Last week I had started working on many HR related items for the Merchandising and Promotions Dept. at Chas. E. Ramsons which included creating Job Descriptions, Recruitment Processes and Performance Appraisals all of which I plan to finalize by this weeks end. Christopher had also asked me to do some research and meet with employees throughout the company to identify flaws in their marketing and promotion efforts. I quickly realized a major problem was simply the lack of communication between departments and very basic documents which were being used to pass information. I then set out to review and amend the companies current Promotion Request Form and any documents used to record the success of promotions.
Last Friday I had the chance to travel around Kingston to Halfway Tree, the downtown area and even ventured out to Spanish Town to observe some in store promotions which were taking place. My job was to evaluate the promotion itself and also how the promoters performed on the job, utilizing the Site Visit - Promotion Evaluation Form which I created. It was interesting to see how the environment and scenery changed with every 20 minute drive in another direction. (NOTE: Driving in Jamaica is nothing like back home, there are virtually no rules when driving and it feels like an aggressive free for all. What I think is a close call or a potential accident is a normal driving experience for those who live here) While in Spanish Town we visited a very large department store, Bashco, where again we observed promotions for a product we distribute, Magic Malt. I was surprised to see the promotion was had not yet started (2 hours behind schedule) and was not set up as instructed, but this is why I was there to observe. While at Bashco with my driver Wayne we shopped around the store. I still have not become accustom to the money here. $1 CAN is equal to about $100 JD so even bottles of Gatorade are sold for $150 JD. I actually ended up buying a fairly nice pair of shoes for $1500 JD.
Since arriving in Jamaica Alan and I have joined Express Fitness and have gone almost everyday after work and on the weekend. Over the weekend we did some exploring and found Usain Bolts house which is actually only a 5 minute walk from where we are staying in the Norbrook area. I took Alan to Sugar and Spice on Saturday to experience the famous Jamaican Patty and we later went out to a few bars drinking with some work friends. Regardless of the time of day, I'm noticing the average temperature here is about 30 degrees and is somewhat difficult to adjust to. (I also had a friendly lizard visit me in the shower the other day)
One of the most surprising things thus far has been how well I'm treated by any employee at work. Everyone continues to be very friendly and speak very highly of all past interns. I have hardly had time to meet with Christopher throughout the week but am realising it is simply because he views me as a respectable professional and is fully confident in the work I am producing, trusting me to be independent on a day to day basis.
One of the most surprising things thus far has been how well I'm treated by any employee at work. Everyone continues to be very friendly and speak very highly of all past interns. I have hardly had time to meet with Christopher throughout the week but am realising it is simply because he views me as a respectable professional and is fully confident in the work I am producing, trusting me to be independent on a day to day basis.