An experience to remember

After staying an extra three days in addition to my one week extension my time at Pacific Attorney Group has finally come to an end.

During my last few days at the firm I learned that today's daily business processes are highly dependent on the use of technology. One morning i arrived and turned the computer at my desk on as i would every morning. I then went on to start up the firms worker's compensation database where i would access each clients digital file. When i went to start up the program i received an error message and shortly after the program shut down. I tried once again only to find myself in the same position. Before i could ask if anyone else was having the same issue i heard the office manager over the loud speaker asking everyone to shut their computers down for maintenance.

Fifteen minutes passed and some of the employees began to file mail into their respective folders to pass the time. Thirty minutes passed and a few people began to grow impatient. Without the database or even the computers the firm was held at a stand still. Although the employees continued to answer phone calls from clients there was not much they could do for them other than to inform them that the computers were undergoing maintenance and place them on their call back list.

This delay was a huge setback for the firm as the maintenance lasted almost the entire morning. Luckily on this day there wasn't any urgent correspondence that needed to be sent out or any phone calls regarding settlement which would need immediate assistance. This made me realize just how important technology has become in the world of business. I began to think about my future workplace and how important it will be to have a back up plan in case there is ever an issue with the computers. A secure back up plan might simply be an organized file of hard copies of whatever documents are used. This would ensure that even if there are issues with the database we could still provide our customers with answers to their questions and keep the business rolling.

Although i learned the ups and downs of Worker's Compensation its situations and scenarios like the one  described above that i will learn from and take with me until the day i decide to start my own firm. I will be more prepared for set backs that may arise and in the world of business they could come at anytime. Whether its a technological issue or an angry, screaming client I will understand that there are bumps in the road and its those who are better prepared for those bumps and handle them with caution that succeed.