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| − | [[Image:Nuvola apps important.png|25px|left]] 11/23/2011 Thanksgiving Personal Update | + | [[Image:Nuvola apps important.png|25px|left]] 8/25/2013 Yahoo APM! |
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| | + | ==Yahoo APM== |
| | + | [[File:Marissa and Michael.jpg|thumb|Me with Marissa Mayer]] |
| | + | [[File:Yahoo APMs 13.jpg|thumb|The 2013 Yahoo APMs]] |
| | + | I am about 1 month into my new job at [[Yahoo]] as an Associate Product Manager or [[APM]]. After I finished classes at MIT, but before I was set to start at Oracle, Yahoo offered me to join Marissa Mayer's new APM program at Yahoo. Marissa started the program back when she had just joined Google - as a way to find and develop new Product Managers out of school, which she thought would be faster than hiring experienced PMs from the industry. This article describes the role http://www.wired.com/business/2012/07/marissas-secret-weapon-for-recruiting-new-yahoo-talent/ though that article overblows things slightly. |
| | + | |
| | + | I’m super happy where I am at. This is the type of job I was aiming for throughout MIT; I think I was well-prepared by MIT; and I think .Yahoo is also in a very interesting state at the moment. They are rapidly redoing everything. This makes new grads are handed large chunks of the product to manage, because they are so understaffed for what the need is. In addition, they are in the midst of a huge culture change. They are replacing their cube farms with open desks. They are rebuilding teams, which were previously laid off. It’s very interesting to work with people on either side of the culture change and to experience the before-and-after at the same time. |
| | + | |
| | + | I’m in charge of designing the platform Yahoo uses to know where you are, and I help designing the membership, accounts, and security features of Yahoo. The work is very similar to what I did at MIT – brainstorming solutions, designing schemes, working with other stakeholders to refine plans and achieve consensus. |
| | | | |
| − | Well it’s the day before Thanksgiving and I am on the [http://megabus.com MegaBus] back home to Philadelphia. So far we are only an hour and a quarter late.
| + | As an APM, I’m part of Yahoo’s inner circle – giving it the feel of a small company. My experience working with administrators at MIT prepared me very well for working with the executives at Yahoo. It's probably the best business/leadership/PM experience possible in the world for someone just out of school. I think it's rivals management consulting in terms of business experience - since you're directly responsible for something, but still involved at a high level. I think one learns by doing and by being exposed to stuff. The greater scope and responsibility one has, the more one learns, I believe. |
| | | | |
| − | ====Classes==== | + | ==Mountain View== |
| − | It’s been a busy semester at school. I’m in 7 classes (84) units. 3 of the classes are Course 6 (EECS) classes. [[6.034]] is Artificial Intelligence. It’s fun to learn about the methods, but the exams are pretty much an exercise in how closely you can simulate an algorithm. [[6.005]] is an introduction to programming in Java. It’s fun to get exposure in Java, but the P-Sets are an exercise in closely following the directions. Consequently I play it safe, instead of trying new things. [[6.004]] is my favorite class this semester. We are building a computer from the CMOS gates up to the assembly language code that runs the machine. Chris Terman has awesome slides as always.
| + | [[File:Mountain View Home.jpg|thumb|Mountain View Home]] |
| | + | [[File:Chevy Volt.jpg|thumb|Chevy Volt]] |
| | + | I'm settled into my new place in [[Mountain View]]. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157634601732288/ Photos] I'm sharing a house with 2 other guys, who were friends of friends. I've purchased a [[Chevy Volt]]. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157634595577805/ Photos] It goes 40 miles in a charge, but after that it can use gas. In almost 2 months, I haven't gone to the gas station once! |
| | | | |
| − | I am in two management classes this semester, both for fun/knowledge as opposed to a requirement. [[15.387]] is a class in how to be a sales man. I don’t want to do that job, but the same strategies to identify needs, convince people, and solve complex problems are good anywhere. [[15.665]] is a class on how to negotiate. I mostly did the class for taking part in the negotiation simulations. I’ve noticed using skills I used in the class in real life. | + | I'm meeting a lot of new people here. Everyone seems to be a friend of a friend at least, and about 20-30% have heard of me before! That's kinda scarey! |
| | | | |
| − | I am also in [[18.03|18.03 Differential Equations]]. Despite my efforts, I am struggling in that class, as I have been in every math class at MIT. The class moves very fast; I’m barely able to understand something till the class moves on. | + | ==Leaving MIT== |
| | + | I had my best semester ever, my last semester at MIT. I had 5 As and one B-. I was literally 10 points away from a 5.0! |
| | | | |
| − | [[STS.011]] is a lot of fun. It is my first HASS-D and it is part of my STS concentration. The class is about controversies in science and technology. It got off to a difficult start, but it is now moving into more concrete interesting topics. Next week’s lecture is on how [http://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Design-Machine-Gambling--Formation/dp/0691127557/ slot machines are addictive]. That should be very interesting. I am researching [[Net Neutrality]] for the class. I think the class could be better if the professor could specify a bit more clearly what he is looking for. | + | [[File:Pens MIT Spring 2013.jpg|thumb|Pens|200px]] |
| | + | [[File:Paper MIT Spring 2013.jpg|thumb|Paper|200px]] |
| | + | This semester I used 32 inches of paper, as well as 31 pens. Here is a chart of usage over time: |
| | | | |
| − | ====Activities====
| + | [[File:Pens and Paper Usage.png]] |
| − | I also continue to serve on the [[House Dining Committee|dining committee]]. MIT started its new all-you-can-eat mandatory dining plan this year. Reviews for the new service are mixed. I am personally bummed they took out made-to-order stir-fry. Other dorms have it, just not Baker. In addition, the price is between 50-300% higher, depending on how you look at it.
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | On the [[UA Committee on Student Life]], I am working on putting together an Institute-wide resource guide for students. We currently have buy-in from across the Institute; we now need to put it together.
| + | I wrote up two white papers on MIT Policy. [[A Framework for Community Engagement]] is a refinement of the community engagement process which administrators currently follow. [[Problem Solving Teams]] proposes having students work as "management consultants" on the Institute’s biggest problems. This joins [[Unrelenting Advocacy]], about how stundets should act like lobbyists and consultants. This rounds up my [MIT Policy White Papers] series. |
| − | I am still [[Baker VPFS]]. We bought a new projector which should be a lot of fun.
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | The [[Athena Committee|Pharos hold-and-release printing system]] was installed at MIT this semester. I was on the committee freshman year which recommended the new system. First numbers show a 50% drop in pages printed and many students actually prefer the new system – so I think we have a win-win here.
| + | [[File:MIT Graduation.jpg|thumb|MIT Graduation]] |
| | + | Graduation was a super rainy affair - it was pretty miserable. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157634578617238/ Photos] However, I'm happy to say that I've now graduated. It was sad to leave all of the stuff I really liked about MIT behind. |
| | | | |
| − | I am the undergrad representative on [[MITCET]], the MIT Council on Educational Technology. This is interesting because many of the senior members of MIT are on the committee. I disagree with the focus on modularity this year. I think it’s unrealistic and possibly not even desirable. I called one of their proposals a complete waste of money, at best – I think we’re off to a good start! | + | I used the time I was off (3 weeks at MIT, 3 weeks at home, and 3 weeks in CA) to get organized and clean up my stuff. I emptied some boxes I hadn’t touched in years. I scanned more paper. However, I have still not managed to post my MIT stuff or more from the archives. |
| − | | + | |
| − | ====Work====
| + | |
| − | For IAP, I have been placed in an externship at [[Altman Vilandrie & Company]], a telecommunications strategy consulting company in Boston. I was selected for one of two slots from among 12 applicants. I hope I have a good experience this [[IAP]]. I actually have the same HR contact who now works at AltVil as I did last year at [[State Street]].
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | I started my search for a job this summer early this semester. I wanted to get this done early, so I could not worry about it later. In addition, some companies only have a certain number of positions, which fill up. I was offered a Project Management internship at [[Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online]] in located Glendale, CA, along with [[Imagineering]]. Parks and Resorts Online runs the public facing information and sales websites for Disney parks and other travel offerings. I took the job because I want to do Project Management and they might have an opportunity to work on cool stuff, like I did freshmen summer at [[Deutsche Bahn]]. I’m not looking forward to arranging living in L.A. No landlord wants to rent out a property for just 3 months – they want the promise of an open-ended lease, or at least a year. Plus either getting a car, or doing without one in LA will be a big hassle.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ====CA trip====
| + | |
| − | [[File:Yosemite Valley 2011.jpg|200px]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Shortly after I wrote my last update, my family and I visited California. We saw [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157627560510523/ Sequoia National Park], [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157627560563045/ King's Canyon], [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157627560573485/ Yosemite], [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157627738231944/ San Fransisco], [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157627614308159/ Stanford], and [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157627614311517/ the Pacific Coastal Highway]. It was a lot of fun to go and see Silicon Valley and San Francisco. This brings me to 74,000+ items on [http://flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets Flickr].
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ====House flooding====
| + | |
| − | However we had some misfortune during the trip. There was a hurricane at home while we were in California. It blew down the tree in front of our house. This knocked out our power. This caused our sump pump to fail. This caused our basement to flood with about a foot of water. Unfortunately, I had a lot of my dorm things on the floor in the basement. I lost a carton of books, my monitors, and some other stuff amounting to a thousand dollars or two. Also the paper copy of many notes from 10th and 11th Grades were damaged. Luckily, those two grades are mostly online. Apparently our insurance did not cover the loss, except for $5,000 which my parents spent on an overpriced “cleanup crew”. I left for MIT the next day. It was a whirlwind getting ready for the semester. I still don't feel like I know where everything is.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ====Coming up====
| + | |
| − | Everything from last year ([[MIT Sophomore]]) is basically online, with some exceptions. I have a lot of final projects this semester. I already completed one. Despite being in 7 classes, I only have 2 finals this semester. There are basically 2 weeks left in the semester!
| + | |
| − | --[[User:ThePlaz|ThePlaz]] 22:21, 29 November 2011 (EST)
| + | |
| | | | |
| | + | ==Personal Style== |
| | + | I also spent some time to reflect on my [[Personal Style]]. I spent several months iterating on this - and it ended up being quite lengthy! I wanted to record this, because I know with will update over time, and I wanted to make a record of it. I think it's also helpful for people to know how I approach problem solving. |
| | + | --[[User:ThePlaz|ThePlaz]] ([[User talk:ThePlaz|talk]]) 02:55, 25 August 2013 (EDT) |
| | ''[http://theplaz.com/wiki/index.php?title=User_talk:ThePlaz&action=edit§ion=new Leave Plaz a (public) message] [[Image:File_icon.gif]] or [[User:ThePlaz:E-mail me|send me a (private) e-mail.]][[Image:Mail_icon.gif]]'', ''[http://feeds.feedburner.com/ThePlazPersonalUpdates Subscribe via RSS feed], ''[http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=786542 Subscribe via email]'', ''[http://friendfeed.com/theplaz Detailed feed]'', ''[[Old Updates|See past updates]]'' | | ''[http://theplaz.com/wiki/index.php?title=User_talk:ThePlaz&action=edit§ion=new Leave Plaz a (public) message] [[Image:File_icon.gif]] or [[User:ThePlaz:E-mail me|send me a (private) e-mail.]][[Image:Mail_icon.gif]]'', ''[http://feeds.feedburner.com/ThePlazPersonalUpdates Subscribe via RSS feed], ''[http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=786542 Subscribe via email]'', ''[http://friendfeed.com/theplaz Detailed feed]'', ''[[Old Updates|See past updates]]'' |
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| | Recent Activity from around the Web | | Recent Activity from around the Web |
| | </h3> | | </h3> |
| − | <div class="NavContent"> | + | <div class="NavContent" style="display:none;"> |
| | {{#RawHTML:Main_Page:FriendFeed}} | | {{#RawHTML:Main_Page:FriendFeed}} |
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| | + | <h3 style="-moz-border-radius-topright: 1em;-moz-border-radius-topleft: 1em; background:#90ee90;margin:-2px;padding:4px;"> [[MIT Senior]] |
| | + | <span class="edittemplate" style="font-size:8pt; float:right; margin:0 7px 0 0;">[http://theplaz.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Main_Page:MIT_Senior&action=edit edit]</span> |
| | + | </h3> |
| | + | <div style="padding:6px;"> |
| | + | {{Main Page:MIT Senior}} |
| | + | </div> |
| | <h3 style="-moz-border-radius-topright: 1em;-moz-border-radius-topleft: 1em; background:#90ee90;margin:-2px;padding:4px;"> [[MIT Junior]] | | <h3 style="-moz-border-radius-topright: 1em;-moz-border-radius-topleft: 1em; background:#90ee90;margin:-2px;padding:4px;"> [[MIT Junior]] |
| | <span class="edittemplate" style="font-size:8pt; float:right; margin:0 7px 0 0;">[http://theplaz.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Main_Page:MIT_Junior&action=edit edit]</span> | | <span class="edittemplate" style="font-size:8pt; float:right; margin:0 7px 0 0;">[http://theplaz.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Main_Page:MIT_Junior&action=edit edit]</span> |
8/25/2013 Yahoo APM!
Yahoo APM
I am about 1 month into my new job at Yahoo as an Associate Product Manager or APM. After I finished classes at MIT, but before I was set to start at Oracle, Yahoo offered me to join Marissa Mayer's new APM program at Yahoo. Marissa started the program back when she had just joined Google - as a way to find and develop new Product Managers out of school, which she thought would be faster than hiring experienced PMs from the industry. This article describes the role http://www.wired.com/business/2012/07/marissas-secret-weapon-for-recruiting-new-yahoo-talent/ though that article overblows things slightly.
I’m super happy where I am at. This is the type of job I was aiming for throughout MIT; I think I was well-prepared by MIT; and I think .Yahoo is also in a very interesting state at the moment. They are rapidly redoing everything. This makes new grads are handed large chunks of the product to manage, because they are so understaffed for what the need is. In addition, they are in the midst of a huge culture change. They are replacing their cube farms with open desks. They are rebuilding teams, which were previously laid off. It’s very interesting to work with people on either side of the culture change and to experience the before-and-after at the same time.
I’m in charge of designing the platform Yahoo uses to know where you are, and I help designing the membership, accounts, and security features of Yahoo. The work is very similar to what I did at MIT – brainstorming solutions, designing schemes, working with other stakeholders to refine plans and achieve consensus.
As an APM, I’m part of Yahoo’s inner circle – giving it the feel of a small company. My experience working with administrators at MIT prepared me very well for working with the executives at Yahoo. It's probably the best business/leadership/PM experience possible in the world for someone just out of school. I think it's rivals management consulting in terms of business experience - since you're directly responsible for something, but still involved at a high level. I think one learns by doing and by being exposed to stuff. The greater scope and responsibility one has, the more one learns, I believe.
Mountain View
I'm settled into my new place in Mountain View. Photos I'm sharing a house with 2 other guys, who were friends of friends. I've purchased a Chevy Volt. Photos It goes 40 miles in a charge, but after that it can use gas. In almost 2 months, I haven't gone to the gas station once!
I'm meeting a lot of new people here. Everyone seems to be a friend of a friend at least, and about 20-30% have heard of me before! That's kinda scarey!
Leaving MIT
I had my best semester ever, my last semester at MIT. I had 5 As and one B-. I was literally 10 points away from a 5.0!
This semester I used 32 inches of paper, as well as 31 pens. Here is a chart of usage over time:
I wrote up two white papers on MIT Policy. A Framework for Community Engagement is a refinement of the community engagement process which administrators currently follow. Problem Solving Teams proposes having students work as "management consultants" on the Institute’s biggest problems. This joins Unrelenting Advocacy, about how stundets should act like lobbyists and consultants. This rounds up my [MIT Policy White Papers] series.
Graduation was a super rainy affair - it was pretty miserable. Photos However, I'm happy to say that I've now graduated. It was sad to leave all of the stuff I really liked about MIT behind.
I used the time I was off (3 weeks at MIT, 3 weeks at home, and 3 weeks in CA) to get organized and clean up my stuff. I emptied some boxes I hadn’t touched in years. I scanned more paper. However, I have still not managed to post my MIT stuff or more from the archives.
Personal Style
I also spent some time to reflect on my Personal Style. I spent several months iterating on this - and it ended up being quite lengthy! I wanted to record this, because I know with will update over time, and I wanted to make a record of it. I think it's also helpful for people to know how I approach problem solving.
--ThePlaz (talk) 02:55, 25 August 2013 (EDT)
Leave Plaz a (public) message 
or send me a (private) e-mail.
, Subscribe via RSS feed, Subscribe via email, Detailed feed, See past updates
or send me a (private) e-mail.
8/25/2013 Yahoo APM!
Email Me
