Reflection

1. Why did you choose this job ad? Do you feel that you are qualified for the position? (paragraph)

I choose this position because I feel that it could be an interesting internship and expose me to new experiences. The position would also provide me with valuable professional experience that would not only look good to future employers but give me a better background for taking on higher level and long term career positions. I believe my past work experience combined with my schooling would qualify me for this position.

2. How long has the ad been posted? If it has been posted for a long period of time, are you sure that the position is still available? How? (short answer)

The position is a recent posting on CCO as part of the many companies who will be hiring in the next couple of months for summer interns.

3. Where is the company located? Are you willing to move if it is out of state or in a foreign country? (short answer)

The company is located in Carmel, IN. It would be possible to commute if need be however is I did take the position I would most likely move closer to the area for the duration of the position.

4. Why is living in the area that the company is located appealing to you? (paragraph)

Living in the area that the company is located is appealing for a few reasons. The first of which is that it is easier to not have to have a long commute to get to work each day. Another reason is that you become familiar with the area that the company is located so you can have a better understanding of the company. A third reason is that you can better network with people within the company if you live in the area since most people will live near the company they work.

Job Ad Analysis

1. What skills is your prospective employer seeking, from most important to least important? (list)

-Commitment to customer service excellence

-Microsoft Office Suite

-Excellent communication and listening skills

-Ability to work on assigned task independently

-Utilizing company policies appropriately

2. What exceptional skills do you have that prove you to be
invaluable to this company or organization? Remember that your resume is not a record of what you’ve done, but a persuasive document that proves indisputably that you are the best person for the job. (list)

-5+ years in workforce in positions that required excellence customer service skills

-Large working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer related tasks

-Experience working with teams to accomplish goals and tasks in a professional environment

-Ability to relate and connect with others on a personal level to understand needs

3. As an exercise, list the skills, professional experience, personality traits, etc., the job ad is asking for in the left column, and in the right, write paragraphs that elaborate on and illustrate your skills, experience, etc.

History of the Company / Organization

1. Did you know anything about the company before you saw the job ad? (short answer)

No, I did not have any knowledge of the company prior to seeing the job ad.

2. Does the company have a website? What is the URL? (short answer)

http://www.midwestiso.org/page/MisoPortalHome

3. What is the mission statement of the company? (paragraph)

The Midwest ISO is committed to reliability, the nondiscriminatory operation of the bulk power transmission system, and to working with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for our changing industry.

4. What are keywords on the website that you can use in your cover letter and interview? (list)

- Reliability

- Nondiscriminatory

- Innovative

- Effective

5. Write a few sentences about -the history of the company. Remember that it is essential for you to learn as much about the company as possible; you can use such knowledge for your cover letter and interview. (paragraph)

The Midwest ISO was approved as the nation's first regional transmission organization (RTO) in 2001. The organization is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana with operations centers in Carmel and St. Paul, Minnesota.

6. Based on your research, what is your personal sense about the company? What do you feel the company values? (paragraph)

The company takes pride in providing cost-effective and reliable solutions to its customers. The company seems to be very organized in the sense that it has the responsibility of maintaining effective power distribution across the entire Midwest.

7. Does Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities have a networking system with this company? (short answer)

Yes, I actually found the posting via the use of CCO connections with the company.

8. Do you have any personal connections to this company? Do you know anyone who works there? Does anyone in your family or friends of your family work there? (short answer)

No, I do not have any direct friend or family connections to the company that I am aware of.