University Relations

• Konnichiwa: Dell Enters the Blogosphere in Japanese

  Sun. May. 11, 2008
  by Lionel Menchaca, Chief Blogger

  Folks who keep up with this blog have heard me mention it a couple of times. Today, we're launching Direct2Dell in Japanese. I think it's worth noting, not only because it is the fifth language that we've added to the Direct2Dell family, but because it's one of the most important ones: according to Technorati, Japanese is the most common language in the blogosphere.

  Japan leads the world in Internet download speeds (check out the report from speedmatters.org—note that Japan's average broadband speed is 30 times faster that of the United States). And that kind of leadership also extends to the mobile phone space thanks to technology like NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service and competing technologies. That translates into millions of users who routinely use text messaging, access video and other multimedia content on mobile phones. That's one reason I think that services like Twitter—despite the fact that they just launched service in Japan—are really taking off there.

  Today, Michael Dell will mention the Direct2Dell Japanese blog in a speech to students and media at the Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, part of  Hitotsubashi University.

  So why is this important to Dell? Because we want to enable more direct conversations around the world. We understand that social media is global. Other recent studies like this one from Universal McCann show just how global it is. Click here for the PDF of that report.

  If you are interested in following our Japanese blog, go here: http://japanese.direct2dell.com

   

  Konnichiwa - こんにちは。 デルが、日本語のブログワールドに参入します。

  過去の私のブログでも、他言語の追加について言及したことがあります。本日、日本語のDirect2Dellがオープンします。Direct2Dellに5番目の言語として追加されるということはさておき、もっと重要なのは、Technoratiによると、日本語は、ブログワールドで最も多く利用されている言語だということです。

  日本は、インターネットのダウンロード速度 においても世界をリードしています。（speedmatters.orgのレポートによると、日本のブロードバンド速度の平均値はアメリカの30倍に匹敵するそうです） NTTドコモのi-modeのようなテクノロジーに代表される携帯電話の世界でも、日本の先進性を見ることができます。何百万人もの人が日常的に携帯電話でメールをし、携帯電話から動画などのマルチメディアコンテンツにアクセスしているのです。Twitterのようなサービスが、日本語でのサービスを立ち上げたばかりにもかかわらず、非常に人気が高いのも、こういった理由によるものでしょう。

  本日、マイケル・デルが、一橋大学大学院国際企業戦略研究科の学生へのスピーチの中で、日本語のDirect2Dellについて言及することになります。

  ところで、なぜ、このことがデルにとって重要なのでしょう？それは、デルが、今まで以上に、ダイレクトな会話をグローバルでできるようになるからです。ソーシャルメディアは、グローバル規模のものです。ユニバーサルマッキャンの最近のレポートでも、ソーシャルメディアが如何にグローバルであるかが示されています。このレポートのPDFフォーマットは、こちらからどうぞ。

  日本語のDirect2Dellに興味のある方は右記URLにアクセスしてみてください：  http://japanese.direct2dell.com

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• Just graduating from school and looking for a job……sales might be for you

  Mon. Mar. 24, 2008
  by Lauren Archer, University Relations Team

  We have posted several blogs about our sales roles in our Consumer and Small Business sales groups.  We have received some feedback and questions about our hiring process.  I hope this helps you in understanding how we hire our representatives. 

  To recap the previous posts, we are looking for Inside Sales Agents that would take calls from our customers that want to purchase our products.  We ask them the correct questions, to figure out what is the best system for their home or small business.  If you a good performer, you will have the opportunity to be in different queues.   After about 12-18 months, you can have the opportunity to move into leadership roles, relationship sales or even into a non-sales group. 

  If that is something that interests you, and you are graduating this spring or summer, then here is the process.  We have openings, in Austin, TX, Nashville, TN and Oklahoma City, OK.  You can submit your resume either through your career services or submit your resume through the Dell Career Site at http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/careers/studentprograms/default?c=us&l=en&s=corp%23top.  If your resume is selected we will either interview on campus, if you are a school that we normally attend, or we will interview on the Dell Site or over the phone. 

  If your interview is successful, you will be asked to take our Sales Assessment Test.  I get a ton of questions on this test.  The test is in three parts.  The first 2 parts are timed and more behavioral and the third part are simulated calls that you go through.  This test is not something to lose sleep over, but we do take this seriously.

  If you are successful with the AON test you will be invited to a Day at Dell and at that time we will be giving out offers.  Congratulations! 

  I hope this helps you understand our process a little bit better.  Please feel free to reach out to the University Relations team with any questions.

   Good Luck!

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• Travel Do’s & Don’ts

  Thu. Mar. 13, 2008
  by Kristin Huber, University Relations Team

  As you may be interviewing for internships and traveling to visit your companies of choice I have a few lessons to share from my recent travels.  Hope they save you some travel headaches!

  •1)     Never fly through Chicago in the winter

  One of the nation's busiest airport + winter weather = canceled flights!  I've recently experienced this first hand which leads me to my next tip...

  •2)     Never check your luggage

  Pack your stuff in carry on-sized luggage.  If you get stuck or rerouted you will really appreciate have a change of clothes and deodorant with you!

  •3)     If you're stuck in an airport claim a power outlet and hold on to it!

  Most airports have limited outlets but I'm not above sitting on the floor if I can find an outlet!  You'll usually see a cluster of power cords and cell phone chargers on the floor you know you've hit the outlet jackpot!  The best place to charge your laptop in the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport is a massage chair with a power outlet (of course it's not free!).  Maybe they should call it the "Charge/Recharge Chair?"

  •4)     Get chatty!

  Use your down time on airplanes and in airports as a way to make connections.  You never know who you might meet.  In the past few months I've met a guy who test drives cars for a living; he loves the autobahn and did the Baja 1,000 in a Volvo!  I also met a guy who does security assessments for government buildings and military bases...important stuff!  I've met some new connections from Microsoft, HP, and Apple too.  I'm a Recruiter and I love to hear about what people do for a living and what excites them about their jobs.  Even if you don't make a potential new contact at the very least it's a great way to be entertained!

  I wish you safe travels!

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• MBA Internship Strategies

  Tue. Mar. 11, 2008
  by Maria Calltharp, University Relations Team

  -Set goals- make sure expectations are clear.  Set goals around what you want to accomplish.

   

  -Immerse yourself- learn as much as you can, network within the company.

   

  -Identify a mentor- find someone that will guide you.

   

  -Do your best- always do your best work. Show you are capable at small things as well as large projects.

   

  -Always be professional- always dress and act appropriately.  Maintain a positive attitude.

   

  -Reflect- make sure and reflect on your work and meeting your goals throughout the internship.

   

  -Take initiative- seek out opportunities to learn.

   

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• Austin’s South by Southwest Festival

  Thu. Mar. 06, 2008
  by Lauren Archer, University Relations Team

  Every year in March Austin hosts one of the largest music and film festivals.  Dell just happens to be one of its sponsors.  The festival will take place from March 7^th - March 16^th.

  The Music portion features hundreds of musical acts from around the world that will play in over 50 venues and stages.  While there are some known artists, most of these musicians are looking to get signed.  Some previous artists signed at this event are James Blunt, Norah Jones and Sixpence None the Richer.  Obviously Austin has always been know for great talent, but this festival, brings in talent that we would not have known before.

  The film festival features independent films.  The festival has gained international acclaim for its quality and emerging talent.

  There is also an interactive portion to the festival which celebrates media technology.  This part of the festival incorporates panels that discuss web design, social networks etc...

  For more information please go to http:/www.sxsw.com/

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• Top Ten Hot Spots for Spring Break 2008

  Tue. Mar. 04, 2008
  by Andrea Jestice, University Relations Team

  The mid-way point of the spring semester is almost here!  Do you have any big plans for spring break this year?  Are you craving some fun in the sun or hoping to get one last winter vacation in before all of the snow has melted?  Or, maybe you haven't decided where you are going to go.  If that is the case, here are some ideas that might help you choose your final destination for this years break!  According to About.com, here are the Top Ten Hot Spots for Spring Break '08!

   

  1. Acapulco, Mexico
  2. Cancun, Mexico
  3. Negril, Jamaica
  4. Panama City, Florida
  5. Lake Havasu, Arizona
  6. Daytona Beach, Florida
  7. South Padre Island, TX
  8. Nassau, Bahamas
  9. Las Vegas, Nevada
  10. Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, & Winter Park, Colorado

   

  Whether it is sun or snow you are craving, remember to stay safe!!  Have a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break!! 

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• This is a blog about my life in college. My story and lessons I've learned.

  Thu. Feb. 28, 2008
  by Jill Olney, University Relations Team

  After 8 years of being out of college, I can definitely say that the last 2 years have been a real challenge. In 2006 I decided to go back to school for my MBA. 

  After looking at different schools, my main goal was to find a school that did not have classes more than once a week.  I found a few but my focus was a program that worked with working adults.  Southern Nazarene University was the University that I wanted to put the investment in.  Classes were held one night a week (every Thurs for the last 2 years).

  In the beginning I was really gung-ho, I wanted to be on time with all assignments and I struggled to get the best grade.  I felt I needed to prove that I belonged there.  What I have learned is I am better at time management than I thought.  All my real life experiences have taught me more than I thought.  Many of your examples in Grad school are from my current position and from previous employment.  I am glad that I waited to go back for more education, I appreciate the learning now more than ever.    I have finally admitted to myself that I am more ambitious than I thought. 

  I now have 12 more weeks to go and I can only think about what I am going to do with my Thurs nights when I am done.  Relax, sleep more or go to the gym.  "Doing nothing...."

  For those of you that contemplate a higher education, these are some of the things to think about before making that decision.... Do you currently have work experience that relates to in a MBA environment?  Does your work support the MBA thought processes?  Can you advance in your position with a MBA?  Do you feel that is would be a good opportunity for yourself?  How much do you want it?  Are you ready to commit to the program?  After asking all these questions you will get a good idea of whether or not going back to school will benefit you. 

  I say when you make the decision give it your all.... Learn all that you can because it does go by real fast and the long term benefits that you may gain from it are more than you know....

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• We want to know your thoughts….

  Mon. Feb. 18, 2008
  by Lauren Archer, University Relations Team

  For the last several months the University Relations Team has been posting information on the Direct2Dell Blog.  I have seen that people have read our blog, but we have received very few comments.  Please let us know your thoughts about the University Relations Blog.  We also want to post articles that are relevant to what you want to hear.  If you have an idea, let us know….we will do our best to post things that you are interested in reading and starting a dialogue.

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• Preparation is the Key to Success

  Wed. Jan. 30, 2008
  by Lauren Archer, University Relations Team

  Over the holiday break, I had an opportunity to spend some time with my 15 year old cousin, Rachel.  As I talked to her, I learned that in order to meet the goals she wanted for her future (fashion merchandising); she has to start preparing now.  She is already starting to do cooperatives that her high school has set up, and she cannot even drive yet.  She spent the summer traveling and learning more about the craft she intends to master.  Also, this summer she plans on spending her time at Penn State, where she will not only prepare for the SAT’s but continue to take classes in fashion merchandising.  All I know is that when I was in school, including college, I did not know what an internship or cooperative was.  

   

  Times are changing, and it looks like in order to keep up, you have to start early.  Experience and preparation are critical to meeting your goals.  You don’t want to get left behind.

   

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• My New Year’s Resolution

  Mon. Jan. 28, 2008
  by Jill Olney, University Relations Team
  Since this is the beginning of the new year… most goals are to start off feeling good about oneself.  I decided to try out “the Master Cleanser diet”…Lemons, Water, Cayenne pepper.

  After testing out this diet....I have come to the conclusion that it if the overall goal is not healthy or making you feel energized the diet is not worth it.  I have now changed directions and am sticking to a 1200 calorie plan while also attending the gym 2-3 times a week.  My daily food consists of eating pretzels, chicken, fish and veggies.  In life when you look at the total picture make sure that you are doing what is healthy for yourself…

  1200 calorie plan: Fat 20% = 26.6 grams of fat/daily; Protein 50% = 150 grams of protein/daily; Carbs 30% = 90 grams of carbs/daily

   

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