Sunday, August 31, 2008

Week of Fun

The past week was spent in Oklahoma with some friends who are like family to me. Visiting them never fails to feel like coming home. It was a week well spent out in the country...we rode horses, saw bull rides, chased cows and played in the mud on four wheelers, fished in a pond (and Kyle got wet), baked peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, worked on our car, picked homegrown tomatoes, eggplant and okra and spent time with the loveliest people on Earth. Ever. When I grow up (if I ever grow up), I want to be like them...loving and nurturing, ready to lend a helping hand, and always happy to welcome friends into their homes.

There was no single highlight to the week. Every minute was a happy one. My friend, Mandie joined us on our last day and I haven't seen her in almost a year and BOY did we have a good time cooking and eating all manners of food. 

If I had to tell one story though, it's a tie between the time we crashed on the four wheeler...or the one where Kyle got wet. So the next time you see me, ask about these :o).

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Employment

Ayu and I decided about two months ago that we are going to get jobs again. However, we haven't been having much luck with the normal methods so we're turning to the blog to find us employment. What's great about posting here is that it costs neither us, or any prospective companies a penny, and (hopefully) will cut down on some of the spam I've been getting in my inbox.

I'll let Ayu write what she's looking for, but as for me, I'm looking for a job overseas (not in the USA) that works in a business sector (such as consultancy or financial analyst) but also makes use of my engineering experience. Whether that means its a problem-solving job, one that has a very steep learning curve, or very challenging position - I'm game. Even if it requires me to learn a foreign language before starting work - I am completely willing to do that.

My resume/CV:

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OBJECTIVE

Seeking a challenging and creative business or consultancy position with a progressive company at an overseas location which would assist in earning an advanced degree in business administration.

EDUCATION

2002 - 2006 Kettering University Flint, Michigan, USA
Graduate WAG: 84.87/100
Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering
Minor Degree in Business Management

1998 – 2002 Hinsdale Central High School Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
Graduate SAT: 1210 ACT: 28

WORK EXPERIENCE

2/07 – 1/08 Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements Abu Dhabi, UAE

Field Engineer responsible for all drilling activities at the rig site. This includes installing all sensors and cables, programming downhole tools, ensuring proper make-up of the drilling assembly, monitoring tool while downhole, producing a depth log of the formation resistivity, gamma ray, porosity, and density while drilling. Also responsible for complete rig-down after drilling. Finalized logs and sent them to the client once back in the base. Interfaced with all levels of management, the client, the geologist, rig crew, drilling supervisor, bit engineer, mud engineer, and rig manager. On call anytime day or night. Required to stay awake for up to 48 hours at a time when problems occur while drilling. Worked extensively with people who speak little English. Job designation was International Mobile - travel immediately to any country in the world when required. Worked with radioactive sources ensuring proper handling procedures were followed.

7/05–9/05, 1/06–3/06, 7/06–9/06 The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA

Machinist and Shop Supervisor for the Sensory Motor Performance Program. Responsible for day to day shop operations and safety. Worked extensively with researchers to produce parts and assemblies of exacting standards used in bionic arms and in the rehabilitation of patients with muscular illnesses. Skilled in operating a vertical mill, CNC machine, lathe, and other shop equipment. Further improved proficiency with Unigraphics NX. Senior Thesis was written while employed. Thesis involved designing and building a shoulder-dystocia birthing simulator. Worked extensively with Northwestern University biomedical engineering students and researchers. Copies of Senior Thesis available upon request. Simulator that was created is currently being used to train clinicians on proper shoulder-dystocia freeing techniques.

1/03 – 3/03, 7/03 – 9/03, 1/ 04 – 3/04 and 7/04 – 9/04 UPS Addison, IL, USA

Cooperative Position in Plant Engineering – Responsible for project development, management, and successful implementation. Created drawings for, and implemented an electronic system of, all outlying facility dimensional floor-plan blueprints. The result was a more cost-effective and timely review of new equipment installations. Developed interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency with AutoCad , and worked effectively with all levels in the organization.

ACTIVITIES

Spring 2008 Traveled around New Zealand for two months with one other companion in a camper van on a tight budget. Flexibility and resourcefulness were, key when it came to budgeting for food, fitting in adventure activities, all while keeping a blog updated for readers (http://www.nzwow.com/)
2007 – 2008 Traveled to China, Oman, Egypt, Malaysia, and Singapore
2002 – 2008 Involved in numerous volunteer organizations including Feed My Starving Children, Habitat for Humanity, Hoops for Life and PADS
Spring 2005 Study Abroad International Automotive Engineering Program (IAEP) in Esslingen, Germany attending FHTE (http://www.fht-esslingen.de/)
2002 – 2004 Member of the Kettering University Lacrosse Team
Summer 2001 People to People Student Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand

SKILLS

Competent knowledge of AutoCad, Mechanical Desktop, Solid Edge, 3D Studio Vis and Unigraphics NX
Competent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Office and Internet applications
Competent knowledge of all current operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac
Trained in Hazardous Material Processing, First Aid and H2S response
PADI licensed open water scuba diver

LANGUAGES

Fluent in English, a basic understanding of Spanish, and a willingness to learn other languages

REFERENCES

Available upon request

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As a field engineer working for Schlumberger in Abu Dhabi, I became very familiar with not only working for a global company in an overseas location, but also the challenges that arise when doing business in a different culture. I have come to appreciate the knowledge required and experience needed in such a role, and as such believe that I would be a very good fit for a position overseas.

I believe that my skills and experience speak for themselves. I can assure any prospective employer that my determination and desire to learn and succeed is second to none. I am a hard-worker, willing to put in long hours and do whatever it takes to get the job done. I am looking for a challenge.

Eventually I wish to start my own company, so the ideal position would be one that would only require a maximum of 5 years employment. I would definitely consider less of a commitment as job security is not important to me. As far as compensation is concerned, I am looking for approximately $65,000 USD annually. However, if the position offered the opportunity to pursue an MBA degree I would be willing to take somewhat less.

Basically, I'm looking for something that offers the opportunity to learn some advanced skills in business, in an interesting location, and leaves plenty of room for growth. If you have a position like the one described feel free to contact me via e-mail found on the About Us page.