Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

I do not have much experience writing blogs so here it goes! At the end of the fall semester, during late November, I was selected to be a Programming Manager at the RutgersZone, which I am very excited about, however I didn't have the time to shadow many shifts, in fact I only got to shadow two. This post will include my reflection on the two shifts I did shadow, what I learned about management, and how I will apply it to managing the RutgersZone in the Spring 2011 semester!

I have learned that management requires strong multi-tasking capabilities, strong attention to details, and devotion to the customer. All can easily be done with enthusiasm, which makes me excited to be a manager at the RutgersZone this Spring. After shadowing two shifts, I watched managers simultaneously entertain a crowd and mingle with students and faculty to ensure their satisfaction while addressing the needs of their staff and working by restocking items, washing dishes, and running around doing whatever necessary. The ability to multitask is vital in a manager, and something the current managers seem to do very well. Although i was not present at the Hanukah party, co sponsored with the Hillel, I was told that kosher marshmallows could not be placed on the same table as regular non kosher marshmallows, which is what I mean when I say "paying strong attention to detail" is important in a manager. While putting items away a few nights later, a manager asked if she could put the kosher and non kosher marshmallows on the same shelf for storage. Her question was detail oriented and she demonstrated concern for the customer, who wasn't even present. After shadowing two shifts I was impressed by the professionalism and learned much from the current managers and their management skills at the RutgersZone.

For the spring semester my goals as a manager are to simply make the RutgersZone the best place on campus for snacks, entertainment, and hanging out. I want to plan great events that are not happening anywhere else on campus so students MUST come out to Livingston, and do so eagerly. I want to build as many relationships with other student organizations as possible and co sponsor as many events as possible, as well as integrate Rutgers athletics into our events. Why not hand out the complimentary Rutgers football and basketball t shirts at the Rutgers zone? My goals include being as creative and innovative as possible, and being best manager I can be, and learning all about programming events and building relationships and gaining experience in the field I eventually would like to build a career in.

<3katie