An IMLP Winter in California

http://www.flickr.com/photos/miheco/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Well, with Hanukkah upon us and with Christmas and New Years around the corner, I couldn't help but think about what the weather is going to be like in New York when I return for the holidays. As of now, it has rained for a grand total of 5 days spread across the entire 5 months I've been out here in California. The coldest it's been was around 40 degrees, and that's only at night and early mornings.

I am a winter person. I went to school in upstate New York, Syracuse University to be exact (GO CUSE!), and right around now, I would be trudging through 6 inches of snow to make my way to my last final of the semester. So naturally I miss the white stuff, especially because there are three small mountains within 45 minutes of the campus to ski on whenever you want.

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California Dreaming of NBC Universal

For all those IMLP’ers and anyone else interested in the process behind relocating for their rotations through GE and NBC Universal, you may want to read what I have posted below.

I will be moving from my “natural habitat” (aka New York) to Los Angeles for my first two rotations in the program. I recently flew to LA to locate an apartment, and I thought I might share some of my experiences and some tips.

1. Book your flights early. This goes for anyone, not just those flying across the country. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Saving money is always a plus. Also, Jetblue and Virgin America seem to have some of the best deals. I personally enjoy Jetblue’s services, but that’s just me.


2. Bring Information. Have as much information regarding your credit history and previous residences as possible available when apartment hunting. Most places today require a credit check before you're even eligible to be considered as a tenant. If you’re like me and you went out to your location earlier, you may need a letter from your human resources manager stating your hire and start dates to confirm that you have a job


3. Do some research. Talking to people and looking on Craigslist and Google Maps for locations gave me a pretty basic understanding of what kind of prices I would be looking at and how long of a commute it would be to work, way before I got there. I seriously don’t recommend going in blind.


4. Bring a Camera. After looking at 4 or 5 different apartments they all began to sort of blur together. If it wasn’t for the pictures I took, wouldn’t have been able to tell them apart.


5. Bring someone. I can’t tell you how much a second opinion helped me when apartment hunting. Small things tend to slip your mind when you’ve been looking at apartments for 2 days straight, and having someone there to keep you on track and tell you what they think is a godsend.


6. ASK QUESTIONS! Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Ask about discounts on rent. Ask about security deposits, about parking, about utilities, etc… If they don’t answer then there’s probably something wrong.

I was given a lot of helpful hints and tips from my IMLP Buddy, and they are always there if you need to ask questions, because they have already gone through what you're probably about to do. And just as a side note: just because I went apartment hunting weeks before my move date doesn’t mean you have to as well. It only takes about 2 or 3 days of solid hunting to find a nice place - so don’t fret, if you can’t go early, you’ll be fine.

Posted by: Matt Bellezza, NBC IMLP

Introducing... Our Newest Blogger (He's from NBC)

A little background about me... I'm Matt, a soon-tobe- first rotationer with  the IMLP program with NBC Universal in July.

I first heard of the IMLP Program when GE came to visit Syracuse University (where I got my degree in Information Management and Technology) for a Career Fair.  At first,I didn't realize that NBC Universal was even a part of the IMLP Program until I met a recruiter for my first interview.

Following the first interview, came a phone call about a 2nd interview that would be held over the phone, and if NBC liked what they heard, I would be eligable for  final round of interviews.

Shortly thereafter, I was flown out to Burbank, California to do a series of on location interviews at NBC Universal's HQ in Universal City, California. The interview consisted of 5 different 30 minute interviews (don't worry, I had a break in between).

After learning of my acceptance into the program a few weeks later, I was paired up with an IMLP "buddy" who is already on program.

On top of this, we have one full week for "orientation" at 30 Rock in the Big Apple, followed by the Junior bootcamp, whereall GE and NBC Universal IMLP's train for a month in Connecticut.

Despite being more then a month away from starting, I am preparing for my move out to California (I'm from New York) for my first two rotations. Packing, finding living arrangements, and getting my things out there, has really been keeping me busy.

Posted by: Matthew Bellezza, SU '09 Grad, NBC IMLP and the newest member of the blogging team!