Final Blog

The best advice that I can give for this class is just to stay on top of things and complete your work on time. The client-based project can be challenging if cooperation does not exist within groups. Make sure that your group is communicating well, and keeping any absent group members informed of any and all progress.

Christmas

Since it is now December, I would like to share my favorite five things about Christmas, my favorite holiday.
1. Christ: This holiday is one of the most important for me as a Christian because it celebrates the birth of Christ. The Christmas story is probably my favorite of all time because it has such a deep, important meaning.
2. Cookies: Every Christmas afternoon my mom and I make gingerbreak cookies and decorate them with all sorts of icing, sprinkles, and candies.
3. Giving: Christmas is the perfect excuse to give back to those you love and others in need.
4. SNOW: I am from Colorado. Christmas is not Christmas without snow!
5. Midnight Walks: Every Christmas Eve after church, my mom and I go for a walk at midnight in the snow.

Response to Employment Article

"Employers Study Applicants' Personalities" explores the idea that employers want those who they hire to fit into the company best and be able to work the most effectively with those around them. The article addresses the fact that many employers are becoming more and more picky with who they hire by strategically analyzing personality type. Many employers have also developed introductions to their companies that are intended to portray a realistic view of the time and effort that is necessary to commit fully to the company. Although it may be a bit intimidating to read about these harsh new standards in the world of employment, I believe that the attention to detail in assessing personality is not only important, but necessary in order to build a strong set of employees who will work together to achieve success. I want to be part of a company that takes such measures because I will know that I truly am the best fit not only with the company itself, but with the people who surround me. I am a strong advocate of teamwork and synergy, and I believe that strict interviewing processes can only lead to a positive outcome for the company and its employees.

Dual Coding Theory

After assessing a number of different advertisements in print and on TV, I have found that Coca Cola effectively utilizes the idea of dual coding. In most Coke ads, there are elements of both the first and second sensory systems, which, in turn, lead to the third sensory system. One specific example is this 1970 advertisement. By using both text and image reinforcement, the ad is able to illustrate its message very effectively. The first system involved in dual coding, language processing, must be ultilized by reading the phrase: "It's the real thing. Coke." This phrase is concise and easy to process, but it would not be fully effective without the picture to reinforce it. The second system, which processes visual displays, must be used to understand the picture. The Coke bottle is pictured with pure, natural food like cheese and fruit. The third system involved in dual coding ties the first and the second together. This system will allow the person to incur that the ad is attempting to suggest that Coke is the "real" thing, like cheese and fruit. By using both imaging and words to convey a point, this advertisement effectively uses the theory of dual coding to appeal to its viewers and form a distinct impression in the minds of potential consumers.

Reflection on Group Work

Fortunately, I did not feel like we had any major miscommunication in our group that caused a problem with progress. Our utilization of email significantly helped communication to remain constant and up-to-date. We kept each other updated with progressions throughout the project, and we were able to plan additional details of meeting agendas without having to verbally communicate. The biggest problem that we had was with people following through after communicating. Multiple times the group unanimously decided on a meeting time in the library and one of our members did not follow through and come to the meetings. This issue, however, was not due to lack of communication.

I usually strongly dislike group projects. I am a very independent person and a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my schoolwork. I do not like depending on other people in academics. Although I felt that this proposal project was a good situation in which to have a group, I still am not partial to the idea.

I was extremely pleased with how our project turned out and felt that the majority of my group contributed to our success. My group did a wonderful job of keeping ahead of our individual work and holding regular meetings and ended up finishing ahead of schedule. For Phase 2, the only improvement that would make our group more successful would be to have all group members attend preplanned meetings.

Live Life to the Fullest

For this week's blog, I would like to discuss the importance of living life to the absolute fullest. A fellow Clemson student was killed this weekend in a terrible and still unexplained tragedy. We are not invincible. This could have happened to any of us. In times of mourning and hardship, it is especially important to pull together as a community and also to reflect upon one's own life because it can be taken away at any second. Contribute all that you can to those around you. Do all that you can to better the world around you. Act in a way that will make you will stand apart and be remembered always. RIP 10.28.2007

Mock Interview Reflection

Interviews are a key element in making a strong and lasting impression on potential employers. The resume and cover letter are also important, but it is the interview that allows employers to analyze one’s personality and potential to excel in a certain area. The mock interview, therefore, has been the most important assignment that we have completed thus far in Business Writing.

I think that the most important thing that I learned in the interview was to be organized and early. I was a bit late getting my things together the morning of my interview and therefore felt a bit flustered when I got to Strode. Luckily, I was early and was able to gather my thoughts before my turn.

Having been interviewed numerous times before, I felt at ease and was able to stay calm and collected, for the most part. I am outgoing, so it is not difficult for me to talk to the interviewer, but I think that I could improve on the fluency of my answers. I also need to work on preparing certain questions for the employer so that I seem interested and ready to be a part of the company.

Overall, I had a great experience with the mock interview. One can never have too much practice in interviewing because employers can ask a number of different questions.