My Final Reflections

The term has come to an end in a blink of an eye. Looking back at the semester, this module would definitely be one that I’ll remember, simply because it’s different. I love the discussions that go on in the class, I love hearing people’s opinions and viewpoints and the openness that everyone has which creates a really good atmosphere. I wouldn’t say I’ve done much to contribute to it, but as Brad mentioned, learning the skills to be an effective communicator is not one that take days, months but years. My personality is something that I’ve always found hindering me from being an effective communicator, preventing me from speaking and opening up.

One of the main takeaways that I’ve gotten from this module is being able to learn what it takes to have good interpersonal and communication skills, how to bring across ideas clearly and concisely. It was always a pleasure watching how Rohan, Clement and Brad do it and for me personally, the best way to learn is to just watch how people do it, and try to apply it to yourself in a way which best suits you.

The other main takeaway would definitely be the resume and cover letter lessons. I personally never knew there was such a thing as cover letter before this class. It would definitely be something that will benefit me cum graduation.

Lastly, I would like to thank Brad and the class for the great experience this semester. I’m a person who shows really little emotions but I personally did enjoy the class and I thought all of you guys were great!

My pleasure meeting all of you

Oral Presentation Reflections

13th April was the day of Team Invictus oral presentation and with it, it spells the end of the research project that we had been working on. Before I post on my comments I would like to say a big thank you to my team and I personally really enjoyed the experience that I had. Although we didn’t really have a good start, I thought we ended with a blast.

My personal reflections with regards to the content:

For our team’s methodology, we had to narrow down all the feedback and suggestions to three main ones to suit the theme. We at the same time had to ensure that we present it in a concise manner. However, this to some extend caused the info to be of little depth and me on my part, I could have elaborated more on who exactly were the people that were interviewed, and introduce the people in the video.

My personal reflections with regards to my presentation:

Personally I’m relief that I managed to say most of what I had planned to say during the presentation. I felt I might have spoken a little too fast in some areas because this is something I tend to do when I get nervous and at the same time, I was time conscious. After my presentation, I also realized I tend to step forward and backward while speaking. This could be an area which is distracting to the audience.

Overall, the presentation was a fantastic experience and I really enjoyed the actual presentation as well as the run through. I learned that for me personally, I really got to put in the time and run through my speech again and again to enable myself to form out the words that I am most comfortable with. Only then can I speak with more fluidity.

Once again, great job team!

Introduction/Background Draft 1 (Proposal)

Introduction

Singapore is a thriving financial hub serving multiple industries and multi- nationals across the globe. Singapore has a well established and diversified financial sector which makes it recognized internationally and a safe place to do business. In 2003, financial services in Singapore accounted for 11.6% of the country’s gross domestic product while employing only 5% of the country’s population. Singapore have become a very attractive destination for banks and consulting firms to establish their Asia-Pacific headquarters and hearing NUS graduates landing positions in top banks and consulting firms like Mckinsey & Co., The Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Co, Credit Suisse, Bank of America – Merill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Barclays Capital has gradually become a norm. Given the increasing number of students from the engineering, business, computing and relevant science disciplines applying to these firms due to their attractive pay packages and training programs, we will therefore focus our energies on the banking and consulting sector.

3. Background

One of the main contributing factors that has led to Singapore being a renowned banking and consulting financial hub is having a highly skilled workforce. Singapore has many well-established business schools which are internationally recognized. In the Global MBA rankings for 2009, business schools of National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological Univesrsity (NTU) were ranked 35th and 24th respectively while INSEAD which has a campus in Singapore was 5th in the rankings. Such business schools have helped ensured that Singapore produces fresh graduates that are capable and able to excel in the banking and consulting sector. Additionally, students with degrees in engineering, computing and sciences like financial mathematics are automatic choices as analysts and IT professionals for their skills. Given that these jobs are highly sought after, there is very high competition between the 3 tertiary institutions graduates, NUS, NTU and SMU for these jobs.

In an interview conducted with Mrs. Corrine Ong, Director of the NUS Career Centre, it was noted that NUS fresh graduates have weaker oral communication skills as compared to graduates from other local universities. A portion of the NUS graduates are poor in marketing themselves and weak in engaging their potential employers. In a Straits Times article dated 3rd April 2009, fresh graduates from the Singapore Management University (SMU) Business School were noted to be able to attain higher paying jobs and also have a higher employment rate in the financial sector as compared to their NUS counterparts. NUS graduates having weaker oral communication skills could be a contributing factor to these statistics.

Investigations were conducted to find out the underlying causes behind NUS graduates possessing weaker oral communication skills. One major factor is the curriculum offered in the respective faculties5.

It was found that in NUS, the Faculty of Science and Arts and Social Sciences did not make communication modules mandatory for the undergraduates in their course of study. For the other faculties, although communication modules were made compulsory for their undergraduates, the lesson pace was fast and undesirable. Students were expected have good communication skills within 13 weeks study. However, we believe that 13 weeks is insufficient in equipping students with these communication skills. Through surveys, NUS students most felt that the school was not doing enough to prepare and equip them with the communication skills that were relevant to their workforce. In a few interviews conducted with NUS students who had done internships or attachments in the banking and consulting sector, it was further revealed that the school’s curriculum is insufficient in preparing students for work in the banking and consulting sector. On a scale rating of 1-10 on whether the school has helped prepare the student for work in the banking and financial sector, the maximum rating given was six and the least was zero.6 This has thus shown that the curriculum provided by NUS is insufficient in equipping students with the necessary oral communication skills specifically in the banking and consulting sector.

In SMU, it was found out that communication modules were offered were mandatory for undergraduates. In doing so, SMU have ensured that all their undergraduates had equal opportunities to learn and improve their communication skills that were relevant to the workplace. In addition, the different aspects of the essential communication skills were taught as separate modules. This is actually beneficial to the students as an entire semester is spent learning and mastering a particular aspect of communication. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that SMU students are generally able to express themselves well during interviews. This could probably account for the higher employment rate of SMU graduates over NUS graduates in the banking and consulting industry.

Additionally, we chose the banking and consulting industry as they are an example of the modern workplace with the typical adjectives being – diverse, fast paced, high stress, smart people etc. If students aren’t adequately prepared for life in such an environment, all students who aim to build corporate careers could find their career paths less rewarding.

Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

Several years back I went on an Overseas Community Involvement Programme (OCIP) mission to a village in Thailand. We lived in a children’s home for the duration of the trip. The home caters to children whose families are unable to support their children or children who cannot be controlled by their parents.

While I was there, I managed to interact with most of the children in the village. One of the main things that struck me was that the boys there always keep a stern face. They don’t smile much, neither do they tear. I was told they made sure no one sees them crying. I also realized that they like to portray the image of an adult and like to be seen and treated as one, for example, mimicking a grown up’s body language through their standing postures.

All the children including the village kids are very respectful to their elders and us. They never failed to greet us and acknowledge our presence. Even while in the mist of their running in games, they would stop and give the appropriate hand greeting gesture. They always maintain eye contact while communicating and maintain a polite tone. I find it surprising that even random children from the village would greet us on the streets as they know that we are foreigners.

In general, the people there are forgiving and do not show emotions such as frustrations or anger even when they have been offended. Once such instance was when my friend accidentally knocked into one of the villager’s motorcycle with his pickup, damaging it. The owner shockingly just said “mai pen rai” (it’s okay). However, we compensated him for the damage to his vehicle.

In my opinion, there is a stark contrast of cultures in the Thai village as compared to the culture in Singapore. Firstly, the children there behave really differently. Children from the village seemed to be more closely knitted, friendly and open towards others. I believe this is because of the harsh environment in which they live in. They are forced to be strong and hide their weaknesses, which I feel is why they maintain a stern look. This is the complete opposite in Singapore where children are free to express their emotions. I was also told that this forgiving and taking things easy attitude is a distinctive Thai culture. The people there often choose to adopt this attitude while dealing with difficult situations. I personally feel this positive attitude is good in general. However, it should not be applied in every situation.

Assignment 3 Cover Letter Draft 1

This is my first draft. It seems to be lacking in detail.Below is the email followed by the letter. All comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks

Dear CE Students,
Please be informed that a Singaporean structural engineering company with a representative office in Shanghai is currently looking for an intern to be attached from around July to December (6-month period) 2010.

The intern will be paid RMB2800 per month for the internship in Shanghai. The company can help to source for accommodation if necessary. You may also wish to check out the IE Singapore-NUS Internship Award (http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/nus/students/awards/ies-internship/index.html) for additional funding.

The intern will assist the engineer in technical marketing and operational work in the field of structural engineering. You can check the company’s website at www.fyfeasia.com for more information.
Please apply at https://share.nus.edu.sg/eng/ugrad/Lists/register_shanghai.htm by 21 February 2010 at the latest for our consideration.
Thank you for your attention.




GLENN FOO
ABC Ave 1
Blk2000 #00-000, Singapore 000000
+65 00000000

February 06th 2010
Sarimah Bte Mustafa
No.1 Engineering Drive 2
Block E1A, #07-03
Singapore 117576

Dear Ms. Sarimah,

I am writing in response to your recent email about the internship position in Shanghai. I would like to be considered for this position.

I am a 2nd Year undergraduate in the National University of Singapore seeking an engineering internship. The internship interests me because my current education grants me exposure to engineering from a student’s standpoint exclusively. I would like to gain the experience and knowledge unavailable in textbooks and have prior experience upon graduation.

The engineering modules I have taken thus far have given me a sound foundation in the operational works of structural engineering. I have also taken a marketing module which equips me with the basic necessary skills in technical marketing.

Although my engineering experience is not extensive, I have experiences in the people relations and documentation sector. I was a document runner in the recently concluded Apec 2009 in Singapore where I had to ensure the smooth operation of document printing, checking and distribution. Such experiences have equipped me with the relevant people relation skills and the need to work under pressure. I am confident my skills are adequate to meet the demands of this internship.

I hope you find me suitable for this position and I hope to hear from you in the near future. Thank you for considering my application.

Best Regards,
Glenn

Enclosure: Resume

Assignment 2 Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts

This is a real life scenario.

People involved: Grandma
Mum (Grandma’s Daughter)
Dad
Son (Post will be written from the son’s perspective)


Mum and Grandma have always lived together and they share a close relationship. However, Grandma constantly lectures Mum and doesn’t give her much encouragement in anything that she does. Dad is a quiet man and seldom interferes in their arguments and household matters. Mum and Grandma are really caring and nice people by nature. They readily extend help when needed and are warm to their relatives and friends. For example, treating them to meals and giving them gifts. However, Grandma has never showed such affection to Mum.

A year ago, Mum suddenly decided to stop all communication with Grandma. She gave her the cold treatment and constantly reprimanded her for minor issues. This made Grandma really hurt. The relationship deteriorated to the extend where Mum treated Grandma as if she were transparent. For example, she bought food for the whole family with the exception of Grandma.

Currently, I am fifteen years old. Mum gets jealous whenever Grandma gives me something and she instructs me not to accept anything from Grandma. Mum repeatedly refused to talk and sort things out with Grandma. Her relationship with everyone else around her remains normal.

What is the main problem here? How do you think Dad should step in? What’s exactly on Mum’s mind? Is there anything that I can do?

Why are effective communication skills important to me

Have you ever been to a lecture and not felt sleepy? Or a sermon in church and you actually listen intently to whatever the speaker is saying. It has always intrigued me at how these people actually do it. Where I have no interest in the subject or topic whatsoever, but they still managed to capture my attention and put their message across to me. I always find it amazing when someone has such an effect on me. It’s the complete opposite of someone who speaks and I got to try hard to fight off the “Z” monsters at the same time. This to me is an important aspect of effective communication. The message is understood by your target audience with little difficulty.

Furthermore, in this cut-throat society, it is important that you are able to present yourself in a clear, consistent and easily understood manner. I believe having good communication skills is an important asset in the working society. It’ll come in handy during interviews, presentations and meetings. Having good communication skills would almost certainly give you an edge over others.

Lastly, I believe it would help develop healthier relationships within friends and families. It would help reduce arguments and frustrations while at the same time increase the bond through better understanding of one another.

Therefore I do hope to be able to equip myself with at least some skills so that I’ll be able to understand people around me better while at same time, not let myself be misunderstood.