Table of Contents
1. Arriving to San Francisco
2. Reason Escape Room
3. Electronic Arts
4. Intel
5. Urban Putt
6. Uber
7. Wiley Hodges
8. TESLA
9. Greylock Partners
10. Flex
11. Google
12. Gary Stewart
13. Netflix
2. Reason Escape Room
3. Electronic Arts
4. Intel
5. Urban Putt
6. Uber
7. Wiley Hodges
8. TESLA
9. Greylock Partners
10. Flex
11. Google
12. Gary Stewart
13. Netflix
Arriving at San Francisco
I wasn't sure what to expect from San Francisco area. I had been to California before, but I know California is huge so I had no idea what to expect other than some amazing In-n-out and steep streets. To my surprise I found beautiful animals and delicious bread bowls.
On one of our day’s off I went to Berkeley. The students were extremely welcoming. We went to a fraternity party and the houses were mansions. Unlike at University of Maryland, they throw parties in their chapter houses that are castles. People actually threw the trash in the trash cans versus throwing it on the floor like they do at frat parties here. The bathrooms weren’t overflowing and extremely clean. They even had a charging station.
The Golden Gate Bridge was a monumental experience. It was so beautiful to see when you arrived in the San Francisco airport and even more beautiful up close. It is something that was on my bucket list and it met my expectations.
On one of our day’s off I went to Berkeley. The students were extremely welcoming. We went to a fraternity party and the houses were mansions. Unlike at University of Maryland, they throw parties in their chapter houses that are castles. People actually threw the trash in the trash cans versus throwing it on the floor like they do at frat parties here. The bathrooms weren’t overflowing and extremely clean. They even had a charging station.
The Golden Gate Bridge was a monumental experience. It was so beautiful to see when you arrived in the San Francisco airport and even more beautiful up close. It is something that was on my bucket list and it met my expectations.
Reason Escape Room
What I knew before
I had never done an escape room before so I was really excited to do one.
Visit summary
The escape room had main technology aspects. You had to scan things, figure puzzles out, lasers, 3D printing, lights, sign language, and others. While one group was doing the escape room another one had the option to play board games, video games, virtual reality games, drones, and others. I saw Jacob Burden play one that was with zombies and he screamed a lot. It is living a fun nightmare. They asked at the end what could they improve on because they want to adjust the game to be the best that it can be. The escape room was separated in two and it was easier to figure things out when we would separate in the two but communicate versus all of us being in the same room or being in separate and not letting each other know the findings.
Key takeaways
I definitely do not have the patience to do these games. Since it has a time countdown it stresses me out. I also don’t like it when people didn’t try to collaborate in some way. It is interesting to see how challenges and puzzles games are given a twist and used with technology. It encourages people to work together and use problem solving skills that we all claim we have, but definitely tested! Additionally, I was team 1 and we received less help than team 2 so I believe we are the true winners. It pushed for thinking outside the box, around it, in it , everything.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Since Reason uses technology it adds something different compared to other escape room. The use of technology affects the visit because a lot of people if not majority have not experienced virtual reality or flown a drone.
I had never done an escape room before so I was really excited to do one.
Visit summary
The escape room had main technology aspects. You had to scan things, figure puzzles out, lasers, 3D printing, lights, sign language, and others. While one group was doing the escape room another one had the option to play board games, video games, virtual reality games, drones, and others. I saw Jacob Burden play one that was with zombies and he screamed a lot. It is living a fun nightmare. They asked at the end what could they improve on because they want to adjust the game to be the best that it can be. The escape room was separated in two and it was easier to figure things out when we would separate in the two but communicate versus all of us being in the same room or being in separate and not letting each other know the findings.
Key takeaways
I definitely do not have the patience to do these games. Since it has a time countdown it stresses me out. I also don’t like it when people didn’t try to collaborate in some way. It is interesting to see how challenges and puzzles games are given a twist and used with technology. It encourages people to work together and use problem solving skills that we all claim we have, but definitely tested! Additionally, I was team 1 and we received less help than team 2 so I believe we are the true winners. It pushed for thinking outside the box, around it, in it , everything.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Since Reason uses technology it adds something different compared to other escape room. The use of technology affects the visit because a lot of people if not majority have not experienced virtual reality or flown a drone.
Electronic Arts
What I knew before
Going into today I was really excited to see the Solar Eclipse. Unfortunately, we only had one pair of glasses to actually look at the sun. You weren’t supposed to look at the sun because it would damage your eyes, but I never read what would happen to animals that looked at the sun or the consequences of the people that did.
What I knew about Electronic Arts is that they made on my favorite video games which is FIFA and that they are one of the biggest gaming companies.
Visit summary
Our speaker was Brad Margolis where he emphasized that emotional and behavioral interpretation can decisions and feelings. We went outside to watch the Solar Eclipse which was very overrated to say the least, but it was an amazing feeling experiencing it. We then engaged in an electric maze activity where we learned the value of trial and error and receiving data.
When we asked what opportunities rising sophomores had in EA Brad was a bit hesitant, but he did say we could apply because they do have some business majors collaborating with engineers. Additionally, EA does recognize that VR is the future of gaming so they are making efforts to create products in that field.
Key takeaways
Electronic Arts was recognized for being one of the best places to work as an LGBT which shows how much EA values diversity and inclusion.
EA focuses on the importance of their customers and bringing them in to test the games and give them feedback. Their customer evaluations and increased customer connectivity made them have a comparative advantage.
I never thought that Sims was such a huge game because I never understood what the purpose was behind it, but it is one of their best-selling games.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I think there is a huge potential of growth in virtual reality and augmented reality market for video games because right now when people play they get headaches, the visual effects aren't that good, or maybe they are latching on to the “old”. Electronic Arts needs to figure out a way to make virtual reality and augmented reality more appealing to little kids and high school students.
The purpose of the electric maze activity was to show how important working together and communication is. Although we couldn't’ talk, we could point at the squares and help others out not step on the same squares that we had already tried. It was based on trial and error.
The first time that people went around they weren’t giving positive reinforcement when people messed up although we needed people to mess up in order to know what square to try next. The key takeaway is that data is very important even if it is data that proves the opposite of our goal.
Going into today I was really excited to see the Solar Eclipse. Unfortunately, we only had one pair of glasses to actually look at the sun. You weren’t supposed to look at the sun because it would damage your eyes, but I never read what would happen to animals that looked at the sun or the consequences of the people that did.
What I knew about Electronic Arts is that they made on my favorite video games which is FIFA and that they are one of the biggest gaming companies.
Visit summary
Our speaker was Brad Margolis where he emphasized that emotional and behavioral interpretation can decisions and feelings. We went outside to watch the Solar Eclipse which was very overrated to say the least, but it was an amazing feeling experiencing it. We then engaged in an electric maze activity where we learned the value of trial and error and receiving data.
When we asked what opportunities rising sophomores had in EA Brad was a bit hesitant, but he did say we could apply because they do have some business majors collaborating with engineers. Additionally, EA does recognize that VR is the future of gaming so they are making efforts to create products in that field.
Key takeaways
Electronic Arts was recognized for being one of the best places to work as an LGBT which shows how much EA values diversity and inclusion.
EA focuses on the importance of their customers and bringing them in to test the games and give them feedback. Their customer evaluations and increased customer connectivity made them have a comparative advantage.
I never thought that Sims was such a huge game because I never understood what the purpose was behind it, but it is one of their best-selling games.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I think there is a huge potential of growth in virtual reality and augmented reality market for video games because right now when people play they get headaches, the visual effects aren't that good, or maybe they are latching on to the “old”. Electronic Arts needs to figure out a way to make virtual reality and augmented reality more appealing to little kids and high school students.
The purpose of the electric maze activity was to show how important working together and communication is. Although we couldn't’ talk, we could point at the squares and help others out not step on the same squares that we had already tried. It was based on trial and error.
The first time that people went around they weren’t giving positive reinforcement when people messed up although we needed people to mess up in order to know what square to try next. The key takeaway is that data is very important even if it is data that proves the opposite of our goal.
Intel
What I knew before
I knew that at some point one of my computers had something Intel related, but I didn’t know that it's processors are found in majority of personal computers.
After reading The Intel Trinity by Michael S. Malone:
Not all types of management work for everyone. In the case of Noyce, he was indecisive and a high risk taker. His management style was not appreciated by many people. After not being recognized and considered, he started Intel. A company known for willing to admit they had made a mistake and willing to work extra hours without pay.
This is a perfect example of how important it is in Silicon Valley to find people that are not just passionate about financial rewards, but also their job. People that love and care for their personal and company brand.
Visit summary
This was one of the most serious companies that we visited. The hallways kind of looked like hospital walls they were very serious and even for East Coast was a bit too bland.
The company is very focused on innovation as they try to double the number of transistors every two years.
Katherine Kepler was one of the most down to earth people I have met. She spoke her mind and did I confidently. She told us about the culture at Intel. Like Amazon, there is competition within the industry, but that they value work-life balance. She values her family time a lot and is switching with her husband so he can achieve his dreams and she can work part-time in a place that she loves and spend time with her family too. She talked about branding and advertising strategy and how they tailor their products to specific customers, market, and companies.
We learned that they have adopted a “tick-tock” strategy that promotes development and innovation. The tick is the period of time where it is developing new technology and the “tock” is delivering their new products. This encourages constant innovation.
Key takeaways
Although at first glance, the infrastructure of the place seems very serious and harsh, Intel values it’s employees work-life balance.
In order to have this culture of innovation they have to take risks. This is what sets them apart. They are not afraid to take risks and cannibalizing themselves.
Intel once again reminds us that it is important to know who your market is. When marketing their product they market it differently around the world. In the United States they market with celebrities and famous people. In developing countries they take a stand in social issues and tell emotional stories.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Intel needs to focus on laptops and tablets since people use them both for leisure and work. The main reason why tablets are so popular is because they are so easy to carry around and take to meetings, coffee shops, watch Netflix, etc. The decline in desktop computers has been going on for a while since having something stuck in one place seems a little unconventional specially since the world is so interconnected and people travel because of their jobs.
Their willingness to take risks is a strength because even when they are not successful it’s data. We learned in EA that all data is important. If they fail they figure out why they failed and take another path. Unless their risks is causing them a greater loss than benefit, I think it is a strength.
Intel is taking efforts to make more sustainable products and that advertising in today’s society is very important as more environment issues are arising.
I knew that at some point one of my computers had something Intel related, but I didn’t know that it's processors are found in majority of personal computers.
After reading The Intel Trinity by Michael S. Malone:
Not all types of management work for everyone. In the case of Noyce, he was indecisive and a high risk taker. His management style was not appreciated by many people. After not being recognized and considered, he started Intel. A company known for willing to admit they had made a mistake and willing to work extra hours without pay.
This is a perfect example of how important it is in Silicon Valley to find people that are not just passionate about financial rewards, but also their job. People that love and care for their personal and company brand.
Visit summary
This was one of the most serious companies that we visited. The hallways kind of looked like hospital walls they were very serious and even for East Coast was a bit too bland.
The company is very focused on innovation as they try to double the number of transistors every two years.
Katherine Kepler was one of the most down to earth people I have met. She spoke her mind and did I confidently. She told us about the culture at Intel. Like Amazon, there is competition within the industry, but that they value work-life balance. She values her family time a lot and is switching with her husband so he can achieve his dreams and she can work part-time in a place that she loves and spend time with her family too. She talked about branding and advertising strategy and how they tailor their products to specific customers, market, and companies.
We learned that they have adopted a “tick-tock” strategy that promotes development and innovation. The tick is the period of time where it is developing new technology and the “tock” is delivering their new products. This encourages constant innovation.
Key takeaways
Although at first glance, the infrastructure of the place seems very serious and harsh, Intel values it’s employees work-life balance.
In order to have this culture of innovation they have to take risks. This is what sets them apart. They are not afraid to take risks and cannibalizing themselves.
Intel once again reminds us that it is important to know who your market is. When marketing their product they market it differently around the world. In the United States they market with celebrities and famous people. In developing countries they take a stand in social issues and tell emotional stories.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Intel needs to focus on laptops and tablets since people use them both for leisure and work. The main reason why tablets are so popular is because they are so easy to carry around and take to meetings, coffee shops, watch Netflix, etc. The decline in desktop computers has been going on for a while since having something stuck in one place seems a little unconventional specially since the world is so interconnected and people travel because of their jobs.
Their willingness to take risks is a strength because even when they are not successful it’s data. We learned in EA that all data is important. If they fail they figure out why they failed and take another path. Unless their risks is causing them a greater loss than benefit, I think it is a strength.
Intel is taking efforts to make more sustainable products and that advertising in today’s society is very important as more environment issues are arising.
Urban Putt
What I knew before
I did some research about the location and I found out that it was the first indoor mini golf course in the San Francisco area.
It was founded by Steve Fox who loved mini golf and it is located in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Visit summary
When we arrived we were told to take all of our stuff with us because it wasn't the best area, but when we walked back to our van it had been left unlocked with the window opened.. Thought it was a little funny. It was a very small area in which a lot was happening. Steve took use of its space very well and made all of the holes very creative with a different theme and challenges.
They also sold alcoholic beverages which attracted an older crowd, but still attracted families.
It was a fun relaxing time in San Francisco. We got to eat really good pizza and sweet potato fries.
It also had some arcade games where some of our peers got very competitive. Although I did not win with my group I had a lot of fun. I had never seen such a creative and unique indoor golf course!
Post visit actions/thoughts
Urban Putt’s biggest competitors depend on where it is located. If it is located in the middle of the city where the demographics are young it is competing with happy hours and activities that people would engage in after a long day at work. Selling alcohol definitely would attract people and it would give them an edge among all the other happy hour places.
If it is located in cities like Rockville and Gaithersburg it is competing with places such as laser tagging and Dave and Busters where high schoolers and middle schoolers go to have some fun.
I definitely think Urban Putt should expand and target older crowds in major cities such as NYC, DC, Chicago, etc. People are looking for fun things to do with their coworkers after a day at work and this is a way to get stress out!
I did some research about the location and I found out that it was the first indoor mini golf course in the San Francisco area.
It was founded by Steve Fox who loved mini golf and it is located in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Visit summary
When we arrived we were told to take all of our stuff with us because it wasn't the best area, but when we walked back to our van it had been left unlocked with the window opened.. Thought it was a little funny. It was a very small area in which a lot was happening. Steve took use of its space very well and made all of the holes very creative with a different theme and challenges.
They also sold alcoholic beverages which attracted an older crowd, but still attracted families.
It was a fun relaxing time in San Francisco. We got to eat really good pizza and sweet potato fries.
It also had some arcade games where some of our peers got very competitive. Although I did not win with my group I had a lot of fun. I had never seen such a creative and unique indoor golf course!
Post visit actions/thoughts
Urban Putt’s biggest competitors depend on where it is located. If it is located in the middle of the city where the demographics are young it is competing with happy hours and activities that people would engage in after a long day at work. Selling alcohol definitely would attract people and it would give them an edge among all the other happy hour places.
If it is located in cities like Rockville and Gaithersburg it is competing with places such as laser tagging and Dave and Busters where high schoolers and middle schoolers go to have some fun.
I definitely think Urban Putt should expand and target older crowds in major cities such as NYC, DC, Chicago, etc. People are looking for fun things to do with their coworkers after a day at work and this is a way to get stress out!
Uber
Uber disrupted taxi services and they have tried to expand to other places other than the US. Since they have proven to be unethical in certain areas, some countries have banned them. They have gone through a lot of scandals and many people have tried to encourage others to delete the app and use Lyft instead, but people seem to still use Uber regardless.
Visit summary
We can all say that we were interested in asking what it felt like to work in Uber with all the scandals that have happened and what Uber is doing to prevent and change their culture, but the responses that we got were discouraging. They tried to reassure us that Uber is doing as much as they can to fix such problems and that at their level they don’t feel the discrimination or other issues in the workplace.
Nelson told us that every Tuesday morning they have an all hands on Deck meeting with the beard where they answer some questions. They also told us that Uber faces the challenge of adding more features without adding more storage on people’s phones because in a lot of countries many people don’t have that much storage.
Key takeaways
We learned that Uber is still a startup. They are focused on innovating and trying to expand their product to food delivery and Uber Freight. They are trying to work with the customer and with the drivers so neither of them are taken advantage of although it has proven to be tricky.
Uber is also based on the demand and supply of drivers, but with innovative technology which they focus on, it might cannibalize their product.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I wish they would have toured us through the building because it seemed very edgy and architecturally aesthetic.
Once they get rid of the scandal that they were stealing confidential information about autonomous cars, if they start using autonomous cars I think they still need to pay someone to be in the driver’s seat because I think people are a bit skeptical and scared. Once this function is fully advanced I think they will be in some trouble. A lot of people that live in the city don’t own cars therefor they will still need Uber’s service. A lot of people take Uber because they are going to a crowded place and paying for parking is too expensive or hard to find. Where their model suffers is all the people that take Uber because they are impaired or can’t drive. Once cars drives themselves and you don’t need to be fully in your senses to drive many people will stop using uber.
I felt just the same about its culture. I think that different locations vary immensely in the culture. Maybe the San Francisco location doesn’t have that many issues, but Uber in general does.
Visit summary
We can all say that we were interested in asking what it felt like to work in Uber with all the scandals that have happened and what Uber is doing to prevent and change their culture, but the responses that we got were discouraging. They tried to reassure us that Uber is doing as much as they can to fix such problems and that at their level they don’t feel the discrimination or other issues in the workplace.
Nelson told us that every Tuesday morning they have an all hands on Deck meeting with the beard where they answer some questions. They also told us that Uber faces the challenge of adding more features without adding more storage on people’s phones because in a lot of countries many people don’t have that much storage.
Key takeaways
We learned that Uber is still a startup. They are focused on innovating and trying to expand their product to food delivery and Uber Freight. They are trying to work with the customer and with the drivers so neither of them are taken advantage of although it has proven to be tricky.
Uber is also based on the demand and supply of drivers, but with innovative technology which they focus on, it might cannibalize their product.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I wish they would have toured us through the building because it seemed very edgy and architecturally aesthetic.
Once they get rid of the scandal that they were stealing confidential information about autonomous cars, if they start using autonomous cars I think they still need to pay someone to be in the driver’s seat because I think people are a bit skeptical and scared. Once this function is fully advanced I think they will be in some trouble. A lot of people that live in the city don’t own cars therefor they will still need Uber’s service. A lot of people take Uber because they are going to a crowded place and paying for parking is too expensive or hard to find. Where their model suffers is all the people that take Uber because they are impaired or can’t drive. Once cars drives themselves and you don’t need to be fully in your senses to drive many people will stop using uber.
I felt just the same about its culture. I think that different locations vary immensely in the culture. Maybe the San Francisco location doesn’t have that many issues, but Uber in general does.
Wiley Hodges
What I knew before
I didn’t know much about him other than he had worked with Steve Jobs which was really interesting and we had a ton of questions to ask him! What I knew about Apple was that Apple had numerous creators such as Steve Wozniak and the MAC team, UI from Xerox Parc, Jony Ive did design. Steve was obsessed with design thinking, he also had multidisciplinary thinking. Steve Jobs was obsessed with being involved, to the point where it bothered people. One of Apple’s characteristics is that it is closed innovation meaning that people know their one task, but very few people know the big picture. One Steve Jobs philosophies is that the process that makes a company innovative is collaboration. He also believed that you should do what you love and exceed expectations. A good innovative team had to have a clear goal, have common purpose, be collaborative, and have high standards.
Visit summary
He came to our hotel and told us he had worked at Start Up and then he started working with Apple. Wiley Hodges is the director of product marketing and had been working for apple for about 14.5 years. He confirmed the fact that it was a fast paced environment. He told us that the process of marketing started with the product being debriefed. The important factor to keep in my mind was that they had to keep their marketing strategies consistent. He said that it wasn’t necessary to tailor products to each culture because people love Apple.
Key takeaways
The TA- Jeff Williamowsky told us that it was important to go into consulting to know what you’re interesting in.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Wiley Hodges didn’t like talking too much about Steve which was a bit disappointing because anybody that interacted with him could probably give such great stories, but I do understand why talking about someone in a way that could hurt their legacy or speak badly about themselves should be avoided. He brought attention to the importance of being able to associate thing like Steve jobs did such as Calligraphy and design, building a fence with internal design, personal marketing to sale, and electrical engineering, marketing, mechanical engineering ,and documentation.
I didn’t know much about him other than he had worked with Steve Jobs which was really interesting and we had a ton of questions to ask him! What I knew about Apple was that Apple had numerous creators such as Steve Wozniak and the MAC team, UI from Xerox Parc, Jony Ive did design. Steve was obsessed with design thinking, he also had multidisciplinary thinking. Steve Jobs was obsessed with being involved, to the point where it bothered people. One of Apple’s characteristics is that it is closed innovation meaning that people know their one task, but very few people know the big picture. One Steve Jobs philosophies is that the process that makes a company innovative is collaboration. He also believed that you should do what you love and exceed expectations. A good innovative team had to have a clear goal, have common purpose, be collaborative, and have high standards.
Visit summary
He came to our hotel and told us he had worked at Start Up and then he started working with Apple. Wiley Hodges is the director of product marketing and had been working for apple for about 14.5 years. He confirmed the fact that it was a fast paced environment. He told us that the process of marketing started with the product being debriefed. The important factor to keep in my mind was that they had to keep their marketing strategies consistent. He said that it wasn’t necessary to tailor products to each culture because people love Apple.
Key takeaways
The TA- Jeff Williamowsky told us that it was important to go into consulting to know what you’re interesting in.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Wiley Hodges didn’t like talking too much about Steve which was a bit disappointing because anybody that interacted with him could probably give such great stories, but I do understand why talking about someone in a way that could hurt their legacy or speak badly about themselves should be avoided. He brought attention to the importance of being able to associate thing like Steve jobs did such as Calligraphy and design, building a fence with internal design, personal marketing to sale, and electrical engineering, marketing, mechanical engineering ,and documentation.
TESLA
What I knew before
Based on the activity the Necessity of Strangers I knew that the Tesla car is software based and it doesn’t rely on an engine, oil changes, and it made in the USA. In order to update the care you need to take it to the Tesla Store and update it. This has caused some troubles as some people have tried to hack the software and update their own cars. Tesla practices Top-Down method where they start manufacturing cars to the elite and then move towards affordable cars. Additionally, Tesla doesn’t spend much on marketing. Instead, they rely on word of mouth.
Visit summary:
Once we arrived to Tesla, one of my main observations was that there was barely any women in the industry and when someone asked about the initiatives being taken to making the workplace more equal place the panelists didn't really address the question.
Additionally, we toured the site which was huge. They had many propulsion systems and we listened to speakers talk behind the mechanics, safety measures, and open source designs.
The best part was playing with the doors and scaring people that were around to make it seem like the door was closing on them. It has sensors, but it did scare a couple of people.
Key takeaways
One of the things that tesla emphasized is the importance of safety. They take many measures to make sure their product is as safe as it can be. It isn’t just the company culture, but it is also very pressured by Elon Musk.
Among the panel, there were a variety of majors which showed how much Tesla values diversity and differently perspectives.
They also encouraged us to get involved on campus to learn what you want to do and get experience that could help you in the long run.
Post visit actions/thoughts
What stood out to me the most was the design of the cars. They were very edgy and futuristic. It seemed like it would be something that would be presented to be made in 20 years versus be sold at the moment.
If I were to work in Tesla I think my different perspectives from my major (Business) and STEM minor (Mathematics) allows me to have analytical and problem solving skills that I could bring to Tesla. I think Employees keep up with Elon Musk’s demands as much as they can. They sometimes don’t deliver in the time frame that they are supposed to, but they have long work hours and don’t waste time. They know how much of an intense Elon Musk is and in order to love the job you have to be ready to be just as passionate and intense about delivering.
I am lucky to say that I live in a country where gender roles are being challenged and where people are voicing their opinions about social movements. My advice to Tesla is to quickly implement initiatives to make the work a more equal place because people are cracking down on companies for social issues- the latest victim being Google.
Based on the activity the Necessity of Strangers I knew that the Tesla car is software based and it doesn’t rely on an engine, oil changes, and it made in the USA. In order to update the care you need to take it to the Tesla Store and update it. This has caused some troubles as some people have tried to hack the software and update their own cars. Tesla practices Top-Down method where they start manufacturing cars to the elite and then move towards affordable cars. Additionally, Tesla doesn’t spend much on marketing. Instead, they rely on word of mouth.
Visit summary:
Once we arrived to Tesla, one of my main observations was that there was barely any women in the industry and when someone asked about the initiatives being taken to making the workplace more equal place the panelists didn't really address the question.
Additionally, we toured the site which was huge. They had many propulsion systems and we listened to speakers talk behind the mechanics, safety measures, and open source designs.
The best part was playing with the doors and scaring people that were around to make it seem like the door was closing on them. It has sensors, but it did scare a couple of people.
Key takeaways
One of the things that tesla emphasized is the importance of safety. They take many measures to make sure their product is as safe as it can be. It isn’t just the company culture, but it is also very pressured by Elon Musk.
Among the panel, there were a variety of majors which showed how much Tesla values diversity and differently perspectives.
They also encouraged us to get involved on campus to learn what you want to do and get experience that could help you in the long run.
Post visit actions/thoughts
What stood out to me the most was the design of the cars. They were very edgy and futuristic. It seemed like it would be something that would be presented to be made in 20 years versus be sold at the moment.
If I were to work in Tesla I think my different perspectives from my major (Business) and STEM minor (Mathematics) allows me to have analytical and problem solving skills that I could bring to Tesla. I think Employees keep up with Elon Musk’s demands as much as they can. They sometimes don’t deliver in the time frame that they are supposed to, but they have long work hours and don’t waste time. They know how much of an intense Elon Musk is and in order to love the job you have to be ready to be just as passionate and intense about delivering.
I am lucky to say that I live in a country where gender roles are being challenged and where people are voicing their opinions about social movements. My advice to Tesla is to quickly implement initiatives to make the work a more equal place because people are cracking down on companies for social issues- the latest victim being Google.
Greylock Partners
What I knew before
I knew that Greylock partners had invested in many companies/websites that we use today such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Airbnb, but otherwise I didn’t know a lot about their culture, strategy or goals.
Visit summary
Jeff Markowitz told us that Greylock Partners invests in all companies- doesn’t matter in what stages they are as long as they see potential in them. Additionally, they don’t just let companies come to them, they also do active research and approach companies.
Since investing is such a gamble meaning there will be a few missed shots, they don’t spend too much time focusing on them because they are very hard to eliminate.
When they hear a pitch and are considering investing in a company they look for specific characteristics, listen to details in the pitch, think if the idea is relevant to the market, and ,if so, what is the target market.
The environment at the firm was very welcoming as suddenly Josh Elman walked in and was so willing to talk to us and answer questions!
Key takeaways
Some of the qualities that seem to keep popping up for what companies are looking for is passion, leadership qualities, analytical thinking, being able to work under pressure and making hard decisions, and , if applicable, knowing your market and thinking around the consumer.
When looking for a job money should be a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one or the most important one. Making an impact in Jeff’s opinion and mine is very important.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Jeff Markowitz was awesome and nice enough to have us over for a bbq where I think I ate 80% of the cookies. He was extremely welcoming in his home and excited to have us. He also had two amazing French bulldogs! I was able to speak to his wife and son about college and what I thought my advice would be both for a parent whose child is going away and for a rising college student since I am involved in peer mentoring and Smith ambassadors. I sold them Maryland an Smith School. They tried to sell me California. Although their house was beautiful with even better weather I do not picture myself in California or west coast. I sincerely love the DMV and how easy it to get to places and having four seasons and rain.
I knew that Greylock partners had invested in many companies/websites that we use today such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Airbnb, but otherwise I didn’t know a lot about their culture, strategy or goals.
Visit summary
Jeff Markowitz told us that Greylock Partners invests in all companies- doesn’t matter in what stages they are as long as they see potential in them. Additionally, they don’t just let companies come to them, they also do active research and approach companies.
Since investing is such a gamble meaning there will be a few missed shots, they don’t spend too much time focusing on them because they are very hard to eliminate.
When they hear a pitch and are considering investing in a company they look for specific characteristics, listen to details in the pitch, think if the idea is relevant to the market, and ,if so, what is the target market.
The environment at the firm was very welcoming as suddenly Josh Elman walked in and was so willing to talk to us and answer questions!
Key takeaways
Some of the qualities that seem to keep popping up for what companies are looking for is passion, leadership qualities, analytical thinking, being able to work under pressure and making hard decisions, and , if applicable, knowing your market and thinking around the consumer.
When looking for a job money should be a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one or the most important one. Making an impact in Jeff’s opinion and mine is very important.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Jeff Markowitz was awesome and nice enough to have us over for a bbq where I think I ate 80% of the cookies. He was extremely welcoming in his home and excited to have us. He also had two amazing French bulldogs! I was able to speak to his wife and son about college and what I thought my advice would be both for a parent whose child is going away and for a rising college student since I am involved in peer mentoring and Smith ambassadors. I sold them Maryland an Smith School. They tried to sell me California. Although their house was beautiful with even better weather I do not picture myself in California or west coast. I sincerely love the DMV and how easy it to get to places and having four seasons and rain.
Flex
What I knew before
I had no idea what Flex was before going to the visit.
Visit summary
I really enjoyed how Flex toured us through their facility because a lot of other companies only took us to their conference rooms. This one was very interesting. It would have appealed more to material sciences or engineers, but since we had no idea how certain products can create energy to light up other things or anything, us business students were amazed.
We learned that Flex isn’t a branded company or a manufacturing one. They are still in many popular products and work with companies that we interact with every day.
We stopped in a little section where it was wearable technology where they would make material that could stretch, get wet, yet conduct electricity. We saw that pulling up your zipper creates energy which could light up something on your jacket. They aren’t just involved in clothing they also make home appliances and health care. Just like many of the companies, Flex also focuses on sustainability and making sure that their products have as little impact on our environment as possible.
The visit was a burst of innovation at us. It was the future. It was machines we had never seen. It was products in this glass looking container. It was making and destroying products to figure out what was wrong. It was labs and robotics.
Key takeaways
We live in the future and I didn’t even realize it. The stuff that I would see as a child in Tv as sci-fi is happening around us.
Since Flex isn't a brand they can target many companies and build a variety of products by not making their market smaller. In order to stay ahead of the game, Flex is very secretive about their products in order to not let any competition know since a lot of their products need to get patented.
Flex is focused on the future and innovation. On making products that we need and making products we didn’t know we needed.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I think that there should be a little more recognition to the company. Not as much as putting the logo on a product, but if they make a jacket or have a great influence in making one they should write it on the tag somewhere.
I think Flex should be able to deny selling their product because of loyalty. There has to be companies that come back often and acquire their products therefore they should get some sort of loyalty because of it, but there should be some more advertising to other companies about what they could be possibly making.
Additionally, I also think that Flex should be able to say that they aren’t going to work with a certain company if their culture and vision doesn’t matches theirs or if they have taken a stand on a controversial issue that has caused a scandal or if there is a scandal within the company.
I had no idea what Flex was before going to the visit.
Visit summary
I really enjoyed how Flex toured us through their facility because a lot of other companies only took us to their conference rooms. This one was very interesting. It would have appealed more to material sciences or engineers, but since we had no idea how certain products can create energy to light up other things or anything, us business students were amazed.
We learned that Flex isn’t a branded company or a manufacturing one. They are still in many popular products and work with companies that we interact with every day.
We stopped in a little section where it was wearable technology where they would make material that could stretch, get wet, yet conduct electricity. We saw that pulling up your zipper creates energy which could light up something on your jacket. They aren’t just involved in clothing they also make home appliances and health care. Just like many of the companies, Flex also focuses on sustainability and making sure that their products have as little impact on our environment as possible.
The visit was a burst of innovation at us. It was the future. It was machines we had never seen. It was products in this glass looking container. It was making and destroying products to figure out what was wrong. It was labs and robotics.
Key takeaways
We live in the future and I didn’t even realize it. The stuff that I would see as a child in Tv as sci-fi is happening around us.
Since Flex isn't a brand they can target many companies and build a variety of products by not making their market smaller. In order to stay ahead of the game, Flex is very secretive about their products in order to not let any competition know since a lot of their products need to get patented.
Flex is focused on the future and innovation. On making products that we need and making products we didn’t know we needed.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I think that there should be a little more recognition to the company. Not as much as putting the logo on a product, but if they make a jacket or have a great influence in making one they should write it on the tag somewhere.
I think Flex should be able to deny selling their product because of loyalty. There has to be companies that come back often and acquire their products therefore they should get some sort of loyalty because of it, but there should be some more advertising to other companies about what they could be possibly making.
Additionally, I also think that Flex should be able to say that they aren’t going to work with a certain company if their culture and vision doesn’t matches theirs or if they have taken a stand on a controversial issue that has caused a scandal or if there is a scandal within the company.
Google
What I knew beforeI had visited Google previously in New York and they took us to many places within the building which I fell in love with. It was extremely big and the chairs were so comfortable. They really tried to make you comfortable wherever you were. They had themed rooms so you could be in the Star Wars/ Star Trek one, so if you were a fan that could be your favorite place to work at! They also had games rooms and you could be lost there for days. I also knew that Google was the most visited website in the world. Bing stands no chance.
After reading How Google Works by Erin Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg I learned about Google’s values and culture! In EA we recognized the importance of data, Google does too. Google believes that all the enormous amount of data they receive helps them solve small scale and world problems. They focus on increasing the speed that they deliver things as well as the quality of output. The process in which they do this is by hiring people that can come up with ideas and that believe that they could work and make an impact. Knowing that such idea can have an impact makes people more passionate about what they are doing and lets them have fun with it. Not all ideas will work or will be understood. It is important to not let the missteps discourage risk taking as it is a problem with big companies. Google encourages risk taking and it doesn’t expect people to understand everything, but to trsut the people that do know about it. The process can also be no process. They allow chaos to occur because it encourages divergent thinking and for new processes to be created. After all, it is more important to give customers what they had not realized they wanted rather than what they want.
Visit summary
One of the panelists which had a marketing degree I found out was in Phi Chi Theta, my business fraternity so we were able to have an easy conversation. Since we are “brothers” she even told me to add her on Facebook and to message her if I needed any help.
The rest of the panel varied in undergraduate/graduate degrees and it was really insightful listening to all of their perspectives about certain topics.
They mentioned that part of what Google wants for their employers is growth and that they value work and life balance a lot. There are courses if you want to learn how to use certain software or be in an art class. They also mentioned the 20% doing something that isn’t work and 80% doing your work, but in reality what they mean is give 120%.
Key takeaways
It is ironic to see the panelists talk about how much Google cares for them, and then for Google to have a scandal about equality in the workplace. it reminded me of Uber and I think that certain locations experience different things and have different cultures,
Overall, google wants you to succeed and find what’s best for you. This is important when looking for jobs because you want to make sure that the culture of the company matches yours. They talked about how at work they were very opened regarding the elections and that Google’s goal was to make everyone feel safe and welcomed in the workplace.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I wish they would have toured us around the building or taken us to a rooftop to check out the view.
The reason why I think Google launches have not been as successful as product launches by companies such as Apple and Samsung I think is because their main products such as Gmail and Google Drive have all been used for productiveness/work/schoolwork and not for social media purposes. I think that if they were to release other products it shouldn’t be like Allo that competes with GroupMe, it should be like LinkedIn. I think that there are already so many social media platforms that they have to create something that is completely new or buy off a social media site. There are already so many social media sites that I’m not sure if I would be willing to having another social media platform. This is why I don’t think that that they will become leading companies in broadband services, IPTV services, or mobile network operator because they don’t know how to market for them. I didn’t even know they had these.
The product that I use the most is Gmail because I am able to use google drive with it. I don’t think Microsoft has done a good job at making their products collaborative among their consumers and easy to use.
What I knew beforeI had visited Google previously in New York and they took us to many places within the building which I fell in love with. It was extremely big and the chairs were so comfortable. They really tried to make you comfortable wherever you were. They had themed rooms so you could be in the Star Wars/ Star Trek one, so if you were a fan that could be your favorite place to work at! They also had games rooms and you could be lost there for days. I also knew that Google was the most visited website in the world. Bing stands no chance.
After reading How Google Works by Erin Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg I learned about Google’s values and culture! In EA we recognized the importance of data, Google does too. Google believes that all the enormous amount of data they receive helps them solve small scale and world problems. They focus on increasing the speed that they deliver things as well as the quality of output. The process in which they do this is by hiring people that can come up with ideas and that believe that they could work and make an impact. Knowing that such idea can have an impact makes people more passionate about what they are doing and lets them have fun with it. Not all ideas will work or will be understood. It is important to not let the missteps discourage risk taking as it is a problem with big companies. Google encourages risk taking and it doesn’t expect people to understand everything, but to trsut the people that do know about it. The process can also be no process. They allow chaos to occur because it encourages divergent thinking and for new processes to be created. After all, it is more important to give customers what they had not realized they wanted rather than what they want.
Visit summary
One of the panelists which had a marketing degree I found out was in Phi Chi Theta, my business fraternity so we were able to have an easy conversation. Since we are “brothers” she even told me to add her on Facebook and to message her if I needed any help.
The rest of the panel varied in undergraduate/graduate degrees and it was really insightful listening to all of their perspectives about certain topics.
They mentioned that part of what Google wants for their employers is growth and that they value work and life balance a lot. There are courses if you want to learn how to use certain software or be in an art class. They also mentioned the 20% doing something that isn’t work and 80% doing your work, but in reality what they mean is give 120%.
Key takeaways
It is ironic to see the panelists talk about how much Google cares for them, and then for Google to have a scandal about equality in the workplace. it reminded me of Uber and I think that certain locations experience different things and have different cultures,
Overall, google wants you to succeed and find what’s best for you. This is important when looking for jobs because you want to make sure that the culture of the company matches yours. They talked about how at work they were very opened regarding the elections and that Google’s goal was to make everyone feel safe and welcomed in the workplace.
Post visit actions/thoughts
I wish they would have toured us around the building or taken us to a rooftop to check out the view.
The reason why I think Google launches have not been as successful as product launches by companies such as Apple and Samsung I think is because their main products such as Gmail and Google Drive have all been used for productiveness/work/schoolwork and not for social media purposes. I think that if they were to release other products it shouldn’t be like Allo that competes with GroupMe, it should be like LinkedIn. I think that there are already so many social media platforms that they have to create something that is completely new or buy off a social media site. There are already so many social media sites that I’m not sure if I would be willing to having another social media platform. This is why I don’t think that that they will become leading companies in broadband services, IPTV services, or mobile network operator because they don’t know how to market for them. I didn’t even know they had these.
The product that I use the most is Gmail because I am able to use google drive with it. I don’t think Microsoft has done a good job at making their products collaborative among their consumers and easy to use.
Gary Stewart
What I knew before
Based on previous research that I had done about Gary Stewart, I know he is a Venture Partner at Polaris Partners, that he was a former CEO of oDesk. He began his career in sales at IBM. He is also been featured on TV.
Visit summary
He told us that he had turned down a deal with Netflix! Overall he was extremely enthusiastic and seemed really happy to giving us a business yet inspiring speech. He told us about the struggles of a startup culture and how to learn from one's mistakes. He told us this fun yet very inspiring story about making cardboard cutouts of famous people and making people pay to take pictures with it in DC.
He told us about his experience as a CEO and that he likes being more social, not on top of everyone else and that he values his work-life balance.
Additionally he told us about his strategy as an investor/capitalist. The strategy is to make investments on companies whose metrics and data line up with their target foals. They also look at the reliability, personality, and character of the founders and making sure the market that they are targeting exists. They want realistic ambitious people. They do not want people that are reaching for impossible goals but that are reaching for goals that will push them to try their hardest and devote all their time to reach them.
Key takeaways
Gary Stewart was very opened about his college experience and how it shaped him. He encouraged us to get involved and find what we are passionate about while still enjoying college and that learning doesn’t stop at college. He taught us to build our personal and professional brand. He also taught us that mistakes don’t define us, they shape us if we learn from them but they don’t define where we go and our future.
I found his advice the most helpful as he was so courageous and confident when he spoke. He told us to read and to surround ourselves with people that we can learn from and teach because you never know where they will end up! He emphasized the importance of having a network which we also learn in our CPBE225 class through scholars.
What you want to look in a job is an overlap of impact, growth/development, balance, and financial reward.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Some challenges that Venture capitalists face is passing on great opportunities based on a bad pitch, a bad gut feeling, or lack of understanding of the market. At the end of the day, it is a gamble and you are bound to lose some and win some.
Gary’s failure at Intellibank told me that we should really know our market and be up to date to technology. Before people didn't have an insane amount of files and pictures that they needed somewhere to store.
The Smith School has classes, clubs, and the Dingman center to fulfill your entrepreneurial skills that we should all take advantage of.
I will make most of my college experience as well as look for externships in companies whose overlap follow what Gary said. I want to love what I do and take risks on the way to it. I want to grow my network and surround myself with people who I can grow personally and professionally.
Based on previous research that I had done about Gary Stewart, I know he is a Venture Partner at Polaris Partners, that he was a former CEO of oDesk. He began his career in sales at IBM. He is also been featured on TV.
Visit summary
He told us that he had turned down a deal with Netflix! Overall he was extremely enthusiastic and seemed really happy to giving us a business yet inspiring speech. He told us about the struggles of a startup culture and how to learn from one's mistakes. He told us this fun yet very inspiring story about making cardboard cutouts of famous people and making people pay to take pictures with it in DC.
He told us about his experience as a CEO and that he likes being more social, not on top of everyone else and that he values his work-life balance.
Additionally he told us about his strategy as an investor/capitalist. The strategy is to make investments on companies whose metrics and data line up with their target foals. They also look at the reliability, personality, and character of the founders and making sure the market that they are targeting exists. They want realistic ambitious people. They do not want people that are reaching for impossible goals but that are reaching for goals that will push them to try their hardest and devote all their time to reach them.
Key takeaways
Gary Stewart was very opened about his college experience and how it shaped him. He encouraged us to get involved and find what we are passionate about while still enjoying college and that learning doesn’t stop at college. He taught us to build our personal and professional brand. He also taught us that mistakes don’t define us, they shape us if we learn from them but they don’t define where we go and our future.
I found his advice the most helpful as he was so courageous and confident when he spoke. He told us to read and to surround ourselves with people that we can learn from and teach because you never know where they will end up! He emphasized the importance of having a network which we also learn in our CPBE225 class through scholars.
What you want to look in a job is an overlap of impact, growth/development, balance, and financial reward.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Some challenges that Venture capitalists face is passing on great opportunities based on a bad pitch, a bad gut feeling, or lack of understanding of the market. At the end of the day, it is a gamble and you are bound to lose some and win some.
Gary’s failure at Intellibank told me that we should really know our market and be up to date to technology. Before people didn't have an insane amount of files and pictures that they needed somewhere to store.
The Smith School has classes, clubs, and the Dingman center to fulfill your entrepreneurial skills that we should all take advantage of.
I will make most of my college experience as well as look for externships in companies whose overlap follow what Gary said. I want to love what I do and take risks on the way to it. I want to grow my network and surround myself with people who I can grow personally and professionally.
Netflix
What I knew before
I know they disrupted Blockbuster. They have been the lead online streaming website ever since. They don’t have that many great movies, but they have started creating their own series and movies that have gained a lot of popularity.
I remember when me and my family used to get movies once a week and it was a great bonding experience. Now most if not all is online for streaming.
I know of very few people that don’t have a Netflix account, but if they don’t they usually use a friends. I don’t know of anyone that has never used Netflix in their life.
I also know that when the Internet is really slow on campus It has told me that it is from all the people watching Netflix.
Visit summary
We didn’t get to tour the building which was really sad because I bet their architecture and decorations are sick.
We were in this room set up in an auditoriums style except it was in a circle to create a sense of discussion and conservation.
I learned that Netflix is laid back but not really. They rust their employees a lot, but they don’t joke around when it comes to delivering. You don’t have to come into the office if you don’t want as long as you work with your team and you deliver. The also trust them with budget meaning you can spend as much as you want on a company lunch, but not really because the sense of misusing that trust will probably eat you alive.
Andrew gave a quick presentation as we were rushed because we had to catch our planes. He talked about the work-life balance. He also told us that he has to find people his own age somewhere else as he gets invited to people’s kid’s birthday parties so the demographics are a bit older.
Key takeaways
Getting a job at Netflix and staying there is extremely competitive. If you get fired it doesn’t even look bad because you were able to work at a company that has very high expectations and that you are constantly being evaluated.
Netflix encourages independence by having people take the lead and just focusing on what they deliver. Since there is so much pressure to be the best, salaries are higher compared to other places.
Unlike Apple where everything is secretive, they are encouraged to share information among one another and to act in Netflix’s best interest.
Netflix also wants it to feel like a job not a hobby. They encourage people to get along, but that it isn’t the dinner table. You are expected to know what you’re doing as soon as you are hired and jump right into work.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Having a very smart and hardworking group of people definitely affects the company’s culture as it encourages other workers to be their best and try their hardest. Although failure makes you grow, you need to correct those failures fast and not do them again. This allows Netflix to be the best because their workers are the best.
I think that because there is so much leeway in the hours , vacation, and time it almost makes people fearful about how much they can actually take. If there would be data, I would assume Netflix workers take less vacation, work more hours, and spend less money than the average worker. People are fearful to be the one that takes advantage without realizing.
I think that hiring people that are in their 30s-40s allows them to come in with experience which is what Netflix values. There are many ways to collect data on millennials and identify trends on what people are watching or want to watch. I don’t think it hinders growth, but taking initiatives to hear customers in all demographics could give them a lot of information.
I know they disrupted Blockbuster. They have been the lead online streaming website ever since. They don’t have that many great movies, but they have started creating their own series and movies that have gained a lot of popularity.
I remember when me and my family used to get movies once a week and it was a great bonding experience. Now most if not all is online for streaming.
I know of very few people that don’t have a Netflix account, but if they don’t they usually use a friends. I don’t know of anyone that has never used Netflix in their life.
I also know that when the Internet is really slow on campus It has told me that it is from all the people watching Netflix.
Visit summary
We didn’t get to tour the building which was really sad because I bet their architecture and decorations are sick.
We were in this room set up in an auditoriums style except it was in a circle to create a sense of discussion and conservation.
I learned that Netflix is laid back but not really. They rust their employees a lot, but they don’t joke around when it comes to delivering. You don’t have to come into the office if you don’t want as long as you work with your team and you deliver. The also trust them with budget meaning you can spend as much as you want on a company lunch, but not really because the sense of misusing that trust will probably eat you alive.
Andrew gave a quick presentation as we were rushed because we had to catch our planes. He talked about the work-life balance. He also told us that he has to find people his own age somewhere else as he gets invited to people’s kid’s birthday parties so the demographics are a bit older.
Key takeaways
Getting a job at Netflix and staying there is extremely competitive. If you get fired it doesn’t even look bad because you were able to work at a company that has very high expectations and that you are constantly being evaluated.
Netflix encourages independence by having people take the lead and just focusing on what they deliver. Since there is so much pressure to be the best, salaries are higher compared to other places.
Unlike Apple where everything is secretive, they are encouraged to share information among one another and to act in Netflix’s best interest.
Netflix also wants it to feel like a job not a hobby. They encourage people to get along, but that it isn’t the dinner table. You are expected to know what you’re doing as soon as you are hired and jump right into work.
Post visit actions/thoughts
Having a very smart and hardworking group of people definitely affects the company’s culture as it encourages other workers to be their best and try their hardest. Although failure makes you grow, you need to correct those failures fast and not do them again. This allows Netflix to be the best because their workers are the best.
I think that because there is so much leeway in the hours , vacation, and time it almost makes people fearful about how much they can actually take. If there would be data, I would assume Netflix workers take less vacation, work more hours, and spend less money than the average worker. People are fearful to be the one that takes advantage without realizing.
I think that hiring people that are in their 30s-40s allows them to come in with experience which is what Netflix values. There are many ways to collect data on millennials and identify trends on what people are watching or want to watch. I don’t think it hinders growth, but taking initiatives to hear customers in all demographics could give them a lot of information.