Blog post #6 - A Reflection on Learning

In deference to a certain someone's presentation format, I have split my final official blog post for ES2007S in 3 parts. I hope everyone would be able to remember these 3 parts, as well as the important lessons we have learnt in the module.

Motivation to take the module

Ever since I have heard of ES2007S three semesters ago, I have been greatly interested in taking it. This is because I saw the need to improve on my resume and interview techniques, as well as the importance of learning about effective communications skills. Of course, reports that the module had a relatively light workload were another stimulating factor. That was how I came to bid for this module in the semester right after I returned from exchange in Australia.

Lessons learnt

Fast forward 13 weeks. Now, at the end of the semester, I am happy to say that I have truly enjoyed and learnt a great deal in this module. I would have liked to elaborate on the things I learnt through this module, but I am afraid that would be impossible, so to summarise, here are some of the key activities undertaken during ES2007S and a key learning point to take away from each:

Blogging: There are always things I can learn from others about. Therefore, it is important that I am willing to accept criticism and to work on improving on my weak points.

Resume writing: Recruiters receive lots of resumes, and tend to read verbose and boring resumes last. Hence, it is important to be clear about my relevant experience and to make sure to link it to job requirements. It is also definitely important to make my resume stand out (by using nice layout and colours).

Job application letter writing: The job application letter is an important letter which will convince recruiters to read my resume, and to invite me for interviews. Hence, I must not short-sell myself and should not be afraid to tell them how well I am suited for the job.

Mock interviews: It is important to be confident and relaxed during interviews, as most interviewers are not out to trip me up, but merely wish to assess my abilities.

Peer teaching: In a presentation, being able to present effectively and professionally is not the only key. It is also important to actively engage the audience, so as to capture their attention.

Proposal writing: In writing, it is important to be concise and clear as well as to make sure there is good flow, so as to improve readability.

Minutes writing: It is important to ensure clarity when taking minutes, so that important concepts discussed can be recalled easily at a later stage.

Survey and research interview writing: It is important to put the question across to the respondents clearly, and without using too many words, which could confuse them. This is because if respondents are not clear about the questions asked, it will directly affect the reliability of the survey and interview results.

Oral presentation: A minimalistic approach should be taken with slides. This is so that I, the presenter, am the star of the show, and not the slides.

And finally, the most important component in my opinion!

Everyday class interactions: Personally, I have picked up loads of interpersonal skills during class interactions. Moreover, I think the lively atmosphere in class created through such interactions makes the lessons truly worth looking forward to, and much more engaging for all of us!

Final concluding remarks

Having shared some of the key learning points for the module, I would like to end the final official post for ES2007S by thanking all my wonderful classmates and tutor, Brad, who have taught me many valuable skills and made Tuesdays and Fridays days for me to look forward to for the last 13 weeks. I have truly enjoyed the classes I had with everyone, and will really miss the interactions we had throughout the semester.