Yesterday was a very interesting experience, there was a large meeting for all of the domestic project managers. It was an evaluation meeting so they all had to give presentations about their projects and managerial skills, in addition to fielding questions from the audience which included some guest managerial professors. I didn't have a translator for the program so I was thankful to have done some translation on the subject last week because at the very least I was able to identify what subjects were being discussed. Sometimes I tried reading along and other times I just had to listen. It was all dependent on the person's presentation style and some just spoke too fast. It was a good opportunity to learn more about what the project manager requirements are, but I wish that I could have understood more because it would have been really valuable. I will get the presenations latter and get to think more about the subjects in depth. I did have someone around for translation for a little bit, but it was too distracting for the audience, so that didn't last very long. Either way by the end of the day my head was swimming.

What I did learn was that there is a broad range of skills and ability levels in the current project management staff, there is a delicate dance that has to be done with the wind farm owners to make sure the project is a success and developing the appropriate communication skills comes with time and experience, safety is as always the number one concern-now I really want to read the company safety regulations, and training is done apprenticeship style. What I wanted to know was whether there was any consideration of optimizing the processes. I think that what the company will be responsible when doing international projects will change a little especially in countries where there isn't already wind industry infrastructure. That is what I get to figure out.

It was also my first official company banquet. I was at a table with my soon to be colleagues and it became very apparent how much of a minority I am being a woman. There were 6 large tables approx. 10 people each and max 2 women per table. However I would be the only woman working towards working with project management. In terms of banquets it is in some ways it is to my advantage because I don't have to drink with everyone and because I am a foreigner I can get away with being a vegetarian-ha ha. It was fun to see everyone happy and the night finished off with a round of songs.

Cheers!