Hi Everyone..

Hi SHM, my name is Samantha Berger and I am a sophomore at Drexel University. I am a business administration major, with a concentration in marketing. I might make communications my minor, I haven't decided yet. When it comes to my future, I have a general idea of what I want to do. I really enjoy being around people, and eventually want to be an event coordinator. It is my dream to live in NYC for a few years after college and organize events that take place. With experience in both marketing and communications that I gain from SHM, I hope that my dream can one day become reality. Besides being a business major, I am also a lacrosse player a Drexel. That takes up a lot of my time causing me to miss a few days, or leave work early. So, if you look over at the co-op table and do not see me, that is most likely where I will be.

There are a lot of things that I hope to learn over the next six months. I hope to gain a lot of knowledge in not only business, but also medicine. I can honestly say that I do not know anything about the medical field, and I believe it is important to have a solid background in a lot of different fields. Another thing I would like to accomplish is to strengthen my networking skills. Being surrounded by very influential and powerful people everyday can be intimidating. However, after six months, I hope to gain great relationships with everyone. If I am able to talk to high powered people everyday, it will increase my ability to talk to anyone of higher power in the future. That being said, my networking skills will hopefully increase due to the communication skills that I aquired. Lastly, I hope I walk away from this experience and realize whether or not marketing and my dreams are really what I want in life. Even if I hate this experience and want to become a fashion designer after this experience, it has been a success because at least I know. I do not think I will ever be a designer, so hopefully this experience makes me realize that marketing really is my calling!

Fun fact: Ashley and I have the same last name! I heard someone call her "Bergs" and that is what all my friends from home call me :)

Thanks for a great first day and some delicious sesame chicken!

Welcome to the First Day of "REAL Work"

Hi all! My name is Victoria Lam. I am currently a sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and International Business and a minor in Fine Arts. I also work part-time at Reger Rizzo & Darnall, a law firm in West Philadelphia. I want to dabble in all areas of business before I decide exactly what I want to be when I grow up. As an hands-on type of person, I can't say I don't like something before try it. Some things I have decided I love: baking, The Oprah Show, and traveling.

My main goal over the next six months is to be proud of all the work that I will have accomplished at SHM. I took this job because I did not want to spend my day mindlessly filing paperwork. I want to be able to offer opinions, creativity, and ideas that matter. From the beginning I knew that I would find that in a smaller company. Thus, a close-knit working environment was very important to me.

Additionally, over the next six months, I want to become a more independent person. This includes being an independent worker, learner, and thinker. A large portion of my life thus far has consisted of following directions. When we're young, we start grade school and just follow all the rules. (Most of us, anyway.) Then we graduate to college, where "following the rules" is a phrase taken lightly. But now, as a part of the working industry, I feel as if I have the power to create the rules of my own work.

And ultimately, by the end of my sixth month, I will want to have decided whether or not marketing is something that I will consider doing for the rest of my life. Though my guess is yes. I have enjoyed being involved in all sorts of marketing organizations and events; and I can safely say that I loved each and every single one of them. Hopefully, SHM will continue to make me feel that way.

Fun fact about someone: Today, I learned Kari and I are practically neighbors. Cherry Hill, New Jersey - represent!

Thank you, everyone, for an amazing first day. I'm truly excited for the next six months!

First Day

About me: I'm a sophmore at Drexel and I really have no idea what I want to do with my life. My goal in life is to make a resort in Nicaragua (sounds random, I did community service trips there in high school, it's right next to costa rica..) For now i'm just working on my degree and trying to find where I belong in the business world until I reach my goal. I thought I wanted to go into international business but now i'm not so sure.

I took this co-op because I really liked the idea of it, and want to explore marketing more. Over the next six months I hope that I learn not only marketing but more about the business world as a whole. I thought I knew everything (yeah right) coming out of high school and college has opened my eyes to the fact I know not even close to everything..surprise surprise.

I think that the family atmosphere here is exactly what I am looking for and hope that in the next six months I am not only upset to leave but know where I want to go. I think that these six months can help me decide if i'm in the right major or not, and learn about real world life. Sitting in this mornings meeting I didn't realize how many parts of the marketing department there are, and I was surprised that many of them caught my interest. I want to obviously learn as much as I can, but I want to learn what I like so that I can enjoy what I do.

Today I learned that Nadia also has a love for cookies as do I.. We share the same nickname.."Cookie Monster"


I am excited that we are not alone on this new adventure. We all most likely came to Drexel for the co-op experience and hope that we get close on our first venture out into the real world. I'm looking foward to the next six months and can't wait to look back on this first blog and see where we are all at compared to now.

Today is The First Day of....

Hello Emily, Victoria, Samantha and Natasha...

Welcome to SHM and our department...we all are excited that you all are joining the team.

Over the last six months, Collective Reality was your predecessors blog. This was their home to reflect upon, and share, their experiences as Marketing Assistants here at SHM.

This blog is now each of yours...and will become a central part of your SHM experience.

During your first week, I hope you will take the time to read through all the previous posts...it's a great way to really get a sense of what the next 6 months hold for you.

Over the coming months, we'll be posing weekly questions for you to react to, and reflect upon. Some of us will also post periodically to this blog as well.

Our expectation is that you'll react each week to the question that's posed...
Our hope is that you'll share other thoughts and experiences as time goes on...

This is really an opportunity to make your time as a MA more than just doing things and really about a self-exploration that will reap great dividends.

Here's your week 1 assignment

Between now and Friday (4/3)

Create an account for blogging and make your first post by:

• Telling us a little bit about you
• Sharing the three most important things you want to accomplish over the next six month
• Learn an interesting fact about someone inside our department and including it here

Welcome to the First Day of _______________

Yes...the ending is intentionally blank...it's up to you to fill in as we go on.


Todd

There are places I remember, all my life...

About a month ago, I started thinking about what it’s going to be like to leave. I’ve committed countless hours and made what I hope to be a few lasting friendships, and then my co-op is over.

…That sucks.

Every day, people wake up and go to work. Far too few go to a job they love, and likewise far too few go to a job with people they love. I count myself among the luckiest few that can do both. I never imagined when I started here that I would enjoy working and being with the people that work here this much. Many co-op students can’t wait for their co-op to be over and rejoice that they will never have to hear from their employers again. Well, I’m really going to miss coming here and I hope the ties between us stay strong.

To the other MAs: You guys made work a lot of fun. Hopefully I’ll see you guys more often than in passing.

Meredith: Although you were a business student (and nobody likes business students) you have been so much fun to work with these past six months. Every time someone says something shocking, I’m going to think… WHAAAAAAAT!?!? You CBs were fun and you prevented me from getting yelled at about headphones plenty of times. Even though you decided you didn’t like sitting next to me, you’re still pretty awesome.

Jill: Hehehehehehehehehehehehe. You had to know I was going to start with that. Too funny. I don’t really know anything about SWOT analysises (I don’t even know how to spell the plural of the world analysis), but I know it was something you worked hard on and something I could definitely never do. I hope you liked all the youtube vides that I sent you that you couldn’t listen to.

Dettmer: We tended to think alike on most things (Todd is probably scared to read that).We need to leave to the busses, so your section is brief. Do work son.

To everyone else here: You make it clear every day that you care about your employees and co-workers. I’m afraid I have to leave you all in a bit of suspense now, I’ve kind of got something planned for the coming week and, lets be honest, it’s not really my style to conform to all the rules. Just wait, it’ll be good, I promise.

To the future co-ops: You’ve just joined a family full of amazing people (and like every family, a few crazies). Everyone will be there during your highest highs and lowest lows. They will selflessly push you to be the best you can be, both in your work and in your life. You’re going to blink and six months will be gone and you’ll be in the same place I am; trying to figure out a way to explain how great the people here are. You can’t. You’ll just have to experience it and enjoy it. Good luck, you’re going to love it here.

“To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.”

All things must come to an end

Now that my time at SHM is done, I can honestly say that when I look back on this time I do not have one bad memory. Actually I can say quite the opposite, not only do I not have any bad memories but instead I have many, many, great memories and experiences that I know will help me in my future.

Before I continue I would like to take the time to thank everyone at SHM for not only using the co-op program but for being so supportive and kind through the process. Furthermore, I would like to take the time to specifically thank TVD. It is very apparent that you care for your employees and that you really want to see them be successful. I am extremely grateful that you have extended this care into the co-op program and that you demand growth from us.

For my final thoughts, I would like to say that I am enormously grateful that this department took me, and the other Co-Ops, in and took an active approach to my learning and development. You are all amazing people and it shows in the way that you all interact. I truly will miss coming in every morning (and by morning I mean day) and being able to spend time with all of you.

To the future MA’s and co-ops: You have just joined a second family. It’s something you will hear all the time in the department meetings and from TVD and it really is true. These people care about you, they want to see you do the best you can, and they are willing to put a lot of trust into your work and ideas. If you work hard, stay positive, follow the core values, speak up when you have something to say, and get to know the people that you work with, I am positive that you will leave here having had the same great experience as I did.

As we go on, we remember all the times we had together...

Yep, I just quoted Vitamin C.

I remember my first “Monday Morning Meeting.” I didn’t have a clue who anybody was, I had no idea what anybody was talking about, and I quietly listened while soaking everything up. Six months later, I know everybody by their first names, if not nicknames. I know what everybody is talking about and I find myself listening intently, if not participating. I even take the minutes (not by choice).
I have learned so much not only about myself, but about a working environment. I’ve learned to manage myself, not to mention others. I held important leadership positions. I’ve delegated, I’ve helped, and I’ve watched and listened. I feel like these 6 months have gone by so quickly and that I still have so much more to discover. Working here has made me excited to grow and learn more about myself and work harder on my weaknesses (confidence) and excel with my strengths.
The time has come to part ways and I must say it is very bittersweet. This time one year ago, I was counting down until my last day at Unisys. I was excited to no longer wake up at 6:30am and drive an hour to work. Fast forward to the present, and I have to say although I am excited for the Florida sun and being back on campus, I am not excited to leave these smiling faces and the three other co-ops who I have come to know as my friends, not just co-workers. Alex B, Alex D, Ashley Christine, George, Heather, Jen, Jill, Kari, Katie, Nadia, Todd and Vernita, thank you. Individually, you have each made my six months here more than memorable.

To Alex B: Snowflake! Although you were the designer (and nobody likes designers), you have been so much fun to work with these past six months. You always laugh at my dumb jokes and weird phrases (WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!) and you don’t care when I make fun of you. Thank you so much for guiding me in creative briefs and helping me out when I needed advice for random things. You’re a hard worker, but you also keep things fun. I’m going to miss that, FML. PS – You can thank me for saving your ass with the headphones later. DAAAAAAAAAANG.

To Alex D: Hey there, slacker. I know how much you love pink.Thanks for always sending us funny articles and telling us about random things we would never know about, or need to know about. I need to learn more about this 9/11 conspiracy stuff! But really, you’ve been great to work with and have come to be a good friend. Thanks for spotting money for my lunch that one time. Keep partying like you do because we all need some FML stories in our life.

To Ashley: Hi lady! You’ve been amazing in answering all of my questions and joking around about your love for homeless people (don’t deny it). I hope that you continue to help the next round of MA’s the way you helped me. Ready, go-ski!

To Christine: WHERE’S MEREDITH!? You have been hilarious for the past six months and I’m glad I was able to help you with membership. Thanks for sharing your popcorn. Good luck teaching the next MA’s some new things, including your love for AJ Feely along with the rest of the Eagles. PS – I love watching clips from The Office with you.

To George: Although we didn’t know each other the entire six months I’ve been here, you have brought a smile to my face every time you come around and send out quizzes or other fun e-mails. Keep up with getting the staff involved Georgey Porgy.

To Heather: Thanks for getting me involved with some small PR stuff. Congratulations on the Oprah article and I wish the best for your success in the future. Keep listening to The Sleeping and keep trying to get Neil to be just a little bit more like Edward. Oh, and thanks for letting me use your hand lotion!

To Jen: We haven’t worked together very often but every time I see you, you are smiling and it makes me smile. I hope you have a healthy and happy baby! Good luck.

To Jill: DAAAAAAAAANG Jill. First we worked together, now we’re on CAB together, and who knows, maybe you’ll be joining DZ? I’m so glad that this isn’t the end for us! First of all, thank you SO much for being there for me whenever I’m upset and being a good listener. Thanks for advice, support, and caring. You’ve had my back these past six months more than anyone. You help me with my life, you help me when I have a lot to do and we work great together. I’m going to miss reading FML every morning before starting our day together and listening to your Peter Griffin laugh. I loved gossiping about everything (you know) and becoming good friends through this whole thing. I could write a novel, sort of like in a yearbook, but I won’t. HAGS. I’ll see you soon!!

To Kari: You’re always so kind and sweet, not to mention adorable and funny. You always have something to share that makes me laugh. Supper was so much fun and so was Twilight! Working with you has been nothing short of a pleasure.

To Katie: So much for passports, huh? If you’re still up for it, I am. I’m jealous of your cruise and like Heather would say; let’s get a ring on that finger!!

To Nadia: My love, you have always cheered me up when I am having a bad day whether it’s with cookies or laughing together at one of the boys. Thanks for answering any questions I have and giving me your opinion on so many things. If I could give you a karma coupon daily, I would. Good luck with your move, cookie monster! Also, I'm passing the Yahoo award to you.

To Todd: The Toddfather! Although you are a very busy person, you always made time to check in and see how I was doing. You made sure I realized the importance of things and have truly been a role model ever since my interview.

To Vernita: Your laugh makes me laugh. Your smile brightens a room and I love the silly comments you say to Dettmer. You have been so much fun. Don’t stress over Fellows applications, and I better see you on April 10^th! Graduation is so soon, good luck!

As far as leaving something behind for the next group of marketing assistants and to those coming a year from now, I just want to tell you that you can be successful in anything you put your mind to. A lot of people struggle with the definition of success, but I learned not very long ago, that success means being FIRST. Not first in line or first to do something. Not even first in terms of being the best FIRST stands for Friendship, Integrity, Responsibility, Stewardship, and Tolerance. Be friends with the people you meet, reach out to them and care about them. Have integrity and the drive to complete and finish a project. Be responsible for yourself and your work. Don’t be afraid to manage yourself and others (stewardship). Finally, be tolerant of yourself, your work and of others. Don’t let yourself get too stressed over something. Take it easy and enjoy these six months for all they’re worth.
No matter what, don’t take any of it for granted. Remember what you do each day; think back at the end of the day and think about actions you took that exemplify a great quality in yourself. Take pride in yourself and the projects you accomplish here. You’ll have to remember all of it later.
I am so happy to have had the experience that I did. I came into my interview knowing this was the place for me. I couldn’t believe they actually cared about my growth as a person as well as my growth professionally. I have had some amazing mentors and wouldn’t have traded this co-op for the world.

Finally, I walk around with the quote on me almost every day (it’s on a bag I use). Read it, live by it:

“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”

Last Lecture

Overall my experience here at SHM has been exciting, busy, fun and very memorable. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” In my 6 months at SHM I have grown tremendously as a person. This quote summarizes the overall growth that I have achieved and I would like to offer to the future MA’s: stay confident—not only within your work and projects but also with yourself.

Honestly, I haven’t worked with a more exciting, hilarious group of people. Every day has been new, different and adventurous (as corny as that sounds). I have seen the difference that interaction and communication can provide within a small work environment. I have learned the struggles we face while marketing different products and events to our department. I have learned the benefits personally and professionally in a non-profit company. Last but not least, I have never learned so much from a group of determined and motivated people.

As much as I hate goodbyes, I would like to leave behind the following thoughts to each individual person (in random order):

The Toddfather-As a student I have learned a lot from you that I will take away in both my professional and personal life. I will surely miss your random, brilliant thoughts and what I like to call your deep moments. I have to say that you are one of the most creative people I have ever known! Keep doing an amazing job with the co-op program; it’s something that will benefit many others like me in the future!

Ashley-ski- Lady, you are one of the most sarcastic and funniest people I have ever met. What I love most about SHM is that you can just be yourself; the person that you are at home is the person you can be at work. I can definitely see that through your personality. I am very happy every co-op student has the chance to work with you; you give great advice and guidance in the early steps all way through the last few days. I hope to be as experienced and talented as you one day. Thanks for everything!

Kari-When someone looks at you I’m sure they thought what I did—you just look like a nice person! Your bubbly and exciting personality spills over to everyone in the department. In the beginning, I worked much more with you than I did during the last few months of co-op. In the time that I did work with you I learned that personally you are genuinely one of the most down to earth people I know and I honestly cannot say that I know too many people like that.

Vernitz-The one thing that I have learned from you is that anyone can do anything. You are a busy mother, student and employee. You have a great personality and your crazy laugh and beautiful smile are contagious! What I love the most about you is that you truly appreciate and recognize when other people help you. Good luck with college, you’re almost done!

Christiner Weiner- I think that I have had the closest connection with you, not just because I love sitting so close to you in meetings! We have shared crazy stories about our childhoods over FHM applications and hilarious personality is what truly makes you a great person to be around. Thanks for putting up with my million and one questions everyday and teaching me the value of membership! Good luck with everything!

Heather-I truly admire everything you do with PR to get SHM’s name out there and to spread awareness. Your almost heart attacks in meetings showed me how organized and prepared you were, which I really respect! You’ll be a great mother someday! (HAHA)

Katie- I have not worked with you one-on-one in many projects but during meetings and company activities I saw a lot of characteristics that I want to implement overtime within myself. The one that I would like to call out is your competitiveness! I also saw that you were really knowledgeable about a lot of products and the industry. I hope to see a ring on your finger in the future!

Jen- You were the first person that I worked with on major projects like attendance modeling and the SWOT analysis. You taught me a whole different side to marketing, the side that a lot of people seem to overlook. I learned from you that marketing was not just about great ads and subject lines but also about the numbers from past events and demographics that were in our audience. I am so happy I had the chance to work with you, thanks for everything and good luck with the little one and the baby!

Nadia-I really admire you in so many ways, being the youngest in our department really shows me how mature and responsible you are. Not too long ago you were a Marketing Assistant just like me and now you have responsibility in many, many projects. I also really respect the fact that you have a strong work ethic and are a hard worker. Besides, professionally I think personally you have such a great personality and are always willing to help us out no matter what. Good luck with your bright future and also the many men that want to date you and buy you expensive, shiny things!

Georgy Porgy- Oh Georgy, there is so much to say. A few months ago you were merely a stranger and now are someone that I look up to. Thank You so much for exposing me to that whole different side of marketing as Jen also did. I’ve also learned that I don’t have to figure out what I want to do in life right away and can still be successful as you have been. Stay funny!

Alex B.-Although most of your time was spent making fun of me, I really think you are a talented person not only through your design work but also as a confident, creative person. Your perfect imitations, movie quotes, funny jokes, YouTube videos and even making fun of my Peter Griffin giggle are things I am going to miss.

Dettmer-What I truly admire about you is your ability to think of things on the spot and quickly without any hesitation or doubt. Your confidence is something that I noticed when you present yourself. I learned so many random things and great websites from you. I’m sure we’ll see each other on campus!

Meredith-Where to start? At first you were this weird girl that sat across from me. You missed me so much that you had to move directly next to me. Professionally, you were that one person I always turned to for advice and help on projects. Personally, I really love a lot of things about you, including your creativity and hilarious personality. I’ll truly say that I’m going to miss your “WHAAAAAT?” and “DAAAAAAANG” moments so much. I think that you have so much potential but don’t give yourself enough credit- be cockier like Dettmer and Alex! I’ll miss you but I’m sure I’ll see you again through our mutual friends!

To the future MA’s there’s great insight within the updated Survival Guide—check it out!

“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”-Don Williams Jr.

KIT! HAGS! (Through Facebook and Twitter of course!) I’ll miss you all!

The Final Lecture - Your Last Assignment

Here we are, the last week, and the last post: Your "final lecture" is due by Wednesday at 5pm.

This is meant to be your final thoughts on your co-op experience. What thoughts would you like to leave behind - to those who are still here? To those starting shortly after you? To those to come a year from now?

Give this some time, and some thought. These are your final thoughts so they should be well thought out and demonstrate internal reflection.

Don't forget - Wednesday at 5pm...I'd hate for you to miss out on Thursday's festivities because you were finishing this up :->

Bad Communication

How can bad communication destroy a positive work environment?

Bad communication can destroy a positive work environment in a lot of ways. The first way that I can think of is completing projects. If two people are working together on a project and have poor communication, how can the two complete the task or even know each other's progress? The poor communication between the two workers can overall affect the company and the atmosphere overall.

The next way that I can think of is, bad communication in turn means that nobody is willing to communicate with one another or share ideas. While being here at SHM I see the value of brainstorming at meetings and gathering ideas from people in different departments.

The last way that I think of "bad communication" is in a totally different sense--when two or more people can't get along with other co-workers. If these individuals can't work together, it influences how other people are going to approach them and do projects with them in turn creating a negative work environment.

Argument is the worst sort of conversation

To answer Dettmer's question about how bad communication can destroy a positive work environment, I think the only way it would affect the environment is information getting misconstrued. When communication is minimal, it can tend to have the "whisper down the lane" affect. I've seen this far too many times, especially in CAB (the organization I'm a part of at school) and when information is misleading and wrong, people get bitter and resentful and blame the wrong people. There is never any single person to blame for bad communication. The only way to avoid it is to practice and learn better communication. Nobody wants a negative work environment, because the more negative it gets, the less employee satisfaction there is.

My "Last Lecture" is coming soon...

Communication

One more question for you to think about....

How can bad communication destroy a positive work environment?

"60% of all human communication is nonverbal, body language; 30% is your tone, so that means 90% of what you're saying ain't coming out of your mouth."
- Alex Hitchens (Hitch)

a. Theme - Communication
b. Questions for Discussion:

1. The type of communication that one uses in the work place often depends on with whom the communication is taking place; upper level employees often hear different more proper language and lower level employees hearing more common language. However certain principals are important no matter who is in the conversation. List 3 fundamentals that one should observe no matter whom they are speaking and explain why they are important.
2. One of the hardest types of communication can be relaying to another that they have not fulfilled their requirements / have not done an adequate job. If you were tasked with this job, how would you satisfactorily communicate the message while making sure not to un-inspire the other worker?
3. When communicating with members and prospects we most often use email or direct mail. What are the most important aspects in such visual/ textual communication?
4. When reflecting on the communication with in the office, in what areas do you see room for improvement and what do we do exceedingly well?

c. Goals:

• Improved communication with in office
• new ideas on how to better our communication to members
• Thoughts about communicating as a manager
  

Alex in Charge, of our Days and our Nights

Creating an effective and engaging piece from start to finish.
“The Artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist”
-Eric Gill

In order for a department with a designer to be successful, there must be a collaborative effort from a variety of parties. Each party brings something to the table, whether it be providing engaging content, creating artwork, enhancing the piece with edits, or taking a piece from design file to printed product; Every gear must turn together.

Questions
What defines an effective piece?

What steps can you as an individual take in the creation of a piece in order to make it effective and successful? What steps can be taken as an entire department?

What could be done in a design piece that SHM has never done before? How would something like that benefit SHM?

Goals
Strengthen and streamline the design process from concept creation to finished product.

Empower each person to make every piece effective and leave them feeling satisfied with the final product.

Inspire both designers and non-designers to push the limits of what’s been done.