Lessons on Employment

I figured that since many of us will be at some point entering the working world this post would be appropriate:

For the last four months I've been working at my co-op position at a fairly large corporation. The latter half of those two months was filled with many attempts to outperform others and beat standards set by myself. For once in my life, I can see how it is possible that one's work can consume one's personal time. I haven't been able to post lately because I've been prioritizing my work responsibilities ahead of just about everything else. I can tell you it is hard to actually do well in a job, especially in a place where there are hundreds of people who are older, more experienced, and have a better sense of the "bigger picture".

For example, if I were to not sound stupid in a conversation with my boss, it would involve a dizzying amount of knowledge just to keep up. I have to keep on top of current market movements, social-economical trends in the US and Canada, monetary and fiscal policies, competitor actions/reactions, and all the good ol' textbook knowledge you learn in school. It's tough. The hardest part is even with all that knowledge, if you can't synthesize it, and derive some sort of meaningful conclusion that you can present in a sharp and succinct way, all that effort is wasted.

It's impossible to keep up with that kind of demand within your daily 9-5, I guess that's why managers tend to be at work for around 10-12 hours a day just so they can be on top of everything, that is to say, the good managers at least. For me on the other hand, I just wanted to imprint my image on the minds of the people I worked with, because I know, 1 or 2 years from now when I graduate, I'm going to need a little help from somebody I worked for in the past to get me in the door.

Lesson 1: Networking - knowing the right people in the right places will get you farther than knowing a lot.

With working at this establishment, I've grown to meet a lot of people. Upon meeting them, you can tell right away whether that person or not will "move up the ladder". The reason why I put quotes around that phrase is that on occasion, people are "moved up" not based on merit, but based on other non-value-added criteria. I'm not saying those people won't do a good job, but what I am saying is that much like colleges and universities, corporations in themselves promote "diversity" and "equality" and hence there are quotas to meet. People that are moved up because of random chromosome pairings usually don't get very far, because the people that go to the top are committed to getting there and are willing to sacrifice a lot of things to get there. Take for example: those who move up work harder and longer than their bosses.

Lesson 2: Determination - Show up earlier than your boss and leave later, nothing says you're a trooper than making your boss feel bad.

Throughout the last four months, I've sat through a lot of meetings. Some of which were exciting, others of which were not so much. You know when you watch The Office and see some of those frivolous meetings about diversity and what not and laugh about them - that's because they really do happen. :p

At any rate, what I've noticed is that it doesn't matter how well you know your information, if you can't communicate it then you're a pretty useless asset to the company. You may be the smartest person in the world, but if you can't convince a group of your co-workers that the idea is viable than it will not be implemented.

So: Lesson 3: Flash - If you can sell useless knickknacks on the street, then you can sell the best ideas to your boss.

Many people were told a variant of this story by their peers, their parents and even society in general:

Go to school.
Do well.
Go to college.
Do well.
Get a good job because the last 20 years of your life have been spent on doing well.

The word "good" is italicized because it's meant to be said with a pejorative tone. I'm not being cynical in anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of career paths that the above story is partially true. Take for example, a doctor, I can foresee that the above story is quite applicable to them, but at some point when you're in a large organized body, such as a hospital, research firm or government, those very same above principles should apply. I guess my final thought to summarize this up is this:

Don't focus all your efforts on being brilliant and ignore your environment, because it is your environment that dictates what's brilliant.

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Badges make scientists cooler

From the University of British Columbia, the Order of Science Scouts of Exemplary Repute and Above Average Physique have brought us a vast array of badges to show off our scientific might.

Now the ladies will be a-running towards my abode.

Among the badges that I qualify for, two of my favourites are:

The "I blog about science" badge. and of course,
The "I've touched human internal organs with my own hands" badge.



There a lot of other really funny ones like the "sexing up science" badge (as above), but I don't want to ruin the surprise(s) for you.

Note: As of the time of this post, the OOSSOERAAAP's site is down. Sorry for the trouble. This is a note to you bloggers out there, if you are going to link to a site, don't hotlink (link directly) to the images on their server. Just download them and upload them to your own. Sheesh.

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Awesome medical podcast

In an effort to learn as much as possible, while still being entertained, I've been listening to a lot of different podcasts. One that I think is particularly well done and captivating is the Vital Signs Podcast from Discover magazine.

Vital Signs showcases a series of medical tales that usually have some air of mystery. For example, a entire family is struck with seizures, even their dog; this is in "Trouble in the Nursery" (mp3 file).

The science jargon is used only when necessary and explanations are almost always provided. Narration is clear and both the male and female narrators have nice voices -- by nice, I mean not annoying, which is really aggravating for a podcast. As a side note, after listening to a lot of podcasts, you start to notice that really nasal people like to make them. What's up with that?

Anywho. Even if you aren't interested in medicine, these are tales that involve families, doctor-patient relationships, health, and good ol' detective work. Plus, they can be pretty dramatic.

The Vital Signs Podcast: it's awesome.

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Random Interesting Fact #3: Utility

The concept of utility is useful to know in studying economics, biology, sociology, philosophy and even sweet, sweet mathematics.

Utility describes the happiness or value that you give to objects or actions. It may vary from person to person.

For example, while many people want money, one hundred dollars doesn't mean the same to me as it does to Bill Gates. The $100 bill has more more utility to me than to Gates; in other words, I get more pleasure from $100 than Gates does (so I would presume).

When people describe utilitarianism they often mistakenly say that it is a policy that ensures the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Like we should distribute money to everyone equally.

This is incorrect because it assumes that everyone gives the same amount of money the same utility: they say everyone gives money the same utility.

Utilitarianism actually tries to maximize the utility of the whole populace. So if giving all the money to one person would give the utility, then this is the utilitarian thing to do. My friend called this sort of person a "utility monster" because they have all the utility.

This stuff can get pretty heavy, but it is interesting to think of how this concept can be used. If you are interested, there are a lot of resources out there. A LOT.

Additional resources (opens in new window):
Wikipedia: Utility
Utilitarianism.com

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A free university / college education

If you share a love of free learning - with no cost or boundaries - here is a wonderful resource from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):

MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT has graciously uploaded course lectures with topics ranging from astrophysics to feminist political thought.

As I love the idea of independent learning, content from one of the world's most renouned universities is priceless. (That was sort of a pun.) I have more to say about pursuing knowledge independently, but I'm saving that for a later post.

Currently, I'm studying the basics of general philosophy and philosophy of the mind. This will go a long way in helping me out: "Mind and Machines"

Some courses even have video and audio available.

Did I mention "free"?!

Here is a list of the topics they cover (note that there are many courses within these broad topics):

• Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Anthropology
• Architecture
• Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
• Biological Engineering
• Biology
• Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Comparative Media Studies
• Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Engineering Systems Division
• Experimental Study Group
• Foreign Languages and Literatures
• Health Sciences and Technology
• History
• Linguistics and Philosophy
• Literature
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Media Arts and Sciences
• Music and Theater Arts
• Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Physics
• Political Science
• Science, Technology, and Society
• Sloan School of Management
• Special Programs
• Urban Studies and Planning
• Women's Studies
• Writing and Humanistic Studies

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Staying healthy to stay focused

My nose is a torrent, my head is a pressure-cooker and my lymph nodes are a series of warzones.

Maybe it goes without saying, but I haven't gotten much studying in today.

From an experiential point of view, we know that when we over-stress our body -- through studying, physical exertion, emotional tumult, etc. -- our body eventually gives way. In order to get the most from our bodies, say to study for exams, we must treat our bodies with respect.

More and more research is finding that our mental states have a direct or indirect effect on our health. Even thinking about exercise can make you healthier.

On the negative side, stressing over exams can weaken your immune system. I have seen and am currently experiencing illness that comes from mismanaging my stress.

So then what should we be doing to show our bodies the respect they diserve?

R-E-S-P-E-C-T (find out what it means to me)

• Eating good food regularly.
• I would like to emphasize the good and the regularly parts. Your body needs clean fuel to run smoothly. So fill up on premium, not macaroni and ketchup... again.
• Sleep.
• In Scientific American Mind (Oct 2006), they describe how German neuroendocrinologist Ullrich Wagner demonstrated how sleep promotes insight. (Excerpt in the comments section.) Basically, if you look at a problem, take a little nap, you will have more insight.
• Stay calm and breathe.
• We all need oxygen to function, don't forget about breathing. Although a little stress can be helpful to learn, too much and you will block those neural pathways.
• Keep yourself in check.
• Every once in a while, just ask yourself: How am I doing? Look at your posture. Check your breathing. Are you tense? Even starting to shake a little bit? Once you realize that you aren't doing so hot, it is time to take a little break. Self-awareness is key.

For the most part, you may know these tips, but it doesn't hurt to get a reminder now and again. And trust me, it is much easier to take preventitive measures to ensure your good health, then to deal with the consequences afterwards.

I'm going to go lie down now; I'm waiting for some night-time Dimetapps to kick in.

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Dedication: Screw the naysayers

There is a unique way of thinking that dedicated people have. In the same vein, there is an all too common way of thinking that undedicated people have. Here are some things I've heard over the past month on the topic of studying:

• No one needs to study for a week for an exam.
• I don't want to over-study the material.
• Don't be such a lame-ass, finish that essay tomorrow, drink with us now.

... and the list goes on and on.

Those who are dedicated to achieving high marks and accomplishing their goals are very focused on what they want, and will not allow obstacles to get in their way. They understand that a single-minded dedication, focus, even obsession is required to get what they want.

Frankly, it may seem "lame" or "weird" to those on the outside looking in. Yet if you want to truly excel, then the opinions of other people should not matter. What makes them such experts anyhow? Are they performing superbly in the area you want toconquer? I doubt it.

I know you are a very intelligent person. I know that you want to improve yourself in a number of different ways. So if you were to let the transient thoughts of people get in the way of that improvement, you would be doing a great disservice to yourself.

Since you are in control of your mind and your faculties, you should be the judge of what is or is not appropriate to do.

As we are in the exam season, many of us want to do well on our exams. What are you prepared to do about it?

I got this joke from one of my friends, it highlights this in a funny way:

A student comes to a young professor's office hours. She glances down the hall, closes his door, and kneels pleadingly. "I would do anything to pass this exam."

She leans closer to him, flips back her hair, gazes meaningfully into his eyes. "I mean," she whispers, "I would do anything."

He returns her gaze. "Anything?"

"Anything."

His voice turns to a whisper. "Would you...study?"

Study?! What kind of punchline is that?

The best kind of punchline. It is the crucial ingredient people seem to forget. We don't need insane strategies, we don't need lucky shoes, we don't need to update our facebook/MSN messenger status. What we need is content in our brains! We need to study.

For the most part, I try to keep these posts light-hearted, but sometimes we all need a kick in the ass.

To address the quotes at the beginning of this post:

• A week is too long to study? If you don't feel prepared after 3 days of studying that's probably because you need more time. Only you know how much time you require to cover your material well? Although you don't want to fall prey to Parkinson's Law (it states that "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion"), the more time you study, the more information you'll get into your brain.
• In a similar way, while it is possible to over-study, for the most part you are going to have to study A LOT A LOT to get to that point. I think it's funny that people worry about getting too bulky or big from going to the gym, without even lifting a pound. In the same way that you'll notice that your triceps are getting bigger, you'll notice that you are starting toover-analyse your studies. Even if you start to over-analyse, you'll be in a far better position than before opening your books.
• Successful people understand that there is a time for play, and a time for work. While it is popular to be the guy or gal that's always ready to party, it doesn't always work out. Understanding that sometimes we have to be uncomfortable to get what we want is crucial to personal and academic growth.

The bottom line: Stay focused, even obsessed with your goals. Don't let naysayers distract you. While dedication is not always the most popular option, it is one of the wisest.

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Are you fully using your library?

If you are a student, I'm sure you have had to sign-out at least a few books from your school's library; I think it's a pretty safe assumption to say that these books were most likely for a research project of some sort.

As much as I love projects, only using the library for academic work is a poor utilization of this vast, vast resource.

What are you interested in? Assuming your answer did not involve that "My Humps" song, your library or one very close to you will most likely have resources relating to it.

What do libraries hold?

• Academic texts outside your field
• I've just started dabbling in philosophy (at an introductory level) with the help of some books here.
  
• Historical texts/objects
• There is a showcase of medical texts and tools used in the Renaissance era.
  
• Music?!
• Sheet music and even CDs can be found here.
  
• Fiction
• I just walked by 10 Orson Scott Card books in the Science Fiction section that I didn't even know existed until today.
  
• Periodicals
• Magazines! I love magazines, I eat them. But they can get a little pricey after a while. If you want variety and a low, low price, the library is your answer.
  

Other awesome characteristics?

• Computers
• There are tons of them, even at local libraries. You probably have a computer if you are reading this, but you can stay connected while you are at the library.
  
• Quiet
• Sometimes all you need to hear is the sound of silence.
  
• People are nice, helpful and quiet
• Librarians have a wealth of knowledge that people are under-utilizing, when given the chance they leap at the opportunity to help. Did you know that in professional institutions most librarians are Bachelors and/or Masters of Library Science?
  
• Free!!
• You don't have to pay money. Simple!

This is just the stuff that I have been noticing this term. There is much more to find -- I may post more about this later. So investigate what your library has to offer! You may find a new passion.

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Random Interesting Facts #2 - Gynecomastia

I read this in Scientific American, but this link is from HealthFinder.gov:
Personal-Care Products Can Spur Breast Development in Boys

If that title doesn't say it all, I'll briefly elaborate. It was found that some pre-pubescent boys were exhibiting gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth in men). After they stopped using products that contained tea tree oils and/or lavender, this condition subsided.

I should emphasis that lavender and tea tree oils have not been definitively shown to cause gynecomastia. (Correlation is not causation.) A proposed reason for this effect in pre-pubescent boys is that these chemicals mimic the effect of estrogen, which is one hormone responsible for inducing breast growth (usually in females though). As young boys have low levels of testosterone, a predominantly male hormone, they cannot counteract the effects of these estrogen-mimicing aromatics. Thus, man-boobs.

You shouldn't all stop using lavender and tea tree oil-containing products, but if you are a male that hasn't hit puberity, maybe you should keep this in the back of your mind.

Word of the day:
gynecomastia - abnormal growth of breast tissue in a male

gyneco- means woman; mast(o)- means breast or lump; -ia is a common disease/condition suffix

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Getting yourself to commit

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. "

-- W.H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition

As is the case with most posts, recently I have been noticing the theme of commitment coming up in my life. As such I wanted to share my views on it and hear some of yours.

Commitment is a driving force that can help us accomplish all the tasks before us. These tasks can include getting involved in extracurricularactivities, exercising, biochemistry labs or philosophy essays. Whatever they are, commitment will bring them to life.

What is so powerful about commitment? In one way, it leaves you with only the option to succeed. In burning your bridges, you know you must complete your duty, or perish. As much as one may not want to complete an essay, the alternative is a lot worse.

In committing, you give yourself a renewed energy. All of your energy becomes focused on your task rather than all the other possibilities.

I'm sure I don't need to go on about the importance of commitment. The better question is: How can we commit ourselves?

I have a couple methods that work for me.

Tell people what you are doing

Recently, I wanted to contribute an essay to the Philosopher's Cafe, a publication here at Queen's University. Yet, initially I wasn't sure if I was able to commit myself. I didn't know if I had enough time, enough creativity, enough content. What I did have a lot of was bullshit excuses. (Pardon my language.)

In this case my commitment had to be externalized. So I told almost everyone that would listen that I was writing an essay for the Philosopher's Cafe. I told my friends, my lab partners, my parents, even one professor. Sometimes I would find reasons to steer the conversation to this work, just so I could tell them about it.

It almost sounds a little crazy, but it works. Why?

It could be for many reasons: People will talk about it, and it will remind you to work on the essay. As well, since so many people know about it, you don't want to disappoint them. You have your pride to remember. The idea of having even a few people read the essay, and like it, was also pretty exciting, and made me want to wow them. I'm sure you will have your own reasons for wanting to tell people.

However, I must give you a small warning. There are certain goals that you shouldn't share with certain people. Some goals will make a certain person jealous, so don't tell them. They won't reflect the positivity that you are looking for, and may resent you for your efforts. As much as I'd like to see everyone as perfect, we aren't, so these things happen.

Luckily, there are often at least one or two (if not more) people that will be happy about your endeavours. Tell them!

Of course we cannot just rely on others to motivate us, we have a role too.

Break down barriers and distractions

I'm sure I've talked about this before, but if something is in your way, don't complain about it. Do something!

If you think you can't commit to studying for 3 hours because your roommates keep talking, you can try asking them to let you study for a while, threaten them if necessary. You could move to the library, a basement, anywhere.

Sometimes, we have internal barriers that we need to break down. I often worry that my writing will not be helpful or intelligent or gramatically correct... so on and so forth. These worries can disappear if you talk to your friends or rationalize with yourself. Even if I help a few people, or one person, my work is having an impact on the world. Sometimes though, my justifications can be harsh: Although my writing is not always Pulitzer-worthy, there is a lot of writing out there of a much lower quality that probably has too many readers.

Sometimes we have to do what it takes to get us past those barriers and get the job done; hopefully, while keeping good conscience in mind.


There is something to be said about the sort of energy surrounding those who commit and those who don't. Just go along with me for a bit. When one of your friends says that they are going to finish their lab report by 4PM, but you don't believe them, there is usually a good reason. You know they aren't committed to completing it. As a result, you will say that fake, "Oh, ok..." response, while thinking, "Yeah sure..." They are attracting negative energy from you and/or emitting it themselves. This sort of energy will prevent them from accomplishing their task.

In a less ethereal way of thinking, since you know that person is not committed, you are less likely to help them out, making them even less likely to complete their task. When your friend is committed though, you can sense that determination and you are willing to help them. In fact, many people may be willing to help them.

When you commit, you are more willing to complete your task, your friends and others are also more keen to help you. Sometimes even, seemingly random events will happen to help you accomplish this task. Whatever the mechanism, the first step is commitment, "... then Providence moves too."

So maybe now is the time to get yourself to commit to those goals you've been wanting to accomplish. Use the infinite creativity that I know you have, and find ways to commit yourself. Heck, I'll even help you out. If you want to tell me what you want to commit to, I'll remind you of it, or we can talk about it.

I'd like you to read the quote that started the piece one more time; I'll paste it here:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. "

-- W.H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition

Do what you must to get things done.

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Random Interesting Facts #1 - p. vs. pp.

I come across a lot of random information that I think is pretty interesting. Often it is useful, but I find that I don't have a venue in which to tell people about them. So this will become a regular part of the Gravy Way landscape for a little while. Tell me what you think of them! And don't worry a real post is coming later tonight.

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Although this seems to be important for academic texts, I never knew there was a difference between p. and pp. The first (p.) is what you write to cite a single page, but pp. is what you write to cite multiple pages. I wish I had known this earlier.

An example from my biochemistry lab, in the References section:

Prosser, D.D., & Boffa, M.B. (2006) BCHM 310 Laboratory manual. Queen’s Campus Bookstore, Kingston. pp. 86-96.

Voet, D., & Voet, J.G. (2004) Biochemistry 3^rd ed. John Wiley and Sons Inc., Hoboken. p. 87.

(BTW, I'm aware that a lot of people know this already. However, since I didn't, I figure someone else could use this too!)

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