Issue #8 (Due November 23rd )
For this blog I want you to talk about yourselves. Everyone had to gear his or her cover letter/resume toward a specific job, so discuss why you chose the specific job you did. Is this the type of job you'd like after graduation? Where did you find it, and what advice about job searching (in regards to methods like classified ads, internet sites, networking, etc.) could you give to someone starting out? What obstacles did you find when applying (lack of experience, etc.) and what steps can you take to overcome them? Feel free to comment on anything else pertinent to the discussion of learning the job market or your own career ambitions.
Issue #9 (Due November 30th)
Everyone's talking about the new film The Social Network, and since we're a business-orientated class, let's join in. I haven't actually seen the film yet (and you don't have to for this blog, unless you want to), but I've compiled some responses to the film that should spark discussion.
What reactions do you have to all the hype? Where do you stand on the "Greed is Good" mentality of the eighties, where it's lead us, and how it pertains to current business endeavors? What would a negative portrayal of Zuckerberg say about our culture’s different views of successful business people? What do you think of Zuckerberg's recent philanthropy in light of the film’s relsease? Is Facebook a "revolution”? How might Zuckerberg's story pertain to an up-and-coming entrepreneur or someone with a vision? Feel free to comment on anything else that interests you pertaining to this topic.
Issue #10 (Due November 30th)
Since we've been discussing McDonald's, take a look at these two articles - one from MSN (you may want to pause the video that starts playing) and one from Business Week - about how the company has been trying to change its image. You can reference Super Size Me if you'd like, but I'm interested in your reactions to the idea changing a well-established brand. Why change, and why change in this way? Let's say McDonald's came to you for advice on how to go about this change - what would you tell them? What issues need directly addressed for the switch to work? If you're sick of talking about McDonald's, what are some other companies attempting to change their image, what are some examples of past successes and failures to do something similar to this, and what would you tell those other companies if they asked for your feedback?
Issue #11 (Due November 30th )
Read this blog article about gender equality in the workplace and consider your response. You may either agree or disagree with the European policies Hewlett mentions, discuss your own ideas, the importance of such measures in America, bring in outside research, etc. However, regardless of what topic you choose to engage, take special consideration in how you engage it, paying attention to tone and avoiding bias language. Though we should get a sense of your feelings on this issue (and they're allowed to be strong feelings), we should feel your argument is made in an objective, non-biased and intelligent fashion.
Issue #12 (Due December 7th )
Follow this link to The Washington Post and read the article (there is more than one page, so click "next page" at the bottom). Then respond to article using one or more of the following prompts:
1. What are your overall reactions to Brian Busick’s story? Do you have any entrepreneurial ambitions, and in what way do they relate to or differ from Busick’s?
2. What are some important aspects of Brian’s success (things he would’ve needed to consider, skills he would’ve needed to master, etc.) not mentioned in the article? Basically, this is an overview which leaves out much of the specific work Busick would've needed to do - what are your thoughts on the unmentioned work/skills? Could you see yourself doing what Busick did, and why or why not?
3. How would communicating and writing factor into this story?
4. Feel free to add any of your own pertinent comments or ideas.
Issue #12 (Due December 7th)
We have been discussing the ways that new technology influences business writing and communication. Imagine you are the boss or CEO of a company (feel free to be creative with what company that would be) and use this blog post as an address / policy statement to your employees outlining your opinions on written communication. Consider the changing use of language we have discussed in class: when you will and will not tolerate quick "text message" style communication, how you want your employees to be perceived by clients/customers/co-workers in written communication, how they can use language to influence that perception and any other points you feel are pertinent to this discussion.
The ideas above are intended to get you going, but if you want to take a slightly skewed perspective in your post, feel free. As long as you're consistent with the general spirit of the topic, I want you to be creative and have fun with this prompt, so go for it.
Issue #8
ReplyDeleteFor the resume assignment I decided to choose a job listing that could potentially be a career choice. During my time at WSU I have worked for a company inspecting hazardous waste sites in the aerospace industry. However, I would rather find a job relating to my Criminal Justice degree. The most important thing to remember when job searching is to keep an open mind. During this recession it is quite difficult to find a job taylored for your education and work experience. The best place I found for local job listings is online. It is much easier to see what is available and to narrow options by experience. The most difficult part of finding a new job is overcoming the minimum work experience. Most listing require at least 2 years experience. This may stop many from getting the job, but the best thing you can do is to build a quality resume that sticks out from all the rest.
Issue #10
ReplyDeleteMcDonalds has been around for decades and they are the biggest fast food chain for a reason, because they offer fast, cheap, greasy food. I understand them wanting to improve their image but I believe not enough people will care about them changing to a higher class restauraunt. Spending $5 billion to add some nicer chairs and tv's does not sound like a good way to find more customers. I would focus on making a "healthier menu" and less on flashy building. Some individuals blame McDonalds for America's obesity problem. This is something I would address first.
Issue #11
ReplyDeleteGender equality in the workplace is something I believe to be very important in America. Women have been fighting for equality for much of history and their should be a balance in about every work place. However, some occupations do require things that may be more difficult for women. In this situation the employer should choose the "most qualified" applicants. This goes for every job position.
Unfortunately their are some women who use their gender to their advantage in inappropriate ways. I personally know a few women who openly admit to this, believing it is the only way to get ahead in the company. These cases don't help women in their fight against discrimination and can sometimes make it worse. Individuals should be chosen for job positions by looking at their qualifications and attitude; nothing else.