Have ya Missed Me?

I'm just a Travelling Fool, buzzing around DC, points in Va and soon NC.

Classes
I finished my class and now have a certificate from George Washington University! I'm 1/5th of the way through to getting my Certificate (and more money!) but one has to start somewhere. It was a very good class, I learned a lot. Actually, I've fought taking this class as I've done this stuff for over 20 years, just not calling it like they do. A Business Analyst is a fairly new field, specifically designed for the IT arena. How many times has your company invested in a major software project, only to go over budget and not get a decent product? A BA will help coordinate the effort, documenting what is, what should be and some steps to take to get there. They don't do the coding, but they give the developers a guideline and some standards. This position makes sense, and it seems to help. If you spend the money and time up front, the product will be a more robust product.

My class had about 15 people, mostly from the DC/Va/Md area, but we had one woman from Michigan and there were 2 of us from Atlanta. All were working, so I got some leads on potential jobs. As always with folks from DC, we had all sorts of agencies represented, the IRS, FBI, local government agencies, Freddie Mac, etc. However, the other person from Atlanta worked for the IRS also.


Job Hunt
OK, I had my 'second' interview with a company in DC yesterday. I was supposed to interview with a specific manager, but she was out of town on vacation. The recruiter knew I'd be here in DC this week, (and they knew I have a second interview in Atlanta on Monday) so they arranged for me to interview with other managers. The interview only took about 20 minutes, so either this interview was just a formality or I just blew the interview. The two women doing the interview didn't seem to know what's up, they obviously hadn't done any interviews in the past, and they were both nervous. We seemed to hit it off personally, there ware no bad feelings.
The offices were nice, located at 17th and H street in DC, near the Farragut West METRO stop. Years ago, I worked in downtown DC and really enjoyed it. I like working in the city.

Next, I have a second interview with a company in Atlanta. This manager is the head of IT, and he was sick when I interviewed the first time. Again, this is only a formality, I believe. The job is mine to accept. This job is located in downtown Atlanta, near the capitol.

So, counting my chickens before they're hatched, I have a decision to make. The money the Atlanta job offers is Good Money for the Atl area, the opportunity is a good one, although a bit pressured. I felt good about the woman I interviewed with, and she'd be someone I'd be working closely with.

The DC job pays well, my sister worked for this company about 3 years ago and she said it's an interesting place to work, but they've had lots of turnover in the last few years. It will get me to DC.

I got some thinking to do.

Travels
Today, I'm off to Raleigh, NC to visiti a friend. I'll be leaving sometime this afternoon, it's only between 4 - 6 hours to get there. I'll be crashing there for the night, then back in HotLanta on Saturday.

Restaurant Week
This past week has been Restaurant Week in DC, so my sister and I have eaten very well. Tuesday we went to a place called Zola, last night was Charles Palmer Steak House. There is a special menu, appetizers, main course and dessert is only $30.07. There is the same celebration in Atlanta, but I've never participated, but I just might now. Great food, great experiences.

More to come...
As things happen, I'll be posting. Thanks for taking the time to read. You're opinions are welcome but if you have to start calling me names, don't bother, I won't read them. As my Dad says 'Opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one.'