1. Informational Interview Questions - Ideas for questions to ask in an informational interview (http://www.quintcareers.com/information_interview.html)
2. http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_internships.html
Explains the importance of getting an internship.
3. "So What Do You Value in Your Career" by Hans Bool - Gives list of values and why they are important. Interesting self quiz on what you value. http://ezinearticles.com/?So-What-Do-You-Value-in-Your-Career?&id=263747
4. http://www.uvu.edu/csse/students/resources/jobhelp.html
Some excellent information here on various job search strategies.
5. "Research companies and careers through job shadowing", by Katharine Hansen
http://www.quintcareers.com/job_shadowing.html
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
About Myself
Outline: Tell me about yourself
o Name
o Major
o Past achievements
o Future Goals
o What skills I have to offer a company
My name is Brian Wilde, and I will graduate in two weeks from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management. I plan to continue my studies of business in a few years when I apply for a Master’s of Business Administration. My fascination of business and finance has allowed me the opportunity to be a part of a few different corporations and compare the strengths and weaknesses of them. I would say my greatest strength is my diligence in everything I do. In all of the jobs I have had, I have been able to move up in every company because of my determination to do the job well. I have also held these jobs while taking 15 or more credits every semester and will graduate with a 3.85 GPA. My future career goals are to become a Certified Financial Planner and always give my very best work. I am a very active and social person, and I enjoy developing relationships with people. I know that my fun and liked personality will be a huge benefit to your company because your clients will want to work with me.
1. I learned it is important to research the company before the interview.
2. Always ask the interviewer some questions as well.
3. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
4. Write a thank you note after the interview.
o Name
o Major
o Past achievements
o Future Goals
o What skills I have to offer a company
My name is Brian Wilde, and I will graduate in two weeks from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management. I plan to continue my studies of business in a few years when I apply for a Master’s of Business Administration. My fascination of business and finance has allowed me the opportunity to be a part of a few different corporations and compare the strengths and weaknesses of them. I would say my greatest strength is my diligence in everything I do. In all of the jobs I have had, I have been able to move up in every company because of my determination to do the job well. I have also held these jobs while taking 15 or more credits every semester and will graduate with a 3.85 GPA. My future career goals are to become a Certified Financial Planner and always give my very best work. I am a very active and social person, and I enjoy developing relationships with people. I know that my fun and liked personality will be a huge benefit to your company because your clients will want to work with me.
1. I learned it is important to research the company before the interview.
2. Always ask the interviewer some questions as well.
3. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
4. Write a thank you note after the interview.
Find an Internship
1. Finance Internships
We are one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 37 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.5 trillion. Our two core businesses ? Global Private Client and Global Markets & Investment Banking Group offering a range of services for private clients, small businesses, and institutions and corporations. This internship offers selected individuals to work within the Global Private Client Group and Financial...
www.summerinternships.com
This interests me because of the opportunities of working with world-known financial companies. It talked about going to New York and working for some big financial groups.
2. Our company is an internship placement agency that provides professionally coordinated internship possibilities in Beijing for the students from all over the world with different types of educational backgrounds. In general the majority of our business partners have one of the following internship vacancies: marketing, logistics, finance, law, hospitality, information technology, social work, education, and medical,and much more.We can also provide the full-time and part-time job for the people from all over the world. All the offers we have,they are always as a responsible employer, respecting the law of Chinese labor, 35 hours a week and we assure you that the course be properly applied by all university rules and during your internship in China, we will always be in contact with you for all the needs and problems during your stay in China.
Job Description
1, To perform accounting functions including daily accounting operation, bookkeeping, A/P control, stock taking arrangement, invoicing, taxation declaration, bank transactions, etc
2, To prepare and maintain monthly financial reports of PRC locations
3, Liaise with government/legal and tax bodies
4, Responsible for daily administrative and legal duties
5, Assist other departments to perform related duties
www.ihipo.com
This internship sounds cool to me because of the opportunity I would have to go to China and work in the corporate world. What an opportunity!
3. Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon Animation Studio interns act as production assistants.
They gains hands-on experience in departments, such as TV production,
post-production, casting, animation and live action development, CG,
special events, writing, college relations and recruitment, business and
legal affairs. Interns also participate in speaker series, executive
lunches, field trips, studio events, film festivals and studio animation
tests. Over a third of interns are offered full-time positions with the
company within one year of completing their internship.
Interning for Nickelodeon studios would be awesome. In fact, it would probably be a dream come true of mine because I love that station. There looks to be college relations and recruitment, which would be right up my alley.
www.groovejob.com
4. Google. Inc.
At a place where employees see their work have a worldwide impact very
quickly, internships are fast-paced and exciting. Google interns from
computer engineering backgrounds work on everything from creating
logos to conducting research, and the company puts their coding to use.
Internships aren’t just for budding software engineers—Google also
offers positions to undergrads, grad students and MBA candidates in
areas like sales, marketing, advertising, product management, finance
and business operations. While interns may not get to be the Google
doodler (Dennis Hwang has that gig), they do learn the workings of the
world’s largest search engine firsthand. Plus, they get all the Google
perks—TechTalks (weekly company lectures), a mentor (or “host”),
intern events (such as a night at the theater, rock-climbing, bowling or
a cruise) and continuous training during their stay at the Googleplex..
Google would be an awesome company to do an internship. From what I hear, they are a fun-loving company who treats their employees well.
www.groovejob.com
5. FamilyLink
I’m very surprised at how few potential employees and students are contacting us to tell us how much they want to work for us, or intern with us. Either everyone is already employed, or maybe everyone is just busy playing Farmville on Facebook or something – because they certainly aren’t knocking down our door. We had a popular booth at a recent BYU job fair, but the conversation always starts with us explaining what we do. It would be much nicer if everyone already knew about us and what we do — then we might have people with passion coming to us with ideas about what they want to do for us.
We’re about to launch our first billboard on I-15 – so hopefully awareness of FamilyLink will grow in the next few weeks. I’ve always wanted to do a billboard (See Recruiting with Billboards), and now Cydni Tetro (our CMO) is making it happen.
Some of the positions (or internships) that we could create for part time employees this spring or summer include:
• web analytics
• graphics design
• banner creation – dynamic, flash, social, targeting
• brand partnership project management
• agency and advertiser account management
• css / javascript coding
• twitter / facebook marketing
• mobile app development (android, blackberry, iphone)
• mobile marketing
• pay-per-click marketing
• seo
• content licensing / business development
• sales lead generation and “setting”
• viral video production and marketing
• localization / translation
If you know any students who are smart, passionate, and get things done, have them check us out and give us reasons to create a position for them this spring or summer. Last summer we hired 8 twitter interns, many of whom learned a lot about social marketing and have gone on to do great things.
Maybe this spring or summer, you will be the one to use FamilyLink as a launch pad for your next career move.
www.familylink.com
This would be an interesting internship because of the things they do as far as staying connected with your family. It seems like a really cool company.
We are one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 37 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.5 trillion. Our two core businesses ? Global Private Client and Global Markets & Investment Banking Group offering a range of services for private clients, small businesses, and institutions and corporations. This internship offers selected individuals to work within the Global Private Client Group and Financial...
www.summerinternships.com
This interests me because of the opportunities of working with world-known financial companies. It talked about going to New York and working for some big financial groups.
2. Our company is an internship placement agency that provides professionally coordinated internship possibilities in Beijing for the students from all over the world with different types of educational backgrounds. In general the majority of our business partners have one of the following internship vacancies: marketing, logistics, finance, law, hospitality, information technology, social work, education, and medical,and much more.We can also provide the full-time and part-time job for the people from all over the world. All the offers we have,they are always as a responsible employer, respecting the law of Chinese labor, 35 hours a week and we assure you that the course be properly applied by all university rules and during your internship in China, we will always be in contact with you for all the needs and problems during your stay in China.
Job Description
1, To perform accounting functions including daily accounting operation, bookkeeping, A/P control, stock taking arrangement, invoicing, taxation declaration, bank transactions, etc
2, To prepare and maintain monthly financial reports of PRC locations
3, Liaise with government/legal and tax bodies
4, Responsible for daily administrative and legal duties
5, Assist other departments to perform related duties
www.ihipo.com
This internship sounds cool to me because of the opportunity I would have to go to China and work in the corporate world. What an opportunity!
3. Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon Animation Studio interns act as production assistants.
They gains hands-on experience in departments, such as TV production,
post-production, casting, animation and live action development, CG,
special events, writing, college relations and recruitment, business and
legal affairs. Interns also participate in speaker series, executive
lunches, field trips, studio events, film festivals and studio animation
tests. Over a third of interns are offered full-time positions with the
company within one year of completing their internship.
Interning for Nickelodeon studios would be awesome. In fact, it would probably be a dream come true of mine because I love that station. There looks to be college relations and recruitment, which would be right up my alley.
www.groovejob.com
4. Google. Inc.
At a place where employees see their work have a worldwide impact very
quickly, internships are fast-paced and exciting. Google interns from
computer engineering backgrounds work on everything from creating
logos to conducting research, and the company puts their coding to use.
Internships aren’t just for budding software engineers—Google also
offers positions to undergrads, grad students and MBA candidates in
areas like sales, marketing, advertising, product management, finance
and business operations. While interns may not get to be the Google
doodler (Dennis Hwang has that gig), they do learn the workings of the
world’s largest search engine firsthand. Plus, they get all the Google
perks—TechTalks (weekly company lectures), a mentor (or “host”),
intern events (such as a night at the theater, rock-climbing, bowling or
a cruise) and continuous training during their stay at the Googleplex..
Google would be an awesome company to do an internship. From what I hear, they are a fun-loving company who treats their employees well.
www.groovejob.com
5. FamilyLink
I’m very surprised at how few potential employees and students are contacting us to tell us how much they want to work for us, or intern with us. Either everyone is already employed, or maybe everyone is just busy playing Farmville on Facebook or something – because they certainly aren’t knocking down our door. We had a popular booth at a recent BYU job fair, but the conversation always starts with us explaining what we do. It would be much nicer if everyone already knew about us and what we do — then we might have people with passion coming to us with ideas about what they want to do for us.
We’re about to launch our first billboard on I-15 – so hopefully awareness of FamilyLink will grow in the next few weeks. I’ve always wanted to do a billboard (See Recruiting with Billboards), and now Cydni Tetro (our CMO) is making it happen.
Some of the positions (or internships) that we could create for part time employees this spring or summer include:
• web analytics
• graphics design
• banner creation – dynamic, flash, social, targeting
• brand partnership project management
• agency and advertiser account management
• css / javascript coding
• twitter / facebook marketing
• mobile app development (android, blackberry, iphone)
• mobile marketing
• pay-per-click marketing
• seo
• content licensing / business development
• sales lead generation and “setting”
• viral video production and marketing
• localization / translation
If you know any students who are smart, passionate, and get things done, have them check us out and give us reasons to create a position for them this spring or summer. Last summer we hired 8 twitter interns, many of whom learned a lot about social marketing and have gone on to do great things.
Maybe this spring or summer, you will be the one to use FamilyLink as a launch pad for your next career move.
www.familylink.com
This would be an interesting internship because of the things they do as far as staying connected with your family. It seems like a really cool company.
Group Internship Project
Internships are the Key to Success
Build a Network
Internships are a great way to meet new people and build relationships in the career or industry that you plan to work in. An established network is an important tool to have when you are getting started in a career or looking for a new job.
Find out if you really enjoy your
career choice
Taking classes in school is much different than actually working in the field you are learning about. Internships allow you to do a “practice” run at the career you are considering. You can find out how much you really enjoy the field and how well you perform in it. You may find that you don't enjoy it as much as you thought you would. Doing an internship could possibly save you time and money going into a field that you aren't suited for.
Have a valuable on-the-job Experience
Doing an internship in the area that you are studying gives you valuable knowledge and experience that you simply cannot get in a classroom setting. It is an opportunity for you to grow as an individual and to become more valuable to you future employer.
You may get a job with the company you do an internship at
Not only do you gain valuable experience, but you may be offered a job at the company at the end of your internship. Many companies use internship programs for recruiting. Doing an internship puts you in a position to earn a position in that company.
It looks great on a Resume
Even if you don't wind up working for the company where you do your internship, most companies are more likely to hire someone who has done an internship in the industry. Think about it – if you had to choose between someone who had a college degree and someone who had a college degree and on-the-job training – who would you pick?
You can earn college credit
For students who aren't immediately going out into the job field, internships are still a great idea since you can usually earn college credit if you do your internship through a company approved by your school. Some graduate programs also require internships or volunteer activities in order to qualify for admittance.
Graduates who have completed an internship earn 7% more
on average in their first year than those who don't.
Internship Sales Project
CLSS 2100
July 1, 2010
Report done by Group 4:
Marisa Bradshaw, Brian Wilde, Amelia Peinado, Stephen Phillips
Build a Network
Internships are a great way to meet new people and build relationships in the career or industry that you plan to work in. An established network is an important tool to have when you are getting started in a career or looking for a new job.
Find out if you really enjoy your
career choice
Taking classes in school is much different than actually working in the field you are learning about. Internships allow you to do a “practice” run at the career you are considering. You can find out how much you really enjoy the field and how well you perform in it. You may find that you don't enjoy it as much as you thought you would. Doing an internship could possibly save you time and money going into a field that you aren't suited for.
Have a valuable on-the-job Experience
Doing an internship in the area that you are studying gives you valuable knowledge and experience that you simply cannot get in a classroom setting. It is an opportunity for you to grow as an individual and to become more valuable to you future employer.
You may get a job with the company you do an internship at
Not only do you gain valuable experience, but you may be offered a job at the company at the end of your internship. Many companies use internship programs for recruiting. Doing an internship puts you in a position to earn a position in that company.
It looks great on a Resume
Even if you don't wind up working for the company where you do your internship, most companies are more likely to hire someone who has done an internship in the industry. Think about it – if you had to choose between someone who had a college degree and someone who had a college degree and on-the-job training – who would you pick?
You can earn college credit
For students who aren't immediately going out into the job field, internships are still a great idea since you can usually earn college credit if you do your internship through a company approved by your school. Some graduate programs also require internships or volunteer activities in order to qualify for admittance.
Graduates who have completed an internship earn 7% more
on average in their first year than those who don't.
Internship Sales Project
CLSS 2100
July 1, 2010
Report done by Group 4:
Marisa Bradshaw, Brian Wilde, Amelia Peinado, Stephen Phillips
A Tempting 10
BUSINESS
1. Athletic Director
2. Golf Course Developer
3. Financial Advisor
4. Travel Agent
5. Accountant
6. CEO
7. Director of Asset Management
8. Marketing Director
9. Economist
10. Entrepreneurer
EDUCATION
1. High school teacher
2. College Professor
3. President of University
4. School Administrator
5. Religion Teacher
6. Jr. High Teacher
7. Recruiting Agent
8. School Counselor
9. Career Counselor
10. Elementary Teacher
1. Athletic Director
2. Golf Course Developer
3. Financial Advisor
4. Travel Agent
5. Accountant
6. CEO
7. Director of Asset Management
8. Marketing Director
9. Economist
10. Entrepreneurer
EDUCATION
1. High school teacher
2. College Professor
3. President of University
4. School Administrator
5. Religion Teacher
6. Jr. High Teacher
7. Recruiting Agent
8. School Counselor
9. Career Counselor
10. Elementary Teacher
Decision Making Model
1. Define goal or objective
Objective: Receive an MBA degree by Spring of 2014
2. Assess alternatives
- I can continue to pursue my financial planning career and not worry about an MBA.
- I have always wanted to go on to graduate school so that no matter what happens with my career, I will have something to fall back on.
- I hope to continue my financial planning career while receiving an MBA degree at the same time. I would probably work less, but hopefully be more efficient.
3. Gather information
- I know that I can have a very successful career as a financial planner without an MBA.
- I am assuming that if my financial planning career doesn’t work out for me, I will have nothing to fall back on besides a Bachelor’s degree.
- I should look at what other opportunities are out there for ex-financial planners. Maybe other options are available that would be good back-up plans besides an MBA.
- The internet is a great source as far as other alternatives. I should also ask a couple of ex-financial planners that I know about what their financial planning careers has led them to now.
4. Assess outcomes or consequences
- The probability that I will be successful as a financial planner is actually like 3:10, which aren’t very high odds. However, I feel that they will be higher odds for me.
- The probability that an MBA will help my career and professionalism in the future is 10:10.
- I really want to get an MBA because I know it will also help me understand my profession better as well. I know that people will have more confidence to trust me with their finances when they see I am qualified through my education and experience.
- I am willing to give up a couple years of a lower income than I will be accustomed to because of going to school full-time.
5. Establish a plan of action
- My plan of action is to continue to pursue an MBA degree by the spring of 2014.
- I will start my MBA work in the fall of 2012 and finish in the spring of 2014.
- I do think that my plan of action states a clear objective.
- I plan to sign up for a KAPLAN class for the spring of 2011, re-take the GMAT in the summer of 2011, and apply for school in the fall of 2011.
- I plan to visit three of the eight schools I apply for before I submit my applications.
- I also plan to continue to work as much as I can as a financial planner while I attend graduate school.
Objective: Receive an MBA degree by Spring of 2014
2. Assess alternatives
- I can continue to pursue my financial planning career and not worry about an MBA.
- I have always wanted to go on to graduate school so that no matter what happens with my career, I will have something to fall back on.
- I hope to continue my financial planning career while receiving an MBA degree at the same time. I would probably work less, but hopefully be more efficient.
3. Gather information
- I know that I can have a very successful career as a financial planner without an MBA.
- I am assuming that if my financial planning career doesn’t work out for me, I will have nothing to fall back on besides a Bachelor’s degree.
- I should look at what other opportunities are out there for ex-financial planners. Maybe other options are available that would be good back-up plans besides an MBA.
- The internet is a great source as far as other alternatives. I should also ask a couple of ex-financial planners that I know about what their financial planning careers has led them to now.
4. Assess outcomes or consequences
- The probability that I will be successful as a financial planner is actually like 3:10, which aren’t very high odds. However, I feel that they will be higher odds for me.
- The probability that an MBA will help my career and professionalism in the future is 10:10.
- I really want to get an MBA because I know it will also help me understand my profession better as well. I know that people will have more confidence to trust me with their finances when they see I am qualified through my education and experience.
- I am willing to give up a couple years of a lower income than I will be accustomed to because of going to school full-time.
5. Establish a plan of action
- My plan of action is to continue to pursue an MBA degree by the spring of 2014.
- I will start my MBA work in the fall of 2012 and finish in the spring of 2014.
- I do think that my plan of action states a clear objective.
- I plan to sign up for a KAPLAN class for the spring of 2011, re-take the GMAT in the summer of 2011, and apply for school in the fall of 2011.
- I plan to visit three of the eight schools I apply for before I submit my applications.
- I also plan to continue to work as much as I can as a financial planner while I attend graduate school.
Final Reflection Paper
I was hesitant to take this class at the beginning of the semester because I found a full-time job back in May. Because of this, I did not think this class would be necessary for me. However, I soon discovered that all of the different exercises we did in this class were still very beneficial to me. I now realize the importance of keeping my mind open to other options as well because most people have multiple careers in their lifetime.
One of the most helpful things I learned was in the middle of the semester when we learned about our personality types and what kinds of jobs fit our personalities. This was helpful because it reinforced in me that I have chosen a career that really does fit my personality. I also was able to look into other professions that would be enjoyable to somebody with my personality. For example, the tests showed that I would enjoy the medical field because I would be helping people. It also said I would enjoy working for non-profit organizations. I would have to agree with both of those suggestions, and I will keep those professions in mind in the future.
Currently I am in the beginning stages of my career. I have chosen to try out financial advising. So far I am really enjoying it, and I feel like the things I am teaching people are helpful to them in their lives. I plan to continue pursuing this career and gaining experience. I would like to start grad school in the fall of 2012 and receive an MBA. Even though an MBA is not necessary for my profession, I think it will only help my credentials when people meet with me for the first time. It will help them trust me a little bit more. Financial advising has many progressive steps and licenses that one must take and receive to really build credibility. My plans are to receive my CFP (Certified Financial Planner) recognition in three years’ time from now. I know if I continue to develop good work habits and continue to educate myself in my field, I will be very valuable to families and businesses in their finances.
I am really excited for the future. This class helped me realize that I have picked a career that fits me. I do understand, however, that my plans could change dramatically in the future. This class helped me realize to always look for what interests me and what opportunities may lie ahead. I am a very loyal person so it is good for me to realize that I need to always keep my options open.
One of the most helpful things I learned was in the middle of the semester when we learned about our personality types and what kinds of jobs fit our personalities. This was helpful because it reinforced in me that I have chosen a career that really does fit my personality. I also was able to look into other professions that would be enjoyable to somebody with my personality. For example, the tests showed that I would enjoy the medical field because I would be helping people. It also said I would enjoy working for non-profit organizations. I would have to agree with both of those suggestions, and I will keep those professions in mind in the future.
Currently I am in the beginning stages of my career. I have chosen to try out financial advising. So far I am really enjoying it, and I feel like the things I am teaching people are helpful to them in their lives. I plan to continue pursuing this career and gaining experience. I would like to start grad school in the fall of 2012 and receive an MBA. Even though an MBA is not necessary for my profession, I think it will only help my credentials when people meet with me for the first time. It will help them trust me a little bit more. Financial advising has many progressive steps and licenses that one must take and receive to really build credibility. My plans are to receive my CFP (Certified Financial Planner) recognition in three years’ time from now. I know if I continue to develop good work habits and continue to educate myself in my field, I will be very valuable to families and businesses in their finances.
I am really excited for the future. This class helped me realize that I have picked a career that fits me. I do understand, however, that my plans could change dramatically in the future. This class helped me realize to always look for what interests me and what opportunities may lie ahead. I am a very loyal person so it is good for me to realize that I need to always keep my options open.
Resume
Brian H. Wilde
295 E 100 S Apt. #2 ● Provo, UT 84606 ● wildeb5@gmail.com ● 208-251-9310
Education
Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
Bachelor of Business Administration: International Business
Expected Date of Completion: August, 2010
Cumulated GPA - 3.85
Honors & Awards
· Dean’s list (5 of 7 semesters)
· Employee of the Month - Tucano's Brazilian Grill (August 2009)
· Employee of the Semester - Aggie Ice Cream (Spring 2008)
· Eagle Scout
Skills & Qualifications
Outgoing, dependable, honest, dedicated, disciplined, organized, positive and a team player with strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel) and web browsing. Bilingual (English and Spanish).
Professional Experience
Tucano's Brazilian Grill Provo, Utah February 2009 - Present
Meat Server
· Perform customer service.
· Motivate and supervise other employees. Held responsible for the success or failure of a section of the business.
· Train and coach other employees to learn the company policies and procedures.
Especially For Youth Rexburg, Idaho June 2008 – August 2008
Youth Counselor
· Facilitated lessons and was responsible for youth ages 14-18 at a religious summer camp.
· Motivated and encouraged youth to set goals to better themselves and their life habits.
Volunteer Experience
LDS Missionary – Buenos Aires, Argentina June 2005 - June 2007
· Lived, associated, and served the Argentine people at own expense.
· Held responsible for providing and maintaining the housing for 160 missionaries. With a provided budget, hired several contractors for different maintenance jobs, and worked with many Argentine real estate companies.
· Motivated and supervised 200 missionaries through high goals and encouraging presentations. Productivity was increased by 30%.
Cover Letter
Brian H. Wilde
295 E 100 S Apt. #2 ● Provo, UT 84606 ● wildeb5@gmail.com ● 208-251-9310
July 14, 2010
Nike, Inc.
Human Resources
111 8th Ave. #6
New York, NY 10011-5223
To Whom It May Concern:
Enclosure
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Refined Career Plan
I would personally like to work for two years before I attend graduate school. The reason for this is because I want to be sure on what I want to study. I have already taken the GMAT because this score lasts for five years, but I didn’t do as well as I would like to. Therefore, I think it would be in my best interest to take the GMAT again in the summer of 2011. I will take a KAPLAN course, or something similar to it, in the spring of 2011 to prepare for it. Once I get my GMAT score, it will be time for me to start my application.
The fall is a good time to submit applications for the next school year. Therefore, I will submit my applications to the schools of my choice in the fall of 2011, with hopes of starting my program in 2012. It will also be important for me to tour a few of the campuses to make my decision clearer on where I would like to attend. Once I make a decision on my graduate school of choice, my goal is to attend in the fall of 2012 for two years and receive an MBA by the spring of 2014.
This is a very realistic plan for me to achieve. My new career as a financial planner will allow me to attend graduate school and work at the same time because of the flexible schedule that financial planners are able to have. My new goals for my financial planning career are to hit the Century Club every year for the first two years in the business. The Century Club means I will sell at least 100 cases each year under contract. I think this is an achievable goal, but it will take a lot of desire and patience.
Goal Sheet
Short Term Goals
Career
1. Receive my Securities license by the beginning of November by studying for two hours every weekday from September through October.
2. Make the 110% club 3 of the next 5 months. This will be accomplished through constant activity.
Education
1. Sign up for a KAPLAN course to be able to improve my GMAT score.
Mid-Term Goals
Career
1. Hit the Century Club. (Sell 100 policies in my first year as an agent).
i. Set weekly and monthly goals that will put me in a position to do this.
Network
2. Build professional relationships with insurance companies, and accountants in Logan, Pocatello, and Provo.
i. Call and meet with somebody once a month to discuss future business partnerships.
Education
3. Take the GMAT again in the summer of 2011 and receive a 600 or better.
i. The KAPLAN course in the spring will help prepare me for this.
4. Apply for graduate school in Fall of 2011 with preparations to begin my studies in Fall of 2012.
i. Select eight different schools of interest.
ii. Visit three different campuses.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Job Shadow
Kyle Micheli: Manager/Financial Advisor
Allegis Financial Partners: Orem, UT
1. How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
Answer: Kyle actually claims he started investing people’s money at the age of 12. Obviously he couldn’t legally invest it in the stock market at that age, but he said he told other ways to help people earn more money. He has had an interest and passion for personal finances ever since then.
He started his job when he was finishing up college at Utah State University. He became manager about two years ago after being one of the most successful financial advisors in the company.
2. What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?
Answer: Kyle said he finds the most satisfaction when he sees people make progress on their financial goals. He has worked with people who started out as broke college students, but they were able to apply the principles he taught and showed them and now they are doing great. He also said he absolutely loves making a sale and developing relationships with his clients.
3. What part of this job do you personally find most challenging?
Answer: Kyle is the manager at Allegis Financial Partners so he is in charge of all the other advisors in the Orem office. He said it is really challenging sometimes to get his advisors to do the good habits that he teaches them to do. When they don’t do it, they suffer in the job and cannot support their families. It is very difficult for him to watch guys that he loves come in and drop out of the business because they are not making a living.
4. Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, etc.?
Answer: One of the big perks to this job is the flexibility. Kyle said that he does not want his guys to ask for time off for vacation or something of that nature. He just wants them to take whatever time they want off as long as they produce as they should. Dress standards are pretty flexible, as long as the clothes are professional. He said that most people are successful in places where they are familiar. However, you can essentially live wherever you want.
5. How is the economy affecting this industry?
Answer: Actually in the financial advising world, the industry booms no matter the circumstances. Because the economy is down, many people feel the need to get financial advice because they are scared of the consequences of doing it on their own. And when the economy is up, people are really positive and willing to take some risks with their money. With the economy the way it has been the last few years, the financial advising industry is doing very well.
6. What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field? Is there a salary ceiling?
Answer: This job is 100% commission. Therefore, the salary ranges are all over the place. Generally guys in their first year will make an average of 40K. However, the sky is the limit. One guy in their office makes well over 400K. How much you make depends on how hard you work.
7. What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this field/job?
Answer: Kyle said for sure a sense of competitiveness. People have to have the desire to make and set goals. He also said people need to be outgoing and willing to go the extra mile for their clients. Organized is another attribute that he mentioned because a lot of paper work is involved in this job, and you have to be able to keep everything together.
8. What were the keys to your career advancement? How did you get where you are and what are your long-term goals?
Answer: Kyle said the key to him being a part owner of the company and a manager in the Orem office was hard work. He said he figured out how to effectively work the business and impressed his bosses so much that they offered him a job as manager. He has developed great working habits in this field and knows what it takes to be successful. He said his long-term goal is to continue to work as manager and continue to own part of the business. He would like to start working a bit with real estate as well.
Summary
I really enjoyed this opportunity I had to follow the manager of a financial advising company. It really helped me to see all of the things he is required to do in a day. I also really liked how he always seemed happy. He really enjoys his career. It was also interesting to hear him talk with some of his clients. His clients love him, and I can tell he has developed a very good relationship with them.
I am really interested now at becoming a manager in a financial advising firm because of the relationship he also had with his employees. His employees work hard and enjoy working hard for Kyle. I want to continue to further my research in a managing position, but I obviously need to get my personal experience as a financial advisor first. Financial advising seems like a very flexible yet challenging job. I feel like I am a diligent person, and I also know that I want to run my own schedule. I think I would be good at financial advising because of the relationship building that is so heavily involved in this career.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Mock Interview Reflection
Who did you interview with and what is their job title?
I interviewed with Robert Clegg, and he is a Social Therapist.
What was most useful to you about this experience?
It was very useful for me to prepare for this interview. I have always had a tough time with interviews because I feel like I am bragging when I talk about my achievements. Before this interview I was able to prepare a few stories about myself, and how they would make me stand out as a future employee.
What was the most difficult question you were asked? Why?
The most difficult question for me to answer was what are my strengths and weaknesses. This was difficult because I know I have many weaknesses, but I didn't want to make it be a weakness that would disqualify me for the position I was a interviewing for so it took me like 30 seconds to come up with a pretty good answer.
What advice would you give to others preparing for an interview?
I would give the advice to prepare a couple of stories about yourself because people enjoy hearing stories of your talents in real life situations. I would also recommend studying up on the company beforehand because you never know what type of question the interviewee might ask you about the business. Plus, if you want to be able to ask questions at the end of the interview, you need to know some specifics about the company.
Name at least three (3) things you learned.
I learned that no matter how well you prepare, you will still be very nervous. I also learned that it is not bad to talk yourself up as long as it is true. We do not need to feel fearful of being cocky. Just show confidence and the employers will see that I also learned the importance of remembering past situations in my life so that I can now share them with others.
Name at least three (3) things that can be improved on for your next interview.
I can improve my posture next time. Sometimes I felt like I was really slouching on the couch I was sitting on. I can also improve my vocabulary. For some reason, big words were coming to my head during the interview, but I didn't exactly know what they meant so sometimes I think the interviewee got a little confused. And the last thing I think I can improve on is my ability to state my strengths. I need to already know what I am good at and what I am not good at. This will help me to respond with confidence to many questions.
I interviewed with Robert Clegg, and he is a Social Therapist.
What was most useful to you about this experience?
It was very useful for me to prepare for this interview. I have always had a tough time with interviews because I feel like I am bragging when I talk about my achievements. Before this interview I was able to prepare a few stories about myself, and how they would make me stand out as a future employee.
What was the most difficult question you were asked? Why?
The most difficult question for me to answer was what are my strengths and weaknesses. This was difficult because I know I have many weaknesses, but I didn't want to make it be a weakness that would disqualify me for the position I was a interviewing for so it took me like 30 seconds to come up with a pretty good answer.
What advice would you give to others preparing for an interview?
I would give the advice to prepare a couple of stories about yourself because people enjoy hearing stories of your talents in real life situations. I would also recommend studying up on the company beforehand because you never know what type of question the interviewee might ask you about the business. Plus, if you want to be able to ask questions at the end of the interview, you need to know some specifics about the company.
Name at least three (3) things you learned.
I learned that no matter how well you prepare, you will still be very nervous. I also learned that it is not bad to talk yourself up as long as it is true. We do not need to feel fearful of being cocky. Just show confidence and the employers will see that I also learned the importance of remembering past situations in my life so that I can now share them with others.
Name at least three (3) things that can be improved on for your next interview.
I can improve my posture next time. Sometimes I felt like I was really slouching on the couch I was sitting on. I can also improve my vocabulary. For some reason, big words were coming to my head during the interview, but I didn't exactly know what they meant so sometimes I think the interviewee got a little confused. And the last thing I think I can improve on is my ability to state my strengths. I need to already know what I am good at and what I am not good at. This will help me to respond with confidence to many questions.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Elevator Speech
Hi my name is Brian Wilde. I will graduate this August in International Business Management. I have worked and interned for a couple financial advising companies, and I love what I do. I am very personable and able to get along with just about anyone. This is very important in the business world, and I want to be able to form successful business relationships with great people who require my financial services. I know my experience, education, and work ethic will help me be a great asset to any company I join.
I would give this speech to anyone who asked me about my professional life. I guess it could happen in an elevator, or in a job interview. Obviously I would not memorize it, but it would need to be somewhat prepared. I practiced on my wife, and she seemed to think it was good.
I would give this speech to anyone who asked me about my professional life. I guess it could happen in an elevator, or in a job interview. Obviously I would not memorize it, but it would need to be somewhat prepared. I practiced on my wife, and she seemed to think it was good.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Personality/Interest Assessment
MBTI Report 1. List your reported type. (Example: ESTJ) · I am ESFJ. 2. According to your report, what are some of the characteristics that best describe your personality type? · A lot of the characteristics described in my report reflect who I am. An ESFJ is friendly, tactful, and sympathetic, and I would say that I am all of those. It also says that much of my pleasure and satisfaction comes from the warmth of feeling of people around me. I would totally agree with that statement. Another characteristic that describes an ESFJ and totally describes me is being loyal to people, institutions, or causes, sometimes to the point of idealizing whatever or whomever they admire. I think this report hit the ball on my personality traits. 3. Refer to the list of the 50 most popular occupations page or go to http://www.careervoyages.gov/top50occupations-main.cfm Read the list of occupations, circle the ones that you would like to explore, and list them below. · Honestly, the top 10 jobs they have listed here don’t really interest me. However, of the top 50, I think I would enjoy the following occupations: o School teacher o School administrator o Director of religious activities o Public health educator o Manager/supervisor of health care support workers 4. How do you believe the occupations you have chosen to explore fit with your personality preferences? Explain how these occupations allow you to work in your preferred work environment. · Well I think an important part of being a teacher is being friendly and sympathetic. I have a good ability to show empathy for others, and I think a school teacher needs to understand the needs of their students. All of the occupations I chose also involve being around people and forming relationships with them. SII Report 1. List your general occupational theme code. (Example EAS) · My theme code is SCE. 2. List your 5 Basic Interests Scales and determine what type of interest they represent from the following: vocational, educational, leisure activities, personal interest. (Examples might include: religion-personal interest, teaching-leisure, healthcare-vocational) · My top five interest areas are the following areas: o Athletics o Religion and Spirituality o Teaching and Education o Sales o Social Sciences 3. Refer to pages 5, 6, and 7 of your SII profile. Look at all the occupational scales you scored highest in (generally 40 or above), or that have a combination of your theme code. List the occupations from the scales that you might like to research. · Some of the occupations that I might like to research would be the following occupations: o School Administrator o Business Education Teacher o Banker o Financial Analyst o Life Insurance Agent o Travel Consultant o Top Executive 4. For the following questions refer to Personal Style Scales on page 8 of your SII profile. A. Look at your “Work Style” rating. What does your score suggest to you in relation to the occupations you listed above? · It is a 64, which shows that I clearly prefer working with people, enjoy helping others, and I am outgoing. The occupations listed above describe these jobs to a “T”. B. Look at your “Learning Environment” rating. How do the educational requirements of the occupations you listed fit with your interest to pursue additional training? · I am midrange as far as this goes at a score of 50. I am more than willing to go to more school to be qualified for certain positions. However, I also don’t think a book can teach me everything. The occupations listed above require some schooling, and a few of them require graduate school. C. Look at your “Leadership Style” rating. How do these occupations fit your personal style? · I am still in Midrange with a score of 57. Many of these occupations don’t require being an absolute leader, yet they do require a bit of directing and leading by example. D. Look at your “Risk Taking/Adventure” rating. Explain how the occupations do or do not match your risk taking style. · I have a score of 60. A few of the occupations listed above involve some risk such as a top executive, life insurance agent, and a financial analyst. The others are pretty conservative as far as risk goes. Executives, insurance agents, and financial agents must take risks to be able to succeed in their careers. They do not always know what the competitors will do, or how their clients will respond to certain decisions and this fits me pretty well. 5. What college majors are suggested for your theme code that you find interesting? · Accounting · Banking and Finance · Financial Planning · Hotel Management · Secondary Education · Business Administration · International Relations 6. Of your top 10 occupations, list 3 you are most interested in and the educational preparation required for each. · Travel Consultant = Vocational/technical certificate, AA, or BA, plus specialized travel training · Business Education Teacher = MA plus teaching certificate preferred · Parks and Recreation Manager = BA or MA in recreation or leisure studies. Occupations not listed on MBTI or SII 1. List any occupations you are interested in that were not listed on your MBTI or SII reports. · Sports Broadcaster Meet with a Career Counselor at CACC 1. Make an appointment to review your assessment reports with a career counselor in Career and Academic Counseling (LC402 or contact by phone: 801-863-8425). 2. List any comments or suggestions made by the counselor regarding selection of a career or major and/or your assessment results. · My counselor already knew that I have chosen an occupation for now as a Financial Planner. However, she did help me realize the importance of having a few backup plans in case things fall through. Many people switch careers in a lifetime. She does think I am doing something that fits my assessment results. 3. Write the name of the counselor you met with and the date of your appointment. Name: Janiece Commichaux Date June 10, 2010
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