Blog 10
Overall my experience at my workplace was a great learning experience. I was able to get more comfortable with greeting others and learning how to care for the dogs. The people I worked with were great mentors and helped me when needed. I think that at my workplace I had a responsibility that keep me interested and i enjoyed working at my workplace. For my next WLE I would want to do something much different. In my next workplace I would rather work where I do not have to do the receptionist work I previously have done.
Blog 9
Today at my workplace I answered the phones, made appointments and checked dogs in and out. If there was anything else, such as bathing and blow drying dogs, that needed to be done I would help if necessary. As an intern I have improved in my workplace because I am now more comfortable with what I am suppose to be doing and my environment. I feel that I am more successful at what I do at my workplace. My workplace is a great place to work because I enjoy working with my co-workers. They are supportive. If I have any concerns or questions I don't feel uncomfortable with asking them anything.
Blog 8
Finding a WLE was not very difficult for me. I had hope to work where I am now. Before my job shadow day I had went to my internship to meet with the owner about the WLE program. She was very thankful that someone showed interest in her shop and had encouraged that I work that with the staff. I don't believe the process of me finding a workplace was difficult. I think the most effective way to get a job would be to actually go attend your workplace during business hours, to experience the working environment. After spending time in my workplace I believe that being a professional would be simply knowing your job and responsibility.
Blog 7
During my experience at my WLE I have learned that keeping track of a daily schedule is harder than I assumed. I have made many mistakes while scheduling appointments and keeping track of dogs. A challenge I often faced was not booking appointments or answering the phone successfully. This was because many people that called assumed that I knew who they were because they are regular customers and would hang up the phone before I get their name. Therefore, I did not get the information needed. Even though it is not my fault I still had to suffer consequences. This taught me that I still had to do my job regardless. Anything that went wrong that I was suppose to do would be on me. While working at my WLE I do not believe that I had a chance to be creative, but my project will reflect my creativity.
Blog 6
During my WLE the leadership skill I most often use is Completing Projects Effectively. When grooming dogs owners often get a time estimate on when their dog will be finished. Often times we struggle to meet our goal of getting the dogs in and out on time. This is a problem when our appointments are full and the grooming room is filled with dogs, therefore the estimate time is not always accurate. This has not been a common occurrence on the Tuesdays that I do go to work. These days are typically slower and end early. Therefore, I sometimes come in on Saturdays to get my full hours. Saturdays we do not make our set goals for each customer. To improve in this leadership skill, my workplace can adjust the amount of appointments so that each day we would not rush to met our deadlines and satisfy our employees and customers.
Blog 5
Today my mentor and I discussed in depth how I should design my brochures and coupons for my WLE project. My mentor did not want me to create a deal for the customers that would not allow the company to make a profit or benefit from my project. I have not yet started the process for completing my project. Though I have created a plan for when I should start and complete my project successfully.
Blog 4
Every year, The Top Dog participates in a local pet parade for the holidays. During the parade they typically have a booth where people and their pets can do fun activities and also get information about the business. What I plan to do for my project is create a series of fun activities, to catch peoples attention. Also, to benefit the business I would make special deals/coupons as a prize for those that win,as a way bringing new customers to our establishment. I chose to do this so as it would improve the flow of business. i look forward to this project as a way I can get to get more involved with my employees.
Blog 3
At my workplace my role is answering phone and booking appointments. I also help the groomers when asked. My day starts with checking messages from the weekend and returning phone calls. Since my workplace's business days start on Tuesday I am responsible for pulling and filing identification cards for the scheduled appointments for the week. These cards have information for each dog and their owner. It helps my workplace keep track of the dogs and what type of grooming the dogs receive. The Tuesdays I attend my workplace often have fewer appointments for that day. Therefore, only two of the employees come in. I spend the majority of the late mornings and afternoons drying dogs that have been bathed and ready to be groomed.
Blog 2b
At the dog groomers my mentor's name is Darcy Lopes. She is the owner of The Top Dog and also one of the groomers. My other mentor's name is Terrillian. She is also a groomer there. Most Tuesdays I am at work with Terrillian. Tuesdays are usually a slow day, not to many dogs. Saturdays would typically be the longer day with more work than usual. My mentor Darcy grew up breeding and showing dogs, and after dealing with dogs for a while eventually started her own business.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Blog 2
Today I did my first dog groom. Well not really I just blow dried and cut but not much. The worst thing ever was drying a Pyrenean Mountain Dog(I think), and it was hair everywhere it felt like it didn't feel right. And then when I though I was done it still wasn't dry so I had to do it all over again and comb/brush it out as I go. And on top of that I was unable to answer the phones because I had lost my voice so that meant I was stuck in the back cleaning dogs, but I can't lie I do love it.
