This module has been extremely invaluable. I had initially thought that the class would be similar to HR2002: Human Capital in Organisations. (I'm sure engineering students would know this module.) This module taught us about emotions and workplace skills, but little about how we can actually apply them in our lives. ES2007S is thus an extremely effective module. I believe it is the practical nature of most of the activities that we did and the genuine interest that everyone displayed to learn and improve themselves that created a positive environment in the class. It allowed me to be comfortable in making mistakes and trying to learn from them. Indeed, more than the skills learnt, I appreciated the value of feedback more. Often, we know what to do, but we are not sure what is impeding us from doing it right (or that we are doing it wrongly at all!). Therefore, the opportunity to share and learn from each other was truly great. :)
Another thing that I appreciated in the module is the mock interview session (and elevator pitches too!). As someone who is graduating this semester, doing well in interviews is really important to me. The chance to do a mock interview in a relaxed setting was therefore appreciated. I only wish that we had more time and chances to do re-runs of the mock interviews.
This semester has been filled up with so many presentations (mock and otherwise) that I think I have certainly gotten used to the idea of presenting better. I know what to do and what not to do when presenting my ideas. I also know my own flaws, which will help me look out for them when I am presenting. For instance, I learnt that I was a rambler, and that I speak too fast when I am nervous or excited. Plus, I tend to use words like “hence, therefore” too many times. Importantly, I learnt that it is ideal to practise not just the script, but the entirety of the presentation (i.e. slides, script, audience, gestures etc.) when u are preparing. In fact, I think I knew most of these already, but the opportunity to study them in a class setting has allowed me to focus and practise these skills better.
As for my own learning in class, I think one way I could have done better is through greater class participation. I think most times, I only spoke up when Brad called out. I could have had been a more active participant in class discussions. I think the fear of embarrassment or lack of important ideas prevented me from talking too much.
I would like to thank Brad for creating such a wonderful class atmosphere every time for us to learn and improve ourselves. Also, my classmates and especially, my group mates for sharing their enthusiasm to learn communication skills with me! It was an enjoyable learning experience. :)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Post 5: Reflections on OP
The experience of OP yesterday was not a great one. Nevertheless, it was a valuable learning experience for me. In terms of overall organisation, I think my group did well. We met up a few times to discuss and to fine-tune our presentation. We also tried to induce humour and contextualise our presentation using the “Jimmy” story so that there would be greater impact on our audience. (By the way, was the story impactful? I mean, did you guys find the story distracting or actually helpful in understanding our proposal?) Plus, I think that all our photos and the cartoon bus to show progress on the slides were quite good! =)
In terms of delivery, I think my group should have practised more. All of us were confident of the content. But we had not practised with the slides; only timed ourselves together while rehearsing. We should have had internalised the script more thoroughly. Additionally, I think it would have been useful if we had put some text on the slides to “jog our memory” in case we forgot our lines. However, it was our first attempt at using “word-less” slides and I think it went pretty well despite the minor setbacks.
For myself in particular, I spoke too fast or rambled on without knowing what I was saying for certain parts of the presentation. I think this was because I was nervous and I wanted to get through the presentation as quickly as possible. However, at the same time, I wanted to make sure I explained things properly, which ended up in me forming nonsensical sentences sometimes. I feel that I if I had practised more and relaxed myself, I could have been more confident of the content. Plus, my pacing could have been better. My nervousness also made my eye contact with the audience "jerky" and inconsistent. I did not keep good eye contact, but merely swept through most of the times.
Looking back at the numerous presentations that I have done over the years, I believe that I can present the best when I am confident of the content and more importantly, in myself. There have been times when I have been able to put on my “game face” and go through with the presentation, and find that I can actually enjoy myself when I am doing so. The problem is trying to relive this same thing during EVERY presentation, which I still cannot seem to do. However, this module has been highly valuable in allowing me to gain greater awareness of my flaws during presentations and about how I can rectify them. Therefore, I hope that if I can sufficiently practise and overcome these deficiencies, I can relive those “good” presentations every single time and perhaps, even be almost as good as the presenters on TED one day!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Post 4: Intercultural Behaviour
I think all of us are bombarded by inter-cultural experiences every day, be it face-to-face or through media. After a point, we may become inured to some inter-cultural differences but there is one experience that I still do not fail to be surprised by.
My uncle and his family live in India. When I visited them last summer, my aunt was in the process of changing schools for my 10 year old cousin. In India, education is of huge importance. My cousin had studied in the same school (good, but not excellent) for 5 years. She was changing school now so that she could take advantage of the better education system in another school which, was one of the top ten schools in that particular city. This change was to help her when she sat for her 10th Standard exams (or 'O' Levels) in four years' time. Top schools actually started preparing their students for the "BIG" exams much earlier. (In fact, it is normal for Sec 4 students to go for evening classes, Saturday classes, tuition, etc. in India.) In any case, the entire "school changing process" took place while I was there, so I was able to view it with incredule at times, sometimes with admiration at the length people went for education, and at times, even ridicule, I confess.
To gain admission into the new school was not easy. It was highly competititive. Many children, no parents actually, fought for their children's place in that new school. My aunt and uncle for instance, had to obtain a recommendation letter from relevant authorities (who were from the school board or otherwise). They also had to obtain the application forms, go visit some respected figures who could influence the school board's decision. They had to give some cash to smooth over whatever hindrances that could potentially come. After the initial selection process, the student was then invited to come sit for entrance exams and interview. On the day of my cousin's entrance exams, all of us went down with her to support her. I was surprised to see so many parents and grandparents camped around the school area, waiting. They all looked so serious and worried that I felt like I was the only one who could not understand the gravity of the situation. My aunt had explained the education system in India to me before; but when I witnessed the numerous anxious faces waiting for their children, praying and hoping fervently that their children would get into the new school, I was struck speechless truly.
This experience impressed upon me the fact that I am so lucky to be studying in Singapore. Equality and meritocracy are valued ideals in our country. We do not have to seek the recommendation of others or pay our way for top education. Plus, we are a small country. Competition like what it is in India, is not something that we have to contend with. This is something to be thankful for, but yet we should not allow this fact to slow us down. Further, this experience actually showed me how much my own Indian friends in NUS must have studied hard to come to Singapore on scholarship. It has taught me I have to be open-minded when trying to understand other societies or cultures. It is often easy to view the world with our own rose-tinted glasses. We should take care to firstly realise that we are allowing our own beliefs to mar our understandings of other cultures, and then shift our mindset to take in the new culture. Only then, can we truly appreciate and enjoy the other cultures and new experiences that it brings us.
To end my story, fortunately, my cousin did well in her entrance exams and moved to her new school. :)
My uncle and his family live in India. When I visited them last summer, my aunt was in the process of changing schools for my 10 year old cousin. In India, education is of huge importance. My cousin had studied in the same school (good, but not excellent) for 5 years. She was changing school now so that she could take advantage of the better education system in another school which, was one of the top ten schools in that particular city. This change was to help her when she sat for her 10th Standard exams (or 'O' Levels) in four years' time. Top schools actually started preparing their students for the "BIG" exams much earlier. (In fact, it is normal for Sec 4 students to go for evening classes, Saturday classes, tuition, etc. in India.) In any case, the entire "school changing process" took place while I was there, so I was able to view it with incredule at times, sometimes with admiration at the length people went for education, and at times, even ridicule, I confess.
To gain admission into the new school was not easy. It was highly competititive. Many children, no parents actually, fought for their children's place in that new school. My aunt and uncle for instance, had to obtain a recommendation letter from relevant authorities (who were from the school board or otherwise). They also had to obtain the application forms, go visit some respected figures who could influence the school board's decision. They had to give some cash to smooth over whatever hindrances that could potentially come. After the initial selection process, the student was then invited to come sit for entrance exams and interview. On the day of my cousin's entrance exams, all of us went down with her to support her. I was surprised to see so many parents and grandparents camped around the school area, waiting. They all looked so serious and worried that I felt like I was the only one who could not understand the gravity of the situation. My aunt had explained the education system in India to me before; but when I witnessed the numerous anxious faces waiting for their children, praying and hoping fervently that their children would get into the new school, I was struck speechless truly.
This experience impressed upon me the fact that I am so lucky to be studying in Singapore. Equality and meritocracy are valued ideals in our country. We do not have to seek the recommendation of others or pay our way for top education. Plus, we are a small country. Competition like what it is in India, is not something that we have to contend with. This is something to be thankful for, but yet we should not allow this fact to slow us down. Further, this experience actually showed me how much my own Indian friends in NUS must have studied hard to come to Singapore on scholarship. It has taught me I have to be open-minded when trying to understand other societies or cultures. It is often easy to view the world with our own rose-tinted glasses. We should take care to firstly realise that we are allowing our own beliefs to mar our understandings of other cultures, and then shift our mindset to take in the new culture. Only then, can we truly appreciate and enjoy the other cultures and new experiences that it brings us.
To end my story, fortunately, my cousin did well in her entrance exams and moved to her new school. :)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Post 3: Application Letter Critiqe
S.Priyadarsini,
P: 9632 4620
E: supriya09@gmail.com,
12th February 2012.
Hiring Manager,
CB&I,
ICON@IBP,
3A International Business Park,
#09-01/09,
Singapore 609935
Dear Hiring Manager,
Position of Process Engineer
I am a penultimate year Chemical Engineering undergraduate at National University of Singapore (NUS). I learnt about the job opportunities at CB&I through the NUS Career Fair 2012. As a company that is at the forefront of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry in the world, CB&I is constantly growing breaking new barriers which are evident through its numerous patented technologies. I am strongly interested in applying for the position of Process Engineer as I believe that I have a right mix of skills and experiences that are relevant to the job position.
My Final Year Design Project and Industrial Attachment have reinforced my strong interest in design and engineering. Through my Design Project, I was able to master HYSYS and discover the delights of designing plants and plant equipment. Further, as a Product Stewardship Intern at CTI Chemicals Asia Pacific, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the various ins and outs of the petrochemical industry. I contributed towards the health, safety and environment (HSE) issues of my company’s products and liaised with different departments to coordinate their HSE activities. I was also responsible for creation of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for various regional-level manufacturing projects in Indonesia, Australia, etc. Therefore, I was not only able to enhance my technical knowledge on the petrochemical industry but also, acquire multi-tasking and presentation skills.
I further improved my soft skills through my various tenures in numerous committees in NUS. As the Treasurer and Marketing Head in various Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), I successfully led and organized many inter-club and inter-varsity competitions with the help of my committee members. For instance, I planned an annual karate camp for both local and international participants, for a budget of $3000 in 2011. These roles helped me to hone my organizational, leadership and teamwork skills, especially in an inter-cultural setting.
As the Head of the Internal Project Team during my Overseas CIP Project to Laos in 2006, I organized teaching plans and lessons for about 80 Laotian children. Despite the new challenges faced by the team in Laos, I adapted the teaching plans to suit the new changes with the help of my team quickly. I thereby honed my skills as an effective problem solver and a flexible worker. Moreover, I learnt to handle stressful situations with less agitation.
I believe that a career at CB&I will give me an opportunity to be part of a dynamic industry. As a highly motivated person who values perfection and adventure, I believe that the challenging job scope and comprehensive training program provided by CB&I will go well with my career aspirations. Given the chance, I believe that I will be able to contribute to CB&I successfully.
My resume is hereby attached, with greater detail upon my CCA and academic achievements. If after reviewing my resume, you believe there is a match, please contact me at the contact details provided. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
S.Priyadarsini
P: 9632 4620
E: supriya09@gmail.com,
12th February 2012.
Hiring Manager,
CB&I,
ICON@IBP,
3A International Business Park,
#09-01/09,
Singapore 609935
Dear Hiring Manager,
Position of Process Engineer
I am a penultimate year Chemical Engineering undergraduate at National University of Singapore (NUS). I learnt about the job opportunities at CB&I through the NUS Career Fair 2012. As a company that is at the forefront of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry in the world, CB&I is constantly growing breaking new barriers which are evident through its numerous patented technologies. I am strongly interested in applying for the position of Process Engineer as I believe that I have a right mix of skills and experiences that are relevant to the job position.
My Final Year Design Project and Industrial Attachment have reinforced my strong interest in design and engineering. Through my Design Project, I was able to master HYSYS and discover the delights of designing plants and plant equipment. Further, as a Product Stewardship Intern at CTI Chemicals Asia Pacific, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the various ins and outs of the petrochemical industry. I contributed towards the health, safety and environment (HSE) issues of my company’s products and liaised with different departments to coordinate their HSE activities. I was also responsible for creation of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for various regional-level manufacturing projects in Indonesia, Australia, etc. Therefore, I was not only able to enhance my technical knowledge on the petrochemical industry but also, acquire multi-tasking and presentation skills.
I further improved my soft skills through my various tenures in numerous committees in NUS. As the Treasurer and Marketing Head in various Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), I successfully led and organized many inter-club and inter-varsity competitions with the help of my committee members. For instance, I planned an annual karate camp for both local and international participants, for a budget of $3000 in 2011. These roles helped me to hone my organizational, leadership and teamwork skills, especially in an inter-cultural setting.
As the Head of the Internal Project Team during my Overseas CIP Project to Laos in 2006, I organized teaching plans and lessons for about 80 Laotian children. Despite the new challenges faced by the team in Laos, I adapted the teaching plans to suit the new changes with the help of my team quickly. I thereby honed my skills as an effective problem solver and a flexible worker. Moreover, I learnt to handle stressful situations with less agitation.
I believe that a career at CB&I will give me an opportunity to be part of a dynamic industry. As a highly motivated person who values perfection and adventure, I believe that the challenging job scope and comprehensive training program provided by CB&I will go well with my career aspirations. Given the chance, I believe that I will be able to contribute to CB&I successfully.
My resume is hereby attached, with greater detail upon my CCA and academic achievements. If after reviewing my resume, you believe there is a match, please contact me at the contact details provided. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
S.Priyadarsini
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Blog Post 2: Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts
The situation is:
Hillary is the Chairperson of her Aerobics club. Her position requires her to plan and organise events for the Aerobics members throughout the year, together with her committee. At the start of the year, Hillary had divided the events between herself and Max, her Vice Chairperson. This was to ensure that both of them had the opportunity to organise events but neither had a disproportionate burden. The major event of the year was the Aerobics Camp, which was the final event of the year. This came under the responsibility of Max.
One day, during a basketball game, Max sprained his arm severely. He was not allowed to take part in any strenuous activities for a period of time. Thus, he did not attend the regular Aerobics trainings or even committee meetings. Even after his arm was healed, his absence in Aerobics club activities continued due to his parents’ concerns and prohibitions.
Nevertheless, Max agreed to help organise the Aerobics Camp since he was in charge of it; but explained that he needed help from Hillary. He would be able to attend the Camp, but not participate in any vigorous activities. Hillary agreed and they started organising the camp.
As camp planning made a headway, Max started to slowly shirk his duties. He cited his other commitments and busier schedule as reasons. He had recently joined an external committee (outside of the club) to promote Aerobics to others, and was extremely involved in it. Three days before the Aerobics Camp, he claimed that he could not attend the Camp. Since the committee was particularly shorthanded at that time, Hillary really appreciated any sort of help that anyone could give. She was therefore disappointed when Max not only refused to fulfil his responsibilities as the Vice Chairperson, but also did not provide any help that he could afford to do.
What can Hillary do to resolve the situation while accommodating Max’s situation and ensuring that they end their tenure in the Aerobics Club committee with success and satisfaction of a job well done?
This was a real situation, but slightly simplified. One thing I noted was that knowing how the situation resolved, it was actually hard for me to write the story in an unbiased manner. I hope I managed to tell it accurately and neutrally. =)
Hillary is the Chairperson of her Aerobics club. Her position requires her to plan and organise events for the Aerobics members throughout the year, together with her committee. At the start of the year, Hillary had divided the events between herself and Max, her Vice Chairperson. This was to ensure that both of them had the opportunity to organise events but neither had a disproportionate burden. The major event of the year was the Aerobics Camp, which was the final event of the year. This came under the responsibility of Max.
One day, during a basketball game, Max sprained his arm severely. He was not allowed to take part in any strenuous activities for a period of time. Thus, he did not attend the regular Aerobics trainings or even committee meetings. Even after his arm was healed, his absence in Aerobics club activities continued due to his parents’ concerns and prohibitions.
Nevertheless, Max agreed to help organise the Aerobics Camp since he was in charge of it; but explained that he needed help from Hillary. He would be able to attend the Camp, but not participate in any vigorous activities. Hillary agreed and they started organising the camp.
As camp planning made a headway, Max started to slowly shirk his duties. He cited his other commitments and busier schedule as reasons. He had recently joined an external committee (outside of the club) to promote Aerobics to others, and was extremely involved in it. Three days before the Aerobics Camp, he claimed that he could not attend the Camp. Since the committee was particularly shorthanded at that time, Hillary really appreciated any sort of help that anyone could give. She was therefore disappointed when Max not only refused to fulfil his responsibilities as the Vice Chairperson, but also did not provide any help that he could afford to do.
What can Hillary do to resolve the situation while accommodating Max’s situation and ensuring that they end their tenure in the Aerobics Club committee with success and satisfaction of a job well done?
This was a real situation, but slightly simplified. One thing I noted was that knowing how the situation resolved, it was actually hard for me to write the story in an unbiased manner. I hope I managed to tell it accurately and neutrally. =)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Blog Post 1: Why is effective communication important for me?
I believe that effective communication will help me speak and interact well with others; thereby I can hopefully create a better impression of myself as well as a lasting network of friends.
Communication is something that is needed in every aspect of life. Wherever we go, communication has become a buzzword. In the workplace, team based projects are commonplace now and thus require one to interact and relate well with others.
For instance, during my internship last year, I had to interact with a lot of people from various departments in my company (CTI Chemicals) in Singapore as well as with people from our overseas offices. These people I interacted with most often came from other nationalities and other cultures (which made it interesting and fun sometimes!). However, I am not a very outgoing person, and thus had a harder task of communicating with them at times. These kinds of situations where I have to learn to speak with/present to strangers are only going to increase in future. Therefore, I need to learn to overcome my fear and nervousness.
Certainly, school projects and CCAs have given me ample opportunities to communicate and present my ideas. However, I feel that usually during these occasions, the greater importance of other factors like CAP or “organising an event successfully” eclipsed learning communication skills. Moreover, the fact that I always get into a nervous fit before any presentation after all this time has shown me that I need to work more actively and with greater care on speaking well.
Lastly, I think that anyone is capable of effective communication. We have to learn the tools for effective communication and practise them continuously, with perseverance and an open mind. I think this module gives us an ideal platform to practise those tools.
Communication is something that is needed in every aspect of life. Wherever we go, communication has become a buzzword. In the workplace, team based projects are commonplace now and thus require one to interact and relate well with others.
For instance, during my internship last year, I had to interact with a lot of people from various departments in my company (CTI Chemicals) in Singapore as well as with people from our overseas offices. These people I interacted with most often came from other nationalities and other cultures (which made it interesting and fun sometimes!). However, I am not a very outgoing person, and thus had a harder task of communicating with them at times. These kinds of situations where I have to learn to speak with/present to strangers are only going to increase in future. Therefore, I need to learn to overcome my fear and nervousness.
Certainly, school projects and CCAs have given me ample opportunities to communicate and present my ideas. However, I feel that usually during these occasions, the greater importance of other factors like CAP or “organising an event successfully” eclipsed learning communication skills. Moreover, the fact that I always get into a nervous fit before any presentation after all this time has shown me that I need to work more actively and with greater care on speaking well.
Lastly, I think that anyone is capable of effective communication. We have to learn the tools for effective communication and practise them continuously, with perseverance and an open mind. I think this module gives us an ideal platform to practise those tools.
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