What would you do at the White House?

So this week, we're still continuing our discussion about how to conduct ourselves at our various places of employment and/or internship. One student mentioned that he had watched a particular reality show, and one of the young ladies had taken off her shoes and put her feet on some piece of furniture in the employer's office. And when the employer confronted her, she was at a loss for words to explain her actions. He then went on to ask her if she would have behaved that way at the White House, and she said no, because it would have been disrespectful.

That got me to thinking: what about your employer? True, he's not running the country, but you must still maintain a level of professionalism and decorum. After all, the company hired you to not only fill a certain position, but to be an unspoken representative of the company (because believe it or not, customers are watching how employers and employees conduct themselves, which determines whether or not they feel comfortable doing business with that company again).

These issues will come up when and if you're ready to take your internship in the future, as well as the Business Placement Seminar before it (a very important seminar, I might add; it is chock full of very useful employment and interviewing tools).

Professionalism in the workplace....

So this week during our internship, we're discussing the atmosphere and professionalism at our workplaces. Some of the questions that came up were: How would you describe the professional at your job site? and How would you go about resolving conflict? Also, what is the dress code, and can people tell who's in charge based on appearance? I feel that this is very important in the workplace, particularly with decorum and appearance.

As we well know in the business world, how seriously you are taken depends a great deal on how you conduct yourself and how much careful attention you give to dress and grooming. Where I'm working (and currently interning), the dress code is pretty relaxed; however, because I interact with the public often, I feel that how I dress is ultimately how I'll work, so I try not to let my attire be too relaxed. Even in the summertime, I don't come to work in shorts, but in a nice, cool blouse and a nice pair of pants that are functional.

There are some where I work who wear sweats and shorts almost all year round, but these are the lifeguards and the fitness center staff. So in this instance, they are dressed appropriately for the work they do. This is very important, fellow students. Dress and look the part so that you are taken seriously and may even be considered for advancement and given more responsibility.

With regard to resolving conflicts, the article that we read suggested that the employees should try to resolve it among themselves first. This is very important, for this means that the supervisor has confidence that his or her employees can resolve the conflict with minimal input from management. It is really only when the conflict starts to affect other members of the team that management may have to mediate and help the employees to resolve problems. We all want our companies to run like well-oiled machines; well, just like a well-oiled machine, it takes maintenance on the part of everybody.

Berkeley College cares about Haiti....

So by now, we're all well aware of the tragedy that occurred in Haiti: a devastating earthquake that left the already-destitute country nearly obliterated. There are many without water, food, and homes; and there are loved ones who have been killed and/or have yet to be accounted for. Simply put, Haiti needs help.

So when browsing Twitter this afternoon, I came across a "tweet" posted by Mike regarding Berkeley College's relief efforts to aid the victims in Haiti. Students and faculty--and I'm guessing anyone else who wants to help--are being encouraged to send cash or check donations to different Berkeley College campuses with the name of the organization we wish to have our donations sent. I had already donated via text to the Red Cross, but I want to help out again; and I think it's a great thing that the college is getting involved.

We really sometimes take for granted just how fortunate we are. Even when we don't have the latest, greatest invention, we have running water and food to eat. The people of Haiti literally have nothing now. And while it's true that charity begins at home and spreads abroad, we should focus on those who need it most, whether near or far. And I'm proud to be part of a college that cares enough to do something to help out fellow humans in a time of need.

I'm really getting more out of Finance 315 this time around....

Possibly because I'm taking the information that I've gotten from previous Finance courses and online investment and finance articles and applying them to what I've learned and what I'm currently learning. That's the Berkeley difference; we apply what we learn in real time. In so many of my classes here, I've been able to do that--in drama, in sociology, and definitely in finance. So again I feel very confident in my career as a finance specialist--whatever venue that may be. I do know from interning at my job and doing collections that I may want to be a credit counselor, helping people to understand the value of a budget and avoiding overspending and going into debt. And having read Vanessa's blog recently, I must say that this is exactly the type of thinking and planning people need in order to reign in their finances (click on Vanessa's blog to find out what I'm talking about).

Looking at Blackboard, I just realized I missed an opportunity to interact with students virtually; I hope this is something that Berkeley plans to do again. Also, there's a Haiti disaster support group in effect for those students who may have been affected--as we all have, to some degree--by the tragedy that occurred. There was also a vigil; I wasn't able to attend, as I had to work, but I hope some of you were able to.

Finance class and internship....

So stocks/securities are not just about buying and selling. It's also about how much you can afford to buy and sell and acquire enough capital to produce more securities for buying and selling. A company cannot afford to overprice its stocks simply because they hope to raise capital; otherwise, they will be stuck with stocks they cannot unload and that potential investors will not purchase; consequently, they would have to lower the prices, which will result in a loss for current investors.

At the same time, however, a company cannot underprice its stocks or securities because at a price lower than the average price of securities, demand will exceed supply and this will result in prices being raised. This would benefit the current investors, however, because they would be able to sell at a gain. These are important considerations when a person is interested in possibly investing in the stock market.

So we are discussing our various internships, and it turns out that a lot of us are actually graduating after this quarter. A lot of the internships mentioned sound really interesting, and I wish my classmates all the best in this and future endeavors. We actually have to keep a weekly journal for class, discussing all that we have learned and are learning on the job. This makes it more than just logging hours for the company and then graduating with a job. For those of you who are just starting, you will come to see what I mean in the future.

Career Services....

So if you're an accounting student, you may be interested in going to Berkeley's Newark Campus (located at 536 Broad Street) this coming Thursday, January 14, as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be there from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., and they have positions that require an accounting background. In fact, you are highly encouraged to attend and see what the DEA has to offer. It could be the career opportunity of a lifetime for you.

Also, on January 20, The New Jersey State Police will be at the Newark campus during Activity Period. This is a can't-miss for all you students who are interested in a career in law enforcement or Criminal Justice. The time will be from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and topics include career opportunities with the NJ State Police, the application process, and other very important information.

For further information about the Career Services opportunities at the Newark Campus, you can call Krystal Paul at 973-642-3888 ext. 6150. There will also be representatives from the U.S. District Court City of New York Equal Employment Practices Commission on campus as part of the NYC Paralegal panel. If you're interested in attending, contact Jairo Borja at 212-986-4343 ext. 4171 or email at jib@berkeleycollege.edu.

Welcome to new and returning students...

If you're a new student, welcome to Berkeley College, and here's hoping that this quarter and succeeding quarters are successful for you. If you're a returning student, welcome back and best wishes and good grades in your current courses. If you're a graduating student (like me, haha), congratulations and best wishes in future endeavors. It's an exciting--as well as scary--time for us, stepping out into the working world or furthering your career. But with the help from faculty and fellow students at Berkeley, we'll be well prepared.

For the newer students, what you want to remember is to take your studies seriously--but have a little fun, too, when the time allows it. As Mike mentioned on Twitter, there are always postings about different activities going on at different Berkeley campuses. One such activity is the Ice Breaker this coming Friday at 3:00 p.m. The coordinator for the event is Victoria Gray, and from the looks of the picture, a good time will be had by all. If you're unable to go, fret not, for there will be other opportunities to get to know your fellow students on a more personal level.

Also, there are online clubs that you can get involved in, such as the Healthy Cafe and the Finance and Accounting Club. There's also an online book club, where a particular book is read and discussed via Discussion Board. So there are many ways to make your education at Berkeley College well-rounded. Again, best of wishes.