In this past week of preparing for formal proposals, I have reflected quite a bit on how my passion for technology relates to professional and business requirements. I have found myself to be much of a dreamer, focused on the latest and greatest, anything that can be achieved. The corporate considerations of timeline, benefit cost, and return on investment are difficult for me to wrap my mind around. I consider myself organized and goal-driven. I can act on requests. I am fairly frugal and reasonably capable of staying within a budget. Ultimately, though, I find that these constraints are the last things that I consider.
In our proposal, my group is assuming the role of a cross-department committee to propose a course of action for the yearly computer upgrades of a graphic design and video editing firm. In such a firm, the "upgrades" being considered are remarkably expensive. We are proposing the acquisition of over fifty thousand dollars of computer workstations and related equipment, not to mention the expenses of specialty software licensing. In a class setting, it is easy to stand in front of a group of disinterested students (at various levels between asleep and awake, no doubt) and make such requests. I could hardly imagine, however, being in the position to formally make this request from the financial department or CEO of a large and intimidating corporation. It would be hard enough to do in writing, let alone forcing oneself to make eye contact in a direct presentation.
We have discussed needs, values, and attitudes in class, important considerations for any proposal. It is immediately apparent to me that a core value of the financial department is money, and requesting so much may indeed put that value in jeopardy. Their needs and values, and their responsibilities to the company, are to maintain financial stability and adherence to budget. Their attitudes may reflect negatively to such an expensive project, not understanding the advantage over cheaper alternatives. I suppose this is the advantage we have allowed ourselves by considering an internal proposal on upgrades that are required either way. It is easier to consider the worth of an investment when money will be spent either way. We can then focus on how the expense will improve productivity, quality, and reliability, also highlighting ways we have been able to reduce costs.
In this manner, I can see how each and every proposal serves as a persuasive document. Every member of the groups both proposing and considering has something to contribute, but not everyone will maintain the same level of understanding toward all topics. The proposal must be an accessible document that forms a clear path from each member, through, in this case, more technical decisions, passing close to the company's overall mission, and concluding at a point where the goals of the whole party are met. This comes not without conflict and compromise, more considerations the proposal must work to meet. I suppose the beauty of a proposal may be the sense that it isn't set in stone. The bulk of the work is perhaps in the final tailoring to the organizations preferences and the follow through to accomplish the outlined goals.
Introductory Portrait
Good day, sir or madam:
My name is Evan William Gretok, and I am a student of computer engineering technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. This digital portfolio is a collection of coursework for you to sample and peruse, primarily showcasing professional writing samples for various courses. My discipline requires highly refined skills in written and verbal communication, and I hope you will find my work from various courses in the past several years to be proof of my growing skill-set. From formal laboratory reports, to research papers, to design proposals, to thorough evaluations; the professional writing requirement for engineering is diverse and extensive.
I am deeply passionate about programming, electronics, and computer hardware. I have completed coursework in advanced mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, and programming. I have professional experience in information technology, user services, web application development, software testing, and databases. I am currently applying my knowledge and enthusiasm to data and information structures, digital electronics, advanced programming concepts, and embedded systems. I identify as a “maker,” and am deeply interested in the application of technology in solutions to everyday problems. I am detail-oriented, focusing not only on the solution, but on the presentation and refinement of that solution. I am an imaginative, hands-on forward thinker looking to continue learning and growing, wherever my career takes me.
I consider myself a student who is looking for not just a tested learning, but a knowledge and experience that is applied to reach a concrete goal and make a difference in people’s lives. I take my academic and professional pursuits very seriously, but I also acknowledge that my degree as well as any position I will serve in is not for me. I look not to boost my own prestige, but to contribute positively to a body of professionals who seek to do their best work for the sake of the customer, the public, and the world. I am committed to upholding the ethics, responsibilities, and integrity demanded by my field to the highest degree. I aim to act for the sake of others, using my experience and abilities to better my community and the lives of the people in it.
If you have any questions about myself or the material listed here, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information in my resume. Thank you for your time and consideration. Have a remarkably pleasant day.
Evan William Gretok
Student of Computer Engineering Technology
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown