked team left on the schedule granted that they don't lose any more games. It feels weird to root for them, but if they hold their ranking or improve, it'll be more for the Sun Devils to potentially gain when they face off November 28th. At this point, ASU could make it to the top 4 and get a legitimate shot at competing for a national championship. I know it seems like a long shot to run the table against some of these teams, but it is absolutely possible.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Preparing for post-college life
I usually don't post anything too personal here, but I'm curious to get some feedback this time around. As the weeks pass, graduation becomes closer and closer. At school, work, and everywhere else I commonly am asked, "What are you going to do after you graduate?" I never really know what to say or how I should answer the question because I honestly don't know. I'm not a very good liar, so when people ask I usually have an initial hesitation before I answer. It's easier to come up with answers at work because I could say something very general or vague and people would figure I'm talking about something legitimate. Family members are always harder to get around because they always like to get the scoop so it's a little harder to wiggle around those answers.
I originally was studying for business administration at the community college level and I had to switch to something else when I transferred so I landed on Public Service and Public Policy. I have nothing against my major, but I'm trying to figure out the kind of career field I would love to work in. I thought I would have it all sorted out by now, but I feel as undecided as I was a year ago. It just feels difficult because I've been working so long to get a degree, I don't want to pick something I don't like and end up being stuck. I want to be able to actually love what I do and enjoy the work week rather than absolutely dread it.
I'll be leaving my current job soon and start the job hunt process. I'll have some time to figure out what people with my degree can do or have done so that I can get a better idea of where to go first. I'll definitely have to see what's generally out there or inquire to friends and family members to see if there are any good positions they can get me into. Have any of you ever had or are currently going through this experience? What do you think?
I originally was studying for business administration at the community college level and I had to switch to something else when I transferred so I landed on Public Service and Public Policy. I have nothing against my major, but I'm trying to figure out the kind of career field I would love to work in. I thought I would have it all sorted out by now, but I feel as undecided as I was a year ago. It just feels difficult because I've been working so long to get a degree, I don't want to pick something I don't like and end up being stuck. I want to be able to actually love what I do and enjoy the work week rather than absolutely dread it.
I'll be leaving my current job soon and start the job hunt process. I'll have some time to figure out what people with my degree can do or have done so that I can get a better idea of where to go first. I'll definitely have to see what's generally out there or inquire to friends and family members to see if there are any good positions they can get me into. Have any of you ever had or are currently going through this experience? What do you think?
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Leadership
To be honest, leadership doesn't really play a role in my internship. From my position, I'm mostly taking care of tasks that my supervisor asks me to do and other miscellaneous things. I've had to reach out to people and have them come out and speak at our meetings. It doesn't feel like leadership, but I had to take the initiative to try and get certain people to speak at our meetings. I'm not able to demonstrate any leadership skills from where I stand because I don't work with anyone else or have followers to influence. Although I'm not really utilizing my leadership skills in the office, I'm still constantly learning how to be a good leader from my current coursework and previous texts.
However, I will say that preparing the bi-weekly meetings may somewhat utilize my leadership skills, but it's hard to explain. I schedule the speakers for the meetings, I make sure I know what they're going to be speaking about so that members of the Chamber of Commerce can be informed, and I introduce the speakers at the meetings. My supervisor is the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce so she manages every department in the office. She's the face of the Chamber and works hard to expand the client base and get businesses to register at the Chamber. There are also department heads in the various offices that have a specific responsibility. There's a head of accounting, marketing, and sales.
However, I will say that preparing the bi-weekly meetings may somewhat utilize my leadership skills, but it's hard to explain. I schedule the speakers for the meetings, I make sure I know what they're going to be speaking about so that members of the Chamber of Commerce can be informed, and I introduce the speakers at the meetings. My supervisor is the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce so she manages every department in the office. She's the face of the Chamber and works hard to expand the client base and get businesses to register at the Chamber. There are also department heads in the various offices that have a specific responsibility. There's a head of accounting, marketing, and sales.
The College Experience
I'm currently in the middle of my last semester at ASU and I'm a little torn on how I feel about it. As graduation approaches, people have been asking me how I feel and I'm never quite sure what to say. The feeling hasn't hit me yet and I think it's because I've really enjoyed my experience at ASU. From the second I became an official student of the school last summer, I was extremely excited to begin my life as a Sun Devil. The atmosphere and the school spirit had me more excited than I'd ever been to attend classes. I also decided to move to Tempe last September and I can't tell you how great it's been ever since.
Previously, I was taking classes at Glendale Community College for over 4 years. I originally only meant to be there two years and then transfer, but then life happened and things went a little differently, as I'm sure some of you can relate. Attending a community college seemed exciting at first because college was so new, but after a while I began to dislike it because it was a constant reminder of how I hadn't moved on yet. I had some great professors and met some cool people along the way. Community college is a great and very affordable place to start, but I personally wish I could have started at ASU when I was fresh out of high school.
Being an ASU student has been exciting for many reasons, as I'm sure some of you know. I love that everyone is always showing school spirit and wearing ASU gear. I experienced all-nighters in the library for the first time in my life. The campus is so large and has so much to offer. More than anything else, I love attending ASU football games and I couldn't have been any luckier to be at some of the big games (USC and U of A) last season. It's awesome to be in a "college town" surrounded by thousands of college students. After being in college for six years (the Van Wilder route), I can easily say that I'm ready to graduate, but I've definitely enjoyed my time here and I'm a proud Sun Devil.
Previously, I was taking classes at Glendale Community College for over 4 years. I originally only meant to be there two years and then transfer, but then life happened and things went a little differently, as I'm sure some of you can relate. Attending a community college seemed exciting at first because college was so new, but after a while I began to dislike it because it was a constant reminder of how I hadn't moved on yet. I had some great professors and met some cool people along the way. Community college is a great and very affordable place to start, but I personally wish I could have started at ASU when I was fresh out of high school.
Being an ASU student has been exciting for many reasons, as I'm sure some of you know. I love that everyone is always showing school spirit and wearing ASU gear. I experienced all-nighters in the library for the first time in my life. The campus is so large and has so much to offer. More than anything else, I love attending ASU football games and I couldn't have been any luckier to be at some of the big games (USC and U of A) last season. It's awesome to be in a "college town" surrounded by thousands of college students. After being in college for six years (the Van Wilder route), I can easily say that I'm ready to graduate, but I've definitely enjoyed my time here and I'm a proud Sun Devil.
Interview/Profile
For my interview, I profiled David Moody, who is a Intelligence Analyst for the U.S. Marine Corps.
What are their main job responsibilities?
Perform a timely analysis and dissemination of intelligence in response to needs of various customers to include government agencies like the FBI, CIA, etc.
How did they choose this career?
When I asked, he said, "Chose it because honestly it sounded cool, but realistically because I wanted to contribute to the well being of the country."
What type of education or training is needed for this position?
Foreign language proficiency, basic digital network knowledge, excellent analysis skills, and good organization.
What advice would they give to someone interested in this field?
David said, "Be patient. You don't make breakthroughs every week or sometimes even every month, but be patient and definitely don't be afraid to ask for help. Collaboration is huge and having additional insight to issues is unbelievably helpful at times."
Do they notice any new trends in the field?
David said, "Technology changes all the time and that changes how our adversaries go about themselves so you constantly have to be in the know about tech trends, especially in the communication field." He goes on further to say that situations like that of Edward Snowden, when intelligence is leaked, makes his job much tougher and 10 times less effective.
Why would you be interested in this career or position?
To be honest, I considered joining the service before I started attending ASU. At the time, David had been in the Marine Corps for a couple of years already and told me all about it when I was able to see him. As I'm about to graduate, I'm still not completely sure what I want to do yet but I know I'll figure it out soon. It's possible I'd consider joining the Marine Corps for a while and try to pursue a position like David's.
What are their main job responsibilities?
Perform a timely analysis and dissemination of intelligence in response to needs of various customers to include government agencies like the FBI, CIA, etc.
How did they choose this career?
When I asked, he said, "Chose it because honestly it sounded cool, but realistically because I wanted to contribute to the well being of the country."
What type of education or training is needed for this position?
Foreign language proficiency, basic digital network knowledge, excellent analysis skills, and good organization.
What advice would they give to someone interested in this field?
David said, "Be patient. You don't make breakthroughs every week or sometimes even every month, but be patient and definitely don't be afraid to ask for help. Collaboration is huge and having additional insight to issues is unbelievably helpful at times."
Do they notice any new trends in the field?
David said, "Technology changes all the time and that changes how our adversaries go about themselves so you constantly have to be in the know about tech trends, especially in the communication field." He goes on further to say that situations like that of Edward Snowden, when intelligence is leaked, makes his job much tougher and 10 times less effective.
Why would you be interested in this career or position?
To be honest, I considered joining the service before I started attending ASU. At the time, David had been in the Marine Corps for a couple of years already and told me all about it when I was able to see him. As I'm about to graduate, I'm still not completely sure what I want to do yet but I know I'll figure it out soon. It's possible I'd consider joining the Marine Corps for a while and try to pursue a position like David's.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Career Services
A while ago I was having some trouble trying to get an internship and I was worried that there was something I was doing wrong. I wasn't sure what to do, so I decided to set up a meeting with Maryjo Zunk. Before the meeting even took place, she gave me very valuable feedback as to where to look for internships and tips to prepare my resume. Right off the bat, it's easy to tell that Maryjo has a plethora of helpful resources. Before I talk about the meeting, I encourage everyone to set up a meeting with Maryjo if you haven't already.
When I attended the meeting with Maryjo, I handed her my resume and she looked over it and started making some helpful suggestions. She asks many questions and is very thorough so that she can get the best idea of how to help you and which direction to point you in. Maryjo places great emphasis on being prepared for interviews and making sure that you know all the answers to the questions you will probably be asked. She says that it's not about who you know anymore, it's about what you know.
The emphasis on skill building stands out and she wants to make sure that you're highlighting (not literally) all of your key attributes on your resume. For example, my concentration is Public Leadership and Management so I would point out that I've taken many courses in relation to my concentration. This helps to separate me a little bit from people that may have the same major as myself, but have a different concentration and set of skills. Maryjo also showed me all of the helpful resources that can be accessed through LinkedIn and all the people that I can connect with because I'm part of the School of Public Affairs. Overall, I think the meeting was extremely helpful because all of the material that Maryjo shared with me is stuff I probably wouldn't have realized to look for on my own.
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