Canada Post Interview (October 1)

photo by Amy Qiu

I haven't updated my blog for almost a month, because I haven't seen anything new or interesting happened. But maybe there is one that is worth mentioning about ---- My first team work and interview of Canada Post.

In my ADM6276 Enterprise Resource Planning System Management course, the final term paper is quite demanding. Every group(3-4 people) should choose a firm which has implemented ERP system and do an all-around research about it. Unfortunately, unlike other groups, none of our team members know anyone currently working or has been worked on ERP project. After we chose Canada Post as our research topic, we completely got stuck for a while. We cannot simply resort to the web pages, and do a copy & paste. We have to talk to the internal person of Canada Post in order to get insightful information, but this is definitely not easy. Sending emails and calling a few contacts didn't bring any response to us, which frustrated everyone at that time.

When most people in China were enjoying the long break of Chinese National Day, we were struggling with our research project. Finally we went in person to the headquarter of Canada Post, which located at Ottawa. This is the final and only chance that might make things turn around. Thanks to our brave try, we finally got a precious opportunity to interview Canada Post's staff of related area. I guess it is an unforgetable experience for each of our team members. For me, not the content of interview that impressed me so deeply, but the lesson I learned from here --- "nothing is impossible, just do your best!"

Leaves're Turning Red

Days pass so quickly, I have been in Ottawa a full month now.

Studying tasks are quite heavy, reading textbooks, having a presentation followed by another presentation, and then several term papers' due dates just two weeks to go, and yes, papers are always accompanied by group presentation. There will be no break after the first block of fall semester. Have to get ready for the next tough round, Babe.

I picked a redish maple leaf today on my way to the grocery store. Then I noticed that leaves have already been turning colors. Can't Wait to see the flaming red all over the place at Ottawa. I guess it will certainly be gorgeous to go to Gatineau Park again in mid October, the scenery there must be what I have dreamed of...

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Dundonald Park(near Chinatown), Somerset St.







Photo by Amy Qiu, SonyEricsson w810i Pictures(forgot bring my camera, so just use my cellphone instead )

Oh Yeah! Free Barbecues

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) in collaborate with the Graduate Students' Association (GSAED) presented free barbecues to Master's students on September 6 and 7 at the lawn in front of Tabaret Hall. I went there on Friday, September 6.

It was a good opportunity for students to know each other and exchange their experiences. You can also find some useful information from reception desks of several student unions and associations there and make enquiries to the staff. A band was playing music throughout the lunch time in the big white tent. The food is just fine when considering its kinds. I got a beef burger, a small-sized snack and the drink. But I really like this sort of activity. People eat, talk, laugh and learn. I believe this is the most efficient and fun way to get my school life started.

Orientation Day (September 5)

lounge corner in SITE building, my orientation session was held inside the room

My orientation day was on Wednesday of last week. Basically, there were some activities prepared for entrants as well as current students. They may include introduction of faculty members and their teaching objectives, libraries, labs and a simple luncheon. The aim to have an orientation day is to help new students get familiar with campus and its facilities, their classmates and professors as soon as possible. That is by all means facilitating all the students' studies. I believe there is an orientation day at every beginning of the semester.

In my E-Business program, there are around 15 people enrolled. Some people, however, take certificate program instead of degree one. Thus, they will have less courses to learn and finish their programs a bit earlier than me. To my surprise, I just found a few Chinese classmates in my program , one person to be exact. I think most of my classmates are older than me since a lot of them have experiences of work already, and some even got many children. Actually, Chinese students are not few in UOttawa. They tend to be in the faculty of Engineering and Arts, majoring in economics, computer science, system science and so on.

on my way to OU, forget the name of this street

Parliament Hill #3 (September 1)