Last week’s annual Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day got us thinking about something. Do our kids really understand what we do for a living? What about our spouses and friends? So we asked them. In some cases, the reply was spot on. In other cases, it was way off base – and pretty funny. Here’s a view of the OSD team through the eyes of our family and friends.
Brian Noble, Design
I asked my 18-year-old daughter for her impression.
What she said about me:
He helps clients bring their ideas to life through pamphlets, logos, etc. He pays attention to details and is creative.
What I really do:
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Andy Teipen, Business Development
My 5-year-old twins recently wrote the book on me – literally – so I didn’t have to ask.
What they said about me:
Will (blue paper): He makes websites.
Isa (green paper): He works on the computer.
[grid][col-1-2]
[/col][col-1-2]
[/col][/grid]
What I really do:
They’re pretty much right. I work on the computer (and talk on the phone and have meetings) lining up projects for OSD, including websites. I don’t actually make them, though. And I’m a little concerned that Will thinks I’m 20 years older than I really am.
Paige Moore, Content
I asked my best friend of 10+ years to describe what I do.
What she said about me:
I think you read the stuff people write and mark everything that’s wrong with a red pen, then give it back to them and keep marking it until it’s correct.
What I really do:
Well, I use a purple pen. It’s less threatening than red. And I often write stuff myself rather than editing others’ work. But, in truth, I spend most of my time developing the strategy for social media and content marketing programs.
Dan Brinkruff, Video
My boys, Toby (age 8) and Luke (age 6) drew pictures to show what their dad does at work.
What they said about me:
Toby (top picture): He works with electronics. He works for companies like Klipsch. He often just works on his computers.
Luke (bottom picture): He makes videos.
What I really do:
Well, they’re both right. I’m the director of video at OSD, which means that at some point, all things relating to video production go through me. I shoot, direct, edit and basically do my best not to screw things up.
Ann Leach, Accounts
I asked my neighbor for her impression.
What she said about me:
Ann manages large-scale graphic design, marketing and web design projects for clients such as Lilly.
What I really do:
She’s right. I manage client and internal teams to establish and support account and project objectives in the areas of design and website development. In other words, I push emails around all day answering questions to keep projects moving so they stay afloat!
Ryan Mitchener, Development
I asked my wife how she describes my job.
What she said about me:
Ryan is a web developer and he makes apps.
What I really do:
Her description is perfect. I build dynamic and responsive websites with interactive front-ends. I also develop Android applications.
Michael Kritsch, Design
My son Ethan (7 today – happy birthday!) did one of those “About My Dad” projects recently.
What he said about me:
He said my most important job is “to make munee” and that for work I “design bulitin boards.”
What I really do:
While I occasionally design billboards (aka bulitin boards), my primary responsibilities include creative and strategic direction for websites and brand visual identity. As a hands-on Creative Director, I’m responsible for website, logo and print designs from concept through launch. And yes, I’ve been known to make a tasty egg samwich.
Jennifer Sargent, Project Management
I asked my kids, Grayson (age 9) and Emerson (age 7), “What does mommy do at work?”
What they said about me:
Grayson: You teach people about medical stuff.
Emerson: You teach other people on your computer to do what you do.
What I really do:
I’m glad they both know me as a teacher – even if they are a bit off base about the subject matter! I’m part of the instruction team for the online Lean Six Sigma program offered through the Partnership for Competitive Advantage in Engineering Professional Education at Purdue University. In addition, I work at OSD, guiding operational process improvements and providing project management services.
Thanks for reading the blog.
- Paige
