Academic Writing: Excerpts

When I was a child, I dreamt of teaching young children in school--of training them how to act and introduce to them the wonders of Life. However, now, as an adult, I dream of bigger things. I want to teach older persons, specifically working people, how to do better at whatever they were already doing good. I like to teach them how to be happier in their chosen occupation, no matter what their job is.

I like to be a Corporate Trainor. Thus, I prepared an action plan to apply to the Training Division of the Human Resources Department of Rosegold Ridge Amusement in Shanghai, China. It is where I like to build my career. I will present the information about my career choice, the specific Company and my specific desired entry into this market. The analysis of the Company’s macro and microenvironment through the SWAT procedure also follows. Based on the data I have gathered, I made an action plan that will serve as my checklist in achieving my goal and finally landing that job.

1. Selection of company and general information

1.1 Sub-industry

The sub-industry of Attractions remains to grow in the global market nowadays. This sub-industry promises a very challenging and rewarding career for me. The fast-paced environment can be a sort of adrenaline booster to squeeze out the most creative ideas from my mind.

1.2. Career choice and specific Company

I preferred Rosegold Ridge Amusement since it has already existed in China since 1985 and it already has a chain of theme parks in other strategic locations in China such as Shenzhen, Beijing and Chengdu. These parks accommodate around 18,000 to 20,000 guests on weekends. Its newest park in Shang-hai is my choice because it will open in the year 2010 and I like to be a pioneer employee there.

Rosegold Ridge is known for its excellent "design, marketing and operational expertise to the development of the park." (Funworld, 2006). These theme parks boast a variety of rides, games, cinema, restaurants and shops.

1.3 My specific desired entry

I believe that it is a fulfillment to work in such a dynamic organization and to be part of its HRD is indeed demanding and yet challenging. I am looking forward to being hired as a Trainor and to design effective training programs that aim to improve the work performance of its employees, especially its front liners.

2. General research marketing plan

2.1 Current situation

Strengths: Rosegold Ridge Amusement has been operating in China for twenty-four years already and they were still expanding their branches. The OCT Group, the owner of Sunrise Ridge also manages real estate, travel agencies, hotels and electrical supplies companies. The group is said to have a general asset of US$ 20.5 Billion. 

Weaknesses: The facilities of Rosegold Ridge need to be constantly refurbished and at the same time, updated to go with the trends in amusement today.

Opportunity: Shang-hai will host the World Expo Convention of Attractions and FEC's in 2010. Thus, there will a lot of publicity about the attractions in Shang-hai, including Rosegold Ridge. Likewise, according to Funworld (2006), "the development has also affected real estate.”

Threat: Rosegold Ridge Amusement is not the only theme park in China, in Beijing.

a. Macro environment factor

1. China is considered now as a progressive country, developing fast as it can. Shang-hai is one of its cities in the Eastern part and another seat where busy people come and go for business and political purposes, Perhaps, once in a while, almost everyone is looking forward to pausing from the humdrum and relax comfortably with the company of their families and loved ones.

2. The number of theme parks and amusement centers being opened every year in China continued to grow larger. Guests do not only include residents but also tourists and travelers from other places or countries. Most of them boast of a strong record of sales.

3. Theme parks and other attractions usually hire students during the summer as seasonal employees. This period is usually considered as one of the peak seasons and additional manpower can lessen the workloads. That way, problems and conflicts that cause complaints can be readily avoided. Theme parks procedures and guidelines are also learned easily by students.

4. If somebody likes to be hired by Rosegold Ridge Amusement, he or she must be people-oriented, especially if it is a position in the Training Division or Human Resources Department. He or she must have excellent presentation and communication skills, both oral and written. He or she must speak English and Mandarin. Plus, a degree in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences or Organizational Development or another related course. Related work experience can also be an advantage.

b. Microenvironment Factors

1. My strengths: I will have the degree. I can speak both Chinese and English. I have good presentation skills. 

  My weakness: I do not have comprehensive work experience as yet. I will have to learn more about English, especially in drafting my own training designs, but it can be learned.

2. Primarily, I like to earn enough salary to support my basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. I hope I can easily find a house to stay in that will not cost so much.

3. If I am hired by the company, I expect to be qualified for permanent employment and enjoy the privileges of being one. I hope that I can be provided accommodations--a good place to live in that is situated near the company's location. But, it would be better if the company can provide free shuttle services. I also expect to be given health benefits that include free or low-cost medical and dental assistance. I hope the company also has a retirement program.

4. I am willing to relocate. I just hope that the Company will inform me about their intent as early as possible to allow me to prepare for it and that the transfer is properly compensated.

5. I like to travel a lot. It will be fun and very challenging to go from one place to another. Traveling and multiple relocations are also fine as long as the Company informs me prior.  

6. I still expect that the Company will ensure my safety and security while working. I expect that a good and stable Company like them already has procedures regarding safety at work. I also hope that the people whom I will be working with are easy to get along with. I believe that it is not necessary that I will like them or they will like me, but what is important is that we get along with each other harmoniously.

2.2 Strategy

I. Goals. Rosegold Ridge expands more of its theme park group and in the year 2010, it will open in Shanghai, China. So, Although, I think that they will be already hiring their people before that date, there will still be enough time for me to prepare.

II. Timeframe. I can write to the HR Department of Rosegold Ridge and inquire more about the said position. Then, I will send my resume with a cover letter as a formal job application. I can request a schedule of interviews. I will further express my intent to get employed by them by making a follow-up after a week or two weeks.

III. Map Campaign in Specifics. I carefully evaluate my abilities and skills that fitted the job. I will also try to know more about Rosegold Ridge and its Corporate History. I will not only look up on the internet to get the data I needed but also I will ask other people's opinions about their visits to any of the Happy Valley parks. Also, I can drive by and personally see for myself how things are going inside the park, especially the routines of the employees.

IV. Start Research. I will request these people to act as my referrals: a friend who is the Operations Manager of an automotive company in China, my professors and the Branch Accountant of a Family-Entertainment Center in China who is also a friend.

V. Intensity of my Search. I will get ready for the interview, review my notes, and prepare the materials or documents needed. I will be enthusiastic and aggressive to push my application. A famous author once said, "the best is yet to come."

2.3 Tactics

Program # 1. University recruiter. The jobs being offered by them are somehow limited. I think that I will not see such a job opening in their bulletin posts.

Program # 2. Direct contact. This is my best option since I am very specific about the Company and the position that I like.

Program # 3. Referrals. I will still have to check if I have any relative or friend working at any of the Sunrise Ridge parks, or even at their other companies.

Program # 4. Advertisement. Second option. But, I have to stand-by if the company will be posting their manpower needs in ads in papers and the internet.

2.4 Budgeting.

Advertisement. I will send my application form or resume through email. I will just have to pay the internet rental fee that may cost 10 dollars.

Travel. Fare expenses will cost me at least 30 dollars.

Phone. I will possibly make phone calls to do my follow-ups for 50 dollars per month.

Clothes. I will have to purchase a set of corporate attire that I will use for the interview and possibly, for my first days of work, if I get hired. This is for 200 dollars.

Others. I will allow a minimal amount for miscellaneous and emergency expenses of 200$.

2.5. Monitoring and Control.

I will make a follow-up by checking my email daily and calling them at least every other week. I will be patient to wait until Rosegold Ridge will finally give me feedback. If ever it came out that I do not qualify for the said job, I will look for another attractions company nearby and start applying again. Perhaps, I can inquire from Rosegold Ridge what made me not qualified so that I know, and so that I can immediately make any improvement on myself, if necessary.

Summary

I laid out the details of what I am going to do from the start-up to the last step of my job application at Rosegold Ridge Amusement in Shanghai, China. It will open its newest franchise in the year 2010 and it is really a good opportunity to grab it. Through the details about the company profile, I drafted a plan to sell myself and how to get myself landed a job in Happy Valley. The strategies I have previously enumerated enhance the possibilities of me getting actually hired by them. Furthermore, mentioned here also were my other options if ever Rosegold Ridge does not get me. ###