Module Summary: It's a wrap!

To be honest, it wasn't exactly a personal first choice to undertake this module as the scope of the workload had really frightened me. The only ray of hope that seemed to peek through for the module's case, in Saras's own words, was "SUMIII, NO EXAMS!". Without the burden to cram information at the end of the semester for a paper and the significant relevance to the fact that  I was going to graduate, the module would prove to be highly beneficial to meet this ends and an useful tool in preparing better for the next few months of relentless job-seeking 'adventure'. With that, I dived head first into the module with my fingers crossed.

Overall, the classes turned out to be interactive and highly engaging with frequent dialogues and discussions among classmates and Dr. Radikha. Initially, I must admit that it was pretty awkward to come out of the shell and communicate any self-held opinions as I had not really been exposed to this type of class dynamics in the bulk of my modules. However, I gradually found myself taking a stand in class discussions and taking stock what was being taught without finding myself zoning out or becoming a doodling-expert in the midst of the lessons. Furthermore, the pertinent topics covered such as the cover letter writing, interview questions demonstrations and presentation skills proved to be a humongous boon as I have come out of this module, more aware and better prepared for the various aspects of the job-seeking world that awaits. I immensely appreciate that the module turned out to be very closely aligned with practical applications outside class and it has really helped in one way or another to relate to us the importance of effectively communicating ourselves to the masses.

Moreover, the peer teaching and the proposal group interactions helped to further establish working relations and friendships with classmates outside class with the shared responsibilities to brainstorm, write-up, edit and rehearse for presentations together. Although time was tight with incompatible time-tables and personal project commitments, I am glad that we still persisted to find the time, be it early in the morning or late in the evening, to come together every now and then to collate our parts and take on new directions for the proposal. I believe we came out of this project more appreciative of one another's effort and with a greater unity fostered as the oral presentation came to its end.

The most vital take-away that I have undertaken from the module would be the realization that communication is both a learned and practiced skill. For most of us, it's not something that is inherent or a natural god's gift. Instead, more often than not, it requires conscious effort to evaluate and improve yourself with the aid of all the constructive feedback that comes your way. I like to believe that I have attempted to better myself to some extent where presentation skills are concerned. However, I do accept the fact that the learning process to attaining 100% satisfactory fluency in communication is an on-going experience that still needs to be consistently worked on even after this semester draws to a close.

Thank you, Dr. Radhika for the vital lessons learned and the guidance throughout the semester. And thank you, friends for all those interactive discussions that NEVER made any session a snooze-fest!

RE-wind/cap: Oral Presentation

How would I honestly sum up my oral presentation experience?

 I remember rehearsing my script in the showers, during the much-need breaks from crazy FYP and reading myself to sleep for that few days prior to the presentation day. Even when I was merely practicing those lines, there was this nagging apprehension that used to make me fumble and stumble over some lines and I would silently grimace thinking 'what if' that actually happened during the actual presentation. And it kind of made me realize that it had been a while since I ever felt so nervous about presenting. I have always been comfortable presenting or even speaking up about my opinions so it had relatively always been a breeze. The thing was, I had always been presenting the way I've for a pretty long time without much of any constructive feedback from previous classes. That probably made me slip into this comfort zone where I assumed my presentation skills were decent enough to get my points across.

However, this module literally made me sit up and take notice that there was still a long way to go to perfect those presentation skills. The effort put in by the classmates, those much-thought about feedback to weigh in on my presenting abilities and not forgetting the considerable component it held in the overall grading of the module, all these managed to zoom in on my glaring weak points that I hadn't really reflected on or bothered about before then. In a way, it was a good learning experience that enabled me to take stock of what I still had to brush up on; my speed of delivery, weird facial expressions whenever I stumbled and those repetitive hand motions. It was pretty intimidating to present against the better speakers who seem to have this natural flair for speaking to the audience. However, that made me appreciate the fact that one's presentation abilities had to be constantly and rigorously practiced if one were to get better, appear more fluent and at ease.

Learning to communicate ideas across to the audience, verbally and non-verbally; I tried to keep that in mind consistently as our group went through the actual presentation session. I found myself consistently making the effort to remain composed in the event of those occasional stumbles instead of giving in to the natural instinct to pull a face. Furthermore, the prior rehearsing of my script had fortunately enabled me to register the need to slow down my pace of delivery. After a couple of attempts, I feel that I am finally able to commit to slowing myself down when presenting.  

After the OP, there was still a couple of issues that I believe compromised my overall quality; the stumbles that affected the fluency of the delivery. But the most important take-away that I have gathered from this oral presentation experience was the realization that consistent practice and taking heed of the feedback given would gradually but surely pave the way for honing my presentation abilities better; and a bit more of confidence wouldn't hurt! With that, I’m going to take this experience as another lesson learnt to keep note of while prepping myself better for the next presentation that comes my way.

Intercultural interactions

The word 'intercultural' brings about the notion of a much broader spectrum of communication. More often than not, we usually find ourselves interacting with people who have been brought up in the context of a similar set of social habits, language and religion. On a broader level, culture can be further expanded to encompass the country's population who are bonded together by the common sense of nationalism and usage of 'singlish' etc; the culture of Singapore. These threads of commonality established naturally enable the ease of interaction amongst the locals beyond religion and language in general.

On the other hand, intercultural communication extends beyond the local platform and deals with global cultures and diversity. There are much greater differences in religions, norms and ethnic backgrounds that are in stark contrast to one's local culture. With such increased differences and diversity, communication is likely to be hindered between the two parties guided by different sets of cultures. One prime example could be the inadequate integration of  foreign students into the folds of the local student population. Generally, there are no hard feelings against the former that can be deemed as the cause for such an effect. Instead, I feel that it is due to the fact that most local students initially think twice about establishing communication due to the basic feeling of apprehension stemming from the differences in cultures. The chances of misunderstanding are high with the diversity in the interpretations of a message relayed. "Birds of the same feather flock together," the idiom succinctly describes this behavior whereby we rather choose to stay safe and within our comfort zone with minimal effort to interact with a person of a different culture. This example shows that we have yet to fully grasp the notion of intercultural communication in practice in addition to its importance in the workplace in the near future.

 On the bright side, we have learned and realised that communication is a learned skill. Hence, there is always the possibility that with continuous exposure to foreign cultures via working together on projects or interacting during class discussions can coach one to better understand and better handle diversity in beliefs and customs. This can subsequently enable one to become more open towards intercultural communication with much less hesitation.

Cover Letter

17 February 2013

Mount Vernon Road

#02-13

S123456

Mobile: +65 12345678

Email Address: yoyo@hotmail.com

HR manager

Human Resource Department

Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Pte Ltd

1 Maritime Square, #12-01

HarbourFront Centre

S099253

                                                                                       

Dear Hiring Manager

Application for position in the Operations Professional Development Program (OPDP)

I am writing to express my heartfelt interest to join this extraordinary health-care company, Abbott, as a training associate intern for the OPDP. I am excited by the significant opportunities and exposure that Abbott offers across a broad spectrum covering medical devices and pharmaceutical products. The company’s passion in the pursuit of advancing medical science to improve lives deeply resonates with my desire to help address the global health needs in any way possible. I am expected to graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS) with 3^rd Class Honours in Bioengineering in May 2013.

As a bioengineering graduate, I have continuously immersed myself in the prevalent global health issues. I have enthusiastically undertaken numerous design projects that challenge me to brainstorm new solutions to existing health problems. In this process, I have sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills. A notable project involved designing a new diagnostic device for malaria testing in improvised countries with minimal costing. The device prototype was well-received and consequentially considered for patent-application by the faculty department due to the innovation and novelty involved. In order to manufacture the workable prototype, intensive research on malaria and experiments were conducted to test the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Moreover, I am currently working on finding and validating a new cause for glaucoma with my final year project (FYP).  The experimental results from the FYP will have the potential to value-add to the current diagnostic protocol for glaucoma. This would prove beneficial in developing a more holistic and improved diagnosis for the 2^nd leading cause of blindness globally.  Hence, the various projects I have tackled have similar motivation and drive as Abbott which makes it a greater privilege to learn more and be inspired further via the OPDP.

In addition to my academic endeavors, I am also actively involved in voluntary work with the wish to help improve lives of the less privileged. I have joined 2 expedition trips to Cambodia with the aim of improving the water sanitation conditions. During the recent expedition, my team and I successfully fundraised over $2500 to build wells, water pumps and toilets to enhance access to clean drinking water and improve the overall sanitation of the village. I have also consistently participated in CCAs that thrive on teamwork and undertaken leadership roles to manage and guide the team towards a common agenda. I believe these non-academic activities have taught me the importance of the soft skills and the continuous need to improve on them to be a better team-member, leader and communicator.

I do hope that I will have the privilege of joining Abbott and value-add to its 125 years of rich history in helping people lead healthier and happier lives. I thank you for your valued time to review my application. I have enclosed my resume for your kind consideration. I look forward to a face-to-face interview to discuss my suitability for a place in the OPDP.

Yours sincerely

Sumitra (Ms)

                                                                                                                                 

Resume

SUMITRA RAI                

                      

EDUCATION
National University of Singapore (NUS)                                                       Aug 09 – Present

*Bachelor of Engineering (Bioengineering), Honours

·        *Expected: 3^rd Class Honours

·       * Expected Date of Graduation: May 2013

Project Experience

Final Year Project                                                                                           Aug 12 – Present

·         *Venture into a new research field of investigating another cause of glaucoma

·        * Research and extract data to set new parameters to plan and conduct experiments to test hypothesis

Co-Curricular Activities

Eusoff Hall Promotion board, Publicity head                                                 Sept 11 – Apr 12

·       * Conduct brainstorming session to increase awareness of Eusoff for incoming freshmen

·       *  Implement and manage the exposure via a blog, glossy brochures and booth decoration at NUS Open House (OH) ’12

·       *Actively engaged and promoted Eusoff at OH to collect over 200 sign-ups for orientation camp 

Eusoff Hall Sports Management Committee, Events (Finance)                  Sept 10 – Mar 11

·         *Planned and successfully conducted a dragon-boating bonding excursion for over 50 sportsmen

·         *Actively participated in organizing mini pep-rallies during Inter-Hall Games season to rev up the spirits of the sportsmen

·         *Managed the receipts of all the expenditure incurred with 100% accuracy

Eusoff Hall Dinner &Dance, Programmer                                                    Aug 09 – May 10

·         *Plan and execute events and fund-raising leading up to the D&D

·         *Successfully engaged entertainers/emcees and liaised efficiently for 2 external events   

Work Experience

Private Tuition                                                                                               Jan 10 – Present

·         *Rendered tutor services 8 hours weekly for Secondary and PSLE students with 100% pass rate

Voluntary Experience

Salvation Army (SA)                                                                                      Sept 11 – May 12

·         *Committed 2 hours weekly to provide tutor services at SA

·        * Participated actively in organizing a post-exam celebration for the children

NUS Eusoff Hall Cambodia Expedition                                                         Sept 09 – Jun 10

·        * Actively participated to raise over $2500 in fund-raising activities to build wells

·         *Effectively managed the logistics required for the 2-week stay in the village

·         *Taught classes of over 20 students each on basic English

Temasek Junior College Overseas Community Service, Cambodia             Feb 07 – Jun 07

·         *conducted fund-raising activities to raise over $800 via college activities

·         *Taught classes of over 30 students on basic English

·         *Worked to paint the new school library in the village

Additional Information 

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office, Solidworks, Matlab

·         Fluent in English (spoken and written) 

Interpersonal conflict

The term 'conflict' usually inflicts a negative connotation and many would readily agree that they try their best to avoid conflicts if they can help it. The presence of  such conflicts are taken as clear indicators of trouble where interpersonal relationships are concerned. There is this misguided notion that conflict is destructive with only one outcome possible between the two 'warring' parties; either you lose or win. Such negative myths associated with the term 'conflict' have formed the impression that conflicts have to be avoided at all costs; an ideal social situation that hardly exists.

Why's that; you may ask. This is due to the simple and unavoidable fact that conflicts are inevitable in any interpersonal relationships. They provide us an outlet to express and communicate our struggle with the opposing parties with differing incompatibilities. No two people can be expected to agree all the time and it is only appropriate that we learn to agree to disagree every now and then. Hence, it only makes sense that we deal proper with how one can go about resolving conflicts rather than choose the alternative of avoiding them like a plague.

Active communication proves to be that important bridge in resolving interpersonal conflicts. Engaging in active listening so as to sincerely understand where the other party is coming from is incredibly essential. This requires one to reserve their judgement and sensitively manage their reactions especially so in the heat of the moment. Hence, paying attention to the emotions of the other party by showing empathy and respecting the differences shared can enhance the chances of agreeing on a mutual resolution. This style of collaboration between the two parties will allow the needs/grievances of both to be dealt with effectively and consequentially create the outcome of 'I win, you win.' In this view, conflicts actually provide a vital outlet to foster mutual respect and trust with deeper understanding where relationships are concerned.

So next time, sooner or later, when you do get confronted with a conflict, will you still skip town?

Why PC?

In a nutshell, professional communication is supposed to encompass the written, oral, visual and digital aspects of communication within the workplace.  It strives to maximize the effectiveness of communication amongst the workforce where the demand for skilled communicators is rising rapidly in an era of rapid progression of technology. There naturally seems to be a concentrated emphasis on the study of information alongside understanding how it is created by one and consumed by another. This is especially so in the aspects of technical communication where the various platforms on the internet are utilized to converse with one another. With such a shift in the focus towards the technical aspect of communication, there is a high probability the traditional aspect of verbal communication is consequentially going to be overlooked. This is especially relevant to our present youth population that are accustomed to short-handed and casual form of communication with minimal oral communication in the face of textings and emoticons. However, the workplace demands a much more formal appropriateness where communication is concerned. The needs for such skills would range from dealing with customers, marketing ideas to your team during presentations, co-existing harmoniously with your fellow employees to maintaining healthy relations with your superiors. The convenience that technology has provided with faster accessibility has also dulled our communication skills in some ways, however paradoxically. But if one were to realize the ever present relevance of the traditional aspect of communication and the need to hone those skills in practice alongside its technological aspect, it would probably pave a smoother way to effective communication when the realm of workplace inevitably beckons.