Thank you for calling Whirlpool this is Katie, how can I help you? This summer I stepped into corporate America with logistics, google chats, card swipes, and of course phone calls. Enjoy my little recap as I walk through some of my experiences, a few things I learned, and how it all kind of felt like being back at school. Introduction DayI enjoy being somewhere new, the mixed feelings of being out of place and the rush of exploring the unknown is fun. Visiting the North American Region Headquarters for Whirlpool for the first time was nothing less. While juggling my phone to read the fine print on the email I was sent from the interviewer, it took me a few extra minutes to try to locate the visitor parking lot while trying to remember the correct way to use a roundabout. I was already having difficulties and I was still in my car. As I entered the building I immediately noticed the familiarity of the carpet, chairs, and exposed duct work in the new construction; the bold color choice in the design and sleek modern touches took me back to the University Center in Big Rapids. The lobby was white as Michigan winters, I sat waiting with a group of other college aged individuals waiting in the cold silence. Finally, the small group was lead through the gates into the unknown, we arrived at a small room trying to find a place to sit with an awkward round of musical chairs. Paperwork packets were given out like fliers to events no one wants to go to. We were given a tour of the building getting to see the current workers in their natural habitats, some of them being too friendly blurting out friendly remarks, while others gave blank stares like they were analyzing the new recruits. After seeing the training room and signing too many papers, we were sent to the BIG office for our badges- Whirlpool World Headquarters. I had to navigate the labyrinth of halls that held oversized-ultrazoomed photos of the inside of washing machines and kitchen mixers. I made it to the security office where a lady sat behind the small counter looking less than thrilled to have someone in her space. I was told where to stand and got a three count. Of course, the badge is about the same as any freshman student ID - super awkward with a weird smile (it doesn't matter how hard you try and you notice the outfit you wore that day does not photograph from the shoulder up as well as you thought). The experience was much like my first few days at Ferris. 99 Problems and IT is Definitely a Few of ThemGetting through the first few weeks of training was a breeze, other than trying to log in with my unique ID while trying to figure out a passcode that would meet the system requirements - and memorable enough not to write on my notepad like an old lady. During the summer there was a system update that was difficult to deal with, especially being a newer employee. I noticed how the department I was working in took care of each other when question arose. Other departments were working diligently to fix the problem while FO was there to make the customer experience the same, even with the system not working. HR or RA?During my experience in the dorms, there was a group of enthusiastic individuals known as RAs. They were known as overseers, people you could confide in about problems, and serious crafters. I found a new hybrid RA during my time at Whirlpool, here they call them HR. The people in HR work hard to get people excited about working, a lot like RAs try to get students excited about college! Every summer Whirlpool celebrates a Get Gnarly Day on the last Friday of July. The idea behind Get Gnarly Day is to afford workers, "an opportunity to embrace new ideas and toss out old ways." This day is intended to impact employees in the office and their personal lives. My experience with Get Gnarly Day gave me flashbacks of Pickell Hall. The walls were decorated with fun signs and catchy sayings, there were balloons, white boards, free t-shirts, and even seminars, just about everything but face paint to get people engaged and excited. The HR department has shown their enthusiastic "gNARliness" much like that of a group of excited college students. ParkingOne thing people can always agree on is the problems with parking. Now, us Bulldogs know the struggle all too well, the employees at Whirlpool have a pretty good idea though. Fingers crossed your schedule starts before 9:00 AM otherwise you may be getting your exercise in just making it to the door. I got lucky, my shift started at 8:30 AM. I was able to always find a spot in the large main lot. I had flashbacks of parking and walking from Lot 4 at Ferris. A Few Good MenThroughout the weeks of working on the second floor of the North American Region Home Depot Front Office, I learned that it's the connections you make with co-workers that make it worth it. Yes, money is a great motivator, but money isn't there when you are having a bad morning, forget your umbrella, don't have a quarter for a tampon, and just want to talk about life (obviously during breaks). Just like at Ferris with my DZ sisters or my fellow #PRPeeps, we may not be excited about the ornate tasks at hand but you have each other. I'm thankful for the connections I made this summer with a diverse group of hard working individuals, from fellow students, young professionals, parents, and just people. They are what help you get through the rude calls, late nights, early mornings, and your countdown before you leave.
Overall I learned how to deliver excellent customer service over the phone while assisting frustrated individuals. I also found out some awesome ways to utilize tools by Google. Thank you for calling Whirlpool, bye-bye!
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Katie MariePublic Relations | Passionate | Adventure Taker Listings
December 2017
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