mod3_week5.md

• Taking stock of where you are: what have you accomplished this module? What have you learned? Where are you stuck (have you not been able to follow through on outreach? Is your resume not finished?)?

  • During this module, I have created my resume and put it through the resume criticizer, I have also sent it to individuals that work as developers (my mentor, friends and family). Given their feedback, I am in the process of updating my resume. I was able to finish my cover letter, I created this cover letter in a fashion that would let me change a few details here and there but overall it would be the same.
  • What I haven't done at this point is to follow through on the outreach.

• Create plans for 3 different companies you want to target:

  1. IBM

     • Why do you like this company?
     • IBM is an established company, this likely means that their structure is clearly outlined.
     • What makes you want to work there?
     • Knowing that the structure is clearly outlined, from my experience, established companies of this size have teams that are dedicated to a certain function or area of expertise. Although exposure to everything would be great as an entry level developer, a more structured environment would be greatly appreciated.
     • Are you a good fit for this company?
     • I belive that I am.
     • What do you bring to the company?
     • The basic requirements to apply for a position at IBM is a bachelors in CS or knowledge of computer programming. I bring the knowledge that Turing has given me.
     • What transferable skills do you have?
     • I bring in skills in working as a team, communication, and other soft skills.
     • What do you already know about the company?
     • Just that they have offices located throughout the country.
     • What do you still need to learn about the company?
     • Work environment, perks, etc...
     • Steps to take:
       • Outreach: look at the company’s LinkedIn page: who could you reach out to? What questions do you want to ask that person?
         • I do not know who I could reach out to at IBM, it is such a huge corporation that it makes it hard to find someone.

  2. AETNA Health

     • Why do you like this company?
     • I viewed a job posting for this company, I like that they are also established and that they are trying to make healthcare more affordable and attainable(i got this from their linkedin page)
     • What makes you want to work there?
     • I want to have the ability to increase the overall quality of life for individuals, working with a company that is involved in health care would likely allow me to do this.
     • Are you a good fit for this company?
     • I do not know.
     • What do you bring to the company?
     • I bring backend coding knowledge that I have attained while attending Turing. I bring an open mind that is willing to learn and be mentored.
     • What transferable skills do you have?
     • I bring some decent soft skills that I have gained in the past.
     • What do you already know about the company?
     • I know the mission statement (LINKEDIN), I also know a bit about the working environemnt thanks to the job posting.
     • What do you still need to learn about the company?
     • Unsure
     • Steps to take:
       • Outreach: look at the company’s LinkedIn page: who could you reach out to? What questions do you want to ask that person?
         • It is possible that I could reach out to Karen Howell-Tossavainen, she is a talent acquisition specialist for AETNA.

  3. National Renewable Energy Lab

     • Why do you like this company?
     • I like that this compnay is working on renewable energy and working to fight climate change.
     • What makes you want to work there?
     • I would want to work here because of the cause this company is working for (renewable energy).
     • Are you a good fit for this company?
     • How do I figure this out?
     • What do you bring to the company?
     • I am someone that is eager to learn and easily mentored. I also bring a backend developer knowledge that I attained at Turing.
     • What transferable skills do you have?
     • I bring soft skills that would work well in working in a team environment.
     • What do you already know about the company?
     • I know the mission statement, how the company is rated by their employees, etc...
     • What do you still need to learn about the company?
     • Working environemnt, is it a cube farm or open space?
     • Steps to take:
       • Outreach: look at the company’s LinkedIn page: who could you reach out to? What questions do you want to ask that person?
         • I have not been able to find someone to reach out to.

• Read back over the plan. How does it reflect your vision?

• Imagine that you get the job. A year later, what have you gained from this experience? How have you started to fulfill your vision?

• Plan #1: For IBM, I need to take my coding challenge that they sent me so that I can finally/hopefully get in contact with someone in HR.

  • Available resources to help you pursue it: I have already applied for this position.
  • Coherence: It may not align with my career vision statement, I applied because it was an open entry level position.
  • Confidence level: how feasible does this feel to you? I am optimistic about this
  • How excited you are about it? I'm excited at the possibility of being gainfully employed.

• Plan #2: For AETNA, I need to finish updating my resume so that I am able to apply for the open position. Additionally, I would need to explore if the contact above is a good individual to reach out to.

  • Available resources to help you pursue it: I was able to find someone on LinkedIn
  • Coherence: It aligns with my vision of enabeling a greater quality of life for the users as it is a health driven company.
  • Confidence level: Cautiously optimistic
  • How excited you are about it? I am excited about this position

• Plan #3: Also finish updating my resume for NREL. Find someone I can reach out to.

  • Available resources to help you pursue it: Other than having an understanding of what the company does...none
  • Coherence: This aligns with my career vision as it enables me to provide or attempt to provide a greater quality of life for everyone.
  • Confidence level: It is an entry level position, I feel somewhat confident.
  • How excited you are about it? Very excited.

• Now, pick the plan with the highest numbers across the board. What steps will you take next to pursue this strategy as you go into the next module?

  • Likely plan 3. NREL

Great job on your company research and outreach plan for the companies you are interested in. You are making great progress in your PD. Keep up the great work!