Getting Oriented to GE Energy!

GE's welcoming tradition for new hires is known worldwide; however, particular attention is always given to IMLPs! In fact, as soon as IMLPs get hired a welcome package is ready for them. IMLPs receive an orientation week at their Business Headquarters to get to know their leaders, their peers, and their business without forgetting to socialize and have fun together! I want to tell you my experience at GE Energy Orientation week so that you can set your expectations before you take off at GE.   

After one week of settling in at our first rotation locations, I flew to Atlanta, GA where all 21 of the new Energy IMLPs gathered from around the globe. 

Orientation began with an IMLP program and business overview with each of Energy’s business champions.  Next, we were able to ask questions to an Alumni Panel who discussed their experiences in IMLP and provided helpful hints on being successful at GE.  After, each of us was treated to lunch and a one on one with an IMLP alumnus. We were able to ask questions about their experiences, their positions after the program, or any concerns we had with starting our new jobs.

Energy IMLPs in Atlanta for orientationOne of the amazing parts of orientation was the opportunity for us to meet with GE IT leadership. We met Anup Sharma, the CIO of GE Energy Oil and Gas, via Telepresence.  Telepresence is an HD video conferencing service which allows you to connect multiple rooms around the world.  Although Anup is located in Houston, it was as if he was sitting in the room with us.  We were also able to speak with Joanne Kugler, the CIO of GE Energy Power and Water.  I was amazed at how down to earth her presentation was and grateful for the words of wisdom she left us with. She gave us excellent career and personal advice for growing and making a difference in the company - including her 5 Cs to success: communication, commitment, courage/confidence, customer focus, and collaboration.

We had an amazing opportunity to eat lunch with John Seral, the CIO of all of GE Energy.  Although he is in the Senior Executive level of GE, John spoke with us casually and asked each of us about our rotations.  He told us about his experiences at GE and allowed us to ask him anything. I couldn’t believe that within two weeks of being an IMLP, I already had the opportunity to sit across the table and speak with the CIO of our business!

After the first day, we headed to an IMLP networking happy hour.  I was shocked at how many people attended - there were IMLPs, IMLP interns, IMLP co-ops, IMLP alumni, and IT leaders.  It was great opportunity to start building our GE networks and speak with coworkers in a casual setting.  The second day, we were invited to a happy hour with the GE Energy IT counsel.  The council is made up of John Seral and his staff.  The 21 IMLPs were able to meet and network with some of the top IT leaders in GE Energy.

One of my favorite events was the GE Grid IQ Tour. This exhibition helps raise awareness about energy consumption and introduces visitors to new technologies which can modernize our electrical grid.  Upon arrival, each of the IMLPs got to borrow an iPad to use throughout the exhibit.  Using the iPad, we were able to interact with each of the stations of the exhibit and learn about the smart grid and how to make better energy decisions.

The last Orientation event was Whirlyball, which I had never heard of.  WhirlyBall is a team sport which is a cross between bumper cars, basketball and lacrosse. The game is played in teams of five and each person drives a bumper car and has a plastic scoop similar to the basket of a lacrosse stick.  Teams score points by throwing a whiffle ball against a backboard similar to one used in basketball.  We had an amazing time! At first, I was unsure that I would enjoy the game, but I loved it.  A boys versus girls challenge quickly began and I’m proud to say the girl's team was undefeated! Maybe the boys will have better luck next year...  :-D

IMLP Crowd Attends Annual IMpact Eve

Every January, the CIO of Energy Infrastructure hosts an event for the employees of IMpact. This year, the event was held at Atlanta's Fernbank Museum of Natural History, a beautiful and historic building that features an IMAX theater.

Energy IMLPs Network at Event (L:R- Clay Youngs, Joe Cockriel, Guest, IM Leader, Chris Lyons, Alana Edmunds & Tawny Barin)

Soon after socializing with coworkers near the entrance, we were ushered into the IMAX theater, where the group watched "The Greatest Places," an IMAX movie that featured Greenland, Madagascar, the Namib Desert, the Okavango Delta, Tibet, Iguazu Falls and the Amazon River.

After the movie (my first IMAX experience!), we descended a spiral staircase into the "great room," which featured assembled, full-size dinosaur fossil replicas.

It was in this main room where all the food stations (including chocolate covered marshmallows!) were set up.

As one of the last events the 1st rotation Energy IMLP crew will attend together, the annual IMpact event was more than a chance to get dressed up :)

On Planning IMLP Graduation.

2008 IMLP Graduates and LeadershipAs an IMLP, your daily work activities involve more than just one specific project.  All IMLPs also participate in a committee, as a team member or a "focal point" (lead).

There are a variety of options, including Communications (Newsletter), Technology, Finance (Budget Focal Point), Logistics (Agenda Lead, Rotation Selection Coordinator), Professional Development, Inclusion,  Synergy (Best Practice Sharing Committee, Cross-Business), and even Event Planning.

For my current rotation, I've been involved with the IMLP Newsletter, IMLP Blog, and the focal point for organizing the Energy IMLP Graduation.

Each IMLP changes committees every rotation- this allows everyone to experience a variety of functions, from technology to finance and communications.

Atlanta IMLPs Learn Skills from Ludacris' Top Chef

Atlanta IMLPs Take a Cooking ClassAtlanta IMLPs visited Cooks Warehouse in Midtown Atlanta to pick up a few cooking tips from Straits chef Tyson Wong Ophaso.  As a chef from Ludacris' restaurant, Straits, Tyson volunteered his time to teach a class where all the proceeds went to a local charity.

At the class,  IMLPs watched how to make the famous Banana Blossom Salad, (Banana Flowers, Grilled Chicken, Asian Pear, Herbs, Vietnamese Vinaigrette) and Ludacris' favorite dish (according to the chef), Kung Pao Lollipops (chicken drummies, crushed peanuts, red jalapeno).

But it was more than watching... the IMLPs ate the food too. Even the vegetarian in the group was able to join in and eat some of the sample food from Straits.

Energy IMLPs "Tee-Off" With Management

Shared Services CIO and IMLP Joe Cockriel

Whenever I receive a meeting request with the word "golf" in the subject line, I immediately tense up and pause before choosing between "accept" and "reject."

Usually it's the latter. Maybe it's because I'm not very good at sports, maybe it's because I don't know how to play golf... maybe it's both

Regardless, on November 17th, 2008, I took a chance and accepted an invitation to the Annual Turkey Tee-Off Golf Classic at Laurel Springs Golf Course hosted by IM and Shared Services.

I was a little nervous, probably given the fact that major business leaders would be in attendance and I have no idea how to play golf. I could see the headlines now...

Thankfully, I had an Evan's Scholar, Joe Cockriel, on standby, who gave me a crash course in the game (he also ended up winning an award for Longest Drive!)

As the day progressed, I started to realize that I really liked golf. Sure, sometimes I completely missed the ball on my swing, but it turns out that the team used a few of my drives!