Example Field Notes Transcript

example field notes transcript

This node provides an example field notes transcript. Please be advised that the field notes transcript has not been edited nor does it represent a "perfect" transcript. It does, however, provide insight into the observation process.

If you have any questions about your "Considerations for your Role as an Observer," preparing for your observation, or creating the field notes transcript, please consult the other observation materials and/or contact me.

field notes transcript

Details	Reflections
Raytheon presentation	Everything was set up when I arrived. They were very prepared. This shows a strong sense of professionalism.
Came in and they had a large booklet on Raytheon Missile Systems, a calendar, and a business card waiting at each seat. They also handed out a pen shaped like a cactus and a foam stress reliever in the shape of a computer both displaying the name Raytheon.	The presenters were very professional but spoke to us in a casual manner. They put us a ease by making a lot of jokes. This tactic worked very well and served to make up like them better.
First, the AET president (AET was hosting the event) introduced the speakers. The speakers stood and explained that they wanted to keep the presentation open and informative. They said that they wanted us to interrupt them if we had any questions. Then they explained what they were going to talk about and show us.	They gave us a lot of technical data throughout the presentation that had to do with their work and what their company does. They treated us like we were equals and like we understood what they were saying (many companies don't), this served to make us like them more and therefore we liked their company more.
The speakers had a lot of slides (which we had a copy of in the booklet) and a video to show us. They introduced themselves, gave their names and some company information. They explained that there were different recruitment regions and that they were only speaking for their section because it is a very large company. They explained that if we applied for another section that it would have nothing to do with them. Next, they showed a slide giving some information including their website. After that they showed a 15 minute video on Raytheon missiles company. The video showed different missiles and explained some of the technology behind them. The video also explained what some of the engineers do for the company. There was music playing during the video. The video was very impressive showing off the company in a very showy but effective way.	They told us a lot about themselves. They had a lot of visual aids ready to help make us understand better. Video was very impressive showing some of their missiles and what they are capable of. They seamed to be trying to sell the company to us. Which was the whole point of the presentation. They did a good job of it. Good technical data during video. Very impressive show of technology and the results of the engineers work.
Next, the speakers started talking about how they were switching a lot of their work over to a new facility that was going to require about 1400 new workers. They talked about continuing to work and design and about their mission and devotion to American people (again, trying to sell company).	One of the speakers spoke more than the other. He seamed to take control. From the background information that he gave us we found out that he was a team leader and it showed in the way the two men reacted to each other even though they told us that they are very good friends and they hang out together all of the time.
Next, more of the video was played. This part of the video showed information on simulators and how they test the systems that the engineers design without having to build the system first. They started talking about the facilities, rapid prototyping, the knowledge center, and training. They also talked about teams developing products, processes and solutions. Designers team up with production engineers. Next, they talked about the test facilities. The facilities are designed to keep things classified. They laughed about how the missile guidance systems are tested by tracking planes at a near by airport through the labs windows. Next, they discussed the repair facilities and the ways that they go about doing the repairs. The speakers were saying all of this while the video was going on. They paused the video at appropriate times to explain things better or show slides. The video showed more of the facilities and people working along with products and the design process. Next, they talked about the ways money is saved through careful design and planning and about keeping customers happy. Again plugging the company. The end of the video talked about how they were working toward the technology of tomorrow. The video was then over.	This part of the video and presentation showed more equipment that we would have access to that we wouldn't have access to, almost, anywhere else. This is an impressive show and like all boys it made me want to work for the company so that I could play with the cool toys (again, trying to sell the company). Trying to sell themselves More technical stuff throughout this part of the presentation. Projects are done in teams. They do most of the work in teams. They made a joke. Video had a lot of info and pictures, which illustrated the speaker's points well.
Then they told us there were a lot of things that they are making that is classified and they can't tell us about it. Then they explained that they were only here to plug and recruit for the test equipment side of the company. Slide- professional only name is colored. Slide tells about the career opportunities and more about the number of employees wanted. They need 75 engineers. Speaker told what he has done in the company and more about his background. He talked about how he was able to put his EET degree to work right away.	Selling the company. This gives possibilities for the future showing us that we have room for growth and that the job will be exciting. This serves to make the company sound more mysterious and exciting. They were very strait forward with us telling us what they were here for. This statement lets us know we would be doing things for their company that wouldn't make us feel like we wasted our time going to college.
He tells us that what we do as EET's is fundamentally important to industry today.	This statement serves to boost our egos.
He said that a lot of people stay a long time at Raytheon without moving to other companies. He said that the company is growing and that the name has changed through the years and several buyouts. They are more a engineering company than a production company. More about how they are trying to recruit 1400 people. Again, they told us how the test engineering section needed 75 engineers. They have been speaking very informal most of this time. They told us stories about people that work for the company.	This makes us more at ease with them.
They showed the history of the company with a slide. The presenters were dressed semiformal. Slide-very colorful with picture showing desert. Premier missile design makers. Very big company growing a great deal. They joked about Tucson area and told us about the area. They gave a lot of information on the are city and temperature of Arizona. Talked about the mountains surrounding the city and how there was a lot to do on the mountains. Joked about the weather. Said city was a big "small" town, a lot to offer in surrounding area. Then more joking about aiming at the planes from the airport. Said great place to be if you are an outdoorsman. Slide-contains picture and map of area Slide-show facilities and map of facilities along with company information. Slide-shows how Raytheon compares to the world. More talk about facilities. Talk about charter and responsibilities Slide-More of what their engineers do.	Business casual dress for presenters (makes more comfortable with them than if they were wearing suits) and T-shirts and blue jeans for most of the students. If they can make us excited about the area we will want to move there and it will make it easier for them to convince us to work for them.
We were seated in an auditorium type classroom. The type where the seats get higher as you move farther in the back of the room. The presenters are down in front like teachers and they are using the video display and overhead. Also, they were speaking to us as engineers, not students. They told us what we would be doing for them and what our responsibilities would be. They gave us information on the organization of the employees within the company. They told us how they have to tailor their designs to meet their customer's specifications. Slide- organizational structure They talked about how the company is very much a team environment and that teams are responsible for coming up with solutions within themselves. Slide- test systems design lab Pictures, graph of skills needed, building, product lines etc. Presenters switched off between each other a lot during this section but the main speaker still spoke more. They would interrupt each other to add things.	The room was probably assigned to them. It did allow for the best view for all of the students. There were only a couple quilts hanging up in the room for decoration. This is probably so that students won't be distracted during class by a lot of art. Being down in front and using the equipment showed that they were in charge of the meeting. This gives us more respect for them and allows us to trust them more.
We took a break and the AET society served pizza and drinks. Very informal. The presenters presented while they were eating, very informal.	Took break for pizza and drinks. This is done at all AET presentations. Probably to make us more comfortable.
More information on the facilities Slide- pictures on fabrication and assembly capabilities. More talk on responsibilities and what engineers do. Slide- showing the structure for the whole Raytheon organization.
Then he said he would start speeding up the presentation since it was getting late. Started talking about the design processes more and made joke about how it is the same way that we do it in our classes. Answered a question on typical assignments. Slide- development process very colorful Slide- bulleted no color of what engineers need to know.	Speed up presentation before it got too late. This is done to keep us from getting bored with them or tired of being there. Gladly answered any questions we asked showing some respect for our concerns.
About 30 students attended to presentation along with two professors. There were two presenters. They told us how they educate there employees on the equipment that they will be working with and how they reimburse them so they can go to school while working.	There was a small group of people that this pertained to but they were all part of my professional context.
They put the new engineers with senior engineers to help the new engineers learn what to do.	This shows concern for us and makes us more at ease with going to work for them.
They have a system set up for people to keep learning about new technologies. More slides with pictures showing what they do.	Shows concern.
They answered questions throughout the presentation.	Allows us to pay full attention to them.
The handout given to us was a copy of their slides so that we would have all of the information. Handout very professional with colorful pictures and flow-charts. A lot of useful information.	Makes it sound exciting
Now presenter that has been talking as much takes over presenting. Discusses the testing of the missiles and the safety involved and how they have to be careful not to damage the $400,000 missiles.
Then it went back to the other presenter and he wrapped it up by telling about what we could do with their company and how we would start. He told us what they were looking for in employees.	Showed us that they are serious about us.
Then they thanked us for allowing them to speak to us and the session was over. It started at 6:30 and went to 8:10.	Showed respect for us making us respect them more. All of the things done in this are important within my professional context because they show us how professionals act and how companies work.