Watch Me Now!

I began this course without putting much thought into the communication skills I would need for my future job searches.  While the entire course was informative, the last three modules have been incredibly eye-opening for me. There are several things I’ve learned that can be applied to my personal situation. 

First, I am grateful for the information and videos that enforced the benefits of joining LinkedIn.  Several business contacts have invited me to join them, but I continually declined the invitations, thinking it would not be a good use of my time.  The videos that gave tips on networking within the site and explained the benefits of joining extra groups would be a great benefit to anyone that is unemployed and looking for a job within a specific field.  I look forward to expanding my network on this site immediately.  The second thing I was surprised to learn about was the voice thread option online.  I already use the www.freeconferencecall.com website for conference calls, but this opportunity gives many more options for those that can’t make a specific time work for everyone.  The most beneficial information I received through these modules would be the interview tips, online employment resources such as www.monster.com , and multiple social networking sites.  I believe the internet has challenged employment seekers to put forth their best efforts throughout the interview process and gaining understanding in this area will put them above the masses.   I know it has certainly challenged the way I have been doing things.  Watch out for me now!

 

Julie Martin _ Week 15

One, Two, Three!

These past three weeks have probably been the most important weeks in our college education. We all have the same common goal-to find the "perfect" career. We need to be able to market, lack of better words, ourselves to convince the employer that we are the one, the one to take their company to higher levels!
First we have to "advertise" ourselves. Best way is by a resume'. You have to be able to sell yourself. But yourself out there are the best, no doubt about it! I had a "remember back in high school business class" type of resume' that need some extreme updating.
Second, where to advertise. There are such web-sites as LinkedIn, Monster, and Indeed that you can advertise yourself. Post your resume' and let employers find you. Or you have the option go "going and getting it" (like a telemarketing) go to the employer with your resume'. My sister actually convinced me on joining LinkedIn prior to the assignment. She received a job opportunity within weeks of being on there and I've found groups that I have similarities to and really enjoy holding discussions with.
Third, the "hiring", an interview and being added to the team. Convince then there is no other candidate, you are it! (Don't forget appearance is the first impression!)

Three simple steps that can be life changing, three simple steps that we all strive for.

Good luck, class on your career adventures!


Karen Week 15

I'm Moving on Up to.....

Technology! (Sorry, I loved the Jefferson's.)

To be honest, I was so scared of this assignment! What presentation and voice-thread! Had no clue what voice-thread was, but it sounded scary. But now, it's a "how cool is that, look what I can do!" I learned a lot from this presentation. I already loved power-point but now I get to add audio. Meanings, that I hold meetings at least once a month, this could come in really handy. I have to drive to four locations (all about an hour apart) to give a 30 minute (at most) meeting now I can put in power-point with voice thread. Only have to "give" meeting once, save on driving, now I can sit back with my Mt. Dew and Peanut M & M's! To by far out does Twitter!


Karen
Week 13
https://voicethread.com/share/3719128/

Voice Thread and Online Presentations

Making an online presentation speech is a lot of work!  I knew going into this lesson, that it would require extra time and effort to end with a presentation I would be happy with.  I didn't realize, however, that it would require as much time putting my PowerPoint together, as it did to prepare my oral presentation.

Even though this lesson required more effort than any others, I admit I enjoyed the process.  I do have a creative side in me, but I rarely have the time to use it.  It was nice to have the opportunity to learn new tips about PowerPoint and to learn a new Social Media outlet through Voice Thread.  I believe this type of presentation can work very well in many circumstances and I look forward to using it with my military wives group in the future.  It would be a great tool to post information to wives that are unable to attend important presentations and a great way to practice giving speeches, without being in front of a large group of people.

There were a few things that didn’t work well with this method.  It was difficult to control background noise and timing between slides was hard to gauge.  Next time, I will make sure I have a head set to record and eliminate the background noise.  Overall, I think it is a great tool in online communications.    

 

Julie Martin Week 13

Technology, Time and Me!

When we began writing blogs and using twitter, I almost instantly bowed my back.  Since time is already an issue for me, this did not seem to be a useful addition to my duties.  I could not imagine why people would spend their precious “time” on social media and I most certainly did not think it could save me time in my tasks. 

Well, wrong again!  I believe the greatest asset I have learned from this class, is that social media is a valuable tool, when you learn to use it the right way.  I have already applied myself to posting regularly on my Warrior Wives group Facebook page, and I am pleasantly surprised at the interaction it receives.  I also look forward to blogging more on our website, because I have found a lot of great resources within blogs that I have searched recently. 

Social media is an area that I would not have found beneficial before this class, but I am grateful for the new perspective.  Did I find Twitter useful for me?  No.  But I do have a new appreciation for the opportunities that are created by the use of these mediums.  The technology age is not slowing down for anyone and for once, I feel like I might not be left behind!

 

Julie Martin  (Week  11)

I have evolved!

Before taking this class I knew how to Facebook and email, that's pretty much the sum of it. I had heard of twitter and read a few blogs. To me blogs where "for bragging" and twitter, well honestly just sounded a little XXX rated. But now I know! Blogs are for much more than just bragging they can be quiet informational and entertaining. And twitter isn't so XXX rated-I'm sure there is a little X here and there is you searched. Twitter I see being more for business' and famous people, somewhat a way for them to do a shout-out.

I've also learned how to write persuasive and negative messages. Back in High School (yes, when the dinosaurs roamed and we walked miles barefoot in the snow) I had a class JROTC, loved that class, but the main objective was tact. How to be tactful, something I don't believe is taught quite like it use to be. With that concept in my history I feel like now I can bring the concepts together.

I was nervous about taking this class. I kept thinking, "I'm going to be the most disadvantage person in this class." But I knew from the course out-line it would be very much needed. (Besides the fact that it's required.) I am so glad I over-come my fears, cause I have truly enjoyed this class! (Actually reconsidered my major.)

Karen
 Week 11

Electronic Media and Me

Before this class, I had no clue what delicious, or twitter, or how to create a blog. But now I've learned and some of them can be quiet handy. I did enjoy using the delicious account because I tend to bookmark every page and this will help me keep them organized. Twitter to me is celebrities or super-stars "bragging" or "whining" about their lives; in which I could care less about. The companies I found on there, I could also find on Facebook. To me Facebook is more of a "one-to-one" connection where twitter is more of a "one-to-world" connection. My husband and I do use Facebook to post pictures of the kids and stay in touch with family. I really like the birthday reminders!

I will probably keep and enjoy the delicious account but have no urge for the twitter! Sorry, not into the twitter frenzy!

Karen (week 7.4)