Some words on office hours

A few weeks ago, I started offering virtual office hours via Ohours, specifically for students of Girl Develop It Columbus who had questions or suggestions about classes or about the web design/development field in general. It’s been pretty nice. I have been able to answer GDIC administrative questions and help my own students with what they’re learning.

However, I’m starting to receive other topics and requests that I don’t think are best suited for the office hours format and so I’d like to clarify the most effective ways to talk to me about these things.

• GDI Partnership/Sponsor Proposals - I prefer to receive these via email, especially if it involves the GDI organization as a whole, because I am not the sole arbitrer of decisions or communication. I am readily available at jen@girldevelopit.com.

• Service/Startup Proposals - I’m happy to hear about a new service or startup you have that might be of use to us at GDI. But I would also prefer to be contacted first about these by email. While my office hour sessions are rarely filled up, I want to keep those open first and foremost to students and I would prefer to arrange a conversation with you at another time.

• Job/Gig Offers or Requests for Referrals - I don’t want to talk about these during my office hours. Frankly, if I don’t already know and trust you, I don’t want to hear them at all. I am not personally available for work right now and I have plenty of friends who are looking to hire. If I have anyone to recommend, I have already recommended candidates to them. If you have an opportunity that is appropriate for an entry-level GDIC alumnus, please indicate that clearly, including a detailed description of the position and company, in your request to speak. And, even then, I would prefer to get that in an email first. If you’re looking for general advice about hiring a designer/developer, I am willing to talk about that, but, again, please indicate that clearly so I understand what you want.

The summary is that my office hours are primarily intended for individuals who could benefit from the information and experience I have to share, not for people who have something to pitch to me or ask of me. Please submit those requests to me by email so I can make sure they don’t interfere with the time I’ve dedicated to those trying to learn.

Who am I eager to talk to during office hours? Current, past or potential GDIC students with technical questions, current, past or potential GDIC students with administrative questions and/or class feedback and people looking for speaking mentoring. Get in touch!