Rick Maher’s Professional Notes

Two weeks after wrapping up my final interviews, I came home to find a few pieces of the day’s mail addressed to, yours truly, Rick Maher.

Inside the manilla envelopes I found offers from each of the three companies kind enough to let me stroll around in their ivory tower headquarters for a final round interview.

All in all, three companies are offering me a combined $138k first year pre-tax salary to work as a logistics manager, operations manager, or supply chain specialist in rotational programs that combined will take me through 7 different locations inside 2 years. Further, just for being kind enough to sign on, one of the companies would gladly hand me a shiny crisp $3500bill, and each of the 3 companies will also make sure I have more than enough money to handle any expenses related to any relocations… Each of the positions starts off as a 2 year rotation, one including three 8 month rotations (in three locations), one including two 1 year rotations (in two locations), and 1 including four six month rotations (in one location then immediately after to a second location). Each promises to pay for my continued education though under a few different stipulations each ranging from a payback period of 2-10 years to a required 10% commitment out of pocket to post-graduation commitments. Each includes a generous 401(k) matching program ranging from matching dollar for dollar on 3% of my salary up to 6% of my salary. Two of the three include pension plans. One includes $5k cash down for the purchase of a house. Two of the three include seemingly well thought out and developed mentorship programs. One has seemingly clear and realistic very high upward mobility potential. Two of the three operate almost entirely in geographic locations only attractive to those who enjoy the excitement of grass growing. Two of the three are Fortune 100 companies. All three have a Six Sigma or Lean Enterprise initiative underway, and all three are at various stages of the initiative’s implementation.

And on and on…

I have to say that I have outdone even my own expectations, and am pleased with my results thus far. I have yet to decide which offer to take, or if any of these three. I’ll be sure to post as the situation develops.