Stop in Washington D.C.

So thankful for our God fearing, founding fathers of this great nation!  

Lincoln Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

Washington Memorial

Check out one of the guys on the roof of the White House?

Final Day in Ireland

We spent the first part of our day having each team take a turn in the hot seat giving an overview of their project and lessons learned.  As I heard the various issues identified in each situation, whether it was an issue of team dynamics, lack of instruction from the business/CEO, or a lack of leadership skills on the CEO's part, I realized that I can save myself a lot of time and pain if I can learn from others mistakes, as apposed to learning them the hard way.

We then spent the afternoon at National Digital Research Center (NDRC).  NDRC's vision is to make ventures happen.  They create capital by building high-impact new adventures. where four startups proposed their business ideas to us as if we were the investors, similar to the show, sharktank. 

Sports Vantage - Day 4

Today was our final day to pull all of our research information together and organize it, so that we could present it to the partners of Sports Vantage.  It was a busy day, especially because I worked on the PowerPoint and additional research until midnight last night.

One of the most challenging obstacles related to the presentation, was not actually giving the presentation itself, rather, it was presenting them with information that, although very valuable, resulted non-ideal outcome.  Having said that, the technology platform behind Sports Vantage is unique, and I still believe there is a market for it; however, based on our market research, it may not be in the market they, and we, were hoping it would be.

I learned a great lesson while working on this project as a team; that is, anytime I work on a project as a team together, if there is not a project manager, elect one; regardless of whether or not you were informed to elect a project manager, always elect a project manager. Somebody needs to be in charge, somebody needs to manage tasks, and somebody needs the final say. Otherwise, you end up with confusion as everyone has a different opinion, but nobody has the final say...

From the beginning, I felt like we needed a project manager; however, me being the one with the most project management experience, I did not want it to come across as passive aggressive by bringing it up, and I also thought we may be able to do without one.  However, into day 2 and 3, it was very apparent that we needed a project manager.  I mentioned to the group several times by saying that I am not used to working on a project either as the project manager or for a project manager.  I added that what we were experiencing was the reason why there is only project manager, or only one boss.  In the end, I hold my self accountable. I should have led us down the path of determining that we need a project manager, even if we only had one day left.  I will learn from this and not make this mistake again...

It has been a tremendous experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity.  I have always wanted to study abroad, and now I can check it off my bucket list.  One day closer to seeing my family!

Sports Vantage - Day 3

Today was our third day working with Sports Vantage.  Each day seems to progressively get more stressful due to the amount of market research that is required and the limited amount of time to thoroughly complete our market research and provide recommendations.  Marketing used to be a topic that I was less interested in, as it is typically intertwined with sales; however, the more time I have spent doing marketing research, the more I enjoy it!

This week has been a great learning experience trying to find the right balance of time collaborating as a group and the individually doing the work.  Leading seems to come easy for most people in this Leadership course, thus, I am learning that there are many times when allowing others to lead benefits the group more than competing with others to lead.

Trip to Cliffs of Moher

The travel to Galway yesterday, along with not sleeping well, turned into a long day as we traveled to the Cliffs of Moher and then back to Dublin.  On the way, we were able to stop and take a quick tour of the Ireland's Dunguaire Castle, which was really cool.

Once we made it to Cliffs of Moher, it was all worth it. The cliffs were absolutely amazing.  In the end, even though it was a long journey to see them, it was so worth it! 

I have met some really good friends during this study abroad experience, that I believe, will be life long friends, and for this I am very grateful.  However, I am starting to get really homesick and hope this last week flies by. :)

Get your flex on :P

Ireland's Dunguaire Castle

Trip to Galway, Ireland

We left Belfast, Northern Ireland this morning and headed back to Dublin, Ireland. However, due to an unforeseen Ireland holiday tomorrow, we have a free day tomorrow, as well; therefore, we made a trip to the western side of the island today, Galway, Ireland.  

Galway is quint little town that reminds me of the small little towns along the pacific coast of Oregon and Washington.  

We ate some delicious seafood at Cooke's restaurant and had some Gelato at Gino's Gelato. Tomorrow will will head to Cliffs of Moher...