Job Responsibilities
In this position, I generally spent 4 hours a day answering the
telephone. I spent 2 hours a day on quotes - both standard and
custom, and 1 hour a day entering orders. I then spent about an
hour a day working on any other projects that I had been given.
In addition to helping customers, creating quotes, and entering
orders, I was given additional projects including compiling RFP
submissions, writing letters, editing, testing new software,
updating the procedure manual, and assisting in training as
necessary.
|
Job Requirements
Most people hired on full-time at Daktronics already have an
Associates or Bachelors degree. They also provide incentives
for student employees including reimbursement for classes taken
at the local university (SDSU) that are related to some aspect
of the business. Student employees must work a minimum of 20
hours per week, additional hours during holidays, and 35-40
hours per week during summers to receive the student pay
incentive (at least $1 more per hour). First aid, language, and
fitness courses are provided to employees for free in the
evenings. Full-time employees taking university classes also
qualify for the reimbursement program and are usually able to
work around their school schedule. The company has a sebatical
program for long-term employees interested in acheiving a
graduate or doctorate degree.
|
Uppers
The best part of my job was the extra projects entrusted to me by my managers
and sometimes co-workers once they realized my potential. I was also able to
contribute input as to new products, market niches, and potential customers.
Also, the comradery among the employees was outstanding, as most praised each
other, built good working relationships, and supported each other - particulalry
if one regional coordinator had a larger workload than another.
|
Downers
The worst part of my job is the monotony included on days when
we had high order volume and/or quote requests. Since these were
two of the more important aspects of my position, they required
attention first and sometimes meant an entire day of data
entry. Another downer of the position is that my position was
often the first to answer calls from customers - which meant
often taking the brunt of someone's frustration and anger before
transferring them to the appropriate account representative.
Sometimes the act of transferring them made them more upset,
even if I was not able to meet their needs.
|
Lifestyle
The work environment is very friendly. Hours are from 8:00 - 4:30 with a
half-hour lunch period, but are flexible for special circumstances and prior
notice. Little business travel is necessary for this position. There are several
company social events including a company-wide picnic in the summer and a party
in the winter (with entertainment and food). The departments also celebrate with
pot-lucks for different holidays and occassions. The dress code is business
casual with jeans allowed on Fridays. Formal business attire is expected if you
are supposed to meet with a customer. Daktronics is an equal opportunity
employer and has a wide diversity throughout its regional offices and in its
international offices.
|
Compensation
This position is often considered a "starter" position. I
started at an hourly rate of $10.25 and received a $0.50 raise
after my 3 month evaluation. The company provides full health,
dental, and life insurance to its full time employees.
Employees also have the opportunity to invest in a 401K plan and
stock options after their first year at Daktronics. Full time
employees benefit from paid holidays and paid vacation time
(varies on the amount of time with the company). There are many
advancement opportunities from this position to other positions
in the same department or in different departments depending on
the employee's interests and goals.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
I would recommend that new comers realize that it takes some
time before the employees really begin to trust you with
responsibility (about 2-3 months). There is a moderate learning
curve for all the software and technology knowledge necessary
for this position, and that training opportunities are readily
available. This is a position that is vital to the operation of
the company and will provide job security for those looking to
stay in that position, and is a great starting place for those
who desire to work their way up to different opportunities.
|
|
