The semester is over and I would like to have a semester reflection on what went on during these past six weeks.
When I first enter the room I had no idea that this class will be that helpful. Indeed, I think that this class was very different from the other classes I have taken so far because for once, I was the main focus. Indeed, we had to find solutions for the questions that I was asking myself.
I also liked the fact that we had a really good and "safe" environment, everyone were nice to everyone and we had constructive debates and shares of opinions. We were all very friendly to each others and I guess that the night out went well to according to the pictures I've seen..
Furthermore, we were also allowed to be ourselves through the blog entries we had.
Last but not least, I really think that it is a course to take at the beginning of college because it guides you and help you to make decisions regarding your educational and career plans putting the emphasis on what need to be improved.
I really liked being part of this class and meeting all of my classmates without exception!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Reflection on the ePortfolio Reflection.
During this semester, we had studio hour’s right after class. Even if it was a little late in the day (most of us were tired after a long day) it was worthy. Indeed, at first I didn’t really see the point in doing an ePortfolio maybe because I did not have an idea of what an ePortfolio was in the first place. Otherwise, after we went through page by page in order to build a personal ePortfolio, I realized that it was something really useful. Indeed, I think that it can be a key point for those who wants to transfer to senior colleges for instance. They can show their ePortfolio because it gives many information about the applicant's interests, progress and educational goals.
It meant a lot to me because when you want to apply to a very competitive place, I think that you have to make a difference. I think that an ePortfolio summarize your whole persona in a well done visual setting. I also liked the fact that it was a mix of education and personal life at the same time.
Besides, it also meant a lot to me because living far away from my family and friends, it is also an occasion for them to see what I am doing here and what do I do during my spare time. It can also be a mean to look back at our college path when we will graduate and who knows, it might bring some good memories :)
It was a good experience and I will definetly continue developping my ePortfolio for my upcoming semesters....
It meant a lot to me because when you want to apply to a very competitive place, I think that you have to make a difference. I think that an ePortfolio summarize your whole persona in a well done visual setting. I also liked the fact that it was a mix of education and personal life at the same time.
Besides, it also meant a lot to me because living far away from my family and friends, it is also an occasion for them to see what I am doing here and what do I do during my spare time. It can also be a mean to look back at our college path when we will graduate and who knows, it might bring some good memories :)
It was a good experience and I will definetly continue developping my ePortfolio for my upcoming semesters....
Mentor/Site Interview
For the end of the semester, we were to a “Mentor/Site interview.” To put it differently, we were asked to visit a place that we eventually would like to work in. I decided to go to JP Morgan on Park Ave. on a snowing day…
What an experience! It was snowing, snowing and snowing and employees were not really willing to help me with my assignment. Indeed, I faced like a dozen of refusals in this freezing cold. But I finally found someone who was willing to help me and he answered the questions I had.
This was a great experience because it showed me how strong I was from the inside. I didn’t know that I will be strong enough to stand outside in the cold TRYING TO APPROACH A STRANGER, knowing that regarding people that I don’t know, I am the shyest person you could ever imagined on Earth. It meant a lot because I was desperate and I called my mum for some comfort… Yes I know! But we all are babies when it comes to our mother! And she told me to go somewhere else, that it was too cold and that I should try to interview a Gap employee because it would make things easier. However sometimes, “easier things” to get are not the most worthy ones because this interview was worth it. I don’t regret each second that I passed waiting in the cold because the person that I interviewed was really nice and he asked me to keep in touch once in a while which I think is great because right now, I know somebody from the inside
What an experience! It was snowing, snowing and snowing and employees were not really willing to help me with my assignment. Indeed, I faced like a dozen of refusals in this freezing cold. But I finally found someone who was willing to help me and he answered the questions I had.
This was a great experience because it showed me how strong I was from the inside. I didn’t know that I will be strong enough to stand outside in the cold TRYING TO APPROACH A STRANGER, knowing that regarding people that I don’t know, I am the shyest person you could ever imagined on Earth. It meant a lot because I was desperate and I called my mum for some comfort… Yes I know! But we all are babies when it comes to our mother! And she told me to go somewhere else, that it was too cold and that I should try to interview a Gap employee because it would make things easier. However sometimes, “easier things” to get are not the most worthy ones because this interview was worth it. I don’t regret each second that I passed waiting in the cold because the person that I interviewed was really nice and he asked me to keep in touch once in a while which I think is great because right now, I know somebody from the inside
"Lingering Topic"
In class we had to do a "lingering topic".
To put it differently, we were asked to remove all the things on our table so that we couldn’t be distracted, take a deep breath and try to empty our thoughts. I close my eyes and what came to my mind were my educational goals. For some reasons, ever since we talked about it in class, it is something that is really present in my daily life because this course helped me to realize that I might not be able to achieve these goals that I plan to achieve. It is not about being pessimistic, but about being realistic.
It meant a lot to me because from now on, I will have to elaborate back up plans just in case I am not able to transfer to the senior college of my dream for instance. Indeed, since my wishes cannot be one hundred percent guarantee, I will have to look for other colleges that can also meet my educational and career’s needs.
I have learned that it is something that takes time and the research paper that we will have to submit at the end of the semester will be helpful because it will be an opportunity for me to have an idea of what my back up” plans regarding transfers or careers’ choice look like.
This lingering topic have contributed to affected my career’s choice because who knows I might not be able to attend Columbia University but if I have a goo career plan in my closet, maybe I will be happy in my chosen field afterwards…. At least I hope so! lol
To put it differently, we were asked to remove all the things on our table so that we couldn’t be distracted, take a deep breath and try to empty our thoughts. I close my eyes and what came to my mind were my educational goals. For some reasons, ever since we talked about it in class, it is something that is really present in my daily life because this course helped me to realize that I might not be able to achieve these goals that I plan to achieve. It is not about being pessimistic, but about being realistic.
It meant a lot to me because from now on, I will have to elaborate back up plans just in case I am not able to transfer to the senior college of my dream for instance. Indeed, since my wishes cannot be one hundred percent guarantee, I will have to look for other colleges that can also meet my educational and career’s needs.
I have learned that it is something that takes time and the research paper that we will have to submit at the end of the semester will be helpful because it will be an opportunity for me to have an idea of what my back up” plans regarding transfers or careers’ choice look like.
This lingering topic have contributed to affected my career’s choice because who knows I might not be able to attend Columbia University but if I have a goo career plan in my closet, maybe I will be happy in my chosen field afterwards…. At least I hope so! lol
Monday, February 8, 2010
Mock Interview
This post is about the reflection on my Mock Interview last Thursday.
To summarize this activity, last Thursday, we had to dress casual, and to get ready to answer some interview questions in an appropriate setting.
This interview was useful because I felt like I was applying for a real job so I was a little bit stressed (even if I didn’t show it). It was also meaningful because since English is not my first language, it helped me to analyze where I was standing in terms of Job interview since I plan to work in the U.S. upon graduation.
Indeed, I have learnt that even if I usually feel at ease during interview, when it is in French, even if it is suppose to be quite the same since it is a job interview. But I realized that just like I mentioned in my Life Skills plan, I need to focus on my accent so that I can feel more confident and be ready not only to take the job, but also to take over the world.
It is useful for my career because I think that by the time I'll be entering the job market, I should be ready to answer any questions and get the job of my dreams.
To summarize this activity, last Thursday, we had to dress casual, and to get ready to answer some interview questions in an appropriate setting.
This interview was useful because I felt like I was applying for a real job so I was a little bit stressed (even if I didn’t show it). It was also meaningful because since English is not my first language, it helped me to analyze where I was standing in terms of Job interview since I plan to work in the U.S. upon graduation.
Indeed, I have learnt that even if I usually feel at ease during interview, when it is in French, even if it is suppose to be quite the same since it is a job interview. But I realized that just like I mentioned in my Life Skills plan, I need to focus on my accent so that I can feel more confident and be ready not only to take the job, but also to take over the world.
It is useful for my career because I think that by the time I'll be entering the job market, I should be ready to answer any questions and get the job of my dreams.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Life Skills (Part II)
Last Friday, I had a PowerPoint presentation to do in my other class. I was prepared and my PowerPoint was great but the thing is that all eyes were on me so my English oral skills were challenged.
It meant a lot to me because even if I was prepared and even if we knew each other I felt uncomfortable because I was at the center of the attention. I stated stuttering and the more I was telling myself that we were in a friendly atmosphere, the more I was hearing the words I was saying in my head… Sigh
It was an occasion for me to realize that I really need to do something and be more confident and especially after this presentation (which was good). I realized that I have to work on my English pronunciation and accent so that my presentations can be perfect..
It affects my career because I am majoring in Business Administration and oral communication is a must. You have to be impressive, move the audience by the way you deliver your speech and be a great leader. I can do that in French so I have to do my best to be able to do that in English and take over the world…
It meant a lot to me because even if I was prepared and even if we knew each other I felt uncomfortable because I was at the center of the attention. I stated stuttering and the more I was telling myself that we were in a friendly atmosphere, the more I was hearing the words I was saying in my head… Sigh
It was an occasion for me to realize that I really need to do something and be more confident and especially after this presentation (which was good). I realized that I have to work on my English pronunciation and accent so that my presentations can be perfect..
It affects my career because I am majoring in Business Administration and oral communication is a must. You have to be impressive, move the audience by the way you deliver your speech and be a great leader. I can do that in French so I have to do my best to be able to do that in English and take over the world…
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Group Project..
On Tuesday January 26, we were talking in group talking about the group presentation we will have to do at the end of the semester.
I really liked the group I was in. The mood was great and we weighed the pros and cons of going to college (cost, tuition and books, your personal bills, transfer to a senior college, choosing the right major, etc.).
I think that it was meaningful because I helped me to evaluate certain aspects of college especially when we talk about the job market going down and the fact that we should invest now and wait until everything goes up so our stocks could have more value.
Last but not least, it affects my career because I have learnt that we should always have a backup plan (in terms of transferring to a senior college, plan to get THE job, etc.) so that if we cannot attain our plans, we can still turn to something else and especially now with the recession.
I really liked the group I was in. The mood was great and we weighed the pros and cons of going to college (cost, tuition and books, your personal bills, transfer to a senior college, choosing the right major, etc.).
I think that it was meaningful because I helped me to evaluate certain aspects of college especially when we talk about the job market going down and the fact that we should invest now and wait until everything goes up so our stocks could have more value.
Last but not least, it affects my career because I have learnt that we should always have a backup plan (in terms of transferring to a senior college, plan to get THE job, etc.) so that if we cannot attain our plans, we can still turn to something else and especially now with the recession.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My Life Skills...
First and foremost, I would like to start by saying that I would like to improve my oral communication skills (my English skills) because I think that it is an important thing in business.
Therefore, the five activities that I think will help me to work on that.
I think that this activity was helpful because I made me realize that I really need to do something if I want to feel more confident and more impressive because I believe that these two go together. I took HUC 108 (which is a communication in business settings class) the previous session and it was helpful too so I think that if I add these 5 activities, I should be ready before entering the job market.
It meant a lot because I think that I am just developing my career right now so it’s the perfect time for me to get ride of this handicap.
It affects my career because it can be a “plus” if my bosses see a potential leadership in me and decide to “use” me for negotiations, business travel, etc.
Therefore, the five activities that I think will help me to work on that.
I think that this activity was helpful because I made me realize that I really need to do something if I want to feel more confident and more impressive because I believe that these two go together. I took HUC 108 (which is a communication in business settings class) the previous session and it was helpful too so I think that if I add these 5 activities, I should be ready before entering the job market.
It meant a lot because I think that I am just developing my career right now so it’s the perfect time for me to get ride of this handicap.
It affects my career because it can be a “plus” if my bosses see a potential leadership in me and decide to “use” me for negotiations, business travel, etc.
Monday, January 25, 2010
My Successful Person Interview....
This blog is about the interview we had to make. We had to interview one “successful” person and reflect about this interview.
I decided to interview my dad. My dad lives in Africa and works for the IMF, he’s part of an organization that evaluate what are the needs in terms of infrastructures (roads, electricity, water wells, etc.) in several area of Congo.
It meant a lot to me not only because it is my dad but also because he’s part of such a big project in Africa where a lot of people don’t even have a job. It also meant a lot to me because he was describing his job with passion by putting the emphasis on the fact that these projects is for the well being of everyone and benefits all.
I learnt that my father considers himself successful because he is successful in his own path but also because this job is an opportunity for him to help others by improving the living conditions in this country.
It affects my career because it was opportunities for me to re- evaluate the definition of success and what will make me being successful in a non-selfish way.
I decided to interview my dad. My dad lives in Africa and works for the IMF, he’s part of an organization that evaluate what are the needs in terms of infrastructures (roads, electricity, water wells, etc.) in several area of Congo.
It meant a lot to me not only because it is my dad but also because he’s part of such a big project in Africa where a lot of people don’t even have a job. It also meant a lot to me because he was describing his job with passion by putting the emphasis on the fact that these projects is for the well being of everyone and benefits all.
I learnt that my father considers himself successful because he is successful in his own path but also because this job is an opportunity for him to help others by improving the living conditions in this country.
It affects my career because it was opportunities for me to re- evaluate the definition of success and what will make me being successful in a non-selfish way.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Activity 2.5
I did activity 2.5 in chapter 2. This activity was about conflicts between career and values and where do you stand when you have to satisfy both. I really like this activity because to me, I think that it was asking me how will I be able to balance my values against what my work will require me to do. This activity meant a lot to me because I have learnt that the position I would like to work in will require me to give up certain of these values such as honesty, humility and respect in order to attain not only my objectives, but also the organizations’ ones.
I have learnt that this job will ask me to be in contradiction with my values, in contradiction with my upbringing and therefore in contradiction with who I am. Some might wonder why I still want to do this job. Well, I still want to do this job because I like power and I think that it will allow me to travel and help people in need in these countries during my days off.
It did affect my career choices because it brought me to the point that I found myself wondering if it was the best thing to do considering the fact that it is suppose to be a lifetime job. It really brought me to the point that I made a list where I put in order my values, goals and career choices. It was very useful.
I have learnt that this job will ask me to be in contradiction with my values, in contradiction with my upbringing and therefore in contradiction with who I am. Some might wonder why I still want to do this job. Well, I still want to do this job because I like power and I think that it will allow me to travel and help people in need in these countries during my days off.
It did affect my career choices because it brought me to the point that I found myself wondering if it was the best thing to do considering the fact that it is suppose to be a lifetime job. It really brought me to the point that I made a list where I put in order my values, goals and career choices. It was very useful.
Working on my resume
In the syllabus, it appears that we have to work on our resume.
Here is one of the websites that I checked: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmsP14aDVjc
I worked on my resume saying to myself that it is more than a college assessment. It meant a lot to me because it was a big opportunity for me to have it evaluate by a professional. I put the main characteristics that you should find in a resume: contact information, objective, education, skills and languages.
This assignment helped me to understand that in order to be more competitive, I would have to put the “best of myself” and try to select the more important information and get rid of the less meaningful ones. I did learn that I have to modify my resume in function of the organization’s needs and expectations.
It affects my career choices because I visited the JP Morgan page and there was a resume sample. I really liked it because it showed me that I have to focus and certain points and also on the way they want the resumes to be presented. The strategy that I will use is to check the organizations I am applying to websites so I can maximize my chances to get in.
Here is one of the websites that I checked: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmsP14aDVjc
I worked on my resume saying to myself that it is more than a college assessment. It meant a lot to me because it was a big opportunity for me to have it evaluate by a professional. I put the main characteristics that you should find in a resume: contact information, objective, education, skills and languages.
This assignment helped me to understand that in order to be more competitive, I would have to put the “best of myself” and try to select the more important information and get rid of the less meaningful ones. I did learn that I have to modify my resume in function of the organization’s needs and expectations.
It affects my career choices because I visited the JP Morgan page and there was a resume sample. I really liked it because it showed me that I have to focus and certain points and also on the way they want the resumes to be presented. The strategy that I will use is to check the organizations I am applying to websites so I can maximize my chances to get in.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Your Career Dilemma (Activity 1.4)
Your career dilemma: "As you describe your dilemma, write down all the questions, issues, and concerns that you can think of. Let your thoughts flow freely. Your main goal here is to be honest with yourself."
In this activity, I described the pros and cons and possible issues that I can encounter while developping my career. I plan to work in the busines world at JP Morgan and I would like to be among the few ones at the top. But on the other hand, I am an humanitarian person and for this reason, I would like to work for the U.N. in Africa so I will be able to help people in need and especially children. I went to Africa for vacation last year and I was shoked by the poverty and the lack of basics things such as medecines, notebooks, pens, and so on. But the big dilemma in this story is that if I plan to work for JP Morgan, I would like to transfer to Columbia University, otherwise, I would like to transfer to a less valuable college so I waont have to spend a lot of money because the impact wont be the same.
This activity meant a lot to me because as it is stated, it will help me to stimulate my thinking while reminding me at the same time that I have to make a decision because time flies. To put it differently, I have less than two years to make my decision and b emor especific about my career.
I learnt that in order to make the right decision, I have to take account of my personnality feautures, of information about both jobs and last but not least, about colleges and my graduation plan.
The text affects my career because it pushes me to go forward and try to figure out what is best for me.
In this activity, I described the pros and cons and possible issues that I can encounter while developping my career. I plan to work in the busines world at JP Morgan and I would like to be among the few ones at the top. But on the other hand, I am an humanitarian person and for this reason, I would like to work for the U.N. in Africa so I will be able to help people in need and especially children. I went to Africa for vacation last year and I was shoked by the poverty and the lack of basics things such as medecines, notebooks, pens, and so on. But the big dilemma in this story is that if I plan to work for JP Morgan, I would like to transfer to Columbia University, otherwise, I would like to transfer to a less valuable college so I waont have to spend a lot of money because the impact wont be the same.
This activity meant a lot to me because as it is stated, it will help me to stimulate my thinking while reminding me at the same time that I have to make a decision because time flies. To put it differently, I have less than two years to make my decision and b emor especific about my career.
I learnt that in order to make the right decision, I have to take account of my personnality feautures, of information about both jobs and last but not least, about colleges and my graduation plan.
The text affects my career because it pushes me to go forward and try to figure out what is best for me.
Jung Typology Test
Jung Typology Test
htttp://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
The Jung typology test is a psychometric questionnaire by Myers-Briggs whose goal is to reflect how people conceive things and perceive life in function of their answer. People are divided into six categories which are the following: introvert and extravert, sensing and intuition, thinking, feeling, judging, and perceiving.
The text was important to me because believe it or not, the final result came out to be matching my personality and the way I perceive things. I came out to be the INFJ type which stands for Introverted (33%), Intuitive (33%), Felling (22%) and Judging (22%). To put it differently, according to this test, I am moderately expressed introvert, moderately expressed, I have an intuitive personality, a slightly expressed feeling personality and a slightly expressed judging personality.
I did learn some things that I was aware of without really paying attention to it. It is really important because it can helps me to better myself due to the fact that my personality reflects who I am and how people can feel in my presence. For instance, I've always wanted to change the introverted part of my character because I think that in the business world, you have to be charismatic and impressive and not keep your mouth shut.
Therefore, this text affects my career choices due to the fact that I've realized that if a computer (or a simple test) is able to read my mind by telling how I think and how I am, what about real human beings with intuitions, feelings and discernment? I have to adopt a new startegy and be more impressive if I want to be at the top and not at the bottom.
htttp://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
The Jung typology test is a psychometric questionnaire by Myers-Briggs whose goal is to reflect how people conceive things and perceive life in function of their answer. People are divided into six categories which are the following: introvert and extravert, sensing and intuition, thinking, feeling, judging, and perceiving.
The text was important to me because believe it or not, the final result came out to be matching my personality and the way I perceive things. I came out to be the INFJ type which stands for Introverted (33%), Intuitive (33%), Felling (22%) and Judging (22%). To put it differently, according to this test, I am moderately expressed introvert, moderately expressed, I have an intuitive personality, a slightly expressed feeling personality and a slightly expressed judging personality.
I did learn some things that I was aware of without really paying attention to it. It is really important because it can helps me to better myself due to the fact that my personality reflects who I am and how people can feel in my presence. For instance, I've always wanted to change the introverted part of my character because I think that in the business world, you have to be charismatic and impressive and not keep your mouth shut.
Therefore, this text affects my career choices due to the fact that I've realized that if a computer (or a simple test) is able to read my mind by telling how I think and how I am, what about real human beings with intuitions, feelings and discernment? I have to adopt a new startegy and be more impressive if I want to be at the top and not at the bottom.
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