Last Day At Verizon Wireless

Yesterday was a sad day at the office, as it was my last day as an intern at Verizon Wireless Headquarters. First to recap everything it has been a great summer and a great experience for myself. Being an IT person, it was amazing to experience the other side of things as the customer working in HR. This also opened my views up to entire new areas that I would have never seen before. So I really enjoyed that aspect of this entire summer opportunity.

On Wednesday Melissa and I presented our experiences in "Town Hall" in the Verizon Center. The Powerpoint presentation consisted of an overview of everything we did over the summer and was about an hour in length. Everyone seemed to really enjoy our presentations we were even told it was one of the best presentations seen in the intern programs.

I discussed basically how I got here with a little background story about myself. Then I talked about my main project I worked on being the Issues Tracking System. Next I discussed the Error Reports that I helped work on and bring back up to date. Finally I ended my section with a brief explanation of PGP and how we would implement a secure email protocol for our communications with Metlife. I then passed the presentation on to Melissa and she talked about her experiences.

After she concluded her section I came back up and we explained some of the Intern Events we went to and how they impacted us. It was really great to talk about those because not that many people knew about all the things we did throughout the summer. It was real fun just to tell everyone how we contributed to Verizon Wireless and how great of an experience it was for us. We concluded by just thanking everyone that came that day because it really did mean a lot. Throughout the summer everyone helped out by answering questions and just having someone to talk to.

I did very well on my exit interview and got a chance to go around an say goodbye to everyone and thank everyone again for the summer. I really feel that I learned a lot more about the business world in general by this experience. I improved on my writing skills and just picked up on new areas and techniques on presenting information to people. Unfortunately the majority of my work is confidential and Verizon Wireless property under the NDA forms I signed. But, I have the knowledge learned working with Peoplesoft, project management software, and presentation skills that will never leave me.

Once again I would like to thank everyone over at Verizon Wireless for a great summer and making some great friends with my fellow interns. I would also like to thank the recruiters for getting me in the door, Rider University Career Services for helping me out with the connection, and my adviser for this internship back at Rider for reading this blog and keeping up to date. Thanks again I can't wait to get back to school in 2 weeks and tell everyone about my experience.

The Big Presentation....

Well this is my last week here at Verizon Wireless HQ. I'll try and update on what has been going on lately.

Today we had a HQHR meeting introducing different areas of the company. Some presentations were made about different teams in the organization and what they do. It was interesting seeing how the entire process works for some departments and how they deal with different situations.

Yesterday I spoke with the Director of HR - Benefits to discuss how my summer went. I went over different things I learned and skills I picked up. We then talked about what could be revamped for future interns and how to improve the overall experience. I was told nothing but great things about the work I did and was greatly appreciated for my efforts. I also got a Verizon Wireless duffle bag as a gift and I thanked him very much for the entire experience.

The big day is tomorrow. Planned and scheduled is a presentation in Verizon Center's "Town Hall" about my experience and contributions over this summer internship. Since my other co-intern Melissa ,who is also a Rider student, works in Benefits too, our managers decided that we can present together. We have our Powerpoint ready and are making our final changes tomorrow morning. I will discuss first my experience and projects I worked on, followed by Melissa talking about her contributions during the summer. We should have about an hours worth of material to talk about and can be cut down if need be. There will also be a short Q & A section after we present for around 20 employees from all departments. It should be a great experience and I am very excited for tomorrow. I will post some of the slides up probably tomorrow on everything included in the presentation!

IT sets it straight....

On Friday I checked in with our contact at IT on what the status is with our project. The news wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear. As an unofficial word, our Work Request has been submitted and passed through to IT. When a request is initialized to IT, the project is put into a queue, and we seem to be at number 8 in that queue. Unfortunately the projects ahead of us must be completed to get started on our own development process. When I asked when they expect our development process to begin I was told at the earliest, sometime in late September!

So I had to be the bearer of bad news to my manager and everyone else involved with the project. I tried to explain the reasoning behind IT and not just look at this delay as something severely a bad thing. Of course I will be leaving here on August 16^th to complete my internship but there has been much progress made already towards development. One of the most tedious jobs was gathering requirements which I accomplished early on. Also determining each user’s current process gave us a better idea on what we actually needed in this issues tracking system and what we can do without. Also developing a requirements document and work request were the final steps on getting the departments attention and get the ball rolling on development.

The worst was out of the way...almost. After the project was brought up and discussed by the HR directors and IT staff, they had a few more questions for me. They really wanted a better business case on why we should be developing the application in Peoplesoft rather than utilizing another available in-house software solution. HR and IT really wanted to explore every option we have before laying down into a set software solution. In my final weeks here I’ll complete the request and finally grab the spot in “The Line to IT.”

My manager thanked me for my contributions and assured me that my work has been a big step towards a much needed solution. She is even putting the project into her performance appraisal in the list of accomplishments for the year. Now I realize why every single thing I did was told to be documented somewhere and not to keep anything bobbling around in my head left unwritten. Because when I make my way back to school, the project must continue with one of the other team members available, and I’m not just going to be a few cubes away!

VZW Quarter 2 Results....

This afternoon we were invited to attend the 2^nd Quarter 2007 Company Performance meeting held right here at headquarters in Basking Ridge. The conference was held exclusively for VZW employees with over 20,000 locations all over the country listening in via Webcast technology.

A main topic that was discussed was financial earnings as compared to the other top wireless carriers. Included in the presentation was how VZW stands in the wireless market now and what they are planning on doing for future investments. Lowell McAdam talked about VZW and its plans on following the bidding for the new 700MHz spectrum to be deployed later in January. As the weeks continue the rules will be positioned by the FCC on the auction for this new communications band. Rumor has it on the internet that Google might be taking high bid for it. We'll have to wait and see.

Also included in the presentation were some new devices that will be hitting the shelves which I can’t disclose any other information about. But I did get to play around with some of them at the previous week's "Young Adult Marketing Session." The infamous iPhone was mentioned as well, stating that by it using the 2G EDGE network it's really a limiting factor for some data users as compared to our devices which reside on a much faster 3G network. Some strategies were mentioned on how VZW will compete with AT&T's products and services. Also some FiOS implementation numbers were mentioned and the service is rapidly expanding throughout all available areas.

Some other goodies were mentioned which again I can't disclose but are definitly going to give Verizon a bright future. All in all it was a great experience to be part of an organization this huge and experience something like this. Ill get an update later this week on the project status.

A Much Needed Update....

I haven’t updated in a while so here is the scoop on what has been going on with me at VZW.

The second week of July on Wednesday, I met on a conference call with an IT Senior staff member in Warren to discuss some goals and limitations about the project. We use Cisco 7960 series IP phones which are linked with software to our desktops. This allows us to talk on the phone and view another user’s screen in a different location over the internet. We talked about what features are needed and some possible solutions. The ending conclusion was the idea to utilize the existing Peoplesoft data infrastructure for the new system.

IT checked back with us the next week to view the “Delivered Peoplesoft” package and see what was available for us to use. They came across a very valuable “Notes” section in the disability tab. Also some other areas were discovered which are not currently used but are available to us. All in all it was some very good news to hear and the project is almost onto the road of getting started. The next step was to submit a Work Request to IT to get the project rolling.

On Thursday and Friday I had the Access Level I training class brought to us by New Horizons Learning Center. The class was very informal and I learned a lot of new information about relational databases and structures. It was amazing to see that some people use Access for their job everyday but, some of the main concepts were completely unclear to them. I would guess after following a routine each day some of the other areas are overlooked by them without proper instruction. The guy who taught the class I felt was very personable and really presented the class in a smooth structure.

Monday and Tuesday I started to develop the first draft of the Work Request. The Work Request is a document that gets submitted to IT with significant information about a future project to be developed. Included in the document is a description of the process and who will be using the system. Following that is a business case on how the new process will be improved relating to cost and time savings.

While developing the Work Request some sections called for further explanation about each featured point. I created some mock screenshots to simulate what different tabs would appear like in Peoplesoft given the criteria explained. This will make the development of the application easier to visualize when in development. After developing the first draft of the Work Request, it was passed to my manager for some changes and revisions. Finally, the document was passed to the assistant director of Employee Relations to finalize any changes seen needed. My manager submitted the Work Request to IT.

Friday was another intern event labeled as corporate softball day! Basically all of the summer interns got together at our own Verizon Corporate Softball Field located right on the headquarters campus. We were split up into two teams and played a full game of softball. I felt this event really brought everyone together being that it was a casual atmosphere. The event also managed to get everyone talking to each other and really involved in working together. There was also a barbeque outside the entire afternoon with free food and all of our managers and co-workers were invited to come out and watch the game. I smacked a few good hits for my team and we even wound up winning the game!

After coming back to work at the end of the day Friday I reviewed and finalized any last minute changes to the Work Request. My manager then submitted to document to be signed off for IT to develop. I am awaiting a call back from our IT contact at the moment to work towards the development stage. That’s about it for now and I will keep everyone updated on what’s going on next.

Access Training....

This past Friday I received an email offering training for Microsoft Access 2003. I spoke to my manager and she had me enrolled in the training. The training consists of 2 full day courses brought into the HQ building by New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. I’m very excited by getting such an advantage with taking this course, because it will actually help me understand the project I am working on more in depth on how data is structured and pulled from existing tables. It will also help me with any future projects I will work with involving databases to give me an extensive background knowledge. Here is an outline of the topics covered in the Access Level I Course:

Lesson 1: An Overview of Microsoft Access

Relational Databases

The Access Environment

The Database Environment

Examine an Access Table

Lesson 2: Managing Data

Examine an Access Form

Add and Delete Records

Sort Records

Display Record Sets

Update Records

Run a Report

Lesson 3: Establishing Table Relationships

Identify Table Relationships

Identify Primary and Foreign Keys in the Relationships Window

Working with Subdatasheets

Lesson 4: Querying the Database

The Select Query

Add Criteria to a Query

Add a Calculated Field to a Query

Perform a Calculation on a Record Grouping

Lesson 5: Designing Forms

Form Design Guidelines

Create AutoForms

Create a Form Using the Form Wizard

Modify the Design of a Form

Lesson 6: Producing Reports

Create an AutoReport

Create a Report by Using the Wizard

Examine a Report in Design View

Add a Calculated Field to a Report

Modify the Format Properties of a Control

AutoFormat a Report

Adjust the Width of a Report

Lesson 7: Planning a Database

Design a Relational Database

Identify Database Purpose

Review Existing Data

Determine Fields

Group Fields into Tables

Normalize the Data

Designate Primary and Foreign Keys

Lesson 8: Building the Structure of a Database

Create a New Database

Create a Table Using a Wizard

Create Tables in Design View

Create Relationships between Tables

Lesson 9: Controlling Data Entry

Restrict Data Entry with Field Properties

Create an Input Mask

Create a Lookup Field

Lesson 10: Finding and Joining Data

Find Data with Filters

Create Query Joins

Join Unrelated Tables

Relate Data Within a Table

Lesson 11: Creating Flexible Queries

Set Select Query Properties

Create Parameter Queries

Create Action Queries

Lesson 12: Improving Your Forms

Enhance the Appearance of a Form

Restrict Data Entry in Forms

Add Command Buttons

Create a Subform

Lesson 13: Customizing Your Reports

Organize Report Information

Set Report Control Properties

Control Report Pagination

Summarize Information

Add a Subreport to an Existing Report

Create Mailing Labels

Lesson 14: Expanding the Reach of Your Data

Publish Access Data as a Word Document

Analyze Access Data in Excel

Export Data to a Text File

Merge Access Data with a Word Document

The class course days are July 12^th and 13^th. After completing the Access Level I course, I am also enrolled in the Access Level II course. This course involves using complex querying techniques, macro creation, and maintenance involved with multiple database structures. The following is an outline for the Access Level II course which I will be taking August 2^nd and 3^rd:

Lesson 1: Structuring Existing Data

Import Data

Analyze Tables

Create a Junction Table

Improve Table Structure

Lesson 2: Writing Advanced Queries

Create Unmatched and Duplicates Queries

Group and Summarize Records Using the Criteria Field

Summarize Data with a Crosstab Query

Create a PivotTable and a PivotChart

Display a Graphical Summary on a Form

Lesson 3: Simplifying Tasks with Macros

Create a Macro

Attach a Macro to a Command Button

Restrict Records Using a Where Condition

Lesson 4: Adding Interaction and Automation with Macros

Require Data Entry with a Macro

Display a Message Box with a Macro

Automate Data Entry

Lesson 5: Making Forms more Effective

Change the Display of Data Conditionally

Display a Calendar on a Form

Organize Information with Tab Pages

Lesson 6: Making Reports More Effective

Cancel Printing of a Blank Report

Include a Chart in a Report

Arrange Data in Columns

Create a Report Snapshot

Lesson 7: Maintaining an Access Database

Link Tables to External Data Sources

Back Up a Database

Compact and Repair a Database

Protect a Database with a Password

Determine Object Dependency

Document a Database

Analyze the Performance of a Database

Countdown to the iPhone...

This past week there was a lot of anxiety and speculations at HQ and all of Verizon Wireless pertaining to the launch of the new revolutionary device from Apple, the iPhone. This sleek all in one phone is exclusively for AT&T customers only. (Formerly Cingular Wireless) The reason behind such high stress levels over here is because AT&T is Verizon’s biggest competitor in the wireless industry.

Keeping everything confidential I heard many reviews and comparisons to the iPhone from Verizon Wireless internal communications. I will say an unbelievable event on what I witnessed however on the days leading up to the launch. Sitting in my cube I overhear a conversation between some high up department directors about the iPhone. I decide to take a gander on what all the commotion is all about. As I stand there, I noticed someone holding their phone up in the air. “I would just LOVE to see an iPhone do this!” was the phrase yelled over and over again. This all being done while taking her cell phone and slamming it onto the ground repeatedly. At that point I made my way back to my desk and began to wonder what exactly has gotten into everyone here.

Is it really hatred towards the new Apple device which revolutionized the smart phone into something that is so far ahead of its time, that the only way to discriminate against it is compare how it can be thrown into the floor? Or is it simply based on the fact that the device is signed exclusively to AT&T Wireless and can only be used on their network? Did the comparison charts even completely make sense distinguishing the iPhone and other competitor devices or was the dispute taken down to an elementary school logic of argument? I could probably write a book on what I have seen, heard, and my opinions on the months leading up to this launch, but I will just leave it at that.

As for the rollout of the iPhone I think Apple did a great job as compared to AT&T. While waiting in line at the Apple store lines were separated into groups. These groups were then given the option once arriving into the store to separate. One way lead you to the quick purchase of the phone, the other let you play around with the device until your hearts content. Walking down to the end of the 500+ person line, I noticed people of all demographics eagerly awaiting their moment of glory to grab one of these phones. It was a great experience seeing how much impact the iPhone has had on the industry both from the inside and out.