Tag: job

The new job so far

Well, I figured I had better put something up about the new job, so here it is.

So far, I am really, really loving it. Despite having to wear a tie every day (usually a suit in my case) it is quite laid back and everyone is just so friendly. I share an office with my coworker who is also a security analyst, and that is actually a good thing because the room is fairly large and a lot of other people have cubicles. But because of the nature of our work we have to have an office with a door that locks. But we have a fair bit of freedom, and so I will be bringing some personal touches to my office. I will probably hold back from going hog wild just yet, because we are going to be moving into another building in a couple of months and I don’t want to have too much stuff to pack. But the school is really great, and I am getting to do the kind of work I have always wanted to do in IT. They are already talking about me doing some classes for new users at some point, and they are also going to help me get more certifications. I will probably have my EnCase Certified Examiner certificate before the end of the year, as well as my Security+ and possibly my Linux+. There are some other certifications they want me to get as well, and of course I want to eventually get the big kahuna, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional, or CISSP.

 

Anyway, my first day (yesterday) was spent just trying to get everything set up.  I have a desktop computer with 2 monitors, a laptop computer, a company cell phone (an iPhone), all sorts of software and permissions that have to be set up, plus keys, my school ID, my school employee ID, my access key card,  my parking permit, and all the normal HR stuff.  So far we have finally managed to get my laptop and desktop up and running but the SIM card for my iPhone seems to be missing and my voice mail for my office phone is still screwed up.  But despite all the expected craziness, I am having a great time.  The campus is surrounded by all sorts of interesting places – restaurants, stores, landmarks, you name it.  My boss took our “department” (there are only three of us) out to lunch yesterday and it was nice.  And so I will be spending a lot of time getting to know the university and all of its quirks and ins and outs.  But it is really exciting.  I have a lot to look forward to I think.  I am going to learn so much in this job, and it is going to be so much fun.

And just think… in a couple of years I may be able to start graduate school.  For free.

-Geoff

A general update since returning home

First of all, a HUGE thank you to everyone who emailed, called, sent flowers, and kept me entertained while I was incarcerated in the hospital.  It is such a huge relief to be able to do things like shower and comb my hair again.  Also, sleeping in my own bed is really, really nice.  While my hospital bed wasn’t particularly bad, it just wasn’t mine.

For those of you who might be thinking about getting 29 electrodes superglued to your head on a lark, know this.  I have had to treat my hair with baby oil and wash it 3 times and I am STILL pulling glue out of it.  There have been times when Geoff, God bless him, has reached over and pulled a flake of glue out that I couldn’t see, just like the apes on National Geographic groom one another.  That’s love, I tell you.  The bonus?  The glue looks a LOT like dandruff.  Awesome.  Thankfully, everyone in choir at church this morning was very  understanding when I explained that I did not, in fact, have snow and/or dandruff in my hair.

In other news, I didn’t get either job that I interviewed for at Major Local Music School, however each person that I interviewed with did tell me that they wanted to encourage me to apply for other positions within the school.  This is good, I think.  So I will do that, and I will mention that I have met with both of them and see where that gets me.  I REALLY want to work there.  Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Also, keep your eyes peeled here.  We’re going to be adding a blogroll to the side of the page.  There were so many fantastic suggestions emailed to me of stuff to read that we’re going to keep track of it in one place so that you all can share in the hilarity.

I think that’s it for now.  Thanks, everyone.

~Kelly

FINALLY! A JOB!!!

I just got word this morning that I am being hired as an IT Security Analyst by a prominent local university.  I cannot tell you how excited I am, for all sorts of reasons.  It will be good to be employed again, and the fact that I will be in a permanent position at a university (and that it pays more than what I made at my previous job)  just makes it all the better.  Right now it looks like my first day will be in mid-March.  They will be contacting me with more information and sending me my orientation packet soon.  The university HR department is going to conduct an orientation program at some point for new employees, and obviously I will be attending that.

-Geoff

My interview rocked!

I had my interview at Major Boston Area Music School yesterday and it went really well.  I’d be downright shocked if they don’t call me back for an interview with the higher-ups next week.  They’re looking to hire for 3/1 which would mean NO MORE COBRA PAYMENTS.  The man I interviewed with yesterday would be my boss and we got along well.  I was there for an hour and twenty minutes.  I think, based on what I observed, that they’ve narrowed it down to probably me and one other person.  But, that could be wishful thinking.

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed.  As soon as I know if I’ve got the next interview I’ll post here.

~Kelly

Latest goings on

Things seem to be moving along with the job search.  I had that interview on Friday and it seemed to go rather well.  Also, the university I really want to work for is checking my references and doing background checks, so I would say that looks like it is going well also.  Like I said, hopefully I will have an answer within the next few weeks.

Yesterday I was asked by a member of our church if I could help out with the Cub Scout Pack that is affiliated with our church.  I said that I would gladly help, and then we talked a bit about things that I might be able to help with.  He didn’t know that I was once an Eagle Scout, so when I told him that he was even more pleased.

Speaking of Eagle Scouts, I myself was quite pleased to see this recently, a young man who was an Eagle Scout testify against discrimination in Iowa.  It is actually quite moving, and the young man was a superb speaker.

-Geoff

Maybe they didn’t forget about me after all

That university that I was REALLY hoping would hire me?  Well, it looks like they may just do that after all.  They called me to sign some release forms so they can do my background checks, and they asked for some of my references so they can go ahead and talk to those people too.   It is my understanding that they only do this for the people that they have decided to hire, so that has got to be a good thing.  Who knows, maybe I will have a job offer within the next two or three weeks?  Wouldn’t that be awesome?

Wish me luck!

Geoff

Another interview!

Major Music School where I had an in person interview called me and asked for an in person interview on 2/11/11.  It’s for a completely different position that I applied for back in November, a potentially more interesting position than the one I already interviewed for.  Keep your fingers crossed, people.  I am really looking forward to this!

~Kelly

When it rains snows, it pours

Geoff here – in addition to all of the literal snow we got, it seems that in the last couple of days suddenly Kelly and I are being snowed under with good news regarding our job searches.  Now suddenly I have three different possibilities, all of them paying considerably more than I used to make when I worked for Lockheed Martin.  One of them just interviewed me and wants another interview, one is VERY excited to talk to me because they need an ISSO (i.e. what I did for several years), and of course there is the university job that I really want.   And Kelly has also gotten several more tantalizing calls that were essentially interviews, including one today that went really well.   It would be great if we knew soon that at least one of us was going to be working again.

 

So keep your fingers crossed and hopefully we will (FINALLY) have something definitive soon!

How to tell when you need a new job

Among other ways, this little gem popped up on Boston.com today.  If you work for an organization that publishes a 44-page dress code, something is seriously wrong.  I know the economic downturn has been an opportunity for employers to demand more from employees while paying less, to expect higher productivity and longer hours while offering fewer incentives.  But I’ll tell you this, if I EVER work for an employer who cares about the color underwear I wear to work?  I am quitting.  Immediately.  And so should you.

~Kelly

InterviewS!

Today I had my interview with the women’s health organization.  It went pretty well.  They’re looking to hire soon, so that’s good.  Also, I got a phone call yesterday and had a surprise phone interview with one of the area colleges where I had applied and had been coaxing some connections.  The called back today as I was literally walking in the door from today’s interview and scheduled an in-person for next week.  This is FANTASTIC.  I cannot explain how excited I am.  Of the two I think I’d prefer the latter, but they’re both really great opportunities, so who knows?

Watch this space for updates…

~Kelly