For the job analysis, I chose a Telecommunication Analyst position with ExxonMobil. The job description can be read at http://www.exxonmobil.com/USA-English/HR/Jobs/HR_US_what_sample10.asp. My past experience as an intern with ExxonMobil was the primary basis for choosing this job. While working at ExxonMobil, I found that I not only enjoyed the work, but also enjoyed the people that I was working with. Both of these factors are very important to me when deciding where I am going to work.
Another reason for choosing ExxonMobil is that they are a global company. They have offices in a variety of countries ranging from Argentina to Nigeria. Getting this job would let me meet people from around the world and also travel internationally. It is my hope that I can travel abroad to several countries before I have to settle down. Most of their work in America is based out of Houston, which is where I would most likely start. After living in Houston for the summer, I found that it provided plenty of things to do, along with a very enjoyable climate. Also I like the fact that it is close to the ocean. I feel that I would have no problem living in Houston for an extended period of time.
With ExxonMobil I would strive for a position that would support the upstream side of the business. For those who are not familiar with oil industry lingo, work is classified as upstream, downstream or corporate. The upstream side of the industry deals with extracting the oil from the earth. Downstream work, deals with the processing and converting of oil. Corporate is in charge of making overall business decisions and overseeing the other two sides of the business. In my experience I found that higher priority was placed on supporting the upstream side of the business. In most cases, if something was going to increase the speed at which oil could be extracted money was no matter. This allowed for projects that involved cutting edge technology.
Another benefit of working for ExxonMobil is the fact that they are one of the biggest companies in the world. This allows for a great deal of career mobility. There are countless job opportunities in almost every aspect of Information Technology at ExxonMobil. In the event I got burnt out on one job, it would not be hard for me to get a new job dealing with a totally different type of technology, without having to leave ExxonMobil. Another benefit of working for a large company like ExxonMobil is that it helps provide job stability. This is very important to me especially with the economies current state.
I feel that my education here at Purdue has made me an ideal candidate for this position. In my two and a half years at Purdue, I have been immersed in a wide array of technology. By dealing with a variety of technology, I now have the ability to consider many different perspectives when dealing with technology related problems. The knowledge that I have gained from my classes has been both applied and conceptual. This will allow me to be an effective employee from day one and still have the ability to utilize new technology as it is developed.
In addition to my education, I also have plenty of work experience. I have had a job since I was 15. Much of my work experience has been IT related. One of my more noteworthy experiences has been me starting up my own computer consulting company in High school. This experience has taught me the importance of creating and maintaining customer relations. Another noteworthy job is my prior internship with ExxonMobil. This job experience has allowed me to show them that I am capable of handling the tasks that they have. All in all, with my education and work experience, I feel that that this job is my ideal job and I am its ideal candidate.
Upstream and Downstream
I think your little lesson on oil industry lingo is interesting. I see a dual meaning, too. Upstream and downstream could refer to the actually physical direction of oil (moving in and out of the company's hands), but also to the degree of difficulty of each. Finding new oil and new and better processes for getting it out is like swimming upstream, whereas refining it and sending it to the consumer is just like sending a stick downstream: easy. I like that, it's a complex metaphor. I also think it's cool you picked up on it as an IT person (I wouldn't know how prevalent it would be).
How far do you think your internship with ExxonMobil will take you as far as getting a permanent position? A lot of companies try to hire their coops and interns, since they've already got some time and money invested.
Instructor Feedback
This is a solid job ad analysis, Ben. You clearly have a knowledge and feel for the company that will serve you well as you create you job application letter. In particular, your familiarity with the terminology of the industry is something you can use to your advantage. It will also be a sophisticated way of pointing towards your internship experience. That is, you will want to do more than simply say "I was intern there. Isn't that great!" What you now need to do is flesh out what you mean by experiences. For instance, you write "By dealing with a variety of technology, I now have the ability to consider many different perspectives when dealing with technology related problems." In the letter you will need to describe a particular instance when you worked with a particular technology, and in a way that dovetails with the work you would do with this company. Point to particular class projects or things you did as an intern that will demonstrate your ability to do this job.