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 FMC BioPolymer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FMC BioPolymer. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
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