Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I would like to have a stable job in my career field that could allow me to also start my MBA in supply chain management. I am still unsure of what my location will be but I am open to the idea of moving possibly to another state if my employment opportunities allow me to do so. I also see myself studying another language in my free time to add to my list as another skill to be more marketable.
What kind of work do you enjoy the most?
A: I enjoy working in areas where I can contribute my ideas and help find solutions to problems. I like having a specific area that I can concentrate at a time to add to a bigger project. I also consider challenges to be full of learning opportunities for me and a great way to employ my creativity in positive ways.
What motivates you?
A: I like to look back at everything my parents have done for me from going to Mexico so I could learn Spanish in an advanced level to the decision of moving back to the United States so I could attend college in this country. They have set out a path of success for me and making them proud and fulfilling my dream of becoming successful is what really motivates me to work hard and be the best I can be.
What are your weaknesses?
A: One of my weaknesses is that I allow myself sometimes too much creative freedom to reach my goals. I have a plan but sometimes the steps to get there are modified. My goal is to have a balance of both where I can follow through the steps and also find the best way to do things in order to be successful.
What are your strengths?
A:One of strengths is my language/communication abilities, I have always been very interested in different languages and cultures and that has pushed me to learn new languages (French, Korean). I plan to continue expanding my horizons and learn more languages in the future. Another of my strengths is my ability to concentrate and get tasks done efficiently. This has helped me in many occasions working for assignments that have close due dates. When this happens, I fully dedicate myself to what I need to work on so it is done on time and correctly.
How do you deal with conflict?
A: I first try to analyze the situation very well before coming to any conclusions. Then I have a conversation with the people that involve this particular situation to listen to all sides. After this, I try to establish common ground to come to a conclusion that can benefit everyone or in this case whatever situation is occurring at the moment.
Tell me about a time that you participated in a team, what was your role?
A: I have participated in teams many times through school, work, and even volunteering opportunities. A notable experience about working in a team that I have is when I was volunteering at St James Catholic Church. Our goal was to make blankets for cancer patients and as a team leader my job was to supervise the kids participating as well as making blankets myself. I really enjoyed this activity and our productivity as a team helped the church send many of these blankets.
What have you learned from mistakes on the job/in training or school?
A: When I started my first job at Tj Maxx, I concentrated mainly on having my part of the store done and ready. Through experience from working there, I learned that it is important to help others when they need it in order to have better sales. This has helped me become a better team player and develop good relationships with my coworkers.
How do you handle pressure/stress?
A: In my case, if I find myself stressed out or under a great amount of pressure, I take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture. Thinking about my final goal or a possible accomplishment motivates me to work harder and invest myself in the necessary steps to get there. Another method I use to relieve stress is to have a constructive conversation if I am struggling to find a solution to a problem. This helps me open up to new ideas and possible ways to handle a situation.
Who do you look up to/who is your mentor?
A: I personally admire my dad for what he has been able to do in his professional career. He has built very good relationships and has been active in the network process. Many companies regard him as a very hard worker and have offered him many opportunities. I aspire to be like him someday and be perceived as a valuable employee.