As I get closer to the end of my internship, it’s a good time to think about what I’ve learned during this time. One thing I did well was insisting on getting to know the manufacturing and R&D process. After my request, a Company tour was organized and I was able to visit the application labs and the manufacturing plants. I confirmed that I love to visit operation facilities in order to get a better picture of the process but I would rather spend most of my time at my office. I also learned that different projects keep me excited. The possibility to interact with people is also key for my ideal job, I wouldn’t want to be isolated. On the other hand, one thing I could have done better is networking prior and during my internship. For instance, the Division General Manager is a Ross alumn. I wish I had contacted him before.
In order to present results for my projects, I will do one presentation for each one of them, before my manager and the project sponsors. After that, I will do one presentation for the higher management, on my final week. It would be a very good opportunity to gain visibility and show my work. I need to excel at both the presentations and the networking in order to leave the positive impression I want to leave. And I will be leaving soon, next August 13th will be my last day.
Eleven weeks, which seemed like a long period at the beginning of my internship, are coming to an end so fast! In a nutshell, and without a doubt, I can say it was a good experience! I meet good people, enjoyed a nice city and formed part of a company with a promising future. I would love to have the opportunity of returning to FMC. But I hope, whatever happens, I will get what it’s most convenient for my future… both my personal and my professional life.
I’m off to Colombia after my presentations and my internship are done. After a short vacation, I will be finishing my second year of the MBA and then it’s back to real life. It’s my last post here, so bye for now!!
Showing posts with label Sandra Guevara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sandra Guevara. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Introducing Jeans to Specialty Chemicals
Hi, it’s Sandra again. When I arrived to FMC, I was told that I could wear jeans. I didn’t understand at the time why it was important or how come it came to be some constant topic of conversation during my summer. Every FMC person I spoke to after accepting the intern position and before my arrival to Philly mentioned, in one way or another, the fact that I could wear jeans now. I started working and I was glad to discover that the things that attracted me to the company held true. After the mid-point of my internship is behind me, I can understand better the 3 factors that really made a difference in my decision process and I hope will impact my career going forward.
1. Impactful projects: I am blessed to have the opportunity of 3 leading projects that will affect the core business, in a meaningful way. I discovered that part of FMC’s culture involves ownership. I own my projects and it’s up to me to make the impact I want. I have a real chance at achieving my goals and not only my manager but senior management are really expecting me to do so.
2. People: Initiative is valued. People will help if I look around and ask for help. It took me a while to discover it is how things work. Help won’t be offered but won’t be denied either.
3. Potential: FMC is a diversified company and a global leader in almost every business it operates in. An emphasis in growth has been put in place and culture is changing to make it possible. Opportunities around the world are currently being created. Diversity is increasingly encouraged by top management.
During the past weeks I heard some conversations among my co-workers about jeans and I understood it was a recent change in the company. I learned the new CEO was making other changes and I received several organizational announcements of new hires, changes in the structure of the company, new positions, movements around the world and some more HR communications. Yesterday we had a lunch with my manager and the other intern. I believe the intention was to check on our progress and give us some feedback.
It was after our discussion at a more informal setting when it all came together. I realized that the change in attire only reflected a deeper change and meant so much more. Some resistance I have felt towards the introduction of jeans in the wardrobe had a new meaning for me. The company is changing. It is looking for more flexibility and trying to attract new talents. I also discovered the MBA recruiting program is being revived. http://www.fmcbiopolymer.com/careers/Careers/FMCMBARecruiting.aspx The Chemical Industry is a traditional sector. New leadership at FMC is set to take advantage of the opportunities available and grow. Change in mindset is what FMC is really looking for in order to build its future.
1. Impactful projects: I am blessed to have the opportunity of 3 leading projects that will affect the core business, in a meaningful way. I discovered that part of FMC’s culture involves ownership. I own my projects and it’s up to me to make the impact I want. I have a real chance at achieving my goals and not only my manager but senior management are really expecting me to do so.
2. People: Initiative is valued. People will help if I look around and ask for help. It took me a while to discover it is how things work. Help won’t be offered but won’t be denied either.
3. Potential: FMC is a diversified company and a global leader in almost every business it operates in. An emphasis in growth has been put in place and culture is changing to make it possible. Opportunities around the world are currently being created. Diversity is increasingly encouraged by top management.
During the past weeks I heard some conversations among my co-workers about jeans and I understood it was a recent change in the company. I learned the new CEO was making other changes and I received several organizational announcements of new hires, changes in the structure of the company, new positions, movements around the world and some more HR communications. Yesterday we had a lunch with my manager and the other intern. I believe the intention was to check on our progress and give us some feedback.
It was after our discussion at a more informal setting when it all came together. I realized that the change in attire only reflected a deeper change and meant so much more. Some resistance I have felt towards the introduction of jeans in the wardrobe had a new meaning for me. The company is changing. It is looking for more flexibility and trying to attract new talents. I also discovered the MBA recruiting program is being revived. http://www.fmcbiopolymer.com/careers/Careers/FMCMBARecruiting.aspx The Chemical Industry is a traditional sector. New leadership at FMC is set to take advantage of the opportunities available and grow. Change in mindset is what FMC is really looking for in order to build its future.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Summery Philly Sips
OK, I have to admit it… I really like Philadelphia! And I am very pleased with the location of both my place and my office in Center City. I know it might not the same for everyone, but for me, having an internship in a city is a big plus! When thinking about my personal experience in managing social life as an intern, it is something that surely makes a difference.
The first one in a bunch of events that I have enjoyed, just walking distance from my current area, was the Ross Alumni Reunion. It was refreshing to get together with fellow Rossers and talk about our summer experience so far. It was also good to receive advice from recent (and not so recent) graduates in Philly as well. Afterwards, I discovered that a group of people from my office organized outings every other week to a happy hour, taking advantage of http://centercityphila.org/life/SipsPartic.php. I joined, sharing the mission of the gathering, since I’m also into socializing and strengthening ties with co-workers in different functions and divisions of the company.
And there is also the World Cup! I was very surprised to see that some of the matches were watched in the office or in nearby sport bars and pubs. I didn’t expect to find such a strong enthusiasm with soccer, and yet I found a huge T.V. on a completely blocked street. The fans were outside, watching the game and making noise. It felt a little bit like home. Continuing with the sporting events but not in my neighborhood, I went to see a baseball game. The Phillies made a nice and eventful game that night, with just the perfect summer weather!
The city has great food offering and I’ve been able to go to nice restaurants. I have also gone to the Historic places and the Old City, which was very interesting. I used the Memorial Day long weekend to visit a friend in Boston and I hope to be in NYC for the Independence weekend. And yes, I know that it all happened here, but I miss some of the people I’ll be seeing in New York! I have yet to go to some of the museums Philly has to offer… I’m looking forward to it!!
The first one in a bunch of events that I have enjoyed, just walking distance from my current area, was the Ross Alumni Reunion. It was refreshing to get together with fellow Rossers and talk about our summer experience so far. It was also good to receive advice from recent (and not so recent) graduates in Philly as well. Afterwards, I discovered that a group of people from my office organized outings every other week to a happy hour, taking advantage of http://centercityphila.org/life/SipsPartic.php. I joined, sharing the mission of the gathering, since I’m also into socializing and strengthening ties with co-workers in different functions and divisions of the company.
And there is also the World Cup! I was very surprised to see that some of the matches were watched in the office or in nearby sport bars and pubs. I didn’t expect to find such a strong enthusiasm with soccer, and yet I found a huge T.V. on a completely blocked street. The fans were outside, watching the game and making noise. It felt a little bit like home. Continuing with the sporting events but not in my neighborhood, I went to see a baseball game. The Phillies made a nice and eventful game that night, with just the perfect summer weather!
The city has great food offering and I’ve been able to go to nice restaurants. I have also gone to the Historic places and the Old City, which was very interesting. I used the Memorial Day long weekend to visit a friend in Boston and I hope to be in NYC for the Independence weekend. And yes, I know that it all happened here, but I miss some of the people I’ll be seeing in New York! I have yet to go to some of the museums Philly has to offer… I’m looking forward to it!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Welcome Breakfast Anyone?
Since the last time I wrote, not much has changed except that I’ve been promoted to Senior MBA Intern. Really! Well, it’s not a promotion, just a comment I heard. I am now the “old intern” because the “new intern” arrived this week. He’s really nice and deserved a warm welcome. The truth is that I still feel as a newcomer, but I realize that in fact I am on my fourth week already!
On Monday we had a very nice Welcome Breakfast and everyone in our floor was invited. The gathering had a good attendance ratio and the usual friendly atmosphere. After my manager introduced us and we raised our hands for everyone else to see, conversation revolved around the morning’s food, our projects and the latest sporting events. It was a good opportunity to get to know some people that I had seen around and to meet others that I had never seen.
I enjoy social interactions and celebrations around food. Maybe that is why I am still getting used to seeing how popular is to eat a sandwich, a frozen dinner or a salad in front of the computer for lunch. I believe it is a cultural difference because my working experience was limited to a Latin American environment, where the habit of making a break and socializing during lunch is more predominant.
Another cultural trait I’ve found is an open-door policy. I would say is something particular to FMC. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to have such an easy access to different people, from all functions and without distinction. It is impressive to see how fast the response to an information request is, sometimes with even more data that what I had in mind when asking questions.
My manager’s style is something else that I appreciate a lot. He’s very entrepreneurial and knowledgeable, so I find a lot of room to freely create. For each one of my three projects I have one sponsor as well. It will be interesting to balance diverse and sometimes opposing interests, opinions and guidance tips from the ones that are helping me along the way. Wish me luck!!
On Monday we had a very nice Welcome Breakfast and everyone in our floor was invited. The gathering had a good attendance ratio and the usual friendly atmosphere. After my manager introduced us and we raised our hands for everyone else to see, conversation revolved around the morning’s food, our projects and the latest sporting events. It was a good opportunity to get to know some people that I had seen around and to meet others that I had never seen.
I enjoy social interactions and celebrations around food. Maybe that is why I am still getting used to seeing how popular is to eat a sandwich, a frozen dinner or a salad in front of the computer for lunch. I believe it is a cultural difference because my working experience was limited to a Latin American environment, where the habit of making a break and socializing during lunch is more predominant.
Another cultural trait I’ve found is an open-door policy. I would say is something particular to FMC. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to have such an easy access to different people, from all functions and without distinction. It is impressive to see how fast the response to an information request is, sometimes with even more data that what I had in mind when asking questions.
My manager’s style is something else that I appreciate a lot. He’s very entrepreneurial and knowledgeable, so I find a lot of room to freely create. For each one of my three projects I have one sponsor as well. It will be interesting to balance diverse and sometimes opposing interests, opinions and guidance tips from the ones that are helping me along the way. Wish me luck!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
More than just Chemistry - first week
I have finished my first week as an intern and it has been a very good start! It was exciting to find out that I will be leading three impactful and challenging projects. My expectations as career switcher, regarding the caliber and breadth of experience, seem to be more than fulfilled. Not only I will have exposure to one marketing project, but I will have to manage three different aspects of the marketing function. Juggling unrelated projects, involving Marketing Research, Market Assessment and Commercial Development will make a busy summer for me!!
At FMC BioPolymer (http://www.fmcbiopolymer.com/) I know I will be learning more than just Chemistry. I was lucky enough to participate in the monthly Marketing meeting, which gave me a more general idea of the focus, important initiatives and on-going projects, as well as who is involved. It will be soooo good to be able to deliver results while getting to know the company and apply what I’ve learned in my first year at Ross. I feel very pleased and I believe that afterwards I will have a better understanding of the area as a whole.
On the personal side, I have been very fortunate too. My new place was part of the package offered by the company and has everything I need. It is walking distance to the office in central city Philadelphia; and really close to historical sites and stores, restaurants and parks. People have been very helpful during my arrival. I received a walking tour of the neighborhood, maps and tips on activities and good places to go after the working hours are over. Office environment is something I have been very satisfied with! My manager, the project sponsors, Human Resources, and everyone else has been very friendly and warm. For now, I’m the only intern. Another MBA intern, from Kellogg, will be arriving in the next weeks. I hope he and his wife will be comfortable as well in Philly.
At FMC BioPolymer (http://www.fmcbiopolymer.com/) I know I will be learning more than just Chemistry. I was lucky enough to participate in the monthly Marketing meeting, which gave me a more general idea of the focus, important initiatives and on-going projects, as well as who is involved. It will be soooo good to be able to deliver results while getting to know the company and apply what I’ve learned in my first year at Ross. I feel very pleased and I believe that afterwards I will have a better understanding of the area as a whole.
On the personal side, I have been very fortunate too. My new place was part of the package offered by the company and has everything I need. It is walking distance to the office in central city Philadelphia; and really close to historical sites and stores, restaurants and parks. People have been very helpful during my arrival. I received a walking tour of the neighborhood, maps and tips on activities and good places to go after the working hours are over. Office environment is something I have been very satisfied with! My manager, the project sponsors, Human Resources, and everyone else has been very friendly and warm. For now, I’m the only intern. Another MBA intern, from Kellogg, will be arriving in the next weeks. I hope he and his wife will be comfortable as well in Philly.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A peek into the real-world
It’s bitter-sweet seeing the second year MBAs graduating and leaving in order to re-enter the real world. It is hard to believe that a year from now, we will be in the same position. I am a Colombian first year MBA student (or at least I was until yesterday), coming straight from my home country to the US in order to begin my studies. I have an Industrial Engineering degree and a background of over 7 years in Operations, involved in Customer Service and Supply Planning roles. I have loved the experience of becoming a student again and Ross has proved to be all that I’ve expected and more.
One of my objectives was to get a taste of corporate America, so I was excited to accept the position as MBA Business Planner Intern for the FMC BioPolymer business at FMC Corporation. During my past experience, one of the things I enjoyed the most was the interaction with people from different parts of the world, both customers and affiliates. I have really liked my time in the chemical industry and now I am looking forward for challenging opportunities at a global leader in the market. I am also thrilled to have an opportunity in a more General Manager role, outside of my Operations comfort zone.
At Philly, the city in which I will be for the summer, I will be far from the safety of the classrooms and the place that has become my new home. Ann Arbor has now a familiar feel that I am afraid to lose once I start my internship. I hope to keep in touch with fellow classmates but it will be harder to see the friends that are so close now, once they disperse all over the world. On the other hand, I am eager to meet new people as well. At FMC I sense the same environment that first drew me to Ross: Smart, friendly and collaborative people. The kind of people that will help me challenged and energized so I can strive to contribute in this temporary peek into the real-world.
One of my objectives was to get a taste of corporate America, so I was excited to accept the position as MBA Business Planner Intern for the FMC BioPolymer business at FMC Corporation. During my past experience, one of the things I enjoyed the most was the interaction with people from different parts of the world, both customers and affiliates. I have really liked my time in the chemical industry and now I am looking forward for challenging opportunities at a global leader in the market. I am also thrilled to have an opportunity in a more General Manager role, outside of my Operations comfort zone.
At Philly, the city in which I will be for the summer, I will be far from the safety of the classrooms and the place that has become my new home. Ann Arbor has now a familiar feel that I am afraid to lose once I start my internship. I hope to keep in touch with fellow classmates but it will be harder to see the friends that are so close now, once they disperse all over the world. On the other hand, I am eager to meet new people as well. At FMC I sense the same environment that first drew me to Ross: Smart, friendly and collaborative people. The kind of people that will help me challenged and energized so I can strive to contribute in this temporary peek into the real-world.
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