11/16/08

Final Reflections

I feel that the practical skills taught in the module, such as learning how to write a decent resume, is more relevent to me than the interpersonal skills introduced to me. I feel that these interpersonal skills should be developed as we interact with and try to understand people. However, many science students, though very good in academia, tend to lack soft skills like these and need to be taught to them. These skills could be better improved through cultural exchanges during internships and exchanges among colleages.

The presentation skills taught were also quite effective. By making us give a presentation and allowing us to each watch a video of how we look like when we're presenting, gives us a good idea on how our audiences perceive us and what we lack in this area. It is very difficult to tell what we lack during a presentation unless we can actually see it for ourselves.

Overall, i think that the module is useful, especially for final year students. Job application, presentation and people skills are necessary when we head out to work in the future. These are skills which would set us apart from the hundreds of other applicants applying for the same job with almost the same qualifications. Besides textbook skills, i think this module has given me greater confidence in my interpersonal skills, among my group mates, to an audience or to a superior i.e. tutor. I believe that this would serve me well, even long after i have forgotten all that i have learnt during my course.

Thanks to all who have made this experience an enjoyable one! Cheers!