Ethical Issues
In Chile, we were able to observe ethical issues. On the tours at Centauro and Bosque de Mauco, the visible regulations and precautions were very similar to those I would expect to see at comparable businesses here. However, at Bosque, the workers who were harvesting mushrooms by standing on the elevated shelves and using paring knifes to cut the mushrooms. We asked the guide about the frequency of injury of those workers. He said that the frequency of injuries like falls or lacerations was relatively low, but does occur with less experienced workers. He also mentioned that the workers there are paid with a base level of compensation but can earn more based on the weight of mushrooms that they pick. So, people get paid what they're worth. Someone who is used to this kind of work is able to pick several kilograms in a shift. He also suggested that people who would earn a low wage should find another line of work.
Through some of my research before the trip, I learned that governmental regulations mandates that food service workers take a lot of precautions. They even have to wear face masks. We saw this first hand in the cafeteria at USM. To some extent, I find their regulations more extensive than the ones here. As a germaphobe and compulsive hand washer, I definitely appreciate that.
A hot topic in Chilean news is the innovation and investment in hydroelectricity. The creation of power stations that use natural resources (and tourist attractions) like the rivers in Patagonia are promising yet controversial. Perhaps, the improved methods of obtaining more energy will come at a cost (including deforestation). There is much conversation and debate regarding this subject. It will be interesting to see how Chile solves it's energy problems.
Chile does address social and social issues differently than the United States. We were told on various occasions that divorce was recently made legal in 2004. During Jose's lecture, he mentioned that women's rights and equality have made progress and continue to (the government - current and last administrations - has it on its agenda) while gay rights and homosexuality still have yet to come to light. There also isn't much religious diversity. According to the Department of State, as of 2002, 70% of the Chilean population identified as Roman Catholic and 15% evangelicals. I believe that there is strong religious tolerance and acceptance for those who are not Catholic. There is freedom of religion, but with a long, deep history of Catholicism, the nation focuses on it.
I believe that the business practices allow their success. Conservas Centauro, a family based company, seemed to really know the key to success and longevity. Bosques de Mauco prided itself on selling to local fresh markets. I know that these practices are done in the US, but they don't seem to be able to really compete with the larger companies that have a larger distribution area. I believe that Chilean companies would be just as successful if they were here. Perhaps they wouldn't be as visible though.
Educational Breadth as Professional Development
I believe that an in-depth understanding of / experience with global engineering or business is important, and should be stressed more. Because of the nature of those careers, they should be concerned with international happenings. Seemingly, everything from business operations to technological innovation is becoming more global. Many countries have a hand in the way that people everywhere live. For example, in February of 2010, when Chilean miners were trapped, the high-tech camera designed to fit in wells and underground pipes and used to see the miners was manufactured by Aries Industries of Waukesha, Wisconsin. International interactions like these are essential to the growth and change that we students want to see and be a part of.
Both, the Chilean students we met and we Pitt students all shared a desire to learn about and experience other cultures. From knowing Journey songs to political current events, they were aware of our culture and how we live. They have grown up with a knowledge of those sorts of things and have seen the "American" culture. The abroad experience was awesome, and I recommend it to all students. To me, it seems like Chileans have a much better pulse on the US and than we do on Chile. That will be something I strive to change in my personal life. I feel that we should know more about the world and it is actually normal to keep up with international culture. I want to take language classes like Spanish, French or Portuguese so that I can communicate more effectively. In addition, I would also like to explore the international opportunities and courses I could take which definitely involves more study abroad. Overall, I think that the best candidates for industry changers and top players will definitely have a working understanding of what is happening in the world.
Life-long Learning
For many of the people we met at the company visits, it was clear to me that they all continue to learn. They constantly learn about their industry, what customers want and the tasks they must complete in order to maintain success. As for their education levels, I do not know about them. They seemed as if they have higher educations. Regardless, they all were well informed about their line of work. Their history at the companies has given them a lot of tools with which to do their jobs. Technology has improved the types of work done at the companies. For example, at Centauro, the package labeling process, as Mario explained, has improved with increased technology. Life-long learning is important for business like these. the employees have to have an active interest and desire for progress. It is needed in order to progress and compete with other companies who want to continue to develop new things and interest customers. As other countries worldwide will have companies that created certain technologies, other companies that wish to compete must strive to improve. A willingness to adapt, change and diversify will benefit any company and is vital to success and longevity. All of the businesses we visited have this essential component. They are forward thinking and have a larger perspective on their industry.
The Social Environment of Professional Life
When I was at the USM campus, I picked up on a focused and subdued atmosphere where professionalism is expected and required. On the other hand, I quickly learned that Chileans loovveee to have a good night. That is when they let loose and enjoy each others company at places including pubs and discotheques. They let go and have a great time. For example, the guys who hang out with us would take us out into the wee hours, yet be at work in the morning. I don't see much of a connection between the two.
I believe the Chileans had a good understanding of social and political issues in the United States. They were easily able to draw comparisons and contrasts between the things that we were used to. If they weren't aware, they were able to understand easily. It's sad to say, but I did not know the same amount of information about their country and way of living. I was able to realize how sad it is that many United States citizens don't have a functioning knowledge base of the world. I can say that now I know more and have a better understanding, but my curiosity has caused me to search out more information like driving licensure in order to gain a more thorough knowledge base about Chile. I love doing that. My interest has definitely been piqued, and I will continue to learn more about how they live. The social and political issues are harder to grasps because it takes more than a couple webpages or articles in order to understand them. A couple mornings, I would watch the news or morning shows. Their's is similar to ours. They have the same concerns. A lot of theirs focus on the international community whereas most of our media outlets focus heavily on national business.
It is important to have a knowledge of contemporary issues in general so that we can all function as more than citizens of one specific nations. Leaders should set their eyes on the world and look at improving things for or positively affecting people everywhere. Related to the global economy, businesspeople and engineers should be well aware of the world so that they do their work effectively. Engineers and businesspeople both benefit from the people and resources of other countries so we should know how to successfully interact with them and work with them in order to progress.
As for diversity issues that faces engineers in the U.S., home bred workers often have to work with people who grew up and lived in foreign places. Sometimes, that is hard to deal with in the workplace and academia. Language, work ethic and values, among other things, can be barriers to the success of a diverse team. Also, because many other the people learn about the (work) culture within the U.S., they begin to assimilate and change their way of doing things to fit ours. I find that somewhat a detriment because then we don't learn and instead of creating a truly global atmosphere, we create one that is dominated by the ways of the United States.
Functioning on Multi-Disciplinary Teams
It is very important for professionals to be able to function and communicate effectively on a team replete with folks with different backgrounds. People must be able to adapt, adjust and compromise all while bringing out the strengths of each team member. A team should be able to function smoothly and effectively solve problems. In my Plus 3 group, I am paired with two business students. I can easily handle many aspects when it comes to thinking about engineering and they do the same for business. I try to learn what I can from them and enlighten them to the world of engineering. It was nice to play up the strengths of each one of us. Some challenges in establishing and maintaining communication on a diverse team are the educational backgrounds, the way they learn, the way they are taught to think and problem solve and varying focuses. Some may be results driven while some may be interested in the details of the functioning. Generally, it is always nice to learn as much as possible about the members on a personal level and perhaps working together will become easier. Once people begin to understand the basic makeup or reasons why they do something, the team becomes more functional and effective.
*****
This study abroad trip has taught me a lot that I can take into the workforce. Ability to adapt, work effectively on diverse teams and a global focus, among other things, will really help me to be successful in my career and inspire me to keep an open mind and embrace opportunity. I have made like-minded friends, and we have shared an awesome experience together. My love for and interest in exploration and other culture has been confirmed and inspired. I really cannot wait until I have another opportunity like this!!! It has been great!!!
