Professional Development Week (PDW) - Reflection Report

11/11/2024 - 15/11/2024 / Week 8
Anna Ong Su Kuan / 0353775
Professional Development Week (PDW) / Bachelor of Creative Media / Taylor's University
Reflection Report

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CONTENTS

- List of Talks Joined
- Report

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LIST OF TALKS JOINED

1. "Financial Literacy for Fresh Graduate” by AIA
2. Keynote “Building Resilience: How to Bounce Back from Rejections and Setbacks in Your Job Hunt and Early Career"
3. "The Right Mentality for the Workforce: Drive, Grit and Initiative” by DOUBLE DOT
4. "Effective Networking through LinkedIn: Tips and Tricks" by SHELL
5. "Beyond the Story: The Secret to Selling Your Ideas” by GRAPH STUDIO
6. "Unlocking Potential: Discover Your Flavor" by COCA-COLA
7. "Challenges and Opportunities in the Design Industry” by CULT CREATIVE

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REPORT

It was a worthwhile experience to attend the lectures, which provided information on financial literacy, resilience, professional advancement, and critical skills for entering the job. I received helpful guidance and a better grasp of the attitude and resources required to succeed in my early career journey through a range of interesting courses.

The keynote address on resilience in the job search and early career stages was one of the sessions' highlights. The speaker underlined that career routes are rarely straight and are frequently fraught with unknowns and unforeseen difficulties. This viewpoint was comforting since it emphasized that failures are a normal aspect of professional development rather than a sign of failure. I discovered the value of social networking as a long-term tactic for establishing connections and obtaining assistance, not just as a means of locating job openings right away. I found that celebrating little victories is a great way to stay motivated and keep a good outlook, especially when things are tough. Other useful advice I intend to include is the need to take on temporary positions to develop skills and the usage of AI tools to improve resumes.

Managing personal funds, especially as a soon-to-be graduate, was made easier by the financial literacy course. As I start to make my own money, knowing the 3 financial ratios (net cash flow, basic liquidity ratio, savings ratio) will help me handle my finances more effectively. In order to increase future financial stability, this session emphasized the significance of early career planning and well-informed financial decision-making.

The class on LinkedIn and successful networking provided yet another important lesson. It became evident that developing a personal brand and using LinkedIn frequently can significantly increase one's professional exposure and opportunities. I was motivated by this workshop to be more proactive in expanding my online network and using LinkedIn to get in touch with business leaders.

Drive, grit, and initiative are crucial, according to a lecture on the proper mindset for the workplace. The speaker talked about how to stay motivated and focused by creating large goals and then breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chores. Additionally, I was urged to surround myself with positive influences because our mindset and professional development may be greatly impacted by the individuals we choose to engage with.

The idea of a "treatment," a narrative framework for successfully communicating ideas and gaining stakeholder buy-in, was introduced during the storytelling and idea presentation session. I discovered that storytelling serves a variety of purposes, including generating excitement, establishing credibility, and bringing people on board with our mission. The value of effective communication was emphasized in this lecture, and I'm keen to hone this ability.

In a lecture on personal growth and mindset, the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and staying curious was emphasized. A growth mindset helps us embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and continuously improve. I also learned the importance of work-life balance, especially in fast-paced environments where it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Taking time to rest and recharge can prevent burnout and enhance overall productivity.

The final lecture focused on the design industry and the increasing value of soft skills like creativity and emotional intelligence. It was interesting to learn how these attributes are becoming key differentiators in the hiring process. Employers are now looking beyond technical skills and seeking individuals who can adapt, communicate effectively, and handle complex, dynamic work environments. The emphasis on creativity and adaptability reminded me of the importance of staying flexible and open to change, as career paths often involve unexpected twists and turns.

In conclusion, these lectures provided a comprehensive overview of the skills and mindset required for a successful early career. From building resilience and financial literacy to mastering effective networking and embracing a growth mindset, I feel better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead. The practical tips and motivational insights shared throughout the sessions have given me a renewed sense of confidence and a clearer direction for my professional development.