Let's recap:
In 4 days, I have my last final
In 10 days, I am walking at my long awaited college graduation
In 14 days, I will be without a job and a place to live (as of now)
I am stressing out... a LOT
I have yet to pack and clean.
My supervisors are toying with my resume to give it a little more BANG. The content it is there, just needs some jazzing up a bit. I've gotten an email back from Target in Biltmore saying that the positions have all been filled but I applied to two Target stores. I'm submitted two more apps last week and I plan on calling them later this week. Tomorrow, my boyfriend and I are looking at an apartment in Mesa, near the Light Rail, with cheap rent. There is also a place near him that has an opening. He is calling later tonight to talk to them.
It's stressful to say the least. I also have estranged family coming in and I have no idea how that is going to turn out. I'm really hoping that my brother will be helpful and help me move into my new place. If I have one by then.
In addition to all of this, I also have closing to do for my residents.
The next 10 days are gonna be interesting to say the least.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Career Services Event #2: STAR Interview
Disclaimer: I've had rotten experiences with Career services. I feel that they really don't care about the students and some of their advice is kinda crap. I went to this event because I thought it would prepare me for an eventually interview that I may get...soon.
On April 30th, I went to a career services event called the STAR Interview. It was advertised to be a good interview prep "You will learn how to inventory your marketable skills and effectively communicate your qualifications to the interviewer. You will also practice using the STAR technique to answer behavioral interview questions."
I had high hopes. I came prepared. I got there on time. We had packets of information about interview questions and interview skills. The session was only an hour long so I thought we would get down to the nitty gritty stuff. I was wrong.
We went over why interviews have gone wrong like not coming prepared for the position and not having questions. Okay, I thought that was valid topic to go over. Then we went over having a cheat sheet with name, addresses of references and supervisors. I thought that this was really good, I was planning on making one myself with the butt load of applications I've been filing out lately.
Then we got to how we should dress for the interview. This took up most of the time. Granted, I know that dress is important for an interview and different industries and positions require different types of dress. The presenter advocated, to the nth degree, about wearing a skirted business suit with a jacket. For EVERYTHING. Now, I've been applying for entry-level positions. I highly doubt that a formal business jacket is required. I can understand for middle management or anything higher. But for a position at Smashburger, a business jacket is a little over the top. I'm all for a nice blouse, slacks or a skirt. Just the jacket makes it over the top. But the presenter said that we could put a power pin on it but we can't deviate from the jacket cause it gives an impression of power. This debate went on for quite some time. It got annoying to say the least.
In the last ten minutes of the session, we actually got to the interview questions. We went over how to answer "about yourself" questions and practiced with a partner. Sadly, we couldn't do more cause the session started to run late.
Overall, I was disappointed with the session. I was expecting something more or at least something redeeming from Career Services.
On April 30th, I went to a career services event called the STAR Interview. It was advertised to be a good interview prep "You will learn how to inventory your marketable skills and effectively communicate your qualifications to the interviewer. You will also practice using the STAR technique to answer behavioral interview questions."
I had high hopes. I came prepared. I got there on time. We had packets of information about interview questions and interview skills. The session was only an hour long so I thought we would get down to the nitty gritty stuff. I was wrong.
We went over why interviews have gone wrong like not coming prepared for the position and not having questions. Okay, I thought that was valid topic to go over. Then we went over having a cheat sheet with name, addresses of references and supervisors. I thought that this was really good, I was planning on making one myself with the butt load of applications I've been filing out lately.
Then we got to how we should dress for the interview. This took up most of the time. Granted, I know that dress is important for an interview and different industries and positions require different types of dress. The presenter advocated, to the nth degree, about wearing a skirted business suit with a jacket. For EVERYTHING. Now, I've been applying for entry-level positions. I highly doubt that a formal business jacket is required. I can understand for middle management or anything higher. But for a position at Smashburger, a business jacket is a little over the top. I'm all for a nice blouse, slacks or a skirt. Just the jacket makes it over the top. But the presenter said that we could put a power pin on it but we can't deviate from the jacket cause it gives an impression of power. This debate went on for quite some time. It got annoying to say the least.
In the last ten minutes of the session, we actually got to the interview questions. We went over how to answer "about yourself" questions and practiced with a partner. Sadly, we couldn't do more cause the session started to run late.
Overall, I was disappointed with the session. I was expecting something more or at least something redeeming from Career Services.
That Time of Year Again
It's that time of year again. School is winding down, the weather is getting warmer, students are getting more antsy to get away from school... Oh, what's that? You need to get out of the dorm 24 hours after your last final?
Oh. Crap.
There are two busy times of the year for ResLife. Opening and closing. For opening, we frantically try to get everyone checked in and settled while allowing them to experience a variety of fall welcome activities. For closing, we get to boot you out. And fast too. In addition to finals, you have to pack and clean your room to high standards and move out.
I got very good at packing and moving out very quickly.
At the end of the year, all CAs get a huge folder full of materials relating to closing: a bulletin board full of closing info, signs that say where to put your trash, take back your microfridge, be out 24 hours after your last final, clean clean CLEAN your room AND bathroom.. etc. It's a lot of info that we have to go over with our prostaff and then go over with our residents in the last floor meeting.
But that is only the beginning. After they are done with finals and cleaning, we have to check them out. We go in and inspect their rooms, document any damages or trash, take their keys, swipe them out of the system and they are gone. Each check out appointment can last between 10-30 minutes. We have to look everywhere and document anything. Residents have to sign up for times that they want to check out. We have discretion to stop all check outs if they room is dirty or the floor is trashed. In order for check outs to resume, they have to clean up. We can also refuse their check out if they are still packing. We just ask they sign up for a later time.
Once they are all gone and the halls are close, all the CAs have appointments with their direct supervisor. We walk the floor and all the room, documenting anything that we have missed, tearing down all the posters and door dec, submit work orders and JAMS if we spot anything illegal... etc. We are exhausted by the end. And after our walkthroughs are done, we are then asked to leave the hall. You see, during our finals and packing, we have to check out residents, work the desk, be on duty and study. It's a lot. But somehow, we do it; each and every year.
This is my last year. I hope it's a good closing.
Oh. Crap.
There are two busy times of the year for ResLife. Opening and closing. For opening, we frantically try to get everyone checked in and settled while allowing them to experience a variety of fall welcome activities. For closing, we get to boot you out. And fast too. In addition to finals, you have to pack and clean your room to high standards and move out.
I got very good at packing and moving out very quickly.
At the end of the year, all CAs get a huge folder full of materials relating to closing: a bulletin board full of closing info, signs that say where to put your trash, take back your microfridge, be out 24 hours after your last final, clean clean CLEAN your room AND bathroom.. etc. It's a lot of info that we have to go over with our prostaff and then go over with our residents in the last floor meeting.
But that is only the beginning. After they are done with finals and cleaning, we have to check them out. We go in and inspect their rooms, document any damages or trash, take their keys, swipe them out of the system and they are gone. Each check out appointment can last between 10-30 minutes. We have to look everywhere and document anything. Residents have to sign up for times that they want to check out. We have discretion to stop all check outs if they room is dirty or the floor is trashed. In order for check outs to resume, they have to clean up. We can also refuse their check out if they are still packing. We just ask they sign up for a later time.
Once they are all gone and the halls are close, all the CAs have appointments with their direct supervisor. We walk the floor and all the room, documenting anything that we have missed, tearing down all the posters and door dec, submit work orders and JAMS if we spot anything illegal... etc. We are exhausted by the end. And after our walkthroughs are done, we are then asked to leave the hall. You see, during our finals and packing, we have to check out residents, work the desk, be on duty and study. It's a lot. But somehow, we do it; each and every year.
This is my last year. I hope it's a good closing.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Paperwork: The Killer of Trees
With any job, you have paperwork to fill out and turn in. However, not many people can say that they have whole stack of papers to post to their floor, fill our for programs, signing in for desk, check-in and checking-out residents and rest of the random papers that we have on a weekly basis to fill out.
Here is a list of some of the paperwork that we fill out on a weekly basis:
-Desk sign in sheets: When working the desk for any hours, we have to sign in and then do it online. This ensures that we get paid and someone did actually work those hours
-Key Audits: We have to check to make sure all the keys are there, note down which keys have been checked out for 30min/24 hours, lock changes, vendor check-outs and when it's a staff use. This saves our butts cause when keys are lost, those key audits say which shifts it was lost at and who is responsible for it
-Weekly Reports: During one-on-ones with our supervisors, we fill out a sheet of paper the asks how we are doing in life, school, CA position and if they are any problems on the floor or with anyone. Then we talk it over with our supervisors.
-Program paperwork: As mentioned previously, we have to fill out multiple program papers asking for materials for programs and getting permission for food to be served at our programs. We also have a Program Proposal form that basically says what program we are hosting, we we need, when is it, where is it and how did it go in the end.
-Lock Changes Paperwork: When a key is lost, stolen or held over the time limit, we have to do a lock change. We fill out a form what asks for the residents name, room number, phone number, school ID, was the key lost or stolen and the number on the key itself. We then turn that with the key card that every resident has to the desk manger for her to process.
-Key Retrieval Form: When a lock change is processed and done, the resident comes down to the front desk to get their new key. They fill out a form that says that they actually got the key and what the new key code is now assigned to that room.
JAMS: When a resident does not follow policy such as violating quiet hours, drinking in their rooms, smoking in their rooms, leaving trash in the hallways, etc.. we have to file a JAMS report. It's a documentation that say who was involved, if there was a police report, what happened, was there drugs or alcohol, was their a fight, etc. It can be a pain to do because you have to recall the events of that situation, and who said what and who did what. But it's the good for the community so I don't mind.
Here is a list of some of the paperwork that we fill out on a weekly basis:
-Desk sign in sheets: When working the desk for any hours, we have to sign in and then do it online. This ensures that we get paid and someone did actually work those hours
-Key Audits: We have to check to make sure all the keys are there, note down which keys have been checked out for 30min/24 hours, lock changes, vendor check-outs and when it's a staff use. This saves our butts cause when keys are lost, those key audits say which shifts it was lost at and who is responsible for it
-Weekly Reports: During one-on-ones with our supervisors, we fill out a sheet of paper the asks how we are doing in life, school, CA position and if they are any problems on the floor or with anyone. Then we talk it over with our supervisors.
-Program paperwork: As mentioned previously, we have to fill out multiple program papers asking for materials for programs and getting permission for food to be served at our programs. We also have a Program Proposal form that basically says what program we are hosting, we we need, when is it, where is it and how did it go in the end.
-Lock Changes Paperwork: When a key is lost, stolen or held over the time limit, we have to do a lock change. We fill out a form what asks for the residents name, room number, phone number, school ID, was the key lost or stolen and the number on the key itself. We then turn that with the key card that every resident has to the desk manger for her to process.
-Key Retrieval Form: When a lock change is processed and done, the resident comes down to the front desk to get their new key. They fill out a form that says that they actually got the key and what the new key code is now assigned to that room.
JAMS: When a resident does not follow policy such as violating quiet hours, drinking in their rooms, smoking in their rooms, leaving trash in the hallways, etc.. we have to file a JAMS report. It's a documentation that say who was involved, if there was a police report, what happened, was there drugs or alcohol, was their a fight, etc. It can be a pain to do because you have to recall the events of that situation, and who said what and who did what. But it's the good for the community so I don't mind.
Desk Adventures
When you work at a place for any amount of time, you see and hear things that are amusing, odd and sometimes nerve wracking. Especially when you work at a university, late a night.
As I've mentioned before, I used to work late nights at the desk. These are high peak times, especially Friday night/Saturday morning. You see all sorts of people in various levels of intoxication.
I've seen people try to crawl past the desk to sign in, run past the desk to get into the building, girls dressed in almost nothing to go to frat parties in December... it's an interesting job. I've also seen people try to seek beer and wine into the building and holding it while they explain to me "oh, it's not alcohol, its just a vase that you hear in my suitcase".
People have actually run away from here when I ask them "if there is anything that is not allowed in the building, you better toss it now. People have come in with blood on their faces, people have come in carrying another person who is hopefully passed out. People have started to fight outside of the front doors, police have arrested and cuffed residents for reason I don't know. Residents have actually stolen IDs and tried to gain access to the building only to be stopped by the ID readers by the door. When asked if their ID works, they eventually fess up and I tell them to leave.
Some residents are very dumb when it comes to getting pass me at the desk. People have waited very close to the doors that lead into the building, waiting for someone to open so they can get into the building. People have sworn up and down that they live here and when asked simple questions about living here like "what's your room number?" or "who is your roommate?", they try to act all cool and make up excuses.
As the semester and year goes on, I don't see as much stupid behaviors from residents. They generally know the rules and so do their guests. It is usually the first three weeks where I see the majority of these situations.
As I've mentioned before, I used to work late nights at the desk. These are high peak times, especially Friday night/Saturday morning. You see all sorts of people in various levels of intoxication.
I've seen people try to crawl past the desk to sign in, run past the desk to get into the building, girls dressed in almost nothing to go to frat parties in December... it's an interesting job. I've also seen people try to seek beer and wine into the building and holding it while they explain to me "oh, it's not alcohol, its just a vase that you hear in my suitcase".
People have actually run away from here when I ask them "if there is anything that is not allowed in the building, you better toss it now. People have come in with blood on their faces, people have come in carrying another person who is hopefully passed out. People have started to fight outside of the front doors, police have arrested and cuffed residents for reason I don't know. Residents have actually stolen IDs and tried to gain access to the building only to be stopped by the ID readers by the door. When asked if their ID works, they eventually fess up and I tell them to leave.
Some residents are very dumb when it comes to getting pass me at the desk. People have waited very close to the doors that lead into the building, waiting for someone to open so they can get into the building. People have sworn up and down that they live here and when asked simple questions about living here like "what's your room number?" or "who is your roommate?", they try to act all cool and make up excuses.
As the semester and year goes on, I don't see as much stupid behaviors from residents. They generally know the rules and so do their guests. It is usually the first three weeks where I see the majority of these situations.
Final Stretch
In less than... three weeks, school will be over and I will be graduating and attempting to live as an adult.
To say the least, I'm anxious, nervous and scared out of my mind.
I've been applying for jobs, both ASU related and non-ASU related. I applied last week and a bunch on Tuesday. I'm hoping and praying that I get a reply. When I get back from class today, I'll also be applying to Fry's, Starbucks, Safeway, and Target. I'm really hoping for a call back from someone.
I've also been looking for places to live. I was going to get a three bedroom apartment with my boyfriend and a mutual friend of ours. That fell through and I kinda went into a panic cause I wasn't entirely sure that my boyfriend wanted to get a 2 bedroom place with me or not. Working the desk is kinda of a bad place to really freak out. I've been looking at studio apartments in the area and 2 bedroom places. Getting a 2 bedroom is cheaper (about $300 each) than getting two studio or 1 bedroom places near campus.
In addition to job hunting and apartment hunting, I have papers and presentations to deal with. I have the papers done, I just have to make revisions and prepare for presentation and it's very stressful. I don't like the end of the year that much.
To say the least, I'm anxious, nervous and scared out of my mind.
I've been applying for jobs, both ASU related and non-ASU related. I applied last week and a bunch on Tuesday. I'm hoping and praying that I get a reply. When I get back from class today, I'll also be applying to Fry's, Starbucks, Safeway, and Target. I'm really hoping for a call back from someone.
I've also been looking for places to live. I was going to get a three bedroom apartment with my boyfriend and a mutual friend of ours. That fell through and I kinda went into a panic cause I wasn't entirely sure that my boyfriend wanted to get a 2 bedroom place with me or not. Working the desk is kinda of a bad place to really freak out. I've been looking at studio apartments in the area and 2 bedroom places. Getting a 2 bedroom is cheaper (about $300 each) than getting two studio or 1 bedroom places near campus.
In addition to job hunting and apartment hunting, I have papers and presentations to deal with. I have the papers done, I just have to make revisions and prepare for presentation and it's very stressful. I don't like the end of the year that much.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Meetings Galore!
Hope you like meetings cause when you are a CA, you have to go to a lot of them.
I've been through my share of meetings for classes and clubs but I've never been to so many meetings as I've been when I became a CA. Twice a month, I have my one-on-one meetings with my direct supervisor. I tend to keep my meetings quick with him. Since I'm a returner, I got the job under control and I keep a good track of my floor.
Once a week, we have staff meetings. Staff meetings can either be fun or very boring. Most of my staff meetings are very boring. We basically attend another class once a week for two hours. We have our Senior CA time which is not necessary, in my opinion. We are given information about upcoming events, workshops and other activities for us and our residents. With our staff, we usually have a plea session about someone working open hours at the desk because we are understaffed and we've been overworked since August. Not many people can work hours or want to. Our ProStaff presents the meeting to us but we get tired of hearing them talk. And it doesn't help that we can be a very talkative staff so that takes away time that could have been used to go through the material faster.
We also have our committee meetings that we have to attend to. Each staff member is assigned to a committee whether be it leadership, staff development, facilities, etc... We have to attend those meetings and report back to our ProStaff during staff meeting. We haven't done too much in the committees but I feel that we have done enough.
In addition, we have to attend programs and meetings held by Hall Council, RHA or CCA. Hall council meetings are short, 15-30 minutes mostly and they get right to the point. They also have free food so a good chunk of the CAs do like to attend those meetings. RHA or Residence Hall Association meetings, from what I've heard, can last forever. It's basically the policy side of reslife. There are constitution updates, appointments, candidates announcing their runs for an office or a number of other things. I've either have class at that time or I have club meetings so I've never been to a RHA meeting. CCA or Council of Community Assistants present CA matters and other topics for discussion. it's a fairly short meeting, 30-45 minutes and there is a lot of discussion between everyone in the room.
I've been through my share of meetings for classes and clubs but I've never been to so many meetings as I've been when I became a CA. Twice a month, I have my one-on-one meetings with my direct supervisor. I tend to keep my meetings quick with him. Since I'm a returner, I got the job under control and I keep a good track of my floor.
Once a week, we have staff meetings. Staff meetings can either be fun or very boring. Most of my staff meetings are very boring. We basically attend another class once a week for two hours. We have our Senior CA time which is not necessary, in my opinion. We are given information about upcoming events, workshops and other activities for us and our residents. With our staff, we usually have a plea session about someone working open hours at the desk because we are understaffed and we've been overworked since August. Not many people can work hours or want to. Our ProStaff presents the meeting to us but we get tired of hearing them talk. And it doesn't help that we can be a very talkative staff so that takes away time that could have been used to go through the material faster.
We also have our committee meetings that we have to attend to. Each staff member is assigned to a committee whether be it leadership, staff development, facilities, etc... We have to attend those meetings and report back to our ProStaff during staff meeting. We haven't done too much in the committees but I feel that we have done enough.
In addition, we have to attend programs and meetings held by Hall Council, RHA or CCA. Hall council meetings are short, 15-30 minutes mostly and they get right to the point. They also have free food so a good chunk of the CAs do like to attend those meetings. RHA or Residence Hall Association meetings, from what I've heard, can last forever. It's basically the policy side of reslife. There are constitution updates, appointments, candidates announcing their runs for an office or a number of other things. I've either have class at that time or I have club meetings so I've never been to a RHA meeting. CCA or Council of Community Assistants present CA matters and other topics for discussion. it's a fairly short meeting, 30-45 minutes and there is a lot of discussion between everyone in the room.
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