A little over a week to go at Markit! I am more an more convinced that I have to go. Nothing is easy and fun here at Markit. Things break on a daily basis. To get something done, even a small thing, takes a few weeks. This is not for me! Really.
I think it should be day and night between Markit and NBC. The environment should be more relaxing and also more open. Things should be easier and faster to change. And I will get a chance to work with a pretty good manager.
It’s not going to be easy at the beginning. I am used to more of a stateful Java programming. We might have to shift to a PHP way. It’s not bad, but I think it makes it difficult at times.
I am more and more convinced that I have to modify the way I learn. I feel stupid now. I feel that I don’t learn optimally. I do read a lot, but my retention is spotty at best. To improve that, I absolutely have to practice the technology that I learn. I also have to dig deeper into the subject. If I’m reading a JSF book, I can pick another book on the subject. And then re-read the book again. And then write a practice project using that technology. I can only improve and really “get” the technology if I get a good grasp of it.
The most important things to do when I join NBC are the following… I need to establish myself right away. I need to feel comfortable with the people around, introduce myself to different people, and just really be open and comfy. The second thing, for 6-12 months, I need to get excellent knowledge about the domain, about the company, and really get comfortable. I need to prepare myself to make significant changes in the future.
I hope to stay at NBC for extended period of times, not 1-2 years, but at least 4-5.