Where in the World is Bob Saget?

[StarWarsGirl]

Marketing is simple (and I agree, more interesting). They've tried to turn it into a science, which it partially is (group psychology), but really there isn't much to it once the checkbooks start getting involved. There are 3 basic types.

1) Brand Marketing (e.g. billboards, etc.)
2) Targeted Product Marketing (e.g. direct marketing, etc.)
3) Calls to Action (e.g. discounts, etc.)

They tend to blend together, all three tactics, but when you really break it down to metrics of what works, brand marketing works the best in my opinion. This is because the average consumer will NOT research very well. Rather, they want the quick and easy solution.

Therefore, brands carry great weight. However, brand marketing is expensive and provides very little in immediate return. This is the trap the smaller to mid-sized businesses fall into. Investors and senior management want to see a dollar for dollar return for marketing dollars spent, but most (not many...most) fail to recognize that brand investment is just as valuable if you wish the company to expand, but may not offer immediate response.

If you don't mind some advice...go get a part time job working at some local restaurant or something.

You'll glean a lot of real world experience from that, which you can apply to your studies to make them more fruitful. The issue I have with most "Business Majors" is that they graduate having very little idea of what it takes to motivate and direct a workforce effectively. It's just not something that is emphasized in instruction (mostly because, those doing the instruction generally don't have the skill either).

As far as the computer courses...well, it's just sad those need to be taught. Just...sad.

I applied for a job at school as a receptionist. I was thinking of applying to my local Safeway until my dad reminded me of all the union fees that partially go to his firm. I tried to get a job in retail but there were no openings. My school is good about internships (we're required to do at least one), so I'll start those late in my sophomore year or my Junior year. They said they can set me up at one of the local hotels since my main interest is hospitality and tourism. And I'm planning on doing the CP my Junior or Senior year. Hopefully by next semester I'll be tutoring again. I can probably go ask if they'll let someone who knew AP Microeconomics forwards backwards and sideways tutor in it. But my guess is no.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

As far as the computer courses...well, it's just sad those need to be taught. Just...sad.

Considering when I was telling my mother about it and she stops me and says "What's a zip file?", I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Next semester I'll get into Access and more programs in my professional pack that I've never worked with. Also, why when they sell the 2013 version of MS Office are they still teaching in 2010? Seriously. All the incoming Freshmen got 2010 and now we all have to access the school's system remotely to use the 2010 edition. Makes no sense

What's sadder than that course is Public Speaking. It's a 100-level course with mostly sophomores in it, so I should have suspected that their would be some Dodo brains in there. But the teacher asks us who Ben Franklin is, and only about half the class knew. But everyone knows who Jerry Seinfeld it and what was involved in the OJ Simpson trials! Because puffy shirts are more important than Ben Franklin it seems.

 

[englanddg]

I'm gonna be blunt, but it's because I think you are intelligent and can handle it.

I applied for a job at school as a receptionist.

Not a bad idea at all, but it won't really teach you much in terms of work experience. While you will be technically working, you are still within a sheltered and controlled educational environment. It's a far cry from the challenges that managing and controlling a workforce to do a directed task involve, as they can hide behind laws, policy and edicts.

Since you are a management major, I assume this is the role you picture yourself obtaining in the future.

It's fine if you plan to have a future in government work (nothing wrong with that), but for public sector, I'd suggest you need to sharpen your teeth a bit more. Get a little dirty.

I was thinking of applying to my local Safeway until my dad reminded me of all the union fees that partially go to his firm. I tried to get a job in retail but there were no openings.

Unions...heh...another topic I'll steer clear of (I was a union member, but it was Stage Hands)...

There are plenty of retail / restaurant jobs available. You just need to go in and say "I want one". This crap that jobs are hard to find is just that...crap. Now, jobs for the SALARY you may want is a different story.

My school is good about internships (we're required to do at least one), so I'll start those late in my sophomore year or my Junior year.

Internships are fantastic experiences, but you should walk in fully aware that the employer will never take you seriously (if it's a larger organization) and you will learn very little. The employer has no vested interest in you since you will most likely never be with them long term, so you most likely won't be trained or exposed to anything of great import in any great detail. You will be handed the overflow and relatively unimportant work (meaning, doesn't effect financials). In addition, since you are not paid, you will be taken advantage of.

They said they can set me up at one of the local hotels since my main interest is hospitality and tourism.

If your main interest is that, I'd again strongly suggest you do some "grunt work" part time at a hotel. Go be a housekeeper, or work in a restaurant (preferably in the kitchen). You will glean far more from that than you will a protected internship. And, like the General who worked his way up from being a Private, you will have the moral authority to command respect when you need it, as well as understand where those below you in the chain are going through.

 

[englanddg]

Considering when I was telling my mother about it and she stops me and says "What's a zip file?", I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Next semester I'll get into Access and more programs in my professional pack that I've never worked with. Also, why when they sell the 2013 version of MS Office are they still teaching in 2010? Seriously. All the incoming Freshmen got 2010 and now we all have to access the school's system remotely to use the 2010 edition. Makes no sense

What's sadder than that course is Public Speaking. It's a 100-level course with mostly sophomores in it, so I should have suspected that their would be some Dodo brains in there. But the teacher asks us who Ben Franklin is, and only about half the class knew. But everyone knows who Jerry Seinfeld it and what was involved in the OJ Simpson trials! Because puffy shirts are more important than Ben Franklin it seems.

2010 isn't vastly different from 2013.

It has to do with their academic partnership with MS. That's why.

Also, focus on excel. Access is nice, but unless you really want to understand relational databases and how they work, everything that can be done in access can be done better (and better communicated to co workers) using excel.

Access is dying. Just keep that in mind as you go through the courses.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

2010 isn't vastly different from 2013.

It has to do with their academic partnership with MS. That's why.

Also, focus on excel. Access is nice, but unless you really want to understand relational databases and how they work, everything that can be done in access can be done better (and better communicated to co workers) using excel.

Access is dying. Just keep that in mind as you go through the courses.

Okay. Excel is later in this course. Access is next course along with a few other apps

 

[acishere]

What's sadder than that course is Public Speaking. It's a 100-level course with mostly sophomores in it, so I should have suspected that their would be some Dodo brains in there. But the teacher asks us who Ben Franklin is, and only about half the class knew.

How are these people in college?

 

[englanddg]

How are these people in college?

They got gradumicated.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I'm gonna be blunt, but it's because I think you are intelligent and can handle it.

Thanks

Not a bad idea at all, but it won't really teach you much in terms of work experience. While you will be technically working, you are still within a sheltered and controlled educational environment. It's a far cry from the challenges that managing and controlling a workforce to do a directed task involve, as they can hide behind laws, policy and edicts.

Since you are a management major, I assume this is the role you picture yourself obtaining in the future.

I'm an administration major, not a management major. Administration is more general. Now I may eventually have a concentration in management, but my school doesn't even offer a management major. I get what you're saying about a "real" job, but for now, it just works out better to work at my school. Work around my class schedule and such. Now next semester or the one after, yes I probably will get a "real" job. For now though, it's just a big adjustment, and I've never worked beyond babysitting (my parents would not let me in high school, I asked, they said no) so having too much adjustm

If your main interest is that, I'd again strongly suggest you do some "grunt work" part time at a hotel. Go be a housekeeper, or work in a restaurant (preferably in the kitchen). You will glean far more from that than you will a protected internship. And, like the General who worked his way up from being a Private, you will have the moral authority to command respect when you need it, as well as understand where those below you in the chain are going through.

I'd picture myself working front desk more than Housekeeping and restaurants. Restaurants, well, not a good idea for me to be back in the kitchen handling peanuts and other things that send me into anaphylactic reactions. Housekeeping I probably wouldn't do either since I tend to be sensitive to cleaners. At home I clean just fine, but I've got specific cleaners that I have to use. Including the homemade vinegar cleaner as opposed to Windex. Saves money too. Waitressing or cashier duty I might do. My ultimate goal is Disney or another tourism company. I love theme parks, especially Disney, and I think I'd like to work

 

[StarWarsGirl]

How are these people in college?

Who knows. My college is easy to get into but expensive and the only reason I can afford to go there is a massive scholarship. They must do something right because 94% have jobs or are going to graduate school after four years, but still

 

[englanddg]

Who knows. My college is easy to get into but expensive and the only reason I can afford to go there is a massive scholarship. They must do something right because 94% have jobs or are going to graduate school after four years, but still

I taught college for 3 years, and my grandfather has for going on 40 years...

You can't trust those placement numbers.

If you are on scholarship, fantastic. Just, do me a favor...don't rack up student loan debt. It eases your way through college, but will kill you financially when you graduate and are trying to make a name for yourself.

Just some more (unasked for) advice.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I taught college for 3 years, and my grandfather has for going on 40 years...

You can't trust those placement numbers.

If you are on scholarship, fantastic. Just, do me a favor...don't rack up student loan debt. It eases your way through college, but will kill you financially when you graduate and are trying to make a name for yourself.

Just some more (unasked for) advice.

Don't worry. I have no student loans. My dad basically told me the number he was willing to pay for my education and said if I could get the school of my choice down to that number, he would pay for it. I got it down to the number, he's paying. He saw the wisdom in not taking student loans. So my education is being paid for by him and my scholarship (the highest amount you can get at my school BTW). I got two of my textbooks as e-books, which saved about $300 this semester, another is used, and the other two were school-specific so I couldn't do anything about that.

Now I've got friends who are going to be surrounded by debt. One of my friends has parents who can't afford to help her with her education, so she's got student loans. Nothing she can do. Another girl I know is going to Harvard. Yikes.

 

[englanddg]

I'm an administration major, not a management major. Administration is more general.

There is no need for "administration" in most of professional world. This is something which exists solely in the public sector or VERY large organizations, and it's always some middle management position that pays, but isn't exciting.

Ask yourself, job security, or job pleasure.

Now I may eventually have a concentration in management, but my school doesn't even offer a management major.

Functionally, it's generally the same degree.

I get what you're saying about a "real" job, but for now, it just works out better to work at my school. Work around my class schedule and such. Now next semester or the one after, yes I probably will get a "real" job.

I don't think you will be doing it for long (either you'll be promoted or you'll quit), but I would recommend it. Allergies and complaints aside, it will suck, it does suck...but it will give you a perspective you don't have currently.

See, here's the real world. These people who clean your room at Disney or serve your food, they don't have the luxury of saying they are "allergic" to foods or that certain cleaners "disturb" them physically.

They do the work, because they have to. I'm not trying to drum up sympathy, that's not my point. I am not sympathetic to them at all. They hold the jobs they hold because they choose to. Nothing is stopping them from doing more.

However...if you can't respect that, and truly understand what they do, then, while you may have a fantastic future as a middle manager, you will never truly be able to lead the work force (and therefore be a crappy manager).

Not that you should, as a manager, do their job, but without doing it for at least a period of time (not a polished one day version), you won't truly get their mindset, their group mentality.

And, as a result, when you need something done, you will not be able to command their respect.

Also, knowing what they do allows you to grow them into greater responsibility, which has infinite benefits both politically and personally.

Does that mean you have to do their exact job? Nope, of course not. But, since you have aspirations in what is essentially a manual labor field, you do not get to command the "office" mentality.

Will you find jobs? Sure, probably. Will you excel? Possibly. Will you be as effective as you could be if you understood your labor force? Certainly not.

 

[englanddg]

Don't worry. I have no student loans. My dad basically told me the number he was willing to pay for my education and said if I could get the school of my choice down to that number, he would pay for it. I got it down to the number, he's paying. He saw the wisdom in not taking student loans. So my education is being paid for by him and my scholarship (the highest amount you can get at my school BTW). I got two of my textbooks as e-books, which saved about $300 this semester, another is used, and the other two were school-specific so I couldn't do anything about that.

Now I've got friends who are going to be surrounded by debt. One of my friends has parents who can't afford to help her with her education, so she's got student loans. Nothing she can do. Another girl I know is going to Harvard. Yikes.

Harvard is worth it, for one reason...the name.

But, otherwise, good call. I approve (not that my opine matters, but I do).

 

[StarWarsGirl]

See, here's the real world. These people who clean your room at Disney or serve your food, they don't have the luxury of saying they are "allergic" to foods or that certain cleaners "disturb" them physically.

Do you seriously think that I'd rather have the issue than do the grunt work? Sorry, I'd rather still be alive and well than have the extra experience. There are other jobs that don't require me to be around things that could make me sick. Actually, the job as a receptionist requires cleaning. You know what I'm going to do? Request that I bring my own cleaners. Not a huge deal; they get the job done. There was a job working at a pharmacy that I would have liked but couldn't take because they sell fragrances. It would otherwise be a great job, but being around them will make me sick. When you have a condition, you have to recognize your limitations even when your limitations suck.

And I'm not just using it as an excuse to not work. I can't go back to Hawaii because of my allergies, not unless my allergist finds something different for me to take. That sucks beyond belief. I came home really sick and was in the ER several days later with my asthma because I was allergic to their flowers (once you've had a severe reaction, you can continue to react for several days).

I respect your opinion. I respect you. But in this case I have to strongly disagree with you. I'm not going to take a job that might potentially put me in harms way when there are other methods of dealing with the situation.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Harvard is worth it, for one reason...the name.

But, otherwise, good call. I approve (not that my opine matters, but I do).

At $40000+ per year? Is any school worth that? Now granted, I applied to one of those $40,000+ schools and they offered me a scholarship to cut it in half, but that's still a ton of money.

 

[englanddg]

At $40000+ per year? Is any school worth that? Now granted, I applied to one of those $40,000+ schools and they offered me a scholarship to cut it in half, but that's still a ton of money.

Yes. It is worth it. Because the name means far more than the experience, the individual, or the capability after graduation.

 

[englanddg]

Do you seriously think that I'd rather have the issue than do the grunt work? Sorry, I'd rather still be alive and well than have the extra experience. There are other jobs that don't require me to be around things that could make me sick. Actually, the job as a receptionist requires cleaning. You know what I'm going to do? Request that I bring my own cleaners. Not a huge deal; they get the job done. There was a job working at a pharmacy that I would have liked but couldn't take because they sell fragrances. It would otherwise be a great job, but being around them will make me sick. When you have a condition, you have to recognize your limitations even when your limitations suck.

And I'm not just using it as an excuse to not work. I can't go back to Hawaii because of my allergies, not unless my allergist finds something different for me to take. That sucks beyond belief. I came home really sick and was in the ER several days later with my asthma because I was allergic to their flowers (once you've had a severe reaction, you can continue to react for several days).

I respect your opinion. I respect you. But in this case I have to strongly disagree with you. I'm not going to take a job that might potentially put me in harms way when there are other methods of dealing with the situation.

Driving is more dangerous than your conditions. Are you going to stop doing that?

And, as I said. You have the luxury of an allergist to offer you advice and recommendations, you have the luxury of affording ER bills when you can't breath properly because you took a vacation to Hawaii and smelled some flowers, and you have the luxury that none of those, if you are serious about getting into hospitality...none of those below you most likely ever will.

You should at least consider that.

Your reasons will not carry weight in the working world. Especially the dirty work that is involved in hospitality (try cleaning a room after an all night drinking orgy, yeah...). Your co-workers and subordinates will not buy that you "are super-allergic"...they'll just see you as lazy. The moment you say "I can't use that eco-lab product to help you clean because it makes me break out into hives" (or whatever)...you will lose respect. As these people, unlike you, have worked for every dime they get for most of their lives. And they will see you as entitled, disrespectful, and as a result...

Well, as a result, you will lose clout, and that will effect the performance of your assigned team, which will effect your profitability.

Toss into that that if I'm your employer, and you bring me conditions...I'm far less likely to be interested in you, even if you have a lambskin. This is especially true in hospitality industries where the labor is cheap and readily available.

I'm not questioning your situation, just telling you hard truth.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Driving is more dangerous than your conditions. Are you going to stop doing that?

And, as I said. You have the luxury of an allergist to offer you advice and recommendations, you have the luxury of affording ER bills when you can't breath properly because you took a vacation to Hawaii and smelled some flowers, and you have the luxury that none of those, if you are serious about getting into hospitality...none of those below you most likely ever will.

You should at least consider that.

Your reasons will not carry weight in the working world. Especially the dirty work that is involved in hospitality (try cleaning a room after an all night drinking orgy, yeah...). Your co-workers and subordinates will not buy that you "are super-allergic"...they'll just see you as lazy. The moment you say "I can't use that eco-lab product to help you clean because it makes me break out into hives" (or whatever)...you will lose respect. As these people, unlike you, have worked for every dime they get for most of their lives. And they will see you as entitled, disrespectful, and as a result...

Well, as a result, you will lose clout, and that will effect the performance of your assigned team, which will effect your profitability.

Toss into that that if I'm your employer, and you bring me conditions...I'm far less likely to be interested in you, even if you have a lambskin. This is especially true in hospitality industries where the labor is cheap and readily available.

I'm not questioning your situation, just telling you hard truth.

I get what you're saying. Health comes first. Sorry. I've already had the experience of kids taunting or getting the "I think you're making it up" or whatever. I've dealt with it before. I'll deal with it now.

 

[englanddg]

I get what you're saying. Health comes first. Sorry. I've already had the experience of kids taunting or getting the "I think you're making it up" or whatever. I've dealt with it before. I'll deal with it now.

Of course, as you should.

I in no way would suggest that you submit yourself to something which would hamper your delicate nature.

Just be aware, if you are looking into hospitality, that is not that world.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

@StarWarsGirl95 Only you will know what's best for you and it sounds like you do. I mean Jesus Pete. You're only 18. You've got your whole life ahead of you. I started working when I was 15. Did I want to? No but times were rough. Did I wish I was working (which was full time) when I was a college freshman? Big h*ll no. Especially being two months out of high school it was a rough adjustment at first and maybe I would paid better attention. I know you'll do just fine because you have a game plan in place and sounds like you are determined to stick to it. Many freshman have no clue. ("The Force is strong in this one.") Also I have 30 years in the restaurant business and have seen it all. People with allergies to certain cleaners are assigned different duties so they don't come back to sue the company I was with.