Thursday, March 12, 2015

Profile of a person & career I aspire to

           The   career I aspire to is Immigration and Family law. I had the opportunity to meet an Arizona lawyer Ms. Millan that the majority of her cases are immigration related. I was able to see the passion she has to serve the public and that she loves what she does. As an Attorney she volunteer with agencies to provide assistance and information to immigrants in need. She takes her time to explain the Executive Order and why it has been delayed,  
      
         With the executive order that our President gave, although halted for a moment, it is seemingly important to offer services to the millions of immigrants that will qualify for the  Deferred Action for Parents of American children (DAPA). It is imperative to offer proper law representation or education to avoid fraud against these parents. Immigration reform has been thrust to the forefront of American politics. There is no denying that this is a topic that comes up repeatedly as well.  I aspire to have my own agency that can offer these services as well as family law.
      
          To work in a capacity of a paralegal when you are not an attorney, you may become a certified paralegal. Also in order to be more distinguished and competitive they can earn a A.A. or B.A in Paralegal studies  or become certified. The National certification purpose is to increase the professionalism of paralegals by making sure that they have mastered and are competent in the national requirement of this field. This is offered by national paralegal associations. They must also passed one of four exams, the PACE, PCC, CLA/CP or PP.  In Arizona there are two professional associations that offer these exams. They are The Arizona Paralegal Association and The Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals. 
     
       Working in a Law Firm side by side an experienced attorney like Ms. Millan will be beneficial to my career. Ms. Millan has worked in non profit organisations and various law firms. She is an immigrant herself and relates to the needs of the immigrant community. She advocates with several community organizations and handles pro-Bono cases as well. She was a recipient of an award for her commitment to the community for Hispanic Leaders. 
        She joined Emerge, a women leadership for democratic future. She attended Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and was the Hispanic Outreach Director for the Democratic National Convention Committee. I have much to learn from her and I am looking forward to spending time with her and hopefully intern with her office as well over the summer.
      

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Career Event: Professional Etiquette

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a career event at ASU West. It was very interesting because we were required to wear professional attire as if we were on a dinner interview or a sales dinner. Not only was the dinner exquisite but delicious. We were guided on how to use all utensils, paying attention how so out of touch I was of proper etiquette living with all males at my house. We were also taught what conversations were considered appropriate and what weren't. 

One interesting point was taught when you are done with dinner. That was to make sure you pay for the bill and tip in advance and to walk the client to the car then come back and pick up the bill. Regardless if you are a female or not.I have to admit I found this a little odd to leave your credit card to the waiter as soon as you get in and add the gratuity then come back and get it.

Everyone in the table was very confused when we were told it was bad manners to pick up the bread,split it in half and spread the butter. Proper etiquette requires for you to pinch the bread without picking it up and tear a little peace of bread at a time and add a dab of butter. Just though I would share that. 
The point of the who meeting was to learn that the way you eat, carry yourself in conversation can determine whether or not you will get the job or close the sale.

Leadership in my internship

I have several leaders in my internship. I am able to see different aspects of leaderships as well as different styles. Unfortunately for me, I do not see a transformational style of leadership from any of them. This agency has gone through different directors in the last years and the employee morale is low. The new director is very busy trying to run administration that she neglects the aspirations and goals of the employees under her. I admire everyone's work and ethics as far as trying to run the agency the best way possible under new direction.

I am confident that once administration is set in place the new director will value her employees and bring a sense of team attitude to this agency. Perhaps implement positive reinforcement, team meetings, personal achievements celebrations, goals and missions and a environment that is welcoming where employees can feel free and happy to work in.

I also understand the directors point of view in her leading style where she feels that she must do whatever it takes to run the agency. Including running her employees away and injecting the agencies with fresh talent.