So Nervous/Dream Job

[TechAPhi]

I just got asked for an interview for my dream job at my dream company. I am so nervous and so excited! I have so many things to do before Monday! Wish me luck!

BTW, along the same lines, what is your dream job and company? How would (did) you handle it when you finally got asked for an interview? Just curious...and trying to keep the Alpha Phi forum hopping!

Alpha Phi Love,
Jen

[A-PhiAngel]

Good luck Jen! I am sure you'll do great! :)

AOE,
Angel(a)

[bruinaphi]

Good luck Jen! You are going to be fabulous! My dream is to have my own publishing house for legal and academic publications. Sounds real exciting, huh? When I was in law school I was on the editorial board of my journal and my job was to do the final 5 edits on my journal. I had the hardest time dealing with our publishing house and vowed that some day I will open my own as competition.

Good luck Jen!!!

[TechAPhi]

...I hope.

Jen

[TechAPhi]

Thanks for the support ladies! I appreciate it. I interview Monday at 11:00 a.m. I'll let you know how it goes.

I've enjoyed hearing about your dream jobs! :)

Jen

[TexasPhi]

First--Good luck Jen! I can't wait to hear how it goes. BTW, where are you interviewing?

My dream job? Hmm...

Princess (ha ha!), no seriously, I think it would have to be Travel Writer. I would love to be able to travel all over the world, eating exotic food, staying in amazing places, and writing about them for a living.

:)

[TechAPhi]

Hey ladies!

I just got back from the most awesome day spa, where I got my hair cut, brows waxed, nails done...the whole enchilada...in preparation for my interview. :)

For those who asked, my interview is at CNN. I am SO nervous.

Jen

[bruinaphi]

Jen, I am so jealous! I just got my hair cut but I want to go to the spa more than anything. Maybe after I get laundry done, my car washed and my place cleaned I'll call and figure out when I can go visit the spa too.

Good luck on Monday! You are going to be Phinominal! I will be thinking of you -- let us know how it goes!

aoe,
Laura

[Silver&Bordeaux]

I would LOVE to go to a spa and get an entire day of beauty done! BTW, where did you go? I live up north in Alpharetta and I'd love to hear of some fabulous new place!

Best of luck on your interview Jen! (crosses fingers)

:)

[TechAPhi]

Hi Ladies,

I had my job interview with CNN this morning at 11 a.m. I went back to my stylist to get my hair done prior to the interview, so I felt really great when I got to CNN Center.

It was a fabulous day here in Atlanta--bright blue sky, crisp autumn air--perfect for walking, eating al fresco, or a job interview!

I was so nervous. I got there an hour ahead of time and took in the sites inside CNN Center. The security there right now is unbelievable--cops everywhere. My briefcase was searched twice.

Anyway, I got the whole behind-the-scenes tour of CNN Interactive. I was so excited that I am afraid I might have come across as a bubble head at first.

I was taken to a board room that overlooks Centennial Olympic Park and the city--what a fantastic view! WOW! My interviewer was nice, but a little reserved. I think I got a bit rattled at the beginning--CNN has always been my dream. I was overwhelmed by it all, but once I settled down, I think I gained my footing.

I am disappointed in myself for getting "spazzy" at the beginning, but I think I recovered well. Metaphorically speaking, I think I made the basket, but it wasn't the slam dunk I had hoped for. I feel good about it, but I really couldn't "read" my interviewer.

Either way, it was an absolutely amazing experience. I had so much fun and feel very positive and confident at just having been asked to interview. :)

I will definitely keep you posted!

AOE,
Jen

[bruinaphi]

Yea Jen!!! I was just about to post asking how it went and will be thinking of you and keeping my fingers crossed until you hear. Off to chapter meetings... The life of an advisor. FUN!

aoe,

Laura

[TechAPhi]

I am thrilled to report that I got the job at CNN. I got the call about an hour ago. I start Monday. Hip, hip hooray! :)

Jen

[bruinaphi]

Jen, that is so wonderful and exciting! I am so proud of you and happy for you and you've really made my day eight millions times better!

Have a very fun weekend -- celebrate your socks off!

Laura

[TechADPI]

Congratulations Jen!!!! From one Red Raider to another. You represent Texas Tech well!!!! Good Luck on monday!


-Ryan:D :D :D :D

[Silver&Bordeaux]

Congrats Jen! Way to go. I am proud of you. :)

[bucutie02]

Congrats, I am very happy for you!!!! :) :D :cool: :) :D :cool:

[Aphigal]

So what will you being doing at CNN??

Congrats!!!

[TechAPhi]

First I want to thank all the people who have wished me well. It sounds kind of dumb, but it really means a lot. Thanks so much!

Secondly, Silver&Bordeaux: I never answered your question about which spa I went to--It was Jolie Day Spa (in Buckhead).

Finally, here's the latest. I go in tomorrow to get my badge, fill out paperwork, etc. All this week I will be learning the CNN system and style of programming. I will be working at CNN Interactive. I am really nervous, but excited beyond belief. I will get to work in the newsroom and help deliver news and information to CNN's worldwide audience. :) It is really the realization of a dream--to get to work for CNN. I was a journalism/english major and I always saw CNN as the pinnacle--I never imagined it would all come so soon in my career.

Anyway, I will keep you all up to date. Again, thanks for the positive wishes and supportive thoughts. I appreciate you all so much!

Jen

[bruinaphi]

Jen. we can't wait to hear about the first day (even if it is just getting your badge, etc).

I am so excited for you!!!!

aoe,

Laura

[TechAPhi]

I got back about an hour ago from my first day at CNN. I didn't get my badge or do my paperwork today as I had been told I would. The HR office was closed for some reason, so I spent most of the day sitting in the newsroom, watching the interaction between the editorial and web staff. I learned a lot today!

I actually got to see Dr. David Satcher, the US Surgeon General. He was at CNN Center for "Talk Back Live" (a daily interactive townhall meeting hosted by Bobbie Batista). He came back into the newsroom after the taping for a one-on-one interview. It was neat to get to watch it all take place.

I can't describe how cool it is to work in the newsroom. It is a beehive of activity. On each desk there is a computer and a 13" television (usually turned to CNN--natch!). There is an awesome breakroom (that sounds silly, I know), but it looks like a set for a television series. It has this nifty little bar, where people sit and eat. There is a fridge, tons of vending machines, full kitchen, espresso maker (!). It seriously looks like the set of "Friends" or something.

The people I met today were nice. Many of them are little on the intense side, but with everything going on (and news breaking all the time), I understand.

Tomorrow, I will get my badge, fill out paperwork, and get the whole Turner System HR lecture. I can get a free commuter rail (MARTA) pass, so I am looking forward to that (parking at CNN Center is heck!).

That's about it. I was very nervous when I got there today. I had a lot of the typical self doubt--can I do this? am I really qualified? But talking to one of my co-workers assuaged these fears. I feel much better now. :)

Again, thanks for caring. I will continue to report on my experiences at CNN. If you have any questions just post 'em here! "Talk" to you all soon!

Jen

[TechAPhi]

Jen

[bruinaphi]

Yeah Jen! Let us know about all the exciting things going on there at CNN Center! I am the biggest CNN fan. Headline News is the only reason I have cable and cnn.com is my homepage. Yes, I know I am a geek, but does that really surprise anyone? LOL.

aoe,

Laura

[TechAPhi]

Laura: I know what you mean! I was such a CNN freak--that I really thought I bombed out on the interview by being so enthusiastic and excited just to be there!

Everyday I walk by the "Talk Back Live" set, sometimes during taping. It is SO cool.

BTW, who is your favorite CNN personality? I really love Christiane Amanpour (the Chief International News Correspondent)--she is so amazing and brave. I also really like Bill Hemmer and Joie Chen ("Newsite")

Anyway, I just finished my first week. It was a good one. I got my badge (!!!) :) and filled out all the paperwork, etc. After the second day I was basically on my own. Wow! It is so much fun. I watch CNN all day long, which I absolutely love and have met some of the most amazing people.

It's fantastic. :)

Jen

[mmcat]

A marvelous start to a potentially amazing career....
i keep cnn on in my classroom without sound 24/7...it is that good.
cheers
mmcat
:D :p

[Miami1839]

Jen,

Wow. Congratulations on reaching your dream. I wish you the best of luck at CNN :) I love watching that channel. I'd say that Natalie Allen is my fav.

Kevin

[mmcat]

a perfect time, a perfect place, and a perfect girl.
we are all proud of you.
cnn is not just playing the palace...
it is, for some, the palace.
congrats
mmcat
:p :D ;) :) :cool:

[TechAPhi]

I want to say "thanks" again to those who have kindly expessed their support. It means a lot. :)

Jen

[bruinaphi]

It's not just support, it's jealousy! You are my idol!

Hope you're loving every moment of it!

aoe,

Laura

[TechAPhi]

Here's a pic I took the day of my interview. When things slow down, I'll take some pix of the newsroom and the "Jetsons"-style breakroom. :)

Pic Taken Outside CNN (http://www.clhs90.com/techaphi/graphix/cnn-inter.jpg)

I spent last night doing interactives for the Emmys for CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/emmys2001/) . It was FUN! More later.

AOE,
Jen

[bruinaphi]

Yeah Jen! Keep on posting. I love to hear about your job!

Laura

[TechAPhi]

Hi again,

A few tid-bits of my work week so far...

First, I saw Joie Chen both yesterday and today. She's so adorable!

Second, the television program "Access Hollywood" was in our newsroom Monday to film a segment they are doing about CNN. I got to watch them setting up the shots, doing the interviews, etc. They said we should watch 'cause we might be in the background shots. Word is that one of our writer/reporters is interviewing for a job with "Access Hollywood."

Third, I worked on the Emmy special section for CNN.com on Sunday. I created the photo gallery of celeb fashions. It was so hectic. We also had to post the winners as they were announced--craziness! Anyway, I will post a link to the photo gallery in case anyone wants to check it out. :)

That's about it for now. Still having fun.

AOE,
Jen

[TechAPhi]

Here's the link to the Emmys page I worked on. Click here! (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/emmys2001/)

When you get to the page, look to the right-hand side of the screen for "Fashions 2001 Gallery." (Look for the picture of Edie Falco.) Click the image of Edie (above Calista Flockhart's picture) to see the gallery I put together. :)

I also put together the complete list of winners, also available on the page above.

AOE,
Jen

[bruinaphi]

Awesome job Jen! It sounds like your job is a blast. Thanks for posting the links. I love hearing about CNN behind the scenes! ;)

[TechAPhi]

Here's a link to a picture of the outside of that hip little breakroom I am always talking about.

Click here to see the picture... (http://www.clhs90.com/techaphi/graphix/cnn-dot-com-breakroom.jpg)

I took some pix of the newsroom, but they didn't come out too well. I'll try again tomorrow.

AOE,
Jen

[Miami1839]

Hey Jen :)

Glad to hear your having fun with your job. Thanks for posting the picture and links :) I love reading about your experiences.

Kevin
Beta Theta Pi

[mmcat]

it sounds like you are having a ball and doing a great job.
congrats on a solid home run.
mmcat
:D :) :p :cool:

[TechAPhi]

After a very quiet weekend, today news was breaking like pinatas at a birthday party.

I spent nine hours working on the American Airlines Flight 587 crash story, the General War on Terror story (while I was at work we confirmed and reported that the Taliban was retreating from Kabul), and the story of the USAirways plane that was diverted to Washington's Dulles Airport at the behest of a sky marshall (turned out to be a drunk guy causing a commotion).

It was so crazy--but very exciting and fun. Well, I have to go to sleep now so I can get up and do it all again tomorrow. :)

AOE,
Jen

[TechAPhi]

Our newsroom was recently moved to its current location. Anyway, they have been doing work on it ever since I got there. Over the past few days, they have been setting up a set from which reporters will do their news reports.

Today was the first day the set was "live." It was really cool because the reporters sat with their backs to us (like you see on TV). There are monitors facing the reporters so they can see themselves (we can all see the monitors from our vantage point). The teleprompters are also facing them (so they are, likewise, facing us). It was really neat to watch them filming. I really enjoyed it. One of these days you might just turn on CNN and see me in the background. ;)

That's my update for now. If you're still interested, I'll keep 'em coming.

Jen

[Miami1839]

Hey Jen. Keep it rolling :)

Kevin

[AlphaPhiPrincess]

Awesome info Jen! I've enjoyed hearing all about what you're doing. :)

[KappaStargirl]

Congrats and advice!

If this is your dream job, TELL THEM, but in a nice, professional manner. I got the job I have b/c I told them that it was my dream job.

[TechAPhi]

Originally posted by KappaStargirl
Congrats and advice!

If this is your dream job, TELL THEM, but in a nice, professional manner. I got the job I have b/c I told them that it was my dream job.

You know what? I practically did admit that in the interview! :) I felt kind of dumb about it afterward, but a few days later I got the call inviting me to work for CNN. It was awesome!

Definitely good advice. I think you have to let 'em know you really want it, and really believe in the company (which I do).

It's been a great month at CNN--hopefully there will be many more! ;)

Jen

[AGDLynn]

Congrats, Jen!! I know that a few years ago, there were several Alpha Gams that worked for CNN/Turner. With weddings, pregnancies, layoffs, etc. I only know of one for sure.

Sounds like a terrific job!

BTW, I took a class there and one of the things was to give a 5-min. speech. I couldn't think of a topic until I went to get on the elevator. There are 4 TV cameras on different stations so my topic began, "I am an addicted"..after I gave the symptoms, I said the addiction was TV watching!! Fortunately, I beat it pretty well!!

And yeah, Atlanta is a wonderful city, even with the traffic hassles.

:)

[bruinaphi]

Hey Jen,

You asked a while back who my favorite reported was on CNN, and I don't think I've ever answered. I really like Christiane Amanpour, but I have to confess I am totally in love with Kris Osborn. I never have crushes on TV personalities but he is so cute that I have to keep myself from drooling on the TV in the morning. LOL!

Hope things are still going well!

Laura

[mmcat]

i can't think of a better time and place to be right now.
cnn is hot, ready and on it. i have you in my classroom 24-7. it's a wonderful teaching tool.
good luck.
mmcat
:p ;)

[TechAPhi]

...I thought she was great. I am sorry to see her go. :(

[TechAPhi]

CNN Cuts 30 Jobs
By Steve Donohue
Multichannel News
12/7/2001 5:00:00 PM

Cable News Network canceled four programs, resulting in the loss of 20 production personnel and 10 on-air staffers, spokesman Matt Furman said Friday.


Burden of Proof, NewsSite, Showbiz This Weekend and Travel Now -- four programs that havenÕt run since Sept. 11 -- have been pulled permanently, he said.

Roger Cossack, Joie Chen and Bill Tush are among the talent leaving the network as a result of the cuts. The network is also talking with former Showbiz anchor Lauren Sydney about her role, Furman added.

CNN also plans to announce the hiring of some general-assignment anchors within the next couple of weeks, Furman said.

By the end of the year, the network expects to have about 45 anchors on the payroll, which would be the same number it started the year with.

In a memo to CNN staffers, general manager Sid Bedingfield said the cuts were made 'to accommodate this new lineup' and the expanded role of some other staffers, including Paula Zahn, Bill Hemmer, Wolf Blitzer, Greta Van Susteren, Aaron Brown and Judy Woodruff.

[mmcat]

tech aphi
are you ok?
mmcat
:eek:

[bruinaphi]

Jen,

We've been missing you! Hope you're just on vacation or something!

LD

[BearyCuteAPhi]

Congrats Jen!

I am so happy to hear you got the job!! I bet it felt good getting that call. I am excited for you and I wish you the best of luck!

AOE,
Veronica:)

[TechAPhi]

I've survived yet another round of layoffs at CNN/AOL/TimeWarner. They laid off a bunch of people at cnn.com on Friday.

I've been working all through the holidays. That coupled with family visits--in-laws, my parents, my sister, my nieces--and I have had no time to check in. I've missed everyone though. :)

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

AOE,
Jen


Originally posted by lauradav
Jen,

We've been missing you! Hope you're just on vacation or something!

LD

[bruinaphi]

Glad to hear that everything is okay! Hope you had a great holiday season and that you have a wonderful new year!

[Aphigal]

Hi Jen!!

Glad you are surviving the layoffs, that must be scary especially since it is a newer job.

You have been missed!

[mmcat]

keep the good faith...
hopefully you will not end up a player in the layoffs.
good luck and all the best
mmcat
:p :D :eek:

[Miami1839]

Jen,

Glad to hear you kept your job. Their lucky they have you. :)
Thats sad they let Roger Cossack go.

[TechAPhi]

There have been still more layoffs. Nobody is safe, apparently. On two occasions I have been convinced I was going to get the axe. I think the only thing that has saved me thus far is that I work in hard/breaking news, not features. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I am hanging in...barely!

Miami: it does suck that they let Cossack go. It is kind of interesting that they chose to get rid of him and keep Greta Van Susteren, then she turned around and left for Fox News. What a mess! I could start a whole new thread on CNN politics and layoffs, but it's much too ugly. :)

More later.

Jen

[bruinaphi]

Jen,

Glad to hear you've escaped the madness so far! We'll all be keeping our fingers crossed for you!

[Miami1839]

Jen,

Is CNN News Anchor, Daran Kagan, affiliated with any GLO?

Kevin

[TechAPhi]

Hi Kevin: I am not sure about Daryn Kagan. I see her from time to time in our newsroom and have only talked to her once. If I ever get the chance to chat with her again I'll try to squeeze it into the conversation. ;)

I do know that she graduated from Stanford University. See: http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/cnn/kagan.daryn.html

There might be someone out there in GC land who knows...(??)

Jen

[Miami1839]

Hey Jen,

Wow, thats cool. Well, if you want to thats cool. I just always sort of wondered if she was or not. Thats cool she went to Stanford.

Hows the job going? You have such a cool job. :)

[TechAPhi]

I am curious too, so if I get the chance, I will ask her. She's really cute in person, but OMG (!) so, so, so thin! Rail thin. Alarmingly thin (almost). She has the best wardrobe though. :)

Jen


Originally posted by Miami1839
Wow, thats cool. Well, if you want to thats cool. I just always sort of wondered if she was or not. Thats cool she went to Stanford.

[TechAPhi]

Kevin,

The job is going well. Some of the Headline News staffers, Quickcast staffers, and Airport Network folks are moving into our newsroom. So it is going to be even more crazy. As it is, we have a live newscast going out every 45 minutes to an hour--bright lights, noise, craziness!

I am working the Golden Globes coverage this Sunday, so look for my photo galleries and other interactive features. ;)

Thanks for asking. I am hanging in despite the layoffs!

Jen

Originally posted by Miami1839
Hows the job going? You have such a cool job. :)

[Miami1839]

Jen,

Cool, Thanks :D Yeah, she looks gorgeous. Definitely some nice outfits. She does an excellent job. :D I love watching her.




Originally posted by TechAPhi
I am curious too, so if I get the chance, I will ask her. She's really cute in person, but OMG (!) so, so, so thin! Rail thin. Alarmingly thin (almost). She has the best wardrobe though. :)

Jen

[Miami1839]

Jen,

Awesome :D Glad to hear that. Sounds like it is crazy but fun too :) Cool on the Golden Globes....I'll keep an eye out for it!

BTW, I love politics and I love CNN. Its one of my favs even though I dont have much time with work.

Kevin :)


QUOTE]Originally posted by TechAPhi
Kevin,

The job is going well. Some of the Headline News staffers, Quickcast staffers, and Airport Network folks are moving into our newsroom. So it is going to be even more crazy. As it is, we have a live newscast going out every 45 minutes to an hour--bright lights, noise, craziness!

I am working the Golden Globes coverage this Sunday, so look for my photo galleries and other interactive features. ;)

Thanks for asking. I am hanging in despite the layoffs!

Jen

[/QUOTE]