Career Connection

	For this issue, Cisco interviewed Maureen LaLonde, Business HR Director for firedog, a division of Circuit City. Cisco: Maureen, thanks for taking the time to meet with us. I think everyone has heard of Circuit City, but firedog sounds new. Please tell Cisco Networking Academy alumni about it. firedog: We launched our firedog brand in the fall of 2006 to provide a new level of personal computer services, home theater installations and integration of home electronics. Circuit City has offered home theater installations and PC services for a few years, but with firedog, we expanded and refined our offerings, and brought them under a single brand umbrella to make it easier for consumers to get the help they need. firedog technicians receive extensive training to install, repair, or optimize consumer technology products. firedog in-store and in-home PC services are available through Circuit City's more than 600 Superstores across the United States. Home-theater installations are available within 25 miles of Circuit City locations. In addition, consumers throughout North America with High-Speed Internet connections can access the firedog remote technical assistance for PCs through www.firedog.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week. firedog also operates a toll-free telephone, 1 800 FIRE-DOG (1 800 347-3364) Consumers are demanding these kinds of services. We believe that in the year 2010, American consumers will spend about 20 billion dollars for services, and we expect firedog to be a significant player in the field. Cisco: That sounds like some great opportunities for Cisco Networking Academy students and alumni. What types of positions might be available to candidates who are looking for networking/IT employment within your company? firedog: There are significant opportunities for students of this caliber. We are looking for candidates that understand both the typical IT infrastructure and how that works with all the new innovative residential technology that is and will be introduced in homes over the next few years. It will take people with a specific skill-set to put it all together and we believe that the Cisco Networking Academy students would be a perfect fit for this role. There are multiple learning and growth opportunities for our associates. They include not only Circuit City developed training, but outside certification courses from such names as Microsoft Learning and Apple. We’re also looking at other services we might roll out to meet consumer needs in the future. The potential for a new associate today is really limited only by his or her ambition. Circuit City and firedog associates who have a desire to learn and apply themselves could be presented a variety of store management opportunities. Circuit City also has an education assistance program for qualified associates. In short, this is a great time to be part of the Circuit City and firedog team. Cisco: How might candidates best prepare for a networking/IT or sales position at your company? firedog: Many of the elements in the Cisco Networking Academy provide students with a solid foundation in the IT field. We believe that there are other facets to this puzzle that will aide them in being “well-rounded” in this field. Understanding how audio/video technology and home networking work together is a definite plus. In addition, new technology specifically designed for the home is emerging each month. Staying informed about how these operate and the technology behind their functionality is also a plus. Cisco: What advice can you give Cisco Networking Academy candidates about the job-search process in general? firedog: We are looking for individuals who are ready and excited to be part of this growing service business. At Circuit City, we believe it’s all about providing assistance. Our compass has four points that guide us in our actions; treat me like I matter, guide and support me, make it easy for me, and excite and inspire me. Our culture is based on creating an environment where all associates are actively engaged, fully involved, and enthusiastic about their work and where they can utilize their strengths everyday. If this sounds exciting to your students and alumni, we’d love to talk to them. In addition to technical skills, our associates need to have a passion for providing an exceptional customer experience. They should enjoy helping customers get the full benefits of their home theaters, computers, sound systems, and other electronics. Our mission is to enhance the full potential of our customers’ digital lives through helpful, friendly, reliable experts who have a passion to serve. Cisco: How would a candidate learn more and apply? firedog: Anyone interested in learning more about Circuit City and the opportunities with firedog can visit firedog.com or circuitcity.com. There is a career link on both sites that will connect you to the application. Additionally, they can call one of our firedog recruiters and speak with them directly about career opportunities. Dan Marrs handles the western half of the United States and can be reached at dan_marrs@circuitcity.com or by phone at 801-380-6661. Chris Thomas handles the eastern half of the United States and can be reached at chris_thomas@circuitcity.com or by phone at 804-263-5895.