Rhode Island STEM Externship

Coming to a close

2008-08-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Two weeks left to the externship........ Overall this has been an enlightening experience and I am glad that I decided to work here for the summer. I have met some interesting people and also have made some great contacts for the future.
I think the biggest impact thus far has been the ability to see how an operation like this runs like a well oiled machine. I have had an opportunity that not many people can say, viewing an entire leg of the New England Operation. Even in a tough economy, cox seems to be on the right track. They have a great staff who is structured, goal oriented, postitive, and open minded.
Alot of positive stories and experiences to help engage my students in the upcoming school year...........

To the wolves

2008-07-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Week 4 finished my tour of COX. I've observed everything on the technical side from engineering to networking and the field. Then I had a chance to meet with my immediate supervisor, Jackie and discuss how the remainder of my stay would be served best.
She was very receptive to my thoughts and opinions on their operation. In addition we had a chance to discuss workflow, coming to a conclusion on the rest f my stay.
"Throw me to the wolves" and allow me to sit in a few of the roles I have observed. So over the next few weeks I am looking forward to working in the sytems control center... (hopefully no thunderstoms on the days I am there) and a week in the field as a service tech.
What better than to do the tasks these talented individuals do on a daily basis...........

Model Employees

2008-07-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

On friday and the beginning of this week I had a chance to work with the plant crew and implement some skills they use in the field. It was an unbeleivable time. The guys were down to earth, they were interested in why I was there, and they were interested in what I do as well.
On employee in particular was Dave Bealey. I hope I spelled that right.... Not a supervisor of manager but should definitely be one..... Great Guy and willing to train me like one of the new recruits.
An enlightening experience and nice to share some of what "I" do with the community......

Week 3 in review

2008-07-23T05:39:00.001-07:00

System operations control and the plant...... Very interesting week, alot of content came together. I think I have had a chance to observe the entire workflow of the Network services group,..... It's been great to see the whole operation but I am ready to get my feet wet and try to do some of the tasks myself. I meet with my direct supervisor next week to formulate the remainder of my stay and I look forward to seeing what we come up with...........

Some sense of "no sense"

2008-07-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

If I learn any more acronyms I think my head will pop. However, today was a glimmer of light. All of the info that I learned this week came together, within reason. I spent most of my day with a few fantastic employees who took time breaking down the content.
Overall I think it was a good lesson. Teachers sometimes explain content in a more complex manner than necessary and overlook what is most important, "clarity". Whatever the reason may be for doing this, I had a moment of reflection which I will hopefully cary into september.

Outstanding Day

2008-07-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Every day seems to get better than the last. Today I had the chance to observe a demonstration from sony on new equipment purchased from cox media and their television demartment. In addition I was able to make contacts for possibly a sizable donation in video equipment to East Greenwich and our video production program.
Equipment that is old to them is newer than the stuff we can possibly afford........ Furthermore, the possibilities for training on the equipment seems endless......

Week 1 At a Glance

2008-07-09T07:49:00.001-07:00

This week was a wonderful experience at COX. I was taken back by the amount of enthusiasm people had working for this company along with the amount of support they provide for their staff. If I haden't pursued a career in teaching this would be the company I want to work for.

Overall I spent most of the week observing staff, working with engineers, analyzing workflow, and troubleshooting on the road. All of the employees were glad to share their experiences and alow me to shadow them with ease.