Employers want you to be awesome...

This tech bubble has exploded into every aspect of our lives.  It's also influenced the way our generation works.  Think back to the start of Facebook, Apple, Microsoft...they consist of young, innovative, very hard working people.  But technology has left us to have an attention span of a 2 year old. 


So how do you look awesome to a employer?


1. Flexibility. If something needs to get done, it needs to get done.  Facebook didn't crash and burn because Mark Zuckerburg didn't ONLY work from 9-5.

2. Innovation.  To be honest, it doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Take a step back to look at the big picture. My team @ NASA was having a terrible time with the adhesive precision of a pin in a slot.  (This slot was round).  Since the slot was round, the adhesive would pull the pin in any direction.  I proposed constraining the pin using a v-groove.  Although it hasn't been testing, it was celebrated like the invention of sliced bread :-) Simple ideas help. 


3. Expression. Don't be afraid to express your ideas/questions.  Why do we do this? Why can't we do that? Instead of forcing it upon people, ask why it's not a viable option...they may come to realize that it is, and you were being snotty about it .  Also, expect to be shot down. Just remember that expression bridges the gap from innovation into production.

4. People that can shut up and listen.  Let's face it.  You don't know much about anything.  Listen to the people around you.  They often will give you the answers and advice to succeed.  They've been there, you haven't.  (Just be weary of the downers...which brings me to my NEXT point.)

5.  Enthusiasm. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer.  Even if you don't like it, do you best and learn something.  You're going to do a lot of things you don't like in  your lifetime.  Might as well get used to dealing with it (and making the most of it.)
  If you really want to know how to do this, try filling water vials for 8 hours...with cold, wet, raw hands.  You'll end up singing "99 bottles"....twice, haha.  You gotta make the most of situations.