Client Project

Overall I am very happy with the way our client project has turned out. Our group pulled together and did a fine job working with each other. Although I would say that communication is always important when working with a team. My favorite part of the project has been the fact that its has been simple, enjoyable, and will most likely be very effective. The biggest challenge was our group collaboration at the beginning of the project but everything is flowing smoothly now. Throughout this project I have learned many skills in working with teammates. For instance, it's always important to listen to your other group members ideas and consider them.

Dual Coding Theory

This picture demonstrates dual coding theory because of the two sayings on the wall and door. The two sayings "We Believe" and "Practice Like Champions" go hand in hand. It might want you to think that "We Believe" (the fans and coaches) believe that if you practice like champions you will be victorious. I also noticed in the picture that the first sign a player would see upon leaving the locker room is the "Practice Like Champions" sign. This could trigger in the players minds that they have already practiced like champions. Next, they see the sign "we believe" which would signify that the crowd believes they will win. So, basically the two signs support each other and help boost the players confidence during the game.

Miscommunication

The biggest miscommunication that i have had in the work place would be a few summers back when I was a lifeguard. I was in ninth grade and this was my first summer life guarding. I was a young rookie and had no other option but to look up to the older employees. Well, after watching some of their actions I thought it was OK to slack off and goof around. I found out the hard way it was not OK to do these things. So the miscommunication is that I interpreted from other employees that it was OK to do these things. The aftermath was that I had to find out the hard way that this was not OK. The lesson learned is that I should not trust fellow workers who are not in charge, only the boss. Next time, if I have a question about a procedure I'll make sure I have correct information.

Mock Interview Reflection

Prior to the mock interview I did not feel nervous because I have been interviewed by many different people of many different groups and organizations. I felt like I would do a decent job and had nothing to worry about. When I got to the interview I became slightly nervous because there were a few questions that I could have answered much better. I also could have taken extra steps to prepare for the interview. I believe that I did a fine job at answering the questions that I wasn't prepared for. I didn't give any stupid answers but I also didn't give many smart answers. If I could do the mock interview again, I would make sure I practice in front of a friend and also try to figure out some of the questions the interviewer may ask. I would also try and figure out good questions to ask the interviewer. The main thing I learned is that no matter how comfortable you think you are; always spend plenty of time preparing.

My 3 Favorite Presentations

I really enjoyed all the presentations this week and learned all kinds of new information. One of my favorite presentations was done by Chelsey about South Africa. She displayed very interesting and relevant pictures that really added to the presentation. The most interesting thing was the restaurant that was located up in a tree. I also enjoyed the presentation by Douglas about all the different super cars. His pictures were also awesome and there was no shortage of interesting facts. What I enjoyed most about his presentation was the fact that I couldn't stop imagining myself in one of those cars. My third favorite presentation was done by Kelley on the benefits of dark chocolate. Of coarse my favorite part of the presentation was that I found out dark chocolate can be good for you. I also loved the Dove sample she generously handed out to the class. I will be sure to grab some dark chocolate next time I am craving sweets.

Issaquenna Lake

Most Clemson students have never had the opportunity to experience the adventures of Issaqueena Lake. Issaqueena Lake is located a few miles from campus and is official called, Clemson University Experimental Forest. Opportunities that Issaqueena offer include: bike trails, walking/jogging trails, horse trails, swimming, fishing, sight-seeing and more. The coolest thing about the trails are that they are endless and would resemble a spider-web formation from an aerial view. Some trails are more challenging than others but for the most part they are not that difficult. If biking is not your thing than relax near the lake were its tranquil waters will sooth your soul. I would recommend to any student that has a free Saturday to travel out to Issaqueena and experience the heart-pumping ride of your life.

IMPORTANCE of a Cover Letter!

A common misconception is that employers read your cover letter before the resume. Wrong. If the employer likes your resume he or she may then go back and take a look at your cover letter. Cover letters are intended to be specific and should be addressed to a particular person within a company. It's important to be active in your job search and not wait for future employer to "call you." Also, do not rely on posting your resume on websites for this rarely generates any results in the current entry-level job market. Instead, contact different companies on a personal level and deliver your resume and cover letter in person if applicable. Finally, be sure to follow an appropriate template consisting of an address, salutation and three paragraphs.

Interviewing: How to answer/What not to do!

-Interviewing for a job position is the hardest aspect of the hiring process. Interviewing is not only to see if your credentials line up for the job, but if your sociable skills do as well. During the interview process, interviewers will often ask similar questions to everyone. They will also ask very difficult and touchy questions that require competitive answers. Among some of the more difficult questions include: What salary do you require, Where you will be in five years, Why they should hire you, and even the silly questions. I learned that while interviewing, you should remain confident but not boastful. It's also important to remain competitive in the job market by doing research, preparing, and practicing.
-Before getting to the interviews you must first get past the job recruiters. Although this may not seem as difficult as interviewing it is the first step in getting your dream job. With this being so, their are many don'ts when dealing with recruiters. Unusually, it's important to not be over friendly with the recruiter. Even though they are generally warm and helpful themselves, it's important to remain professional. Try to keep physical contact, humor and personal conversations to a minimum. Another important don't, is to not ask for special treatment. If the recruiter thinks you are a good candidate for the job, than he or she will reflect that to the hiring manager.

Future Plans

Ten years from now, I plan to be working for myself and raising my great future family. Upon graduation, I plan on finding a job in the wonderful world of finance, possibly working for a bank or maybe a corporate office. Hopefully after a few years of saving up, which will be difficult, I will be able to branch out and open my own business. I would then maybe like to offer financial planning services to the public. I also plan on doing some type of crazy adventure right out of college. I would enjoy backpacking, maybe a road trip, maybe a treasure hunt, who knows. I also hope to marry the most lucky woman in the world to help raise my children. We will have a big back yard, big wrap-around porch, and maybe a pool. It would also be nice to give back to my community by some type of volunteer activity. But whereever I am in ten years, it will be in God's hands.

Web 2.0.....The Machine is us/ing us.

Seeing as how it took me three times as long as everyone else to create this blog, the video seemed a bit technologically advanced. I think the title is telling us that computers and technology are slowly taking over our lives. Also, the play on word "us/ing" might imply that we are turning into computers ourselves. The fact that we are constantly on the computer, phone, ipod, etc. is proof that much of our lives are dependent upon technology. The argument that "machine's are using us" can also be made because of all the time, money, and effort spent on them. This video effects students who are entering the work force in a positive and negative way. The positive way is that it gives hope for long term employment opportunities for those in the technological world. On the other hand, it might discourage those who are in majors that are threatened by technology takeover. When it says that "we will have to rethink everything," I think it is implying that machines and technology are shaping the future into a sophisticated stream of information making many decisions for us.

Introduction

Hi my name is Mark A. and I am a Finance major at Clemson University. I am originally from South Carolina and have one brother and one sister. Some of my hobbies include playing the guitar, fishing, any thing outdoors, and socializing. My favorite show is The Office followed by Prison Break and Chuck. I'm a very friendly person so feel free to ask me any questions.