Wish you were here!

I knew a little about Slack, Inc. prior to our trip because Cara Dickinson, my co-copy editor for the Whit last year and a 2006 graduate, works there. She had explained to me that her job included a lot of lay out and editing, which are two things I’m also heavily interested in. She also said the job was often boring and very quiet.
I didn’t realize just how quiet her job was until we took the tour. You could have heard a pin drop. No one was even playing music. I’m not sure if the employees were just that quiet or if there’s a rule against noise – I just know that I would not be able to work in an environment that quiet.
However, I liked the cubicles. I have a thing for cubicles, to be honest. I like having my own personal space that no one else can touch. But, again, I would want to be able to add my own touches to it. It seemed like some of the employees had done this, but many had not.
Besides the lack of sound, I thought the trip to Slack was informative. I liked that we heard from all of the different aspects of Slack. I know that I, for one, really enjoyed that because I could see myself working in a few of the departments, including the writing and the marketing departments. I also thought it was interesting that each person said aspiring employees should be 'detail-oriented.' I know that's an important trait, but I didn't expect every single person to mention it.
Slack seemed like a place I wouldn’t mind working to get my feet wet – at least if I could play music. If I couldn’t play music, I think I’d go crazy.

fieldtrip response

The class fieldtrip to Slack Inc. was an enjoyable break from the norm.

It was interesting to learn about the different departments (graphics, sales, etc.) and how they work together to publish journals, tabloids, and brochures. I had no idea the editors would interact with tech guys. Although there are few subjects more boring to me than the human eye, the representatives from each department kept my interest with their brief presentations. The man from the graphic artists’ department gave a pretty humorous overview of his tasks despite expressing his distaste for public speaking.
Not so interesting was the tour of Slack’s facilities. It wasn’t the fault of our gracious tour guide—she just didn't have much to work with. It was really just a bunch of cubicles. They were nice cubicles—great texture, great color—but by minute two of the tour, I’d seen enough.

Thus far, I’d say Slack has been the second best fieldtrip.

SLACK FIELD TRIP

I’m not exactly sure what I was picturing Slack Inc. to be like, but it was no where near what I had expected. From the outside Slack looked like a normal office building, however the inside reminded me something of a maze. There were so many tiny cubicles every where you turned. The people we met all seemed friendly and you could tell they enjoyed their jobs.

I found the presentation we received to be very informative. I was surprised to learn that Slack employs approximately 250 people. It seems to me that publishing 42 journals and newspapers and 54 websites would take a much larger staff. I also liked seeing how all the departments worked together in some way or another. One thing I found interesting was that the editor is sometimes responsible for the entire publication, beginning to end. I thought the graphic designers would always take care of the layout and design. I also found it interesting that Slack has an entire team to focus solely on the internet. I always thought that whoever wrote the article would have to ensure it made it on the website.

Although I found this trip informative, Slack is not a place I could see myself working. To me, the atmosphere was kind of dull. The never ending maze of cubicles and the silence would be enough to drive me crazy. I’m the type of person who needs to work in a place that is a lot more lively. I also wouldn’t like the idea of working in a cubicle. My current position requires that I work in one and I find it very distracting when I’m trying to get work done. I constantly struggle to block out the sounds of other people’s conversations, music, etc. I want to be able to have silence when I need it, but then take a break from that.

Slack, Inc Trip

I found the trip to Slack, Inc to be VERY rewarding. I have no real experience in publishing and didn’t really know what to expect when I walked into the building. The most interesting part of the trip took place before the tour even began. While sitting around the conference table, I learned about what departments make up a company. I knew that someone obviously needed to edit and review the works in magazines, brochures, etc before publication, but I had no idea how many “little” projects, such as event flyers and cards, also needed the attention of editors.
When Mr. Jeckel spoke about online publication and design, I was shocked to learn that there were only four Macintosh computers in the whole building. The work in the building is done completely on PCs. I had been under the false impression that the world of computer design is dominated by Macs. Apparently, this is not the case.
I realize everyone else is going to mention this, but it’s hard ignore how silent the workers in the building were. I understand that thinking requires quiet and concentration, but would one would expect to hear shuffling of papers, phones ringing, and occasional side conversations in an office-atmosphere. While walking, it seemed as though the entire building was unoccupied.

Slack, Inc Trip

I found the trip to Slack, Inc to be VERY rewarding. I have no real experience in publishing and didn’t really know what to expect when I walked into the building. The most interesting part of the trip took place before the tour even began. While sitting around the conference table, I learned about what departments make up a company. I knew that someone obviously needed to edit and review the works in magazines, brochures, etc before publication, but I had no idea how many “little” projects, such as event flyers and cards, also needed the attention of editors.
When Mr. Jeckel spoke about online publication and design, I was shocked to learn that there were only four Macintosh computers in the whole building. The work in the building is done completely on PCs. I had been under the false impression that the world of computer design is dominated by Macs. Apparently, this is not the case.
I realize everyone else is going to mention this, but it’s hard ignore how silent the workers in the building were. I understand that thinking requires quiet and concentration, but would one would expect to hear shuffling of papers, phones ringing, and occasional side conversations in an office-atmosphere. While walking, it seemed as though the entire building was unoccupied.

Slack, Inc. - now with more cubicles!

          I was impressed by Slack, Inc. from the first moment I walked through the doors of their building. The giant logo on the wall behind the semi-circle reception desk reminded me of something done in movies to let the audience know “hey, this is a big and important business here.” After having driven through plenty of wooded areas, I kind of wondered what in the world Slack was doing there.

          The human resources manager who greeted us, Robin (I hope that’s how she spells it), was very nice, and I’m glad I was part of her tour group later on as well. I have to admit though, when we first walked into that conference room and found a huge meeting table and a line of employees lined up against the wall waiting for us, I had to pause for a moment. It kind of felt like we were about to go before the firing squad.

          Thankfully, the Slack employees were very nice. I like the fact that they were completely open and honest about their jobs and what working for Slack entails. I did feel a bit intimidated though, and wondered if I would ever be accepted to work at a place like Slack.

          As our tour group wound its way through the forest of cubicles, we seemed to slowly be losing numbers. It seemed most people knew one or more of the inhabitants of the cubicles, so the handful of us that stayed with the tour guide started playing “Cubicle Survivor.” In the end, I think only three of us didn’t get drawn away by the lure of the cubicle.

          Overall, I really enjoyed our visit to Slack, Inc. I feel that I learned a lot, and received valuable insight into the inner workings of a publishing company. I wouldn’t mind working for Slack one day, although I might have to tear down a few of the cubicle walls first.

-Erin

Field Trip to Slack

I had very little knowledge of Slack Inc. before our class trip last Tuesday. I was impressed by the size of the building, and quite surprised to learn that such a large place housed only 250 employees. I was also surprised that what seems to me like a small number of employees is responsible for the publication of 250 books, 42 journals and 54 websites.
The atmosphere at Slack was very calm and quiet. With so much work to be done, I imagined there would be a lot more activity taking place. It was interesting to see the relaxed work environment. Personally, I don't think I'd enjoy being confined to a cubicle and working in such quiet quarters.
The most exciting part of the tour for me was the brief stop at Studio One where the graphic designers work. It was the most visually interesting part of the tour and the only area of the building where employees played music.

Reaction to Slack...-tion.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about Slack - for me, anyway - was just how quiet it was. I was expecting a bustling business with people running around and getting things done at breakneck speeds. What I got was basically a cubicle farm where anything above a whisper would have been disruptive. That's not a bad thing, really ... I like quiet places, especially when I'm trying to work. I just thought it was surprising.

The people who spoke to us were greatly informative and didn't sugarcoat everything the way that people usually do when telling us about our possible futures. I'm actually beginning to believe that I could have a career in publications. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

The office itself, while being much like the aforementioned cubicle farm, was well-designed and looked like a fairly interesting environment to call your workplace. I liked their overly large cafeteria with three tables and a coffee machine.

Generally, I enjoyed the trip. The people were friendly and the environment was different from what I expected. I think I'd be happy working there - at least for a while, anyway.

Office Space Anyone?

In the presentation eight employees of Slack Inc. were extremely informative and helpful in distinguishing what exactly happened within the company. Slack Inc. is a global information and service provider that produces over 42 journals and newspapers, and keeps up with over 54 websites. They have eighteen association partners from which these productions take place.

Welcome to the world of cubicles! Although Slack Inc. was very informative, I learned that it is not the place that I would like to be some day. Each department, except for one, was very calm and quite, full of fluorescent lights and gray walls, which would personally drive me insane.

The art department was fascinating, and the most interesting place out of the entire building. The speaker for the department, Tom, spoke of using Studio One, and that anyone who wishes to work there needs a degree in graphic design.

Out of the whole presentation the most helpful information that the company gave as a whole was the interview process. Many of the students in the class will be interning and interviewing with different companies. The employees gave very valuable advice on how to show your personality, what to have on your resume, as well as appropriate attire for an interview.

Although I know the company of Slack Inc. is not for me, each of the employees were very kind, and helpful with any questions. In my future I hope I am able to find a company that has the personality of family like Slack Inc.

Reaction to SLACK

Before visiting SLACK Inc. I had no clue what to expect. I had no idea what types of jobs they offered or what the mood of the office would be like. Thankfully, the group of SLACK employees that spoke to us really clarified all of my questions. They told us what their jobs entail, what qualifications a person should have, what programs they use, and how SLACK prides itself on its family-like atmosphere.

After leaving SLACK I feel that i have a better understanding of how the publishing industry really works. I could see myself working at a place like SLACK, mostly because of how comfortable and happy the employees seemed. Although the office was very quiet, I still think I could handle it. I liked how people worked independently, but also with their group. It seemed that they each had a say in the final product. I was also excited to hear that they hire many Rowan graduates, because even though I live in north Jersey, I feel as if graduating from Rowan would qualify me for similar jobs closer to home.

Slack Inc.

Last Tuesday, the class took our second field trip to Slack, which gave me a flash back of my youth, while looking ahead to the future. That sounds confusing. Let me explain. First off, I’ve learned time and time again to never judge a book by its cover. We all learned this, back in our elementary school days, but it tends to resurface throughout our lives. Slack, a relatively small, not so big deal building on the outside, near a busy street and loud cars is quite the opposite once you walk inside. Slack is big, organized, classy, and oh yeah extremely quiet on the inside. Secondly, I was taken back to high school days during the presentation from the highly professional and educated employees at Slack. Confused again? The speakers each made it a point to say how important it is to fit in their environment if you work there. For example, Dave, the Director of Internet Services, said if he had two interviews and one was highly educated with tons of experienced, but was too cocky and the other had less experienced, but was nice and a better “fit”, he’d probably higher the latter. Just when I threw away my pom-poms and homecoming queen crown, I have to worry about fitting in at a job place too. As if interviews aren’t scary enough, just another important aspect, I will have to remember. Maybe I’m being too ignorant. The Slack employees’ words about hiring techniques and job roles did make me think. Was I ready? They, after all are the ones in the real world already, not me.

Slack Reaction

When I arrived at the Slack HQ I was surprised by how big their office was.

"Why does one magazine need a building this big?" I wondered.

It made more sense to me after I learning that Slack is a whole network of publications, not just one.

My day at Slack was very inspiring. I felt like Slack was the kind of place that would hire me. It also showed me that it’s not the kind of place I’d like to work. The building is made up of a sea of cubicles, and the attire is very formal. I’d probably have to get a haircut if I worked at Slack. To give them some credit though, the art department was housed in a neat little cave. With ambient lighting, lawn gnomes and music, the art cave seems to exist in a different world than the rest of Slack. Perhaps I should have been an art major.

Since visiting Slack I have increased my job-finding efforts. I am determined to find a job at a publication that interests me and will allow me to wear jeans and flip flops to work. Seeing The Astronaut Farmer this weekend has even further convinced me to pursue my dreams.

Trip to Slack

Going into this, i had no clue what Slack, inc was all about. After visiting, i was able to know what kind of jobs were available in the publishing industry. I found out what a huge company Slack seemed to be and what kinds of things they publish there. From journals to websites to newspapers, Slack seems very prodimenent in their work. Having 18 associate partners, Slack definitely seemed like a great company to work for. I am a PR major and after finding out what kinds of things this company does, it made me really think about expanding my horizon.
The employees did such a great job explaining everything to us which furthered our education on exactly what "the publishing industry" is. Even when i signed up for this class i was not quite sure what it was going to be about. But after visiting barnes and noble and slack, im definitely gaining more knowledge about publishing. The other thing i was not sure about was that if you want to be in the publishing industry, you need to basically memorize a lot of templates. That seems like something people would know, but i did not. Overall, this field trip was very educational to me and it definitely made me understand a lot more about this class.

Trip To Slack

The fieldtrip to Slack was a chance for me to learn about the publishing industry. After visiting the office, I was aware of what job prospects are available for the communication major. I found it interesting that they sent out all their work to have it printed. My initial thought was, that I would see books being printed. I found it interesting that they have everyone edit the work, page layout, graphic design, and then send it off to a printer.
I think it is great how they have hired so many Rowan graduates; it speaks well for our college of communication at Rowan. I also think it’s great how they look for potential job candidates to become apart of their family. That speaks well on how they work together. All the different departments seem to work well with each other.
I was very surprised to learn that Slack does not use apple computers. I was always under the impression that the publishing industry along with the graphic design side would definitely use apple computers.
Overall, the trip to Slack was interesting and informative, shedding some light on the mystery of what goes on in the publishing industry outside of the college classroom.

Trip to Slack Inc.

Prior to our trip to Slack Inc, I knew absolutely nothing about what exactly the company did. I knew they were prominent within the Southern Jersey region, but I had no idea as to how well known they were within the medical field. One of the main things I learned from our trip was that Slack Inc. publishes hundreds of different pieces of medical literature which get distributed nationwide.

By far one of the most impressive things about Slack Inc. revolves around the different aspects of publishing they dabble in. Not only do they do the actual copy, but the graphics and distribution are all done within the company. Contrary to other publishing organizations I am familiar with, Slack Inc.’s entire operation is within the confines of one building. The whole operation was extremely impressive and I am seriously thinking about applying for a position upon organization.

The field trip to Slack Inc. really enlightened me as to just how many different aspects of publishing there are. The people from the company really took the time to answer all of our questions thoroughly and completely changed my opinion of the industry. They all seemed happy to work at Slack Inc, which in today’s society is rare. All of the people who took the time to meet with us constantly stated how they feel as though they are part of a family. The organization as a whole really gives me the desire to pursue a potential career with Slack Inc. following graduation in May.

I HAD A GRAND TIME AT SLACK INC.

Before the trip to Slack Incorporated, I was not familiar with the operations and the numerous job positions Slack has. While on the tour, I was surprised to see the different types of people that work at Slack. All of the people who spoke about Slack were informed and seemed to really enjoy their jobs. Due to the excitement and knowledge of the speakers, I am convinced that Slack Incorporated is a wonderful working environment.
The trip was exciting and different. I have been in the Trenton Times building before and I was used to seeing the atmosphere in which reporters work, but I have never been exposed to a workplace like Slack. It was intersting to actually go through each department in Slack and see how each department works together to make Slack what it is. Each of the speakers were intelligent and passionate about their area of work. It was great to see "passion". Most times when you hear someone speak about their job, it usually is negative; but at Slack, it felt that these people really wanted to be there. They had that passion for their job that many people do not have.
Essentially, I took Publishing Industry because I have always loved books, magazines, newspapers and basically anything that contains the written word. These field trips have been so beneficial to me because it allows me to see the work that goes on "behind the scenes" in the book world. The Slack trip taught me how important it is to do something with your life that you are extremely passionate about. I loved it! =)

Reaction to Slack, Inc.

Okay, I definitely had no expectations for our trip to Slack, Inc. The whole layout publishing world is very new to me. I am currently taking Pub Layout, ironically with Professor Houck, and I actually really like it. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s like a secret society that no one knows about unless they have an interest and take the time to check it out. I always obviously knew publishing existed, because I really love to read, but I never understood the whole process or appreciated it-at least from the design perspective.
What was most surprising to me about our trip to Slack was that not only are they a major player in medical publishing, but they are in our very own backyard. I honestly never knew they existed. I work in the medical field, specifically in orthopedics, and was surprised to learn that our doctors (over 50 of them) are avid readers of Slack’s publications. I also got the feeling that you have to be a certain kind of person to work in layout, design, or editing, because everyone there seemed very quiet and focused.
Walking around that building made me realize that you have to be a very independent worker in the field, because each person has their own deadlines and objectives to meet. Yet, at the same time, you have to be able to work with your team and other departments, because each one builds toward the finished project. So, there is a lot of reliance on each other and trust. To be honest, the most shocking thing to me was how quiet the environment was there, because my job is incredibly loud. Overall, it was a rewarding learning experience.

SLACK Reaction

SLACK Incorporated Reaction


SLACK Incorporated is an information and service provider that targets health care. The trip to SLACK Incorporated was very informative to me because I had not heard of SLACK prior to research on the internet and quick references in class.

I found it quite interesting that such a physically small building had so much going on within it. SLACK is the home of 42 journals and newspapers, more than 250 medical and allied health books, 54 websites, and dozens of custom projects. This fact, as told to us by Robin Dellolio, Human Resource Manager, was very interesting to me.

Furthermore, it was very interesting to hear the view point of each member of the SLACK Incorporated team. Many were very informative as to what their jobs entail and how they go about completely their assignments and what not.

In addition, SLACK Incorporated seemed very aware of the information that we, as students, would want to hear and be notified of. Due to this, SLACK Incorporated did not leave any questions unanswered.

In general, I found the trip to SLACK Incorporated well worth it. Just by going to SLACK, I feel as if I learned a lot about the publishing industry and the certain jobs and opportunities that are available.