BUS 230 - "Applied Business Concepts "

Journal Questions

 Choose eight (8) assignments from the list of topics below. Each of the assignments must be completed and returned to your instructor.

Summarize your findings in a 2 page, 12 pt font, double-spaced report form. Provide stories as examples whenever possible.

Understanding Your Workplace

  • What is the corporate culture of your workplace? Describe the environment of the company as a whole. Who are its customers? What is its purpose? How is day-to-day business conducted?
  • What are some of the policies of your employer? Are there dress codes? Housing rules? Scheduled hours of working? Include other topics, too.
  • How do the policies relate to the corporate culture of your workplace?
  • Understanding Your Role Working With Others Handling Conflict/Solving Problems
  • What are some problems that you have experienced in working with customers? Co-workers? Your supervisor?
  • Why do you feel these problems have occurred?
  • How did you handle the situation(s)?
  • Building Networks
  • Are there opportunities for advancement within your company? Describe a career path for someone with your background.
  • Who are the key people in making advancement decisions?
  • If you were seeking advancement within this company, how would you begin the process? Map out a job search/career path for your "ideal" job. This may take more than one step.
  • Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
  • What have you discovered are your strengths and weaknesses by participating in this internship?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of your sponsoring company/organization?
  • Based on this knowledge, would you consider pursuing a career with this company? Why or why not?
  • Dealing With Ethical Situations
  • Have you experienced a situation at work which affected your personal or professional values?
  • How does the corporation deal with people (employees or customers) who conflict with the values of the organization?
  • Is there a way to compromise or professionally handle ethical conflicts without sacrificing your personal values?
  • Integrating Classroom Knowledge
  • Based on your prior business coursework, have you seen evidence of what you learned in the classroom applied in your work situation? Give examples.
  • How are the basic principles of economics evident at your corporation?
  • What types of technology are you exposed to at work? How does this relate to the knowledge you obtained in your computer technology classes?
  • Going the "Extra Mile"
  • Does your organization reward/recognize employees who perform beyond their job description? What does it take to earn this recognition?
  • What personal characteristics are required to be a top performer at your organization/company?
  • Implementing Creativity in the Workplace
  • How can you put your own personal touch to your job? Give examples.
  • Are there ways to show your individuality and express your ideas to the decision-makers?
  • Have you been able to have an idea implemented?
  • Developing Self-Confidence
  • Have you been able to gain a better self-understanding and to learn self-reliance? Describe how.
  • Has your internship provided opportunities for you to gain self-confidence? Give examples.
  • Motivating Yourself and Others
  • Every internship has peaks and valleys. Describe these stages of your internship and what steps you took to motivate yourself to move through them.
  • Often in a workplace there are people who are negative about their jobs. If applicable, how have you handled this outside negativity? Describe how you motivated yourself to remain upbeat/positive. If no negativity exists, what are the positive forces that prevent negativity?
  • Are you in a position to motivate others at work? Explain how.
  • Impacting the Environment Using New Technologies
  • Have you been exposed to new technologies (computer or other) at your workplace? Describe.
  • What kinds of technological advancements does your organization/company see in its future? How will these advancements impact productivity, labor, new product development, etc.?
  • Is there adequate training provided by your company on using the new technologies? If not, where do employees obtain the needed training?
  • Choosing Your Own Topic