summer job experience essay

How to Write a College Essay about a Summer Job

Writing a college essay about a summer job can be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences to college admissions officers. It allows you to demonstrate your work ethic, responsibility, and dedication while highlighting your unique personality and qualities. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling essay about your summer job:

1. Reflect on your experiences

Reflecting on your experiences is an essential part of writing a college essay about a summer job. It's not enough to simply recount what you did over the summer; you need to think deeply about what you learned from the experience and how it impacted you.

When reflecting on your experiences, consider the following questions:

1. What did you learn?

Think about the skills you developed or the knowledge you gained over the summer. Did you learn anything about yourself or the world around you? How did this experience change you?

2. What challenges did you face?

Reflect on any obstacles or setbacks you encountered during your summer job. How did you overcome them? What did you learn from these experiences?

3. How did you contribute?

Think about the impact you had on your job or the people around you. Did you make any positive changes or help others in some way? How did you feel about your contribution?

4. What did you enjoy most?

Reflect on the parts of your summer job that you enjoyed the most. Why did you enjoy them? What did this tell you about your interests and passions?

By taking the time to reflect on your experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of what you learned and how it impacted you. This can help you write a more thoughtful and compelling college essay that showcases your skills, interests, and personal growth.

2. Focus on a specific experience

When writing a college essay about a summer job, it's important to focus on a specific experience that impacted you the most. This could be a particular project or task you worked on, a challenging situation you faced, or a significant interaction you had with a coworker or supervisor.

To effectively focus on a specific experience, it's important to provide details and examples that help bring the experience to life for the reader. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of the experience, including what you did, how you did it, and what you learned from it.

Additionally, it's important to connect the experience to your personal growth and development. What skills did you gain or improve upon? How did the experience shape your future goals or aspirations? What lessons did you learn that you can apply to other areas of your life?

Remember that the essay is not just about the job itself, but also about what you learned and how you grew as a result of the experience. By focusing on a specific experience and reflecting on its impact, you can create a compelling and meaningful essay that showcases your personal growth and development.

3. Show, don't tell: 

"Show, don't tell" is a crucial aspect of writing a compelling college essay about a summer job or any personal experience. Instead of merely stating your accomplishments or characteristics, you should try to demonstrate them through your writing.

To achieve this, use specific details and vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the experience. Rather than simply saying that you worked hard at your summer job, show the reader by describing a specific instance where you went above and beyond your duties. Use sensory language to describe what you saw, heard, smelled, and felt during the experience.

For example, instead of saying, "I worked hard at my summer job at the ice cream shop," you could write something like, "The heat was oppressive as I spent hours scooping ice cream for a never-ending line of customers. My arms ached from the constant motion, but I persevered, determined to give each customer a perfect scoop."

By using descriptive language and specific examples, you allow the reader to feel as if they were there with you, experiencing the situation alongside you. This makes your essay more engaging and memorable, and helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of who you are as a person.

4. Highlight your skills: 

When writing about your summer job in a college essay, it's important to highlight the skills you developed during your time there. These skills can demonstrate your personal and professional growth, as well as your potential to contribute to a college community.

First, consider the specific tasks and responsibilities you had at your summer job. Did you develop strong communication skills while interacting with customers or coworkers? Did you become more organized and efficient in managing your workload? Did you learn to think creatively to solve problems or improve processes? Whatever the skills you acquired, make sure to clearly describe them and provide examples of how you applied them.

It's also important to consider how these skills can be relevant to your college experience. For example, if you developed strong leadership skills while working as a shift supervisor at a restaurant, you could highlight how these skills could translate to leadership roles in student organizations or group projects. By connecting your summer job experiences to your future goals and aspirations, you can demonstrate to college admissions officers how you can contribute to their community.

5. Be authentic

When writing a college essay about a summer job, it's important to be authentic and genuine. Avoid trying to sound overly impressive or exaggerating your experiences. Instead, focus on telling the story of your summer job in a way that is truthful and genuine.

One way to be authentic is to write in your own voice. Use language that feels natural to you and avoid trying to sound overly formal or academic. Write the way you speak, and try to convey your personality through your writing.

Another way to be authentic is to share your personal thoughts and feelings about your summer job. Don't be afraid to talk about your successes and failures, your strengths and weaknesses, and your emotions and reactions to different situations. By sharing your true feelings, you can connect with the reader on a deeper level and demonstrate your self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Being authentic also means being honest about your limitations and areas for growth. If you struggled with a particular aspect of your summer job or made mistakes, don't try to hide it or gloss over it. Instead, acknowledge the challenge and discuss how you learned from the experience and improved as a result.

Overall, being authentic is about being true to yourself and your experiences. By doing so, you can create a compelling and honest college essay that showcases your unique perspective and personality.

Writing a college essay about a summer job can be a great way to showcase your skills, experiences, and personal growth. To write an effective essay, it's important to reflect on your experiences, focus on a specific experience, show rather than tell, highlight your skills, and be authentic. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling essay that stands out to admissions officers and showcases your unique qualities and potential. Remember, your summer job experience can provide valuable insight into who you are as a person and how you approach challenges, so don't be afraid to share your story and let your personality shine through.

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My summer job experience, how i survived and learned.

Upon entering my first summer at FGCU, I received a position as a maintenance assistant. I was ecstatic about the opportunity because it provided free housing, and stipend pay for the summer. The department I worked in dealt with painting, which meant I was going to look like a canvas for the rest of the summer. I had no problem with painting, and I was anxious to get started. However, I quickly regretted my decision.

Painting became really old really fast, and I found myself dreading the thought of work at 9 a.m. every morning. It was incredibly meticulous, repetitive, and the monotonous nature of the work made it difficult to stay enthusiastic every day. Though the benefits of the job looked good on paper, in my opinion, it was not worth it.

Our main goal was to get all of SOVI painted by the end of the summer, which was a simple task, but it was truly a test of the will, as it took a lot of mental fortitude to stay focused on the same thing every day. After a while, the paint started to resemble a listless blur, and my hands would feel as if they were moving by themselves, because muscle memory is a thing. After a certain point, we started looking for ways to make the day go by faster: listening to music, or counting how many strokes it took to cover an entire wall. The whiteness of the paint desensitized our eyes to the color, and practically everything looked white from there on out. Time was not on our side, as it cruised slower with every brush stroke. Our only salvation was lunch time, which was an hour, but felt like a minute. Coming from lunch and going back to work is a task fit only for those with strong hearts, as it is a soul sucking experience.

When I interviewed for the job they asked me if I was comfortable taking orders from multiple people, to which I replied “If everyone is on the same page, then I have no problem reading that page.” I thought it was a pretty clever response they probably don’t get very often, nonetheless I still received orders from different people who were on different pages. We were always blamed for the small things that went wrong when, in actuality, we were given the wrong directions. Over time, we lost respect for our superiors and it only helped to build the already strong lament that we harbored towards the job. It seemed as if the only people who were on the same page were the employees, because we all agreed that the bosses were geniuses sent from the planet moron to perpetually waste our time.

To anyone who’s considering working on campus next summer, I urge you to consider your options carefully, because although it does have its perks, like free housing and stipend pay, it also comes with a plethora of headaches including, but not limited to, the monotonous work and the tiring hours. Though the job experience was distasteful, I did meet a number of good people whom I hope to befriend, again, when the semester starts. They made the work less agonizing and provided a comfortable, and sympathetic atmosphere to work in.

I am glad I had this experience because it gave me perspective on the rigorous preparations that are done each summer to ready the school for the following semester, and I salute all of those hardworking people who make it all happen. It was a somewhat lucrative struggle, but I don’t think I’ll put myself in that position ever again.

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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My Summer Internship Experience, Essay Example

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Introduction

The below report is created to evaluate the work and internship experience of the author in the management field. The business, professional and personal development of the author have been recorded and documented in the form of weekly and midterm reports. The findings, observations and personal reflections are summarized and the learning objectives are re-assessed in the light of the development plan followed in the summer term. The internship experience is unique on its own, as I attempted to apply the skills learned in my course to my own business, started 13 years ago. Therefore, I had to take on the role of a supervisor and apprentice at the same time. This created a challenge of reflecting on my own development, skills and management approach with a critical eye of an outsider. Still, I believe that making an attempt of applying management skills based on the theories I learned within my own company has been beneficial and successful.

Background and History

The company, A+ Professional Painting has been on the market for several years. It started off as a corporation 13 years ago, and has not achieved its true potential since. This is one of the main reasons I have decided to go back to college and improve my business management skills. The company offers residential interior and exterior painting services. While the first five years in business it became profitable, the following years were a constant struggle, due to the high level of competition, lack of marketing and planning. I believe that with the knowledge gained during the business course, I have developed skills that will help getting the company off the ground again. The company is currently managed by myself and I have received plenty of help from an acquaintance I met during my business studies: Ryan Ksiazek. There is a plenty of demand for the service the company offers, therefore, the main challenge in front of the management was to find the market and successfully promote the services to target customers. Gaining a greater market share was the only way to achieve the company’s long term objectives: expansion, improvement and efficiency. During my studies I discovered that the size of the project influenced the cost and effectiveness of the operation, therefore, a shift of profile was necessary. Moving towards the commercial industry with larger projects was the solution that provided sustainability and cost-effectiveness for the company. Starting with a self-assessed Level 1 competency of skills needed to manage the painting and decorating business, I have moved into Level 3 on a scale of 4 in just nine weeks. This is not only shown in the reports, but the financial reports and balance sheet of the company as well. The business highly depends on the management and the owner, and the variety of tasks I had to perform created a challenge and called for advanced time management skills. Negotiating with clients, bidding, completing administration and planning marketing, supplies also had to be efficient. Utilizing computer technology and software applications, bidding and quote templates enabled the company to reduce time spent on each task, while monitoring bid conversion and performance.

Learning Objectives

There were several learning objectives I set for myself during business training and the work experience. Creating a competitive advantage would make bidding more successful and the conversion rate higher. According to Emkhe (2005), finding the strengths and development areas within the business would help locating the niche and define potential customers. The learning objectives are detailed below:

a, Understanding the process, importance and tools to use in estimating projects

In order to increase customer base, revenue and cost-effectiveness of the company, there was a need for reviewing the process of locating jobs, creating estimates, submitting bids and managing funding, finances, resources. As this was not one of the main focuses of the management before, revenues struggled to increase, and no new customers entered the company. This meant that the management had to rely on word-of-mouth advertising and returning customers, which restricted growth. By understanding how projects, tenders, proposals and bidding work in the industry, the company is able to create a competitive advantage, increase revenues, reputation and customers base.

b, Finding a niche within the company’s industry

While previously the management focused on easy to complete, small residential projects, it did not provide enough orders to keep the revenue above costs. Therefore, finding a more profitable niche within the industry was a challenge. In order to locate the new niches, the management had to get out of the company’s comfort zone and investigate what types of certificates and qualifications are needed to win bidding on higher volume commercial internal and external painting jobs, Market research was previously neglected by the company, therefore, building relationships with professional bodies and organizations, seeking advice and help was necessary. The question was: “How can I establish myself to become well known and recognized for what I do?”

c, Improving communication skills

According to Sheikh (2009), one of the main focuses of business training should be improving communication skills: both written and writing. Advanced communication within the company, as well as the interaction between the corporation and its potential or existing customers is essential to effective operation. Bass (1989) states that “Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent.” One of the extracurricular activities examined from the point of efficiency. By Bass (2009) was internships. Internships were regarded as one of the most effective skill-building extracurricular activities MBA students could be involved in. Alongside with all skills, they improved the survey respondents’ interpersonal skills, knowledge of media communication, delivery of messages, as well as the knowledge of human behavior: all needed for communicating the business’ special goals, strengths and advantages for customers.

d, Mastering the process of estimating and bidding

Along with being able to locate customers, the management had to familiarize itself with the process of bidding, proposals, competition evaluation and the benefits of creating a competitive advantage, while communicating this advantage successfully with potential customers. Understanding the motivations of customers when making a decision about assigning a painting project for a company has helped proposals and estimates become more successful in the local market.

e, Understanding contract documents

A major part of the manager’s job is to locate projects and submit estimates, bids and proposals. In the building and decorating industry, there is a great competition at the moment, and it is essential that the A+ Professional Painting Corporation does comply with all the regulations, health and safety, insurance and liability requirements. Many customers make a selection of contractors based on their reputation and compliance report, therefore, developing a professional template for bidding and following up proposals, using the most suitable and legal contract documents, providing protection for both the company and the customer was essential.

f, Making use of computer technology

As many projects are advertised on the Internet and companies move towards electronic communication more and more, it is important that the company’s employees are familiar with data management, project and proposal follow up, contact and administration software, as well as the platforms used to seek open projects, submit quotes and follow up contacts. This, indeed was one of the main challenges of the management of  A+ Professional Painting Corporation’s management team. Since the beginning of its operation, many new systems and platforms have developed, and in order to be able to compete with the large number of companies, this skill had to be improved to increase efficiency in bidding. Further, in order to save time and money, electronic invoicing systems were introduced.

g, Integrating knowledge gained in every area of the business

The understanding of business processes within the industry and taking responsibility for planning, communication, execution and monitoring of the changes in the process has enabled the company to make its operations management more effective, easier to see through and monitor. Performance monitoring started from the bidding process: conversion was checked on a weekly basis after implementing process improvement changes. Quality management and monitoring, as well as benchmarking were introduced in order to increase customer satisfaction, the number of returning clients and long term business relationships.

h, Problem solving skills improvement to overcome obstacles

The “growing pains” of the corporation soon appeared and created a great challenge for the management to solve different problems on a daily basis. This also meant that problem solving skills had to be improved rapidly. By simplifying processes and dealing with issues immediately, spotting the problems in time, the effectiveness of the management in dealing with upcoming obstacles and difficulties was more successful than before. Before the changes were implemented, as a result of implementing gained knowledge in practice, the company often faced liquidity and supply problems that reduced the volume of work the corporation was able to take on at a time. By successfully planning finances and requesting a contract deposit, supplies were purchased in time, reducing the risk of missing a project deadline and therefore more projects could be managed at a time, resulting in more revenue.

Learning Experience

As mentioned above, the main aim of the internship period was to successfully implement management practices into the company, manage change and simplify the corporation’s operations management by implementing computer systems and speeding up the process of locating potential customers, submitting bids. Communication skills had to be improved in writing and during personal presentations, negotiations. One of the main challenges of the internship was multi-tasking and time management. By prioritizing tasks by urgency and potential benefits for the company, this got easier week by week, and commitment to tasks, learning computer skills and new processes became automatic.

While previously the company did not “go out” to seek new customers and contracts, developing skills to effectively communicate with external organizations have helped gain a competitive advantage. I have learned that managing processes and growth effectively needs commitment and determination. Without communicating goals and marketing the services, it is not possible to gain new customers. Developing new professional relationships with associations, suppliers and customers have made the company access resources previously not available.

In the reengineering process, the first and most challenging task was to determine critical success factors.(Gee et al, 2001) There was a need for analyzing current processes in order to determine the development areas. Next, the development of new concepts (improving productivity, reliability, communication and increasing customer base) was needed. In the final step, these concepts would be introduced to the organization and tested for being effective and safe. Maintaining the concept of continuous improvement is currently the long term goal of the corporation.

Methods and Approaches Learned

Reengineering was one of the main concerns to improve the performance of the company and increase efficiency. Determining critical issues and factors, reengineering the organization, operation processes and developing new concepts while integrating effective communication was the main approach learned in the course and applied within the company. (Gee et al, 2001) Looking at projects as processes built upon each other, as learned in the business management course has helped getting jobs finished faster and at a lower cost. Becoming a more effective and professional business person even when dealing with customers I have known for a long time (a friend of mine whose house needed painting) has had a positive impact. Gaining free word-of-mouth advertisement from satisfied customers has helped building up the company’s industry portfolio. The software applications introduced to the corporation have made bidding and project management simpler and easier to manage. This decision was a result of the knowledge gained in the business management course, when I learned how the cost and time management aspect of operations influenced the performance of the organization.

Knowledge building exercises

They helped the management gain a better understanding of the industry, bidding process, project management and customers’ preferences, motivations when selecting a contractor for painting jobs. I consulted with industry organizations and professional bodies in order to understand terms and conditions to be included in contract documents, gain an understanding of regulatory requirements and insurance covers needed. Invoicing was also improved and made faster, more reliable and efficient, improving customer satisfaction. Monitoring the competency of staff in equipment use and licenses, MBE and DBE certificates and communicating the company’s full compliance in the proposal and bidding process has helped gaining more customers. Also, signing up with the union as a 100% minority owned union company has helped the company access industry resources and training available online necessary for improving practices.

Collaborative problem solving

It has become one of the greatest assets of the corporation. In painting projects, there are certain testing and preventive measures companies can use in order to deal with obstacles, difficulties. When planning the execution of the painting job, all possible difficulties were taken into consideration, therefore, the occurrence of problems was automatically reduced. However, by using collaborative problem solving skills learned during the program, alongside with open communication has helped identifying risks and dealing with them on a timely manner.

Accountability

One of the main approaches learned during the course was taking accountability for the performance of the company and my own tasks. These currently consist of locating projects, bid submission, communication with potential customers, managing projects and supervising the execution alongside with quality management.

Development support

With the help of my acquaintance and mentor: Ryan Ksiazek, skill building has been a great adventure. Learning about the requirements of bidding for state government projects, understanding the different types of bidding have made me more aware of the challenges. Managing time and work-flow was one of the main challenges, as multi-tasking was often required as well as dealing with changes.

Competitive benchmarking

This was an approach that proved itself being extremely profitable and effective on the competitive marketplace in Minneapolis. Comparing proposals, prices and deadlines of competing companies with the pricing and bid details of the company have managed understanding the market better. The management had to consider the adaptability of new pricing systems, as well as software operations, regulations and legal requirements.

Process mapping was one of the most effective tools used in the change management process. The process map was created on an A2 paper and put on the wall display of the office, reminding me of the input needed and the immediate or long term steps to take. Identifying the output and desired outcomes (Gee et al. 2001, p. 35.) gave me motivation to complete each task.

Positive and Negative Aspects of the Internship

One of the positive aspects of the internship was that the effectiveness of approaches and business management principles learned were tested. Indeed, it was a positive experience to simplify processes, learn new skills and improve communication skills, essential in any type of business. I have also discovered that there are many organizations and professional bodies offering training, help and advice for companies like A+ Professional Painting. The support provided by two organizations in particular: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE), was extremely valuable, and my acquaintance, Ryan has motivated me to succeed as well. I have also improved my professional confidence and called Stefanie from McGough Construction to set up a meeting with her to gain help with my MBE, DBE apps

One of the negative aspects of the project was the challenges of managing costs and work-flow. Obtaining deposits from customers for materials, while investing profit into process improvement tools: such as the purchase of the Priosoft Software for creating bids, quotes and managing projects, as well as financial planning. While I have not fully managed to master the software yet, I can see the benefits of using a comprehensive management system, and once I have improved my computer skills, I believe that using it will make project management easier, while planning simpler. It was hard to keep on going after having difficulties with getting bonded.

Supervision and Development Support

While during the weeks of internship I had to become my own supervisor and reflect on my performance, development, I have also received a lot of help from my acquaintance, Ryan, who completed the same business course as me and was aware of the aim of the program. We also discussed my personal leadership strengths and development areas before the start of the internship, therefore, he was able to revise the answers given to each section in the weekly internship reports.

Overall, the internship has helped me realize that I had to take full responsibility for my business actions as a manager. The knowledge gained in business management has made me learn new skills and improve my communication skills. I now regularly submit bids, estimates and take offs at the Minneapolis Builders Exchange. I have managed to improve business processes, reduce workload and focus on immediate tasks, as well as long term goals of the business. I have achieved Level 4 in accountability, performance, planning and scheduling: the main tasks associated with my role.

Bass, B. (1989). Stogdill’s handbook of leadership: A survey of theory and research . New York: Free Press

Bidding Procedures for Projects Funded by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program and Housing Revenue Bonds (Effective: May 1, 2013). Online.

Emkhe, C. (2005) Strategies for Competitive Advantage. Western Center for Risk Management Education. Online.

Gee, D., Jones, K., Kreity, D., Nevell, S., O’Connor, B., Van Ness, B. (2001)  The Performance-Based Management Handbook. Online.

Sheikh, S. (2009) I mproving Communication and Leadership Skills: The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on MBA Students. GMAC  Research Reports • RR-09-06 • January 28, 2009

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Summer jobs.

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Preparation

Active summer activity courses.

We are looking for university students to work with children on our activity courses in July and August this summer.

We need instructors for the following activities: swimming, football, tennis, drama, art, music, photography.

Courses are:

• Course 1: July 1st – 15th
• Course 2: July 16th – 31st
• Course 3: August 1st – 15th
• Course 4: August 16th – 31st

For more information, email Mr Smith at [email protected]. Please tell us which courses you would like to teach.

Dear Mr Smith

I'm a university student and I'm interested in working on your activity courses this summer.

I'm studying drama at Central University and I love photography, so I would like to teach on those two courses. I'm also in the university swimming team and I'm learning to play the guitar.

I can work for the first two weeks of July and the last two weeks of August.

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Home — Application Essay — Engineering Schools — The Lessons I Learned from Working at a Swimming Pool

The Lessons I Learned from Working at a Swimming Pool

• University: Santa Clara University

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Published: Jul 18, 2018

Words: 648 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

During the summer of 2007, I worked at a swimming pool, coaching the swim team, giving swim lessons, and lifeguarding. Early on, I realized that this summer job would demand more from me, and in turn give back a lot more, than I had initially expected. By the time summer was over, I had discovered that this experience had had a profound impact upon my life, especially in providing me with confidence and insights into how to better relate to and work with other people.

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'The Lessons I Learned from Working at a Swimming Pool'

During the twenty hours a week I worked as a lifeguard, I learned to be constantly aware of what was going on in and around the pool, to anticipate problems, and, whenever necessary, to be firm and assertive with swimmers of all ages in order to make sure that the pool remained safe. In addition, before anyone arrived at the pool, and after everyone had left, I was responsible for maintaining the equipment, the chemical balance and cleanliness, and the security of the pool.

What was especially rewarding, however, was the additional time I spent six days a week coaching the swim team in competition against other teams, and teaching swim lessons for kids who were five to eleven years of age. As I began my coaching experience, I had all sorts of great quotes in mind from various coaches of the past. Former football coach Eddie Robinson once said, “Leadership, like coaching, is fighting for the hearts and souls of men and getting them to believe in you.” Former Princeton basketball coach Pete Carill said, “The sterner the discipline, the greater the devotion,” and George Hallas, the oldest coach in NFL league history, stated, “What makes a good coach? Complete dedication.”

Taking my inspiration from these greats, I first felt it was important to teach the kids that they were all capable of going beyond the expectations of others in their performances. By the end of the summer, however, I had learned more about the importance of breaking these barriers than anyone else.

One five-year-old boy was the youngest member of the team and small for his age. No one on the team had high expectations for him, including myself. But right from the beginning he proved everyone wrong. Not only did he work hard, but he never complained. He never stopped in the middle of a lap to rest, as did some of the older swimmers, and he always followed instructions immediately on how to better his stroke. As a result, by the end of the season, nobody was surprised when he was awarded “The Most Inspirational Swimmer.”

Another example was seven-year-old boy. At the beginning of the summer he told me that he would not even try swimming backstroke because the stroke was hard and he was not very good at it. However, as his coach, I firmly insisted that he not give up, and after some practice and continued encouragement, not only did he never again complain about swimming backstroke, but he ended up becoming one of the best backstroke swimmers in his age bracket.

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I am certain, however, that by the end of the swimming season, I had learned more than anyone else. I learned how important it is to always be patient, and yet firm in encouraging each team member to always try hard to do their best. I learned that each person is unique in how they learn and in how they are motivated, and that my response to them needs to be tailored accordingly. In turn, the team members learned to trust me as their coach and to grow in their own self-confidence. Although the summer proved to be hard and challenging, I found that I ended up learning a lot about myself--especially by applying to myself the very principles that I was laboring to instill in others.

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What Do You Remember Most About Your First Summer Job?

School’s out, time to get to work! From internships to ice cream-scooping, summer jobs have the power to influence professional paths and provide lasting memories. We asked several alums what they remember most from their first summer gigs.

Former sportswriter for The New York Times and author of 20 books

Sixty-six years ago, at the age of 14, I lied about my age to get my first summer job — mowing the lawn and maintaining the grounds of a nasty old man’s summer home in Monroe, N.Y., for 50 cents an hour. It remains the worst and most important job I ever held. He was a hectoring, bullying employer, but I stayed with it as a pre-manhood test. As a writerly fat boy, I must have sensed I needed some trial by fire. By the time I returned to high school in the fall, I was about 40 pounds lighter and filled with overweening confidence. That job also informed my career: In 1977, I published a Young Adult novel, One Fat Summer, that in 2018 was turned into a film, Measure of a Man , starring Donald Sutherland as a romanticized version of that first summer boss. I have always gotten psychic strength from that first job, for freshman year on Morningside Heights, Army basic training and all the knockdown drag-outs of life.

I was an assistant to an assistant at a small veterinary hospital. I swept and cleaned up and looked after lonely animals in small cages, including a cat who was, I think, a lifer, having been consigned there by its deceased owner, who’d left funds for the animal’s medical care in perpetuity. At least that was the story. After that it was libraries for me!

What I remember most about my first summer journalism job was how I got it. It was winter vacation of my first year at the College, and I was working at McDonald’s in my hometown of Needham, Mass. I wanted to be an intern at the Needham Times . I cold-called the editor-in-chief, and she said no. Then I just walked into her office — it was down the street from the McDonald’s — and handed her my clips from Spectator . She said no. I had a few days left of vacation before I returned to New York, so I visited her a second time. This time she said yes. She said she always did that with job applicants — said no before she said yes — because tenacity is an important trait for journalists. She was right!

Author of eight books, including Little Sid: The Prince Who Became a Buddha and One Day a Dot: The Story of You, The Universe and Everything

My first summer job was in a factory, opening cardboard boxes and shipping products. I made minimum wage, and required first aid several times. The man who worked next to me had just gotten out of jail for stabbing someone in a bar fight.

Halfway through the summer, my dad asked me how the job was going. “Terrible,” I told him.

“Good,” he said. He’d worked in a factory for over a decade of his life. “Now you’ll appreciate any other job you get because you’ll know it’s not in a factory.”

Host/Producer, WBUR’s Circle Round podcast; Partner, Sheir & Shim audio production

My first summer job was at a TCBY (“The Country’s Best Yogurt”) in the suburbs of Cleveland. It was the mid-1990s: the first time frozen yogurt was trendy (or, dare I say, the first time it was à la mode?). What I remember most about this gig were the smells. The most pleasant came at the start of my shift, as I baked a massive batch of sugary, buttery waffle cones. I know they tell you to throw bread or cookie dough into the oven if you want to sell a house, but they’re wrong; before you put your place on the market, you need to invest in a jumbo bucket of waffle cone mix and an industrial-sized waffle iron. Of course, on the flip side, I keenly recall the less-than-pleasant smells. If you’ve ever disinfected a strawberry-banana-swirl soft-serve machine after a long, humid day, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

My first summer job was pumping gas at a full-service Getty station in Londonderry, N.H. I could never seem to figure out how to pull the darned gas nozzle out of a customer’s car without spilling a few drops on my feet. So my most prominent memory of the summer was shoes that smelled like gasoline!

My first summer job during college, the summer after my freshman year, was an editorial internship at The New Yorker . I remember feeling electrified that a prominent magazine wanted me. That internship, which ended up lasting three summers, exposed me to the digitization of the publishing world. My takeaway was that in order to have a successful career in media, I would need to learn technical skills. That learning guided me toward my post-college job at The Huffington Post, and then to co-founding my digital media company, Slant. Today, as chief marketing officer of the leading blockchain technology company, ConsenSys, blending storytelling with technical savvy is still my bread and butter.

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Turning a Summer Job into a College Essay: Tips for Writing About Your Work Experience

Summer jobs can be more than just a way to earn extra cash; they can provide valuable material for your college essay. A well-crafted essay about your work experience can showcase your personal growth, skills, and character to admissions officers. Let's explore how you can transform your summer job into a compelling college essay that stands out from the crowd.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Reflect on Your Experience</h2>

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your summer job experience. Think about the challenges you faced, the skills you developed, and the lessons you learned. Consider how this experience has shaped your perspective or influenced your future goals. Reflecting on these aspects will help you identify the most meaningful elements to include in your essay.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Choose a Specific Angle</h2>

Rather than trying to cover every aspect of your summer job, focus on a specific angle or story that best illustrates your personal growth or unique qualities. This could be a particular challenge you overcame, a relationship you formed with a coworker or customer, or a project you spearheaded. By honing in on a specific aspect of your experience, you can create a more engaging and memorable essay.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Show, Don't Tell</h2>

When writing about your summer job, it's important to show rather than tell. Instead of simply stating that you developed leadership skills, provide concrete examples of how you demonstrated leadership in your role. Use vivid descriptions and specific anecdotes to bring your experience to life for the reader. This approach will make your essay more engaging and convincing.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Highlight Personal Growth</h2>

Admissions officers are particularly interested in how your experiences have contributed to your personal growth. Discuss how your summer job helped you develop new skills, overcome challenges, or gain a fresh perspective. Perhaps you learned the value of teamwork, improved your time management skills, or discovered a new passion. Emphasize how these lessons have shaped you as a person and how they will contribute to your future success in college and beyond.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Connect to Your Academic and Career Goals</h2>

Your summer job essay can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how your work experience aligns with your academic interests or career aspirations. Explain how the skills or knowledge you gained on the job relate to your intended field of study or future career path. This connection will show admissions officers that you're thoughtful about your goals and have taken proactive steps towards achieving them.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Address Challenges and Setbacks</h2>

Don't shy away from discussing challenges or setbacks you encountered during your summer job. Admissions officers are interested in how you handle difficulties and learn from your experiences. Describe any obstacles you faced and explain how you overcame them. This can demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to new situations – all valuable qualities in a college student.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Showcase Your Unique Perspective</h2>

Your summer job experience is unique to you, so use it to showcase your individual perspective and voice. Share your personal insights, observations, and reflections on the work you did and the environment you were in. This will help your essay stand out and give admissions officers a better sense of who you are as a person.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Demonstrate Responsibility and Work Ethic</h2>

A summer job essay provides an excellent opportunity to highlight your sense of responsibility and strong work ethic. Discuss how you managed your time, met deadlines, or took on additional responsibilities. These qualities are highly valued in college students and can set you apart from other applicants.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Incorporate Feedback and Lessons Learned</h2>

If you received feedback from your employer or coworkers during your summer job, consider incorporating it into your essay. Discuss how you used this feedback to improve your performance or develop new skills. This demonstrates your ability to accept constructive criticism and your commitment to personal growth – both important qualities for success in college and beyond.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Edit and Refine</h2>

Once you've written your essay, take the time to edit and refine it carefully. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of errors. Ask trusted friends, family members, or teachers to review your essay and provide feedback. Their fresh perspective can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your essay effectively communicates your summer job experience and its impact on your personal growth.

By following these tips, you can transform your summer job experience into a compelling college essay that showcases your unique qualities, personal growth, and readiness for the challenges of higher education. Remember, the key is to focus on specific, meaningful aspects of your experience and to connect them to your broader goals and aspirations. With careful reflection and thoughtful writing, your summer job essay can become a powerful tool in your college application, helping you stand out to admissions officers and take the next step towards your academic future.

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Strategic hr planning and diversity, equity, and inclusion: a case study of stonewall.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the integration of strategic HR planning with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has become paramount. This is not just a trend but a necessity for organizations aiming to foster a culture of innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage. A compelling example of this integration's success is seen in the case study of Stonewall, an organization that has set benchmarks in embedding DEI into its strategic HR framework. Through a detailed exploration of Stonewall's approach, this article aims to shed light on the critical components and benefits of aligning strategic HR planning with DEI principles. The Foundation of Strategic HR PlanningStrategic HR planning is the process of aligning human resource management with the long-term goals of an organization. It involves forecasting HR needs, developing talent management strategies, and ensuring that the workforce is prepared to meet future challenges. For Stonewall, this meant not only identifying the skills and competencies needed for future growth but also ensuring that its workforce reflected the diversity of the communities it serves. By doing so, Stonewall has been able to create a more dynamic and innovative work environment that is better equipped to respond to the needs of its stakeholders. Embedding DEI in HR PracticesDiversity, equity, and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Stonewall; they are integral to its mission and operational strategies. The organization has implemented a range of policies and practices designed to promote DEI at every level of the HR process, from recruitment and selection to performance management and professional development. This includes targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, bias training for hiring managers, and the establishment of employee resource groups. These initiatives have not only helped to create a more inclusive workplace but have also enhanced employee engagement and retention. The Impact of DEI on Organizational CultureOne of the most significant impacts of Stonewall's DEI efforts has been on its organizational culture. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, Stonewall has fostered an environment where all employees feel valued and respected. This has led to increased creativity and collaboration, as employees from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to solve problems and innovate. Moreover, Stonewall's commitment to equity has ensured that all employees have access to the same opportunities for growth and advancement, further enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice. Measuring Success and Continuous ImprovementFor Stonewall, the integration of DEI into strategic HR planning is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adaptation. The organization regularly assesses the effectiveness of its DEI initiatives through surveys, focus groups, and performance metrics. This data is then used to refine strategies and develop new programs that address emerging challenges and opportunities. By taking a data-driven approach to DEI, Stonewall has been able to demonstrate the tangible benefits of its efforts, both in terms of employee satisfaction and organizational performance.In conclusion, the case study of Stonewall offers valuable insights into the importance of integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategic HR planning. By making DEI a core component of its HR practices, Stonewall has not only enhanced its organizational culture but has also positioned itself for sustained success in a diverse and dynamic world. This example serves as a powerful reminder that when organizations commit to fostering an inclusive workplace, they unlock the full potential of their workforce and pave the way for innovation, resilience, and growth.

Mastering Business Concepts: A Comprehensive Guide to Week 4 Topics

The world of business is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, filled with intricate concepts and strategies that can be daunting to navigate. Week 4 of any business course typically delves into a crucial set of topics that form the bedrock of successful business operations. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these key concepts, equipping you with the knowledge and insights necessary to excel in your business endeavors. Understanding Financial Statements: The Language of BusinessFinancial statements are the lifeblood of any business, providing a clear and concise picture of its financial health. They serve as a powerful tool for decision-making, allowing stakeholders to assess the company's performance, identify potential risks, and make informed investment choices. The three primary financial statements are the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. The balance sheet presents a snapshot of the company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time. The income statement, also known as the profit and loss statement, summarizes the company's revenues and expenses over a specific period, revealing its profitability. The statement of cash flows tracks the movement of cash in and out of the business, highlighting its cash flow generation and utilization. By understanding the intricacies of these statements, you can gain valuable insights into a company's financial position and its ability to generate profits and manage its cash flow effectively. Cost Accounting: The Foundation of ProfitabilityCost accounting is a critical aspect of business management, focusing on the identification, measurement, and analysis of costs associated with producing goods or services. It plays a vital role in determining product pricing, optimizing production processes, and maximizing profitability. Cost accounting involves various techniques, including cost allocation, cost behavior analysis, and variance analysis. Cost allocation involves assigning costs to specific products or activities, while cost behavior analysis examines how costs change in response to variations in production levels. Variance analysis compares actual costs to planned costs, identifying deviations and potential areas for improvement. By mastering cost accounting principles, you can gain a deep understanding of your business's cost structure, enabling you to make informed decisions that optimize profitability and enhance efficiency. Budgeting: Planning for SuccessBudgeting is an essential process for any business, involving the creation of a detailed financial plan that outlines anticipated revenues and expenses over a specific period. It serves as a roadmap for achieving financial goals, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that the business stays on track. The budgeting process typically involves forecasting future revenues and expenses, allocating resources to different departments or projects, and monitoring actual performance against the budget. Effective budgeting requires careful planning, accurate forecasting, and regular monitoring to ensure that the business remains financially sound and achieves its objectives. Inventory Management: Balancing Supply and DemandInventory management is the process of controlling and optimizing the flow of goods within a business, ensuring that the right amount of inventory is available at the right time to meet customer demand. It involves a delicate balancing act between minimizing inventory holding costs and avoiding stockouts that can disrupt operations and lead to lost sales. Effective inventory management techniques include forecasting demand, optimizing order quantities, managing lead times, and implementing inventory control systems. By mastering these techniques, you can ensure that your business has the right amount of inventory on hand to meet customer needs without incurring excessive storage costs or experiencing stockouts. Marketing Strategies: Reaching Your Target AudienceMarketing is the process of creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization. It involves a wide range of activities, including market research, product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution. Effective marketing strategies are essential for attracting new customers, retaining existing ones, and building brand loyalty. By understanding the principles of marketing, you can develop targeted campaigns that resonate with your target audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. ConclusionMastering the business concepts covered in Week 4 is crucial for success in any business endeavor. By understanding financial statements, cost accounting principles, budgeting techniques, inventory management strategies, and marketing principles, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate and make informed decisions that drive profitability and growth. This knowledge will serve as a valuable foundation for your future business endeavors, empowering you to navigate the complexities of the business world with confidence and success.

Applying the Doctrine of Double Effect in Healthcare: A Practical Guide

The doctrine of double effect is a moral principle that helps guide decision-making in situations where an action has both positive and negative consequences. In healthcare, this principle is particularly relevant when dealing with complex ethical dilemmas, such as end-of-life care, pain management, and treatment decisions for patients with serious illnesses. This article will delve into the practical application of the doctrine of double effect in healthcare, exploring its key elements and providing real-world examples to illustrate its application. Understanding the Doctrine of Double EffectThe doctrine of double effect states that it is permissible to perform an action that has both good and bad consequences, provided that the good effect is intended and the bad effect is not intended, even though it is foreseen. This principle is based on the idea that there is a moral difference between intending to cause harm and merely foreseeing that harm will occur as a side effect of a good action. Key Elements of the Doctrine of Double EffectTo apply the doctrine of double effect, four key elements must be satisfied:1. The action itself must be morally good or at least neutral. This means that the action should not be inherently wrong or harmful.2. The good effect must be intended. The primary goal of the action should be to achieve the good effect, not the bad effect.3. The bad effect must not be intended. The bad effect should be a foreseen consequence of the action, but not the intended outcome.4. The good effect must outweigh the bad effect. The benefits of the action must outweigh the potential harms. Applying the Doctrine of Double Effect in HealthcareThe doctrine of double effect is often used in healthcare to justify actions that may have both positive and negative consequences. For example, consider the case of a patient with terminal cancer who is experiencing severe pain. A doctor may prescribe high doses of morphine to alleviate the patient's pain, even though this may shorten the patient's life. In this scenario, the doctor's intention is to relieve the patient's pain, and the shortening of the patient's life is a foreseen but unintended consequence. Real-World ExamplesHere are some real-world examples of how the doctrine of double effect is applied in healthcare:* Pain management: Administering high doses of opioids to relieve pain in terminally ill patients, even though this may hasten death.* End-of-life care: Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment from patients who are terminally ill and suffering, even though this may result in death.* Abortion: Some argue that the doctrine of double effect can be used to justify abortion in cases where the mother's life is in danger, as the intention is to save the mother's life, and the death of the fetus is a foreseen but unintended consequence. ConclusionThe doctrine of double effect provides a framework for ethical decision-making in healthcare, particularly in situations where there are no easy answers. By carefully considering the four key elements of the doctrine, healthcare professionals can make decisions that are both morally sound and in the best interests of their patients. It is important to note that the application of the doctrine of double effect is not without its critics, and there are ongoing debates about its validity and limitations. However, it remains a valuable tool for navigating complex ethical dilemmas in healthcare.

Windshield Surveys in Public Health: A Practical Approach to Data Collection

Windshield surveys are a valuable tool in public health research, offering a quick and cost-effective way to gather data on a community's health and environmental factors. This method involves driving or walking through a designated area, observing and documenting key features that influence health outcomes. This article delves into the intricacies of windshield surveys, exploring their applications, advantages, and limitations. The Essence of Windshield SurveysWindshield surveys are essentially observational studies conducted from a moving vehicle or on foot. They provide a snapshot of a community's physical environment, social characteristics, and health-related resources. Researchers meticulously observe and record various aspects, including the presence of parks, recreational facilities, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and environmental hazards like pollution or abandoned buildings. The data collected through these surveys can be used to identify potential health risks, assess community needs, and inform public health interventions. Applications of Windshield SurveysWindshield surveys are versatile tools with a wide range of applications in public health. They are particularly useful for:* Community Health Needs Assessment: Identifying areas with limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, or recreational facilities.* Environmental Health Assessment: Detecting environmental hazards like air pollution, contaminated water sources, or unsafe waste disposal practices.* Social Determinants of Health: Assessing the presence of social factors that influence health outcomes, such as poverty, crime rates, and access to education.* Health Disparities Research: Identifying areas with higher concentrations of vulnerable populations and potential disparities in health services.* Program Planning and Evaluation: Evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs and identifying areas for improvement. Advantages of Windshield SurveysWindshield surveys offer several advantages over traditional data collection methods:* Cost-Effectiveness: They are relatively inexpensive to conduct, requiring minimal resources and equipment.* Time-Efficiency: They can be completed quickly, providing a rapid overview of a community's health landscape.* Flexibility: They can be tailored to specific research questions and adapted to different geographic areas.* Direct Observation: They allow researchers to directly observe the environment and community characteristics, providing a firsthand perspective.* Community Engagement: They can be conducted in collaboration with community members, fostering local participation and ownership. Limitations of Windshield SurveysWhile windshield surveys offer valuable insights, they also have limitations:* Subjectivity: Observations can be influenced by the researcher's biases and perspectives, leading to potential inaccuracies.* Limited Scope: They provide a snapshot of a community at a specific point in time, potentially missing dynamic changes.* Sampling Bias: The selection of routes and observation points can introduce bias, potentially skewing the results.* Data Interpretation: Interpreting the collected data requires careful consideration and analysis to draw meaningful conclusions.* Ethical Considerations: Researchers must ensure privacy and confidentiality when observing individuals and properties. ConclusionWindshield surveys are a valuable tool for public health researchers, offering a practical and cost-effective approach to data collection. They provide a quick overview of a community's health landscape, identifying potential health risks, assessing community needs, and informing public health interventions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge their limitations and employ appropriate methods to mitigate potential biases. By carefully planning and conducting windshield surveys, researchers can gain valuable insights into community health and contribute to the development of effective public health strategies.

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