VALS Survey

The VALS survey determinded that my primary type is an Experiencer and my secondary type was an Innovator.

Self-expression is what motivates an Experiencer. They get excited about new possibilites, but easily lose excitement. An Experiencer thrives on excitement and variety. They are known to channel their energy into activities such as exercising, outdoors activities, sports and social activities. They are known to spend a lot of money on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. Buying trendy things is and looking cool is a top priority of an Experiencer.

Innovators are known to be sophisitcated, successful and having high self-esteem. They are open to new ideas and inventions. The things they buy tend to be upscale products and services. Their image expresses their tastes and personality, rather than money and power. Leaders of business and government are known to be Innovators, but are always looking for a challenge. The things the own and do for fun show that they have an appreciation for the finer things in life.

I feel that the survery was somewhat accurate.

Cultural Event: Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an event held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The event lasts 17 days. It starts in late September and ends the first weekend in October. It is very popular in Germany and is the world's largest fair. About five million people attend the festival each year. It is a huge part of Bavarian culture. Other cities throughout the world hold events similar to Oktoberfest.

There is a wide variety of traditional Bavarian food at the festival. Beer drinking and overall well being is celebrated during the festival. Alcohol is served in various tents throughout the festival, typically beer and sometimes wine. There are 14 main tents at the festival and are setup temporarily just for the festival.

The tents are unique in their own way. The Hippodrum tent is considered one of the most hip tents at the festival. Sometimes celebrities are spotted there. In the evening the Oktoberfest band the Münchner Zwietracht plays all the Oktoberfest classics in this tent. The Hacker-Festzelt is one of the largest tents there. A rock band plays there at 5:30 each evening of the festival.  The Käfers Wiesen Schänke is the smallest tent at the festival. It is popular among celebrities and is known for its excellent food. It is the only tent that closes 12:30 a.m. as opposed to the other tables that close at 11 pm. It can be very hard to get inside.

There is a tent set up for those who take part in the crossbow competition, which has been a part of Oktoberfest since 1895. Some tents appeal to those from certain countries, such as America, Austrailia and New Zealand. One tent has a yodeler.  Many of the locals consider the Augustiner-Festhalle the best tent at the event because it sells the local beer Augustiner. The beer is tapped from kegs made of wood, instead of steel vats that other tents use. Other tents are known for the food that they serve, such as fish and ox.

Schottenhamel is reckoned to be the most important tent at the Oktoberfest, mainly because it is where it starts. It is tradition that alcohol cannot be served until the mayor of Munich taps the first keg on the first Saturday of the event at noon. Then all the other tents can start serving alcohol. This is popular among the younger audience.

There is no charge to enter the festival or the tents.

This year was the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest and about 6.4 million people attended. This year’s event included more historical aspects of Bavarian culture.

Careers in advertising

At some point in my life, I would like to persue a career in the advertising field. Commercials and ads have always caught my eye, ever since I was a child. I was always interested in how firms would come up with ideas grab the attention of average person. Advertising is everywhere, including television, radio, billboards and magazines. I would love to work with a group of people and analyze information to learn how to attract consumers. I believe I have the right skills for this field of work. I have an interest in marketing and have great people skills. My creativity could be used to its full potential in a marketing career. To better my chances of finding a job in the future, I plan on taking an internship before graduating college. I will have to start from the bottom and work my way up, just like any other career. I may even attend graduate school to make my prospects look even better. Hopefully, a minor in mass communications will also be beneficial.