However, mass consumers no longer believe these small changes are enough.  Now that more people are savvy with technology, it is easier for those who are unsatisfied to do something about it. Smaller companies, with less entrenched in past products, have the daring needed to think twenty years into the future. Not only can this innovation come from smaller companies, but it can come from the very consumers that are using the already-existing products.

One example of innovation at work is Tobii Technology. Twelve years ago, John Elvesjö was an engineering student who was testing an infrared sensor. Now, Elvesjö is co-founder of Tobii, and he is about to bring infrared technology to the masses. The group is working to put out mass marketable eye-tracking devices for computers. Soon, anyone will be able to open folders and scroll down pages with your eyes. This is innovation. This technology has existed for years, but Tobii Technology has been the first to make the technology accessible and affordable to the masses. Their dedication, not to their own investment, but to the advancement of technology, enabled them to develop this groundbreaking device.

Sometimes, big companies are great: they provide reliable products, and they are resources that generate supportive data and research that younger, smaller companies cannot. However, when this history of excellence begins to hinder the development of greatness, it is time for these companies to get back to the drawing board.

What do you do?  What can you do?

If you were a janitor in a hospital and you saw nurses leaving patients unattended, would you speak up?

Would you use software that was illegally pirated if no one would find out?

Or what if you work at Burger King, and you deliberately underfill orders of french fries so that you and your coworkers can eat the surplus at the end of your shift?  “It’s just a few fries,” you tell yourself.

It is evident that integrity is a serious issue in all workplaces, from internationally-acclaimed companies to neighborhood fast-food restaurants.  Further, there are varying levels of gravity surrounding matters of integrity.  In a serious situation, a person might find it necessary to ask questions such as this:  If I had to choose between keeping my job and upholding my integrity, what would I do?

In many cases, there is no easy answer.

Integrity in the workplace begins with a sense of conscience and pride in one’s work.  It is an internal quality that one decides for oneself.  Having integrity means thinking twice before doing something dishonest, like “adjusting” numbers in a computer, taking unnecessary sick days, or breaking promises.  It means doing what is right, even when there is no one else around.

Taking unfair advantage of an employer, an employee, or a customer is unethical.  Blindly obeying the instructions of a supervisor could prove dangerous.  This seems obvious, and yet breaches of integrity happen on the job every day.

Establishing a standard for ethical behavior will prove invaluable in one’s experience at work.  Inevitably, however, issues will arise that test one’s moral compass.  When such issues do arise, you must decide if you are willing to cast aside your conscience for the sake of your job title.

In some cases, speaking up might have the power to prevent tragedy.

For this reason, always strive to act with integrity, especially in the workplace.

After all, no one likes to be gypped out of french fries.

Imagine yourself a few years from now, eagerly sinking into the plush desk chair of your corner office at the company of your dreams.   You’ve landed the job—but now what?  Well, in order to preserve your place in that office, it is essential that you master the basics of business etiquette.

Etiquette in the workplace involves presenting oneself with poise and polish.  Its importance cannot be underestimated, and mastery of certain guidelines is a sure ticket to successful self-presentation.

Business etiquette provides solutions to a vast range of situations.  Outlined here are a few suggestions:

1.  Appropriate dress.  One should always take care to look presentable.  Neatness counts!

Note:  Casual Fridays are not actually that casual.

2.  Promptness.  Meet all deadlines, and arrive on time for important meetings and functions.

Pop Quiz:  If you are invited to a reception and the invitation states the event will last from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., what time should you arrive?

a.  At exactly 7 p.m.

b.  Between 7 and 7:30

c.   At any point between 7 and 9

d.  At 6:45 p.m.

Answer:  a, b, and c are all correct.  It is impolite to arrive early.

3.  Manners.  Greet your coworkers by name in the morning.  Always return calls.  Wait until everyone is seated at a luncheon before eating.  Write a thank you note.  Following some simple guidelines will help your colleagues see you in a more positive light.

4.  Cell phone etiquette.  Do not shout into the telephone.  Keep your Blackberry off the dinner table.  Silence your ringtone before it interrupts the meeting.  Excuse yourself to take important calls.

Note:  Phone tag is not appropriate for serious businesspeople.  If the number of calls sums to four, consider alternate communication.

In today’s culturally diverse work environment, one may encounter numerous different standards and customs.  However, the most important guideline is to always act with common sense, kindness, and respect.

The American Red Cross expects to supply more food, water, temporary shelter and medical services as quickly as possible. UNICEF is sponsoring a specific Haiti Earthquake Fund to continue to provide for the children in the aftermath of the disaster. Operations USA is also seeking to provide food as well as health care materials and water purification supplies. Mercy Corps, an organization that has a history of providing for earthquake survivors, is sending a team of emergency personnel to fulfill the immediate concerns of the victims. National Nurses United have already sent 10,000 nurses and is currently seeking donations to send even more.

While many have already donated, some of the public’s concern with donating seems to be fear of illegitimate organizations or the improper allocations of funds.  Wyclef Jean, considered to be a major contributor, was just recently under scrutiny for questionable appropriation of donations. Experts have warned to steer clear of organizations that claim to donate 100 percent of funds since charities are required to pay overhead fees. They also suggest donating to mainly well-known organizations, like the aforementioned UNICEF and American Red Cross.

Americans have donated more than 21 million dollars to the American Red Cross alone, and donations continue to be made.  Far more organizations are donating than those already named; a sign that Americans truly unite in times of disaster.

 Since his contribution to the funerals of four alumni who were killed on 9/11, Father McGowan recalled his yearning to “get out of a rut.” Influenced by a fellow Jesuit, he began the long journey to El Salvador; a journey he did not realize would be recurrent throughout his life. He recalled the barbed wire of middle-class homes, the dead bodies along the highway, and the 6.5 earthquake that occurred during only his second week in El Salvador.

From his observations, Father McGowan realized that we need things like earthquakes to “shake us up.” In terms of microfinance, he compared earthquakes to taking risks. Father McGowan indicated the need to do our part by educating countries considered less economically sound, without completely financially supporting them. Just as we are taking risks by lending our time and help, we are allowing them to take risks by creating a future free of total economic dependency on another nation.

Although Father McGowan dedicated such a large amount of time to teaching in El Salvador, he realized he too was taking risks, risks that were potentially life threatening. Father McGowan acknowledged the many American Jesuits killed in El Salvador and the uncertainty of his safety abroad. Regardless, he continues to believe in the power of service, ending his lecture with, “Everybody gains when you start sharing a little.”

As an intern, you are assigned to a specific group – in a division of choice – and for ten weeks you are a “first-year analyst.” However, Barclays first has you attend a five-day training session – basically a crash course in the financial field you are about to work in. The training session will cover the basics; still most knowledge related to the job will result from the experience gained during the “first-year analyst” group assignment. Whether you are on the trading floor with an equities group, or in the office with an investment group, the experience will be fast paced and exciting, and will require all of your energy.

One of the most interesting points of the presentation was the emphasis placed on the need for passion in the workplace. If you know that you will never have a passion for the market or investment strategy, then this is not the career path to take. It is far too demanding a job to enter into halfheartedly, and recruiters certainly recognize applicants without that sense of drive. Only those who take a true and lasting interest in finance will find success in this challenging field.