Tuesday, September 2, 2014
CEO for a Day
If i was in charge of running this organization i would plan many more opportunities for colleague interaction in the work environment. Corporate law firms are very quiet and isolated as workers prefer to remain in their individual offices in order to efficiently complete contracts. This dedication to isolation truly leaves an empty feeling in the office space during the week. Therefore, if i was CEO of Troutman and Sanders, i would make enforced weekly colleague peer review sessions, so partners can sit down and review each others work or even just negotiate ideas. Furthermore i would make weekly lunches, dinners or even drinks in order to ensure a day of relaxation and interactions.
Looking Back/Overall Insight
My experience at the University of Michigan has greatly prepared me for this internship for it has provided me with the tools necessary to thrive in a professional environment. Due to the size of Michigan, students are forced to learn how to take matters into their own hands in regard to organizing schedules, requirements, meeting teaches etc. Time management is vital to the success of a student at Michigan and also vital to the success in a work environment. I was always on time, prepared and efficient in completing my work at Troutman and Sanders. This method is very similar to my study habits at school. Also i am a psychology major and therefore have taken many courses on Social Psychology and Cognitive Psychology. I've studied the effects of social interaction in all environments and this awareness of human instincts aided in my further success at Troutman and Sanders.
Changing Perspectives
My experience at Troutman and Sanders has definitely changed by perspective in regard to a career in law. I always had many preconceived notions about the environment in a law firm, and many of these notions included employees with aggressive, loud personalities and competitive instincts. After my internship this summer, i now know that law firms vary across the profession, truly depending on the type of law one wants to pursue. Corporate law firms, as opposed to the rustle of financial corporate life, is relatively calm. One can honestly go a full day without interacting with other personnel and just remaining in ones office. Contracts are tedious and take individual time to organize and create, therefore a corporate law firm must be quiet for this process to succeed. It is truly inspiring how everyone in the office understands the unwritten code of law in regard to ones actions and appearance, and this loyalty to the system has made Troutman and Sanders a success. Although i respect and admire the corporate law life, this experience did steer me in a different direction. I see myself as more of a sociable, extroverted person and thus i would want constant human interaction throughout my day at my job. I do not think i have the patience for such isolation necessary when creating a corporate contract.
Overcoming Obstacles
Overcoming Obstacles
I received feedback weekly from my employers because i was constantly working on important projects for the company. I was in charge of summarizing hundreds of employment agreements between clients of Troutman and Sanders. I have never seen a corporate contract before, so it took me awhile to understand certain phrases and how it is all organized. The first week my boss personally sat down and described the structure of a corporate contract and also specified which parts of it are of most importance. This process aided in my success later in the summer as i was able to summarize contracts and only include the useful, necessary information. I summarized about 20 different employee contracts and was truly surprised by my efficiency and ability to organize it all. My employer did tell me i did a great job, while obviously adding some constructive criticism in regard to my wording of the document. I felt productive and helpful by completing these tedious projects.
I received feedback weekly from my employers because i was constantly working on important projects for the company. I was in charge of summarizing hundreds of employment agreements between clients of Troutman and Sanders. I have never seen a corporate contract before, so it took me awhile to understand certain phrases and how it is all organized. The first week my boss personally sat down and described the structure of a corporate contract and also specified which parts of it are of most importance. This process aided in my success later in the summer as i was able to summarize contracts and only include the useful, necessary information. I summarized about 20 different employee contracts and was truly surprised by my efficiency and ability to organize it all. My employer did tell me i did a great job, while obviously adding some constructive criticism in regard to my wording of the document. I felt productive and helpful by completing these tedious projects.
Getting to Know Your Colleagues
Getting to Know Your Colleagues
The people i worked with at Troutman and Sanders were truly invaluable to my experience this summer. I worked for a partner at the firm who was always available, energetic and sensitive to my lack of experience as a law firm intern. I felt immediately welcome in the office by all staff mates, and each day different HR personnel and secretaries would come to my cubicle just to say hello. The effort put into colleague relationships is one of the more appealing qualities of this law firm. The partner i worked for, Mr. James Kaplan, has become my mentor of sorts. I felt comfortable asking him about the law school process, as well as his advice on which law career i should pursue. He was completely reliable and willing to give me advice, and i know for my future as i apply to law school i shall make an effort to remain in contact with his office. I believe the relationship to HR personnel is just as valuable as relationships with ones immediate boss. The HR personnel at Troutman and Sanders went above and beyond to provide support for my internship this summer. They were willing to help the growth of my resume, give advice on conducting interviews and in general talk about everyday life. I felt as though my colleagues at Troutman and Sanders were consistently professional yet personable at the same time.
The people i worked with at Troutman and Sanders were truly invaluable to my experience this summer. I worked for a partner at the firm who was always available, energetic and sensitive to my lack of experience as a law firm intern. I felt immediately welcome in the office by all staff mates, and each day different HR personnel and secretaries would come to my cubicle just to say hello. The effort put into colleague relationships is one of the more appealing qualities of this law firm. The partner i worked for, Mr. James Kaplan, has become my mentor of sorts. I felt comfortable asking him about the law school process, as well as his advice on which law career i should pursue. He was completely reliable and willing to give me advice, and i know for my future as i apply to law school i shall make an effort to remain in contact with his office. I believe the relationship to HR personnel is just as valuable as relationships with ones immediate boss. The HR personnel at Troutman and Sanders went above and beyond to provide support for my internship this summer. They were willing to help the growth of my resume, give advice on conducting interviews and in general talk about everyday life. I felt as though my colleagues at Troutman and Sanders were consistently professional yet personable at the same time.
Environment/Initial Impressions
Environment/Initial Impressions:
This summer i worked at the corporate law firm Troutman and Sanders. From the minute i entered the office i was overwhelmed by the serene, calming environment. In my mind a law firm always consisted of chaos, yet this office thrived on organization and silence. Office protocol is an important part to the fabric of Troutman and Sanders as it reflects the attitudes of all employees. Unwritten rules were immediately apparent such as respecting colleagues, never causing distractions in the office, and always conversing in a calm manner. In particular the dress code was strictly enforced in order to uphold the image of Troutman and Sanders. Everyone in the office was required to dress appropriately, wearing subtle colors and always sufficiently covering ones body. I believe this dress code successful projects the corporate side of Troutman and Sanders to all clients, it upholds the professional aura and also removes the concept of competition in regards to office mate appearances. The diversity in Troutman and Sanders was also valuable to its success as a company. There was a wide variety of people from all different age groups, genders and races. I was an intern for a male partner, yet constantly worked with his female secretary. There was balance in the office and respect for any/all individuals.
This summer i worked at the corporate law firm Troutman and Sanders. From the minute i entered the office i was overwhelmed by the serene, calming environment. In my mind a law firm always consisted of chaos, yet this office thrived on organization and silence. Office protocol is an important part to the fabric of Troutman and Sanders as it reflects the attitudes of all employees. Unwritten rules were immediately apparent such as respecting colleagues, never causing distractions in the office, and always conversing in a calm manner. In particular the dress code was strictly enforced in order to uphold the image of Troutman and Sanders. Everyone in the office was required to dress appropriately, wearing subtle colors and always sufficiently covering ones body. I believe this dress code successful projects the corporate side of Troutman and Sanders to all clients, it upholds the professional aura and also removes the concept of competition in regards to office mate appearances. The diversity in Troutman and Sanders was also valuable to its success as a company. There was a wide variety of people from all different age groups, genders and races. I was an intern for a male partner, yet constantly worked with his female secretary. There was balance in the office and respect for any/all individuals.
Monday, September 1, 2014
CEO For a Day
If I were the CEO for the NCSA, I would first try to change the structure of the organization; namely, to add more structure to the organization. There needs to be more interaction between all of the employees in person, not just by phone or email. One workspace and designated meeting dates/times would get the job done. Check-ups by the bosses every other day when working remotely would help the flow of information and keep the work moving forward. I've been very confused as to what exactly what my job description was, and more interaction with my boss would allow me to clear that confusion. Additionally, I think the company has plans to move too slowly while trying to expand their reach. As of now, only 4 schools are planned to be a part of the NCSA's reach within the next year or 2, and it won't reach the midwest for 3 more years, and the west for at least 4. Who knows what the state of phone apps is going to be in 5 years? Also, if the NCSA's idea doesn't catch on fast, it would be hard to convince schools in 4 years that the idea is still profitable. Lastly, I think the advertising could be done better. As of now, the company has a small facebook page, twitter feed, and instagram with very few followers. The NCSA should try to partner with bigger groups to advertise their app. Overall, I just feel like the entire company is moving very slowly and expecting too much success without having much structure within the company. If the company took just a month to set up their structure, then they could move much more quickly and efficiently to hit their goals.
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