Pearl Shopping in China: A Cross-Business Outing

Robbie, Alana, Jim, Lauren & Our Friends at RuPeiPei in Shanghai I'm not going to lie- shopping for pearls was high on my list of "must do" excursions while at Senior Bootcamp in Shanghai, China.

Luckily, there were a few other brave IMLPs willing to join in.

On a random Sunday, Robbie Turner (GE Aviation), Jim Pelligrini (GE Healthcare) Lauren Ward (GE Aviation) and myself hopped in a cab to a destination that one of lauren's friends (and the ex-pat forums online) recommended as a great place.

Everyone had something to look for- Robbie is soon to be married and wanted to look around, Jim had a list of relatives with specific demands, and Lauren was in a similar situation with the relatives.

After about 2 hours of exploring the store, the group ended up with new friends from Shanghai- especially Melissa (in the center) who took care of us and every other IMLP and instructor we sent her way over the course of our time in China.

As you can see by the bags featured on the left hand side of the table in the photo, we found some great deals and gifts to bring back to friends and family in the US (I know, personally, my mom had a list of specific items she wanted me to pick up!)

A Senior Bootcamp Celebration in Shanghai

Energy Infrastructure IMLPs dress up for the Senior Bootcamp CelebrationCorporate IMLPs pose for the camera Near the end of final bootcamp, each class has a celebration dinner - complete with an acrobatics show, dragon dancers (with 2 people inside the dragon- one in the front and one as the caboose!), masked dancers, and well, the 87 other IMLPs cheering and taking tons of digital photos to send home to friends and family.

This year was no different- IMLPs from around the globe traveled to Senior Bootcamp in Shanghai, China to take courses, complete projects (Pentaho! Reporting! BI! Computer Networking!) and of course, hang out with each other in a foreign country.

I'll be adding more pictures (crazy things I found, food, fun english translations, and more!)

But for now I leave you, devoted readers of the GE IMLP Blog, with a few fun group business photos from the GE IMLP Senior Bootcamp celebration dinner event in Shanghai.

-Alana Edmunds

Step 1: Take an Awkward Passport Photo

Why is it that passport photos always have to make you look so awkward?

So, for you readers out there, I have a special treat- my own personal awkward photo.

You're probably wondering why I took this photo, or why it's up here. Good Questions.

One major aspect of the IMLP program is training- we spend a month in Danbury, CT for "junior bootcamp" and then, a year later, we travel to Shanghai, China for "senior bootcamp." Junior Bootcamp focuses on project management, business/IT finance, presentation skills, basic coding and leadership skills all in the context of a business "case" problem.

Senior bootcamp is the continuation of this "case" - where you focus on different aspects of technology, but also focus on leadership skills.

As a 2nd rotation IMLP, I'm preparing to travel to Shanghai for this exciting training event with my peers from across the globe. But, the first step is sending in your paperwork (and awkward photo).

Don't worry though- I'll be updating the blog with cool photos and stories once I'm there!

Senior Bootcamp Distance Learning

IMLPs are located around the world, but, throughout our rotations, we get together to take classes - both online and in person.

As a second rotation IMLP, I'm currently preparing for Senior Bootcamp (August 2009!) by taking distance learning classes with my peers.  Senior bootcamp (similar to Junior Bootcamp for new IMLPs)  is where second rotation IMLPs get together in a single location for training.

Organized into groups, and teams, we join virtual lectures and interact with our "professors" via conference calls and instant meeting sessions, which we join from the convienence of our desks.

Many resources are used in the courses - case studies, reference textbooks (similar to what's used in a technical class at a college), interactive lectures, online quizzes, and group work.

For this course specifically, we are learning about Data Warehousing in detail- and today is the first day of classes.

The next round of IMLPs head to Shanghai

With their 2nd rotations completed, the next round of IMLPs will soon head to Shanghai, China for Senior IMLP Bootcamp. 

They’ve gotten their passports, had their immunizations, and packed their luggage.  Now it’s just a matter of days before it’s destination – Shanghai.  In fact, a few IMLPs have already headed off to the orient for some pre-bootcamp travel. 

After all, what better way to prepare for bootcamp in Shanghai than with a couple of days or more of vacation in Tokyo, Sidney, Hong Kong, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, New Delhi, Beijing, or one of the many places nearby? 

So, how will bootcamp turn out?  Well… having been part of the last bootcamp in Shanghai and knowing the IMLPs who are headed there this time around, I’m sure it’s going to be another amazing time.  I can’t wait to hear the stories they bring back!  But rest assured, when I hear them, so will you.

Best of luck to all the IMLPs headed out. Have a great time.  It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.

And for those of you waiting on the edge of your seats to hear more… you’ll just have to stay tuned to see what they’re up to.