Hello All, it’s been a while weeks since my last blog so I’ll have a bit to talk about.   Over the last two weeks I have been working on a variety of projects; finishing off foreign exchange variances within Jabil’s financial reporting systems, implementing a new SharePoint site to house a global documents centre, and writing a new Standard Operating Procedure for Jabil’s Intercompany Accounts.  These may not sound the most riveting, and at times they are tough tasks, but the work is essential and at the end of this I will feel that my efforts will have contributed towards something that will be of value to people here at Jabil.  Whether by helping cut down the monthly close period or making someone’s job easier, the projects I have completed will have a direct effect upon others day to day activities. 

Furthermore, the knowledge I have gained with programs such as IBM’s Controller and TM1, not mention the ubiquitous SAP ERP system, will stand me in good stead when interviewing for Graduate scheme; as these systems are used universally.  One of the many phrases that mentor has told me often over my internship is; “knowledge is power” i.e. if you have rare knowledge you’ll get hired and you won’t get fired! - I feel that I have definitely gained at least some rare knowledge that a lot of my peers do not have, as I’m sure many of you have in your respective placements.

Here’s the bit that Melissa, Irene and the other Saltire folks will love; Networking!  This week I have had great opportunities to make some invaluable connections, I went to coffee last week with my mentor to discuss my internship and career options.  I informed Meggen that I definitely do not want to become a Chartered Accountant, even though its quote: “a license to print money”, she suggested that I look into Business Consulting.  I have considered this before but I explained that I did know a huge amount about it other than what is on the internet.  Meggen after this conversation managed to set me up with a meeting with an Accenture consultant who is putting me in contact with a colleague back in the UK.  She also organised a meeting and delicious steak meal with consultants and accountants at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, who have also passed my CV onto UK representatives who I can meet with and explore the career path further.  This has been a great experience for me, I have gained insight that I definitely wouldn’t get from campus recruiters or from their career promotional websites.

Now onto the important part – boozing haha! Last weekend after a long wait we went for a few drink with guys from work  - that turned into a a lot of drinks again more steak and copious test tubes of Jagermeister!  We evidently proved our drinking credentials and quality of chat as we were taken out the next night to a nightclub called the Roundup, and when I say nightclub I mean a bar with a line dancing pen where the rouge necked yocals come to skite! It was a cultural experience to say the least, and at $12 for entry and all you can drink I enjoyed myself, nearly as much as the barmen enjoy weights and steroids!

Hope everyone is having fun,
Martyn