1. Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?
As a result of what I've completed so far in this project, I've grown to be more knowledgeable about many instruments and have also became closer to the music store/school I've been going to for years, but yet not close to. This is also my first direct look to the behind the scenes of retail, and though the owner has told me that each type of retail store (grocery, music, clothing, etc.) tends to work differently from each other, I still think I can learn something about retail in general.
2. EQ Content: Pick a piece of research or your interview. How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?
I actually just had an interview today with my summer mentor, Gene Iacono. The interview has shown me that there are a lot of things involved with running a music store and there is almost zero guide to it except for experience. This interview has also shown me how sellers and customers in this industry tend to be the same type of people--musicians--therefore they tend to think in a similar wavelength. This probably applies to other retail fields as well.
3. What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
I've decided to take a few weeks off mentorship in order to figure out a sure schedule, so that I wouldn't have to force my mentors to work around an everchanging schedule. I did think that this just seemed like a cop out on my part, but I've proven myself wrong today; I had to reschedule an interview at the last minute due to an event that overlapped with the interview time.
I'm taking on a lot of things this year. This break has allowed me to assess which days I will have available for any interviews or mentorship and to figure out some kind of structure to my busy days. If I am able to organize my time, my days may be busy but it wouldn't be hectic. And that'd help.
4. What hasn't worked so far?
Doing things on the fly, as I tend to do, does not and will not work well this year. I may be willing to stay up late to do homework, stick around at school until 8PM for, etc. But it doesn't mean that others might be. I can't afford to weigh people, like my mentors, family, and friends, down with my kneejerk way of doing things.
I also definitely cannot keep my contacts (mentors, interviewees) in the dark about any changes. I think the interview today could've gone a lot smoother if I had figured out things before.
5. Finding Value:
What is a potential question you would like to study this year? (working EQ)
'What does it take to run a music store?' or 'How do you effectively run a music store?'
What do you plan to do for mentorship? If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to to find it.
I will be continuing my mentorship at the music store and will be attempting to try to find other mentors in the music retail field. My mentor has suggested that I talk to teachers as well so not only would I have the perspective of a student and an employee, but also of a faculty.
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