Networking: it isn’t just for breakfast anymore

At last weekend's SQL Saturday, I sat in on my friend's (Paresh Motiwala) presentation about job hunting and interviewing.  (This is yet another presentation that I highly recommend!)  Since I was also doing a presentation related to career and job search, I figured that I should sit in (even though this was the second time …

The bane of unsolicited recruiters

If you are a technology professional, chances are you've received the emails.  They usually look something like this: To: Ray_Kim@MyEmail.com* From: SomeRecruiterIveNeverHeardOf@somecompany.com Subject: [Some job that doesn't interest me] located in [some place where I'm not willing to relocate] Dear job seeker: I trust you are having a pleasant day! I came across your profile, …

Who owns the email?

A while back, one of my work colleagues asked a very interesting question. "When we send out an email, who owns the copyright?  Is it the owners of the data (i.e. individual clients), or is it the owners of the email (i.e. our employer)?" He continued to lay out the scenario: "Send it to Client …

My SQL Saturday schedule, 2018 (so far!)

Well, I can now call it official!  I am speaking in New York City on May 19!  So, my 2018 SQL Saturday schedule is starting to shape up. As of right now, I am confirmed to be speaking at the following SQL Saturday events. Rochester, NY, March 24 (this coming Saturday!) Philadelphia, PA, April 21 New York …

SQL Saturday #716, New York City

I'll often go out to the SQL Saturday website to check the status of presentations I've submitted, check to see if my profile needs updating, and to see if any new conferences are on the docket (I generally apply to conferences within reasonable driving distance from my home in Troy, NY). This morning, I looked …

SQL Saturday #714, Philadelphia

Last week, I received word that I've been selected to speak at SQL Saturday #714, Philadelphia (the actual location is Blue Bell, PA, which is outside of Philadelphia) on April 21! At this time, I don't yet know what I will be presenting.  When I do, I'll post them to another 'blog article. Hope to …

Coming soon: SQL Saturday #723, Rochester, NY

This afternoon, I received the following email: There are only a few days remaining before your presentation at SQLSaturday #723 on Saturday, March 24, 2018 and we want to make a last push to bring in new attendees and remind those that have already signed up. Just a quick blog post, update on LinkedIn, or …

The mystique of March Madness

(Photo source: sports.cbslocal.com) It's March, which means college sports junkies are in nirvana.  As I write this article, the first of the First Four games of the NCAA tournament are on the TV in front of me. For the benefit of those of you who either live under a rock, know nothing about sports, or …

The CrossFit family

The other day, a thought popped into my head for no reason (that happens occasionally -- doesn't it happen to you?): "I feel like hanging out with my CrossFit family."  I don't know why I started thinking about it, but I was thinking about the great times I've had hanging out with my CrossFit friends …

Technical writing: the Rodney Dangerfield of tech professions

"It exists!" he cried. "No," said O'Brien. He stepped across the room. There was a memory hole in the opposite wall. O'Brien lifted the grating. Unseen, the frail slip of paper was whirling away on the current of warm air; it was vanishing in a flash of flame. O'Brien turned away from the wall. "Ashes," …