Final Reflections Paper

As I sit and think about where I will go from here, I feel like I have made great progress in making a decision.  I am truly grateful that I took this class.  It has helped me open up in ways I otherwise might not have, at least not for a while. I am almost certain that I am going to go into Culinary Arts.  I will be working on getting my Associates.  Hopefully I am able to get a lot under my belt before we leave with the Military.  I have had a bit of a hard time along the course of this class for a few reasons.  I decided to start school because it just felt like the next step for me in life.  I am not looking to start a career in anything right now.  I am a very happy mother of three boys and really enjoy being able to be at home with them.  So as we have searched careers and looked into job related things I have had a bit of a hard time putting myself there.  I understand that this will be a great benefit for me to learn about these things.  I am happy that I have.  I am so glad that I have had to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things, or things that I would not have done without this class.   I enjoyed taking the Interest Tests in chapter 5.  This really helped me understand myself better and what I am interested in.  I think I have lost so much of who I am and what I enjoy, as being a mother it has become all about my children and that they enjoy and what makes them happy.

 As a take a look ahead on my schooling, I plan to get on the wait list with the Culinary Arts department.  After reviewing what is needed to get my degree in this I plan to do the following:

This coming Spring I will be taking one less class than this past semester.  I felt a little too overloaded.  I am taking classes that will count towards my generals, Math, Health and a PE class.  I will be taking the summer off.  Fall 2011 I will continue working on my gen Ed.  I am looking at taking a full 12 credits.  Most likely in English, Behavioral Science, Culinary Math, and start on the development skills of cooking.  At this point things will be a bit up in the air being that my husband will Commission with the Military as an Officer and we will be receiving orders.  If we do not get sent right away I will start the spring semester and take Biology, Humanities, and more of the core classes for Culinary Arts.  By the time this semester is over I know we will be leaving Utah.  With there being no known information on where we will be going it makes it especially difficult to plan the remainder of my schooling.  I am hoping to be able to find a school that offers the program and finish with my Associates at that point.  I will probably take a year off and be with family as I plan to have more children by this point.  I would then like to return to school for my Bachelor’s.

Goal Sheet

Short Term Goals – accomplish in next 6 months

1.    Get on the waiting list for the Culinary Arts program

2.    Stay on top of all of my assignments and turn in all assignments on time.

3.    Maintain grades of a C or better.

4.    Start doing hair again.

5.    Start a healthy work out regiment.

Mid Term Goals – accomplish in 1-5 years

1.    Take all of the necessary classes for Culinary Arts.

2.    Graduate with my Associates in Culinary Arts.

3.    Start planning when to go back to school for my Bachelor’s degree.

4.    Start a part time job in one of the industries I have a degree in, either as a Hair Stylist or in Culinary Arts.

5.    Maintain good strong healthy relationships with friends and family, we will have moved with the Military by this point.

STAR Stories

1.    Give an example of what teamwork means to you.

At my previous job I was placed on a board with a few of my co-workers.  We were assigned a group project on upselling.  There were several in the group who wanted to divide the work up and each take a part then meet back up to put all of it together.  I suggested that we work on the project as a whole after all we were placed in a group to work together.  We were able to work as a group and come up with a great upsell program for our call center.  It was very successful and we all felt it was so successful because we worked as a team to accomplish our goal.

2.    Give me an example of a major challenge that you faced, and how you went about addressing the problem, and how it turned out.

One of the most major problems I have faced was going through a divorce.  I was a stay at home mom with two boys.  After my divorce I had to find work after several years of little jobs here or there but nothing steady or long term.  I started by making a resume as best I could and posted it on many job search engines.  After just a little bit of searching I came across a job that sounded like a perfect match for me.  I applied and was called the following day.  I went to the interview trying my hardest to come across very confident and comfortable even though I know my knees were shaking.  It was a panel interview which was even scarier.  I left feeling really good about it and was called for a second interview.  This went amazingly well and I was hired within the week.  I worked for the company for three years and just recently quit to go to school and be home with my kids.

3.    Describe a past goal and how you achieved it.

When I was attending hair school I became pregnant with my second son and was not due to graduate until after he was to be born.  I set the goal to put in more hours and try to graduate before he was born.  I talked to my instructors and they gave me the approval to come during other hours to obtain my hours needed for graduation.  I started putting in eight hour days verses the four hour days I was attending before.  This was very difficult due to the fact that I had a two year old and I was very sick with my pregnancies.  I did my best to attend at least six hours and in the end I was able to finish six days before I had my baby.

Decision Making Model

Choose a goal

What are my other options?

Collect as much valuable information as possible.

Possible consequences, or outcome for the goal.

Put my plan into action.

Assessment Reviews

ASSESSMENTS REVIEW SHEET

For this assignment, you will use the results from your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory (SII) assessments to determine some particular occupations and majors to research.

MBTI Report

1.         List your reported type. (Example: ESTJ)

ESFP

2.         According to your report, what are some of the characteristics that best describe your personality type?

Interested in people and new experiences.  Get a lot of fun out of life.  Make decisions using personal feelings rather than logical thinking.

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.

Restaurant host/hostess, Receptionist, Food Prep worker, Cashier, Personal home care aide, Medical/dental assistant, Nurse’s aide, and Cook

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.

I am a person that enjoys working with others and helping others.  All of these would fit with who I am and

not go against any of my values.

SII Report        

1.         List your general occupational theme code. (Example EAS)

SAC

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)

Culinary Arts-personal and vocational  Teaching & Education-educational  Healthcare services-vocational

Counseling & Helping-personal/vocational  Office Management-educational

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.

Special Ed Teacher, Food Service Manager, Elementary School Teacher, Restaurant Manager, HR

Manager.

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?

I prefer to work with others, I enjoy helping others, and I am outgoing.

            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 prefer short term training, and learn by doing.  I think it is pretty good with what I

picked.  Some will take more time than others but its ok. 

C.         Look at your “Leadership Style” rating.  How do these occupations fit your personal style?

I had to laugh here….  I am not comfortable taking charge of others and I picked three management ones. So for those not so great but the others I think match up pretty good.

D.         Look at your “Risk Taking/Adventure” rating.  Explain how the occupations do or do not match your risk taking style.

I do not like to take risks but I do not feel like any of these would be too risky for my personality and ability.

5.          What college majors are suggested for your theme code that you find interesting?

Counseling, Creative Writing, Photography

 

    

6.              Of your top 10 occupations, list 3 you are most interested in and the educational

       preparation required for each.

Food Service Manager-AA or BA in hospitality management preferred.

Special Education Teacher-BA or MA, plus teaching certificate

Elementary School Teacher-BA or MA, plus teaching certificate

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.

There are not really any that I can think of.

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.

      Given my personality she suggested that I for sure keep going to school but maybe do it at a slower pace.

      She said there is no need to rush.  I told her that I was really considering doing Culinary Arts; she agreed

      that I would probably fit well in that area.

3.        Write the name of the counselor you met with and the date of your appointment.

Name:  Nancy Plagge                   Date:  Tuesday Nov. 9th

Tempting Ten

Culinary Arts

1.      Pastry Chef

2.      Executive Chef

3.      Sous Chef

4.      Head Chef/Cook

5.      Line Cook

6.      Cooking Assistant

7.      Executive Chef, Hotel

8.      Caterer

9.      Restaurant Manager

10.  General Manager, Restaurant

Teaching and Education

1.      Cosmetology Instructor

2.      School Counselor

3.      Special Education Teacher

4.      Rehabilitation Counselor

5.      Elementary School Teacher

6.      College Instructor

7.      School Administrator

8.      University Professor

9.      Corporate Trainer

10.  Daycare Instructor

Job Shadow Experience

I did my job shadow with my sister, Jamie Baker.  She is a Service Center Advisory Agent for MACU in West Jordan Utah.  Here are the questions I asked her while doing the job shadow.

v  What is your job like on a typical day?

My days are very busy with a wide range of topics, from issues to loans.  The problems I face deal with Member financial issues, unauthorized transactions, fees, refunds on fees and complaints.

v  How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?

I had just left my previous company after 9 years and was really just looking for something different and full time.  I had heard good things about this company and thought I would apply.  I interviewed and was hired they trained me and I started working.

v  What do you like most about this company?

The thing I like most about the company would be the employee recognition.  I have great benefits and receive constant positive feedback.  I truly feel that this is the best job I have ever had!

v  Why do customers choose this company?

It is a Credit Union and non-profit.  We work for the members offering a lot more opportunity with lower rates, and higher returns.  Lower fees and more products for free.

v  Are you optimistic about the company's future and your future with the company?

Yes.  I feel very secure on my position the company treats me like I am truly an asset.  I do work hard and I do as much as possible so they continue to view me as such.  The company is very open as to where we are financially with the way the economy is.  They do not hide things, I am sure to some degree they are candy coated a bit, more to avoid employee panic.  Things are always talked about in meeting and we even have a member board meeting to that our members know where we stand as well.  They are a very open and honest company.

v  What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field?

I would say that the most important skill would be listening.  Being sympathetic and understanding are very important.  It is important to also know the products and what is in the best interest of the customer.

v  How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work?

It is very professional, with high standards set.  There are a lot of really intelligent people that work here.  It is a very enjoyable place to work.

v  Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, etc.?

Absolutely, I guess it can depend on what you are willing to give they are willing to return.  I personally would never ask for the day after a holiday a Monday or a Friday, off of work due to these being such busy days, but if something came up and I wanted to take Wednesday and Thursday off, I would just talk to my manager and arrange it without and problems.  I earn PTO every two weeks and I receive paid holidays.  I do have a set schedule.  I am required to wear business attire and Fridays are our business casual days and we are able to wear jeans but we still have to wear MACU clothing.  They do give us a yearly credit to use towards our MACU clothing.

I really enjoyed doing this job shadow.  It did remind me a lot of my previous job working in customer service.  I have thought about getting a part time job at a bank and this really helped me see another side of things.  Although I can’t say for certain that I would want to go into this industry for a long term commitment, it was neat.  My sister really enjoys what she does, I have heard for years how much she loves it and it was nice to see her in action!  I do love working with the public and would be happy most anywhere I am helping others. 

Mock Interview Reflection

A:  Who did you interview with and what is their job title?
I interviewed with a family friend. She is a retail store manager.

B:What was most useful to you about this experience?
It was nice to see that my comfort level in interviewing has improved. I feel like I know myself better.

C: What was the most difficult question you were asked? Why?
Name a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker and how did you resolve it? I could not think of a time that this has happened to me personally. I shared a time when I helped two other co-workers resolve a conflict between them. I just tend to get along with everyone.

D: What advice would you give to others preparing for an interview?
Practice giving answers to difficult situations. Be confident but not over bearing. Be yourself.

E: Name at least three (3) things you learned.
Three things I learned are first I laugh too much to ease my nerves. Second that there really are very similar questions usually asked in an interview and third I'm not as bad as I thought at this interviewing thing.

F: Name at least three (3) things that can be improved on for your next interview.
I could probably shorten some of my responses, Maybe a little less emotion, my heart guides me but sometimes I open up a little too much, and be ready with more experiences I've had so that they totally relate to the questions being asked in the interview.

Tell me about yourself...

I am Tara Grace O’Crowley; I am the 5th child out of six. There are five girls and one boy. I spent half my childhood in Ohio and have been in Utah the second half and now into my adulthood. I come from a very wonderful supportive family. I am a mother and wife. I have three handsome little boys who are the light of my life. Porter is eight, Tyson is five, and Braxton is almost two. I am married to a wonderful man whom I love and adore, he is in the Military and I'm proud of him and the service he always gives. We have been married for nine months and it’s been great! I am a hair dresser on the side, when I take a break from kids and household things. I love crafting mainly scrapbooking and card making. I have never been one for sports, but I do love bowling, if that is considered a sport. I love cooking with my husband and enjoy making up new recipes often. I am very good at multitasking. I work well alone or with a group of people. I enjoy learning new things and pushing myself out of my comfort at times so that I am able to always be growing and finding out more about myself. I love to help others and find great joy in doing so. I enjoy communicating with and listening to others. I am in school full time and enjoy it. I am looking at going into Culinary Arts and feel pretty good about this avenue.
Four things I learned in the readings:
1 - That there is normally a similar set of questions asked in an interview
2 - Send a thank you after an interview, it makes perfect sense, just never have thought to do it.
3 - Practice your interview. This is a really good one. I think this would help with some of the “butterflies” you get when entering an interview.
4 - If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification or repeat back the question to make sure you understand what was asked. I think this was another good one, sometimes you may not fully understand and it's good to know that it is okay to ask for a clarification.

Resume and Cover letter

Tara G. O’Crowley

Human Resources

Dialogue Marketing

Orem, UT 84057

Dear Ms. Rachelle Grant:

It is tempting to telephone in response to your ad for a customer service representative position since the majority of service transactions take place over the phone these days.

Instead I have enclosed my resume, providing you with in-depth information on the 4 ½ years I have spent dealing with the public. Throughout this time, I have successfully resolved customer claims and accurately recorded complex product orders with consistent praise from my supervisors.  More importantly, I have helped in keeping existing customers satisfied and transforming first-time buyers into loyal, repeat purchasers.

I would appreciate the chance to do the same for your organization and look forward to meeting with you shortly so that you too can experience my skills on a first-hand basis. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tara G. O’Crowley

Tara G. O’Crowley

 

OBJECTIVE              

                                    To obtain a position in customer service that will enable me to use my strong organizational skills and ability to work well with others.

                                       With over 4 ½ years of progressive experience in customer service I will add value and commitment.

WORK

EXPERIENCE            

                                   Stampin’ Up!                                                          September 2007 - July 2010

                                      12907 S. 3600 W. Riverton, UT 84065

·         Provided customer service for hundreds of inbound calls each day

·         Handled coaching, support and problem solving daily

·         Accurately placed orders and corrections for demonstrators

                                   Crocs                                                                 May 2007 - Dec 2008

                                       6191 S. State Street Murray, UT 84107

·         Handled book keeping with open and closing procedures

·         Assisted customers with experiencing our products first hand

·         Provided information about our retail items

                                    Regis Salon                                                       Feb 2006 - May 2007

                                       1200 Towne Centre Blvd. Provo, UT 84601

·         Established and worked with my own clientele

·         Provided excellent customer service for clients

·         Generated repeat business through successful client follow-up

SUMMARY OF

QUALIFICATIONS

                                   • Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills

                                  

                                   • Effectively handle multiple tasks simultaneously

                                  

                                   • Demonstrates ability to acquire and apply knowledge rapidly

                                  

                                   • Independent work with minimal supervision and contribute to team

EDUCATION            

                                   Utah Valley University                                            

                                   Orem, Utah

                                   AAS in Culinary Arts to be completed 2012

                                   Dallas Roberts Academy                                         

                                   Provo, Utah

                                   Cosmetologist/Barber License completed 2005

E-Scavenger Hunt

Explore the Career Services and Student Employment website: www.uvu.edu/csse.   As you complete this e-Scavenger Hunt you will find many resources available to assist you as you prepare for your career.

1.      List at least one event that is happening this semester listed in Calendar of Events.  Are there any employers interviewing on campus this week?  If so who is it and when will they be on campus?

 Fall Internship and Career Fair  Tuesday September 28 10 AM-3PM.  Yes Dataimage Tue. Oct. 26^th and Thurs. Oct. 28^th.  Utah State Tax Commission Wed. Oct. 27^th.

2.      List 4 services offered by Career Services & Student Employment.

Info on Internships, UV Job Board, Info on Graduate School, Career Assessments and Job Shadowing opportunities.

3.      What are 4 sources the website directs you to look for job opportunities? 

UV Job Board, Search Engines, Jobs by Major and Student Employment.

4.      Locate the names of 4 counselors and what their specific area is.

Sue Stephenson-Science & Health    Gary Gardner-Education    Leialoha Pakalani-Humanities, Arts & Social Science   Jordan Doman-Technology & Computing Department Technology Manager.

5.      Who is the Director of Internship Services & Student Employment? Who is the Internship Coordinator? 

       Marsha Haynes.   Maren Mather

6.     What are two internships on the “Weekly Hot Internships” list?

Children’s Justice Center and Joyfully Read!

7.     List two internships available in Washington DC and the current deadline for application. LDS Public & International Affairs/June 18 Fall Deadline.  The White House/May 26 Fall Deadline

8.     Find the testimonial page for internships.  (http://www.uvu.edu/internships/students/testimonials.html) View at least one testimonial.  Who did you watch and what did you learn?

9.       What internship scholarships are available?

 Non-Profit (IPE), Government & General Scholarships

10.  What services are available to help you prepare for grad school?

 Grad School fair, Entrance Exams, and choosing a school

11.    List the url for help with resumes found on this site. https://online.uen.org/webct/urw/lc5247028489051.tp5251924655341/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct 

12.   Find Optimal Resume on the site.  This is a free service to help students create a basic resume.  Create an account and a simple resume with this tool.  Submit the resume you created with this xassignment.  (I’m not grading on the resume you create.  I just want you to know about this tool.) https://uvu.optimalresume.com/previewDoc.php?tkn=d6dcf8d68df054a72f62965bc053da5e-r1045021

13.  What is the url for student employment and how do you apply for an on campus job?

https://online.uen.org/webct/urw/lc129087021.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct   You apply for an on campus job on the UV Job Board.

14.   What suggestions do you have for the CSSE facebook account that would make it more helpful? .  I think you guys should put your picture on there instead of the UVU one.  I think it would be nice to see the faces behind all the work in that department.

15.   Send us an email csse@uvu.edu or go to the “Have a quick Question” box on the internship site www.uvu.edu/internships and ask what are the three words that describe the CSSE mission?

 I sent the question from the “Have a quick question” box.

16.    Where is the CSSE office located?  What is the office phone number?

 Room LC – 409  801-863-6364

Now you know alot about Career Services & Student Employment stop in and get acquainted or email your questions to csse@uvu.edu