Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with experience

Interesting Non-Academic Fellowships

divabat — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:27:38 -0800

What are some interesting non-academic fellowships out there? Some examples of what I mean:

Sauve Scholars
Pop!Tech Social Innovation Fellows
Ashoka
Echoing Green
TED Conference Fellows
YouthActionNet Global Fellowship
YSEI Fellows

So essentially they give you money and support for your projects, or for attending an event of theirs, but the focus isn't on academia and is generally open to a wider selection of people (compared to traditional fellowships that are geared towards academics). What other terms do they use to describe themselves?

(the examples I used up there are largely youth-oriented, but other focus areas are more than welcome.)

Coming out of your shell

sixcolors — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:59:52 -0800

How do I get people to try new things? I have a huge hunger for novelty. The most important thing (besides family and friends) in life is seeking experiences. The more offbeat and wild, the better. It is more important than money, security, etc. I also like learning a lot of new stuff.

The problem is that I have trouble finding people who share this hunger. I have friends/family who always want to eat at the same restaurants, travel to the same places, do the same activities and hang out with same people over and over. If I had my way, I would go out 3-5 nights a week, try a new restaurant each week, and take new trips once a month.

How can I persuade people to try new things? For those who don't like to try new things, what are your objections? What would convince to try something new?

This could be my first break as a web contractor!

Null Pointer and the Exceptions — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:31:27 -0800

Help me land my first web dev contract! My background:
I've been doing internet applications and CMS related work, both as a back end programmer and front end integrator for the past six years until two weeks ago when I followed my wife to a new city where she has just been hired. I've been doing some Wordpress customization for a friend while looking for local employment.

The opportunity:
A friend has told me that one of his friends in a small industry needs a bunch of work done integrating about 50 pages into a CMS, consolidating layout and general CSS work. I've got the skills they need and the work, budget and time estimate they have provided all seem reasonable (for the time being as I haven't gotten an exact detail of the work required just yet).

My problem:
I've got plenty of experience doing the work that they want, but I have no real portfolio, and all the work I've done before has been for internal web applications or private commercial web applications which I no longer have access to. I've also never tendered an offer for a contract before and would like any general advice.

The ~~two~~ three questions:
1. Given the above info, how do I convince them that I am the man for their contract work?
2. What sort of things should I be asking or proposing in my initial email tendering my offer? I know their budget, I know their time estimate, and maybe a bit more, if that helps.
3. Is it crazy to offer a certain number of hours for corrections free of charge?

Translating Experience

Jeff Howard — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:45:33 -0800

I'm looking for translations of a particular sense of the English word "experience." The early 20th century philosopher John Dewey differentiated between the daily, incohate stream of experience that we all encounter and something more specific called "an experience." Something memorable and well defined with a clear beginning, middle and end. For example, you're all experiencing this question right now, but you wouldn't think of it as "an experience" in the way you would think of going to a concert as an experience.

Do other languages have better ways of distinguishing these two concepts? There's got to be something in German...

What do you call it when you don't really know something until you've experienced it?

mausburger — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:04:52 -0800

I'm looking for labels for ways of knowing, in particular, the kind of knowledge that you won't understand until you've experienced it. There are certain kinds of knowledge that people can be told, but not really understand until they've experienced it. A good example is: you can be told that your life is going to change when you have kids, but you don't really understand until you've had kids. Is there a name for this? Is there a discipline that studies this?

My undergraduate psychology text book talks about different ways of knowing (tenacity, authority, reason, common sense, and science). This is headed in the right direction, but I'm looking for a more sophisticated treatment.

Maybe something on the nature of experience as a teacher might be helpful? I'm wondering if I should look at Howard Gardner's work on multiple intelligences.

Also, there was a previous ask mefi question on tacit knowledge in Greek philosophy. It pointed me at some useful material from Aristotle and The Nicomachean Ethics.
Phronesis and techne are tantalizingly close, but Aristotle didn't hold them in high regard.

Are there better terms that I can use or cite?

mba application tips?

tessalations999 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:05:45 -0800

I am applying to business school for an MBA at a top school. I only have experience working at a non-profit, and some social service experience. I have grad school experience in Social Work. Any suggestions/ ideas of how to market my experience? What are some tips for being a successful applicant? Thank you! Also, there is a MPA degree at my school as well. I am not sure i fully understand the difference of an MPA versus an MBA. Anyone have experience with this? Thank you so much for your help!!

Does certificaion really help you find a job?

isopropyl — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:05:22 -0800

Would getting certification help in finding a more rewarding job while I'm working on the major? The tuition would be fairly cheap and the courses are all fairly easy compared to my current work load. At the moment though I'm just a computer science major for the time being at Columbus State University (CSU) which is accredited by The University System of Georgia Institution. I plan on finishing my degree and graduating within the next three years.

I've worked since I was 15 and have held about 6 jobs at different intervals through that time. These jobs have ranged from bread baker, cashier, janitorial, pizza delivery, and being a waiter. I'd really like to find a job with more respect and that could actually add to my repertoire of skills.

My dream job would be working with computers, diagnostics,and networking. I'd be just as happy managing a store (with all of my past leadership experiences BSA Eagle Scout and jROTC company commander) and just a passionate work ethic.

Should I take the cheap the education and just opt for "A+ and Network+ Certification" or become a "Certified Customer Service Specialist" from Columbus Technical College which is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools I'm mainly worried about just wasting time and money working towards something at a technical school and then having a bachelors of science from a major university.

Any other training programs or tips to help me get rid of this blue collar would be lovely.

Birthday gift from college

martinX's bellbottoms — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:58:54 -0800

My brother is turning 10 next week and I'm at a loss for what to get him. He got all the stuff he wanted for Christmas and I want to give him some sort of experience. In the past I took him out to lunch and to the German import store to buy candy and just hung out with him for an afternoon. Problem is, this year I'm off at college in another state. What's something we can do together without actually being together? My budget is about $20.

Looking to buy an experience

Ziggurat — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:38:47 -0800

Help me find an hour or two of extravagance in Los Angeles My Mom is on the frugal side, mostly out of necessity. I'm going to be visiting her soon, but just for a couple days. I'd like to treat her to an "experience" while I'm there that is a tiny bit on the extravagant side. She's lived in L.A. for decades, but likely hasn't spent more than $30 bucks on a meal the whole time she's been there. (I don't think that's unusual or anything! but just to reinforce the idea she doesn't spend much, even on special occasions)...
Now, when I say extravagant, I'm not talking crazy...I'm talking about spending a couple hundred bucks on something a bit decadent, that she would never do for herself. It should be something we can do together (i'm a guy, if that matters), and the emphasis should be on an experience. I'd love it to be memorable for her, above all else.

She's not a spa person (and let's face it, neither am I) but something like a day in a desert spa wouldn't be *too* far from the mark, but not quite right either. A helicopter ride? She doesn't like to fly, but that is at least meeting a couple of the criteria.

Oh, and while I appreciate the sentiment, please don't suggest saving the money and going for a walk in the park. In this particular case, that's not the point. I want it to cost a few bucks, just because I'm lucky enough to be able to blow a few bucks on my Mom!

Thanks so much! And I'll watch the thread to answer questions. I know I haven't given much of an idea about the kind of stuff she likes, but that's because I'd love to hear a range of ideas.

I just batted the cycle, time for something new.

parmanparman — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:31:08 -0800

I have just been fired. I now want to transition into creative brand management and marketing immediately. I have been a broadcaster for the last four years until yesterday morning. I like radio but I realized a few months ago that the day-to-day of booking and host management no longer appeals to me and that I am much more interested in the brand and marketing management side of the equation.

I want to help companies and non-profits find wealth by organizing their communication and marketing strategies.

I have organized a couple of interviews and even cold-called an agency on the East Coast and managed to get a six-week brand marketing work experience for 2008.

From just getting call-backs, I know I have the skills for this but I am looking for advice from people in advertising and marketing for some more 'next steps'. I am organizing some consulting work but I really want to go into full-time work.

Any thoughts you have about how to position myself for these jobs; people and ideas I should learn more about; websites I should be reading; and places to look for these kinds of jobs; and especially advice from creative people about how not to lose morale --- I need all of this. Thanks in advance and I will work to keep active to answer your questions.
I you want to e-mail me privately, you can contact me via Metafilter mail.

Mark CF, I love you, but go away :P

divabat — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:58:43 -0800

What are some good (preferably experience-based) birthday gifts for a 21-year-old Australian programming geek who thinks he's Danish? My boyfriend's (whom you all so nicely wished Happy Birthday to in code) 21st birthday is coming up in February. It's going to be a big birthday for him so I want to make it special.

One thing he loves about me is that I'm always doing interesting things and that I often involve him in them - I've dragged him to the Gold Coast to help me stage manage a show, and I've brought him to damn near every multicultural festival that exists in Brisbane. We spent a weekend away in Redcliffe a few months ago and it was awesome. I would like to gift him with another awesome experience-style gift, but I'm at a loss for what to get him.

Some facts about him:

* White Australian male; I'm the most exotic thing about him
* favourite motto is "You can't be young forever but you can be immature indefinitely!" (to him it means he doesn't have to be boring and serious all the time)
* Obsessed with Magic: The Gathering
* Studying IT (Web Services) in uni; currently in 1-year work experience with a performing arts company managing their Web stuff. Often programs stuff in Javascript as a hobby.
* Went to Denmark for a year on exchange and now thinks he's half-Danish. Can speak Danish reasonably fluently. He yearns for opportunities to speak with Danish people and re-experience Denmark. I think he's saving up for a trip to Denmark in a year or so.
* Likes pandas a lot and has assorted panda paraphernalia. (I tried adopting a panda from WWF for him but their web form broke.)
* Enjoys cycling a lot. Also somewhat sporty, but he often needs an excuse (like a school sports team) to play
* Introverted and shy, but quite open and friendly to people he's familiar with
* Says he misses going out drinking; hasn't been to a bar in about a year or so. Doesn't drink much however.
* Likes Indian food; sometimes is more Asian than I am
* Likes to read, especially crime thrillers; Harry Potter fan

I've looked at sites like RedBalloon but nothing there seems to fit. While he is techy, I don't want to get him an iPod or other presents of that nature because I think other relatives will cover that for him. He knows I'm coming so I can't surprise him like I did this year!

I also don't have a lot of money (otherwise I would have bought him a plane ticket) but I could try talking to his mum (whom I'm close to) to see if we can work together on something.

Thanks folks!

Things to do in Raleigh before you're dead

bove — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:07:07 -0800

Help me come up with an "experience" gift around Raleigh, NC. Yes, this is the beginning of Christmas Giftfilter here at AskMe. I have done prior searches, but haven't been able to find anything useful. My wife and I are looking to get a gift for my brother-in-law and his wife. He makes a decent income, so it is difficult to buy him "things" that he would like that he doesn't already have. There have been some great threads in the past about buying experience based gifts. The major problem is that we have never been to Raleigh, and we have no idea what is around there.

Our budget is flexible, but we will definitely spend less than $200. The couple are just turning 30, they have a 6 month old baby boy. He works in the software industry, she is a stay-at-home mom. We don't get to spend a lot of time with them, so we are unsure about their other big interests. I do know that they like movies, restaurants, music, travel, etc. However, we are hoping to do better than a generic gift certificate to a movie theater.

Life experience: how to?

alexplainlater — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:00:06 -0800

I need life experience. But I haven't a clue where to start. First a little background. I know what you're thinking, I need life experience so I need to go live life. Well, I'm 19, male, lived in the same house for that long, and have never done anything worth while. I guess thats because I've always adhered to what my parents wanted or what they thought that I wanted.

It's taken to long to think for myself but I wow do I feel liberated. But the thing is, I feel left behind. People everywhere have seasoned their likes and dislikes and I'm left only with the most superficial enjoyments. I need somewhere to start.
I've been thinking about moving outside of the country(usa) and taking up school, but to where? I really have no clue what to do with myself and I'm becoming more and more frustrated. I can do the safe thing and just go off to the same college my brothers attended, but why? Should my decisions be largely affected by my parents, or am I right in thinking about doing what I want?
What's keeping me from doing anything is a fear of wasting time. This will be my third semester at community college, and I can't help but think this ironic. I have a little money saved up, but instead of looking for adventure and returning home, I want something more permanent. From there I could decide to do whatever.

I've lurked and I feel privileged to be able to ask such an intelligent community.

Help a teenager make the most of his summer.

zenja72 — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 08:45:15 -0800

Help a teenager make the most of his summer This summer will be my first truly free summer; before this I had always been carted away to various camps and activities, and with my newfound 16 years of age I've been deemed by my parents "free". I'm CITing at a camp I used to go to, but that is really my only required activity all summer. I haven't gotten a job, which isn't optimal but isn't the end of the world either.

So, my question: If you, with your experience now, had a free summer, what would you do with it? What activities and skills would you learn? What books would you read? What articles online would you read? Any blogs to subscribe to? Life long habits and hobbies to form?

A little background on me, to guide your insights. I'll be a junior next year (the whole college process has to start sometime). I think I probably want to do something with technology; I have done a lot with web design in the past (CMSs and the sort) but I realize now that programming is not my favorite thing to do and instead I prefer being an idea guy. In high school, I've got a good set of friends but I could always be more confident and persuasive; I'm kind of quirky (in their eyes). Anything else I can tell you that I haven't already, let me know.

What is the source of this quote about experience?

mjbraun — Wed, 16 May 2007 08:14:24 -0800

I'm trying to find the source, as well as the correct phrasing, of a saying I've become fond of regarding experience and personal growth: "Beware the man who says he has 10 years of experience, who actually has 1 year of experience 10 times" For some reason, I seem to recall it may have been from a Japanese source, but my Google-fu has failed me thus far.

Son Of A...

scrump — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:12:07 -0800

Has anyone used the Beaches all-inclusive resorts? I'm specifically looking for feedback from people with families as to the quality and whether it compared favorably or unfavorably to a self-planned/self-directed vacation. If you have experience with alternatives (vacation outfitters that specifically cater to people with sprogs along), please do speak up. I understand that it might be cathartic for some of you to editorialize here on the commoditization of everything and how resorts like this are the problem with the world today. If you're so inclined, at least try to understand first that even those of us who are hardcore granola-farming twig-eating DIYers who make our own snowshoes from reclaimed third world tires and recycle our own cars sometimes like to go to capitalistic exploitative class-war-fomenting Earth-raping environmental and societal catastrophes like Disneyland. Really.

What are some Australian/international volunteer organisations.

Serial Killer Slumber Party — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:11:06 -0800

What are some Australian or international organisations that are similar to the Peace Corps? Sometime shortly after I graduate, I want to do some form of volunteer work abroad, something like the Peace Corps offer. However, as an Australian citizen, I can't exactly join the Peace Corps. Are there any organisations that have similar kinds of work?

Ideally I'm looking for something that offers a living wage and look somewhat respectable on a CV. I'm not really bothered about where abouts most work is located, anywhere would be great. I would want to do it in 3-6 years time and by then would hopefully have a diploma in science with a Chemistry/Geography double major.

Anecdotes welcome!

You have to be crazy to work in accounting, but since you want a job, you must not be crazy

squidlarkin — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:57:17 -0800

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. I'm incredibly qualified for data entry work, but all the data entry in my area falls under the heading of "accounting". I'd love to get some accounting experience, but every job that would give me accounting experience requires at least a year of -- wait for it -- accounting experience. What can I do?

A roadmap for life

DZ-015 — Fri, 12 May 2006 04:20:47 -0800

At the grand old age of 37, I've suddenly been hit by the realization that I'm in the wrong career and it's corroding by soul. I want to work in something to do with the surveying and production of maps (I love maps). Does anyone work in this field and have advice on what qualifications I'll need and be able to tell me what sort of stuff they do?

Logistics & College

divabat — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 23:11:56 -0800

How can I best get experience in logistics in a college setting? I've been told that I'd be pretty good in logistics. I have strong skills in data management, I'm very productive, I do things quickly, and I'm highly resourceful.

I don't actually have any logistical experience though - maybe organizing a treasure hunt or two in high school, coordinating bus rides, and that's about it. I'm re-entering college soon and would like to use this time to gain experience, so what's the best way to gain logistical experience (especially related to people and events) in a college setting?

So far I can only think of organizing events, but what else can I dive in to?

A Legend in the Making

pinto — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 10:44:22 -0800

You are taking a walk around a public place in your city or town. This place is relatively new to you. If you had the opportunity to annotate a map and 'mark up' five categories of interest or experience, which five categories or types of sites might you choose to identify? Sensory experience? Social interaction? Sites of commerce? None of the above? Be as specific or general as you please.

20-something girls vs. 30-something women?

speranza — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 19:16:50 -0800

Starting your career at 30... I'm 22 (only just!) and have spent the last five or so years studying on and off (at college, not university - I'm in the UK) and waitressing and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I still don't really know the answer to that, but I've realised that I do want to go to university and I would like to do that next year (I'm currently studying with the Open University, but I won't be able to transfer my credits, so I will be starting from scratch as an undergraduate at 23).

This means I will graduate at 27 and that worries me a little. I know 27 is certainly not old, but as I may then have to spend at least a couple of years doing crappy work-experience type jobs, I can't imagine my career really starting until I'm at least 30. I don't really have a problem with this, I'm just concerned that potential employers will. Will they think it's odd that a 30-year-old is applying for the same jobs as under 25s with the same qualifications and work experience? Would they prefer the younger graduate? Will they pass me over if they think I'm going to go off and get married and have kids (don't believe in the former, don't want the latter)? Or will they not even notice or care?

I realise I might be being slightly paranoid, but since I've never worked in any place that didn't require me to wear an apron, I'm really not sure of what (if any) attitudes there are towards older (but not significantly more experienced) graduates.

When is enough enough?

Anonymous — Sat, 08 Oct 2005 07:03:57 -0800

In an otherwise great relationship, is it normal to have moments where you feel completely fed up? I'm not posting to have everyone pat me on the back and make me feel warm and fuzzy, I'm after the sort of large sample size response that asking a handful of friends just doesn't achieve.

I'm in a relationship that I would say is the best I've been in, but there have been times when I just think, "that's it, this is unacceptable". It's never things with a history, or things that have been a long time coming, it's inconsequential stuff. Foe example, she might be in a bad mood, over-react at me, and I'll be so mad at the (perceived) unjustified attack that I'll want to call it off then and there.

Given that this isn't a frequent thing, am I just over reacting myself? Maybe the answer is that the only way to avoid this is to never be in a relationship -- it comes with the territory, and it happens to everyone once in a while. Or maybe it's masochistic to think that this is normal relationship material.

I'm 20 -- I don't have a lot of relationship experience. So, from what only experience can teach, how normal is this?

How to seem...sluttier than I am.

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 03:50:43 -0800

Help: my new boyfriend has had way more sex than me. I'm a woman, mid-20s. He's the same age. I've been with a few people, but none was particularly experienced or adept either, and I basically feel like I've not really experienced "good" sex and don't even really know what that would look like.

I know if he cares about me that this shouldn't matter to him and blah blah, but I'm really quite hung up on it, and I don't want to turn him off with seeming green or whatever; in fact, I don't want to seem that way even if it wouldn't turn him off. He doesn't actually know the specifics of my sexual history, and I'd kind of like him not to be able to guess at its brevity.

We recently slept together for the first time, and I felt like I didn't have the motions or the timing down, basically just felt clumsy, compared to him. It lasted way longer than I'm used to, and I found myself thinking, "what should I do to fill all this time?" (No, I didn't come. Let's leave that out of it for the moment.) This is strange for me because I don't think I'm generally unphysical or anything; I'm very comfortable with, e.g., making out, blow jobs, and I think I'm rather good at those things. But for the actual penetrative part, I'm at a bit of a loss.

In short: what can you tell me that I would have learned from having had more/better partners? What can I do to be more adroit/what mistakes am I likely to make? There seems to be a comparative dearth of information for women on how to be good at sex. I know about the Guide to Getting It On, and I guess I'd better read it stat. I'd really like some live advice too, though.

If I'm truly treading the wrong line of thought here, then: how can I become less neurotic about this?

Why is time passing so slowly?

Caviar — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 13:53:12 -0800

Inspired by this question, I have to ask the opposite. I've found that as I've gotten older, things in the past seem VERY VERY far away. The beginning of this past summer seems like a long time ago. Events a year ago, seem as far away as, subjectively, five years felt when I was a kid. Five years ago feels like a different life altogether. I have some friends who also feel this way.

Why would our experience differ so greatly from what's perceived to be the norm? Do you feel this way?