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!!
Showing posts with label Chemical industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chemical industry. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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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