...and then there was Facebook...

Hello readers, today's class was interesting as I was instructed to create a professional Facebook profile!  I have decided the aim of my profile will be to extend to future employers, a look into both my professional and personal life.  I have included in my profile things such as my favourite sports teams, activities, movies, T.V shows and other interests.  Adding these extra tidbits of information about hobbies will allow viewers (hopefully employers) to develop a better understanding about who we are.

From D. S. Ellerys' personal collection (2011)

Also included on the page is my relevant work experience.  This is important for potential employers who will want to know what types of background skills and knowledge someone possess.  In the future I will be using this account to upload photos of projects that I have worked on during my career.  Facebook will be a great way to have an online portfolio that will not only describe my person more in-depth than a resume, but will also visually showcase some of the many projects I have worked on.  I will be using Facebook as an online photo album for people (including my boss) to view projects in various stages of completion and give them a sense of what is happening in the field.

To view my profile follow the link here

For more information on using Facebook professionally check out these TIPS ,  Pay attention to the new groups feature.  This allows you to manage your contacts as personal or professional within 1 account.  No need to have 2 accounts now when you can just make a separate list and control the access they have to your account.

While browsing classmates blogs I stumbled across a very well laid out blog with some cool features.  Also one of the only students it seems that isn't a Nutrition major (not that there is anything wrong with that!)  Check it out here

Thanks for reading......

Stay tuned for more adventures with ALES 204

Hello readers

Hello, my name is David (Steve) Ellery I am in the second year of my Bachelor of Environmental Science degree majoring in Land Reclamation and this is my blog.  Im not entirely sure what this blog will be about, but I know that it will develop over the next few months as I progress through my ALES (Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Science) 204 class.  Anyways on to the good stuff :) A little bit about ME!:

From D. S. Ellerys' personal collection (2009)

Some of my hobbies include downhill skiing, vegetable gardening, hobby mechanics (I attempt to work on my vehicles and usually I'm successful), flying micro-helicopters, riding the 10 speed bike my dad gave me (he bought it in 1982 when he went to the U of A) and entertaining my 3 1/2 year old Red doberman pincher 'Bowser'.

From D. S. Ellerys' personal collection (2011)

From D. S. Ellerys' personal collection (2011)

From D. S. Ellerys' personal collection (2010)

I began my degree in 2003 at the University of Lethbridge where I was studying Management but lost interest in the program half way through.  Over the next four years I attended Old College and completed my Journeyman Landscape Gardener certification.  While doing my program at Olds my interests in horticulture and science (Chemistry to be specific) were sparked and I just had to know more.  I have decided to further my education with a Bachelors degree from the University of Alberta, which brings us to today.....September 14, 2011.....Now that I have bored you to death with my life story Im going to explain how communication is a critical factor in my workplace.

Image retrieved from www.uleth.ca

Image retrieved from www.oldscollege.ca

I have been employed with the City of Calgary for the last 3 years working in different departments such as irrigation, maintenance, and most recently Natural Areas Management.  As a foreman communication play a crucial role in my day to day operations.  I need to be able to keep track of my workers in the field throughout the day which is done with the use of a cell phone or face-to-face conversation.  It is important to have access to communication while working in the field in case of an emergency or other problems at site.  Most of the information that I receive during the day about problems in my district or ongoing projects is via email.  Email is a great source of communication as it provides a copy of what was sent, it is easy to store messages for long periods of time and can be opened on the go with my Blackberry.  I must also attend meetings with such people as my superiors, members of the public and co-workers on a daily basis and being able to communicate within large groups of people in a professional manner is critical.  I have recently started following @TheCityofCalgary on twitter, and occasionally check the Facebook site.  This is a great way to communicate information about jobs and upcoming events to the public.

This concludes my post, thanks for reading

Until next time......