Management
Management is problematic to teach in a classroom setting, which is one of many reasons that I'm glad I decided to take a few years off between undergrad and grad school. While I definitely learned theoretical managerial skills from classes, the hands-on experiences I received during my professional life were invaluable, and will translate to any future job.
Professional Management
In addition to the class "Management of Information Organizations," which gave me many insights into working in an information organization and managing information professionals, I have been working in a managerial capacity at the local jewelry chain EE Robbins for over five years. I started out in 2007 as the office manager of the Bellevue branch where I acted as the liaison between the sales associates at the store and the administrators at the corporate office. In 2009 I moved to the corporate office in Belltown where I became the liaison between the company and many of our jewelry vendors, insuring that all orders were placed and arrived correctly. During these five years I learned how to balance the demands of customers and staff with the administrative and monetary demands of the company. I gained more people skills in those five years than the entire rest of my life.
In addition to working with customers and the staff, I became a master at navigating our company's database. I also maintained the small library we had in our office, weeding out books, catalogs, and other periodicals from time to time. I was also in charge of inventory, arguably my largest priority, by doing a full inventory of the company twice a year and periodical small check-ups throughout the year. My organizational skills grew in leaps and bounds as I worked to keep an eye on some many small yet valuable pieces of merchandise.
You can see more of my duties at EE Robbins by viewing my resume.
In addition to working with customers and the staff, I became a master at navigating our company's database. I also maintained the small library we had in our office, weeding out books, catalogs, and other periodicals from time to time. I was also in charge of inventory, arguably my largest priority, by doing a full inventory of the company twice a year and periodical small check-ups throughout the year. My organizational skills grew in leaps and bounds as I worked to keep an eye on some many small yet valuable pieces of merchandise.
You can see more of my duties at EE Robbins by viewing my resume.