I remembered the objectives of taking this module initially is to prepare myself in handling interview questions as well as to learn how to write resume and application letters. Since I am graduating at the end of this coming semester, these skills will be very relevant to my job seeking process. However, looking back at what I have gone through in this module, I realize that there is more to it in preparing oneself for interview, which is learning other important communication skills such as how to conduct an effective presentation as well as writing good proposal.
Being in the faculty of engineering for 4 years, there are minimal opportunities to speak or present in front of an audience. Hence, I was a little worried when I knew that speaking in front of an audience will be a frequent activity in this class. However, I also realized that this module will be able to help me to improve on my presentation skills as there will be numerous opportunities for me to speak in front of many people.
I have indeed learnt a lot from this module, particularly in the area of presenting effectively to people. I was exposed to various techniques such as the need to smile and maintain eye contact with the audience so as to keep them involved throughout the whole presentation. The use of tone during presentation will also help to deliver the points one is trying to make to the audience.
Overall, I feel that ES2007S is one useful communication module that I have taken as it helps students to improve on their written and spoken communication skills. However, I feel that the 4 MCs that are allocated to this module do not justify the heavy workload in this module. There is simply too much things to be done in this module, as such, I will recommend more MCs to be allocated to this module or that the workload to be reduced. =)
Lastly, I will like to thank Ms Lim for making the ES2007S class so interactive and fun and also for her invaluable advice which has helped me to improve on my communication skills particularly in the area of dealing with interview questions as well as giving presentations. I enjoyed the company of the classmates as well and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope to see you all around soon in the future. =)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Reflection on Oral Presentation!!
One problem I usually faced when giving presentation is that I tend to get nervous just before I present. I also realize that when I’m nervous, I tend to speak very fast during the presentation and this is one thing I’m always trying to improve upon.
Looking back at the presentation that day, I was nervous at the start, resulting in some stammering on my part. However, as I slowly regained my composure, I begin to slow down a little, even though I still think the speed was too fast. I also tried to make some eye contact with the audience, which is a good thing as it keeps the audience involved in the presentation. I believe that with more practice, my performance for the day can be better.
Of course, I feel that there are definitely good things about my group’s presentation. Even though our group’s slides are not as nicely decorated as the other groups, I feel that the slides have a good flow to it, allowing the audience to easily understand the points we are trying to bring across. The font sizes on the slides are also big enough for the audience to perceive comfortably from their position.
As for the question and answering session, I thought our group did a good job on it. Even though some of the questions asked were much related to life science syllabus which I’m clueless about, I though Gerard did a very good job explaining to the audience regarding these questions in this aspect. Our group also tried not to add on to answers given by our group mates during the Q&A session which I feel, is a good thing.
Lastly, I think our group did a good job in getting our ideas across to the audience and I really enjoyed working with Alex and Gerard. =)
Looking back at the presentation that day, I was nervous at the start, resulting in some stammering on my part. However, as I slowly regained my composure, I begin to slow down a little, even though I still think the speed was too fast. I also tried to make some eye contact with the audience, which is a good thing as it keeps the audience involved in the presentation. I believe that with more practice, my performance for the day can be better.
Of course, I feel that there are definitely good things about my group’s presentation. Even though our group’s slides are not as nicely decorated as the other groups, I feel that the slides have a good flow to it, allowing the audience to easily understand the points we are trying to bring across. The font sizes on the slides are also big enough for the audience to perceive comfortably from their position.
As for the question and answering session, I thought our group did a good job on it. Even though some of the questions asked were much related to life science syllabus which I’m clueless about, I though Gerard did a very good job explaining to the audience regarding these questions in this aspect. Our group also tried not to add on to answers given by our group mates during the Q&A session which I feel, is a good thing.
Lastly, I think our group did a good job in getting our ideas across to the audience and I really enjoyed working with Alex and Gerard. =)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Importance of having Intercultural Awareness
Intercultural awareness is an important asset to have in today’s society. Due to globalization, people of different nationalities and background have more opportunities to work together. Hence, only by understanding each other’s culture, one can then be able to reduce the number of misunderstandings cases from occurring.
I’m going to share with you all one of my experiences in which not knowing each other’s culture can place one in an uncomfortable situation, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts.
I still remembered a visit with my parents two years ago to JiuZhaiGou, a scenic nature reserve in China. As part of the nature reserve’s effort to protect the site, outside cars and tour buses are not allowed to drive within the reserve itself. Instead, shuttle buses provided by the nature reserve are used to ferry visitors to different attractions within the scenic area.
During one of the short duration at the scenic area, I recalled my mum helping my dad and I take a picture with the beautiful scenery as the background. After the shot, my dad and I lingered at the spot, chit-chatting about what to do next. In the meanwhile, another group of tourists from China, standing beside me, was trying to take a picture as well.
Noticing the weird look on the tourist’s face when he looked at me, I realized I may have accidentally included myself in his photos. As such, I moved one step away from him (as there were too many people, I couldn’t move too many steps away from him), so as to enable them to have a nice photo of themselves with the beautiful scenery as the backdrop. I resumed my conversation with my dad and before I realized it, the china tourist used his hand to shove me away. I almost wanted to confront him as I felt that it wasn’t necessary for him to do that. He could have politely asked me to move further away and I will. The more I thought to myself, the angrier I became as I wondered why people from China is so rude.
Luckily my dad saw this incident and explained to me that in China, people tend to push and talk loudly. It is part of their culture. My dad clarified that the pushing and shoving was not directed at me, rather, it could be the Chinese’s intention to inform me to move further away. He carried on explaining that the young population in China, however, is getting more and more polite and considerate by the year.
It was, then, that I realized the importance of cultural awareness. If I had known this earlier on, I will not have been offended and the misunderstanding will have been avoided.
People from different cultures and background may interpret messages differently, increasing the chances of misunderstanding. Therefore, I believe it is important to research on the culture of the person you are talking to, so as to eliminate or minimize the risk of making such elementary mistake.
I’m going to share with you all one of my experiences in which not knowing each other’s culture can place one in an uncomfortable situation, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts.
I still remembered a visit with my parents two years ago to JiuZhaiGou, a scenic nature reserve in China. As part of the nature reserve’s effort to protect the site, outside cars and tour buses are not allowed to drive within the reserve itself. Instead, shuttle buses provided by the nature reserve are used to ferry visitors to different attractions within the scenic area.
During one of the short duration at the scenic area, I recalled my mum helping my dad and I take a picture with the beautiful scenery as the background. After the shot, my dad and I lingered at the spot, chit-chatting about what to do next. In the meanwhile, another group of tourists from China, standing beside me, was trying to take a picture as well.
Noticing the weird look on the tourist’s face when he looked at me, I realized I may have accidentally included myself in his photos. As such, I moved one step away from him (as there were too many people, I couldn’t move too many steps away from him), so as to enable them to have a nice photo of themselves with the beautiful scenery as the backdrop. I resumed my conversation with my dad and before I realized it, the china tourist used his hand to shove me away. I almost wanted to confront him as I felt that it wasn’t necessary for him to do that. He could have politely asked me to move further away and I will. The more I thought to myself, the angrier I became as I wondered why people from China is so rude.
Luckily my dad saw this incident and explained to me that in China, people tend to push and talk loudly. It is part of their culture. My dad clarified that the pushing and shoving was not directed at me, rather, it could be the Chinese’s intention to inform me to move further away. He carried on explaining that the young population in China, however, is getting more and more polite and considerate by the year.
It was, then, that I realized the importance of cultural awareness. If I had known this earlier on, I will not have been offended and the misunderstanding will have been avoided.
People from different cultures and background may interpret messages differently, increasing the chances of misunderstanding. Therefore, I believe it is important to research on the culture of the person you are talking to, so as to eliminate or minimize the risk of making such elementary mistake.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Application Letter!!
Advertisement:
Position: Executive Project Engineers / Project Engineers (Signalling & PSD)
Circle & Downtown Line E&M
Organisation: Land Transport Authority
LTA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore.
Our objective is to deliver a land transport network that is integrated, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable to meet the nation's needs. We manage the construction of new Rapid Transit System (RTS) projects, as well as upgrading of existing rail lines. Besides RTS projects, we also enhance the road network and provide motorist with a greater choice of travel routes by carrying out projects to widen, upgrade and build new roads. In addition, we manage and maintain road structures and facilities so that they are operational at all times. Besides land transport infrastructural development, LTA also covers regulatory and maintenance functions and you can look forward to a good range of exposure and opportunities within LTA.
Responsibilities
You will be part of the Circle Line Project team working on Signalling & Platform Screen Door (PSD) systems. You will have opportunity to work on state of the art driverless automatic train control system, automatic train protection and computer-based interlocking systems. You are required to review technical submissions and participate in the construction, testing and commissioning of both the Signalling and Platform Screen Doors systems. You are to assist the Senior Project Engineers in resolving system design / system interface / site related issues within a stipulated timeframe. You are required to manage, supervise, monitor and report Project construction, testing & commissioning progress. In addition, you are required to assist the Senior Project Engineers in preparing technical specifications, participate in tender evaluation, as well as conduct design review of new rail transit signalling system.
Requirements
1) Recognised Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering
2) Knowledge of Automatic Train Operation / Protection, Maintenance Management System, and Communications Systems will be an added advantage
3) Good communications and writing skills
4) Self-motivated, resourceful and possess a positive working attitude
5) Innovative and a good team player
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application Letter:
Lin Weixi
35 Dragon Road #04-58
Singapore 123456
5th February 2010
Human Resource Manager,
Land Transport Authority
1 Hampshire Road
Singapore 219428
Dear Human Resource Manager
Re: Application for the position of Project Engineers (Signaling & PSD)
I have come to hear about the position in your company through career@gov website and I’m keen to apply for the position stated above. I am a fresh graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in electrical engineering. Attached is my resume for your review.
I believe that the skills and knowledge gained from my academic studies as well as my past work experience will allow me to become a valuable asset to the Circle Line Project Team.
Most of the technical modules I have taken are related to communications, power and control. Hence, this has provided me with the necessary background knowledge to perform my role as a project engineer. My final year project is about building a portable ultrasonic hearing aid and this has equipped me with the necessary experience of preparing technical specifications, solving problems relating to design issues as well as enhancing my knowledge in signals communications.
During my university days, I am also active in the co-curriculum side. In 2007, I was part of the marketing team for a hip-hop event, Funkamania under the Cultural Activities Club and was responsible for sourcing of sponsorships for the event. We operated under tight budget and deadlines and I believe such exposure would allow me to be better prepared for the responsibilities that entail with the upcoming job. Such marketing role also presents me with the opportunity of working together in a team and allows me to be an effective team player. In addition, I also undertook the role of councilor for the freshman orientation camp in the same year. Good communication skills and leadership were required to coordinate the activities, thereby ensuring the freshman would have a great time at the camp.
Besides that, I also went to Korea for a summer exchange program which lasted for 7 weeks. Over there, I worked with people of different nationalities for various project works, hence allowing me to be exposed to cultural diversity. I believe this experience will make me a better team player and thus working and communicating with peers in the Project team would be less of a challenge. Working as a part-time promoter for Kiehls for 2 years further supports my good communication skills, as interaction with customers is a must. A positive working attitude is also definitely required, so as to effectively promote a positive brand image for Kiehls. Last but not least, I am willing to learn as well as put in my utmost best for the job.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and past job experience in greater detail with you in person. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Faithfully,
Lin Weixi
Position: Executive Project Engineers / Project Engineers (Signalling & PSD)
Circle & Downtown Line E&M
Organisation: Land Transport Authority
LTA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore.
Our objective is to deliver a land transport network that is integrated, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable to meet the nation's needs. We manage the construction of new Rapid Transit System (RTS) projects, as well as upgrading of existing rail lines. Besides RTS projects, we also enhance the road network and provide motorist with a greater choice of travel routes by carrying out projects to widen, upgrade and build new roads. In addition, we manage and maintain road structures and facilities so that they are operational at all times. Besides land transport infrastructural development, LTA also covers regulatory and maintenance functions and you can look forward to a good range of exposure and opportunities within LTA.
Responsibilities
You will be part of the Circle Line Project team working on Signalling & Platform Screen Door (PSD) systems. You will have opportunity to work on state of the art driverless automatic train control system, automatic train protection and computer-based interlocking systems. You are required to review technical submissions and participate in the construction, testing and commissioning of both the Signalling and Platform Screen Doors systems. You are to assist the Senior Project Engineers in resolving system design / system interface / site related issues within a stipulated timeframe. You are required to manage, supervise, monitor and report Project construction, testing & commissioning progress. In addition, you are required to assist the Senior Project Engineers in preparing technical specifications, participate in tender evaluation, as well as conduct design review of new rail transit signalling system.
Requirements
1) Recognised Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering
2) Knowledge of Automatic Train Operation / Protection, Maintenance Management System, and Communications Systems will be an added advantage
3) Good communications and writing skills
4) Self-motivated, resourceful and possess a positive working attitude
5) Innovative and a good team player
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application Letter:
Lin Weixi
35 Dragon Road #04-58
Singapore 123456
5th February 2010
Human Resource Manager,
Land Transport Authority
1 Hampshire Road
Singapore 219428
Dear Human Resource Manager
Re: Application for the position of Project Engineers (Signaling & PSD)
I have come to hear about the position in your company through career@gov website and I’m keen to apply for the position stated above. I am a fresh graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in electrical engineering. Attached is my resume for your review.
I believe that the skills and knowledge gained from my academic studies as well as my past work experience will allow me to become a valuable asset to the Circle Line Project Team.
Most of the technical modules I have taken are related to communications, power and control. Hence, this has provided me with the necessary background knowledge to perform my role as a project engineer. My final year project is about building a portable ultrasonic hearing aid and this has equipped me with the necessary experience of preparing technical specifications, solving problems relating to design issues as well as enhancing my knowledge in signals communications.
During my university days, I am also active in the co-curriculum side. In 2007, I was part of the marketing team for a hip-hop event, Funkamania under the Cultural Activities Club and was responsible for sourcing of sponsorships for the event. We operated under tight budget and deadlines and I believe such exposure would allow me to be better prepared for the responsibilities that entail with the upcoming job. Such marketing role also presents me with the opportunity of working together in a team and allows me to be an effective team player. In addition, I also undertook the role of councilor for the freshman orientation camp in the same year. Good communication skills and leadership were required to coordinate the activities, thereby ensuring the freshman would have a great time at the camp.
Besides that, I also went to Korea for a summer exchange program which lasted for 7 weeks. Over there, I worked with people of different nationalities for various project works, hence allowing me to be exposed to cultural diversity. I believe this experience will make me a better team player and thus working and communicating with peers in the Project team would be less of a challenge. Working as a part-time promoter for Kiehls for 2 years further supports my good communication skills, as interaction with customers is a must. A positive working attitude is also definitely required, so as to effectively promote a positive brand image for Kiehls. Last but not least, I am willing to learn as well as put in my utmost best for the job.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and past job experience in greater detail with you in person. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Faithfully,
Lin Weixi
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Interpersonal Conflict: The Lost Friendship
I believe that every one of us will definitely encounter at least one conflict in your lifetime, be it with your family members or with your friends. When that happens, what kind of approach would you want to take? Would you insist that you are right and wait for the person to resolve the conflict or would you take the initiative to solve the quarrel before it gets worse? Well, below is a scenario of a conflict in which I find myself once in.
I befriended friend A during my university life. We took a number of modules together and often hang out together. One day, he asked me to accompany him to sign up for some part-time student leader position at some NUS event. As there were many applicants, one can go for the interview session anytime between 1pm to 5pm. We arranged to meet at 1pm and on the day itself, knowing that I would be late for 15 minutes, I immediately sent him a message to inform him of the situation. I even ran from the bus stop at science to YIH to meet him.
Upon reaching the place, I realized he had already asked his other friends along and I was told by him that he had already signed up for an interview time slot with his group of friends. The interview session was to be conducted in groups of 5 and as I came late, I ended up with another time slot with 4 other people.
Here comes the conflict. I thought that none of his friends wanted to accompany him for this event; thus I agreed to accompany him. At the same time, I was expecting him to wait for me, since I already informed him that I would only be late for 15 minutes. My mentality was that one would usually wait for his friends to come before signing up for the timeslot. I felt that if I were him, I would have asked my other friends to sign up first while I waited for my friend to arrive before signing up with him. As such, I became agitated and asked him to explain why he didn’t wait for me. His reply was “Cause you are late. “ I felt that the reason was inappropriate, as a result, I was unhappy and did not speak to him in the following few weeks, waiting for him to take the initiative. However, he did not speak to me as well and the misunderstanding continued.
Things got worse as we had already signed up for one particular project in school. Due to the incident, I did not have his cooperation throughout the whole semester and he constantly thought I was against him which wasn’t true. Consequently, we did not score well for that module.
After the end of semester, I tried putting myself in his shoes and thought from his perspective. My thinking was that maybe that was his way with friends and since I was late, he did not feel the need to wait for me. Perhaps, nobody was really at fault. It was merely a difference in the way of thinking between the both of us.
After sorting this out, I tried messaging him to end the conflict. However, what I got from him was a series of messages filled with vulgarities describing me and the statement “It was my loss to lose him as a friend”.
Consequently, things were no longer the same between us. What would you have done if you were me? Will you approach this problem differently? Feel free to give your comments yea?
I befriended friend A during my university life. We took a number of modules together and often hang out together. One day, he asked me to accompany him to sign up for some part-time student leader position at some NUS event. As there were many applicants, one can go for the interview session anytime between 1pm to 5pm. We arranged to meet at 1pm and on the day itself, knowing that I would be late for 15 minutes, I immediately sent him a message to inform him of the situation. I even ran from the bus stop at science to YIH to meet him.
Upon reaching the place, I realized he had already asked his other friends along and I was told by him that he had already signed up for an interview time slot with his group of friends. The interview session was to be conducted in groups of 5 and as I came late, I ended up with another time slot with 4 other people.
Here comes the conflict. I thought that none of his friends wanted to accompany him for this event; thus I agreed to accompany him. At the same time, I was expecting him to wait for me, since I already informed him that I would only be late for 15 minutes. My mentality was that one would usually wait for his friends to come before signing up for the timeslot. I felt that if I were him, I would have asked my other friends to sign up first while I waited for my friend to arrive before signing up with him. As such, I became agitated and asked him to explain why he didn’t wait for me. His reply was “Cause you are late. “ I felt that the reason was inappropriate, as a result, I was unhappy and did not speak to him in the following few weeks, waiting for him to take the initiative. However, he did not speak to me as well and the misunderstanding continued.
Things got worse as we had already signed up for one particular project in school. Due to the incident, I did not have his cooperation throughout the whole semester and he constantly thought I was against him which wasn’t true. Consequently, we did not score well for that module.
After the end of semester, I tried putting myself in his shoes and thought from his perspective. My thinking was that maybe that was his way with friends and since I was late, he did not feel the need to wait for me. Perhaps, nobody was really at fault. It was merely a difference in the way of thinking between the both of us.
After sorting this out, I tried messaging him to end the conflict. However, what I got from him was a series of messages filled with vulgarities describing me and the statement “It was my loss to lose him as a friend”.
Consequently, things were no longer the same between us. What would you have done if you were me? Will you approach this problem differently? Feel free to give your comments yea?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Importance of Effective Communication
Effective communication is an essential skill to have in today’s society as it not only affect the first impression of you by others, but also foster the relationship between you and others, be it on a personal or business note. By having good communication skills, ideas can be effectively understood by the listener and a good rapport can also be built.
I believe that everyone will remember the childhood game whereby kids gather in a circle and one starts the game by whispering a simple message to the person beside him. Very often, the final message is of minimal resemblance to the original. In this game, the more distorted the final message becomes, the funnier it is. However, in reality, the results aren’t so amusing. Miscommunication often brings about confusion and in some serious cases, conflict among people.
Thus, as can be seen, effective communication is needed in all parts of our lives, for both good human relations and successful businesses. Human relation is not possible without communication. Communication is the basic function needed in the management of any organization and the ability to communicate effectively will enable one to thrive in this competitive world. Such is even more important now that globalization has brought about a more diverse environment. People of different race and religion now work together and effective communication is definitely needed to bring ideas across efficiently, regardless of whether the message is communicated verbally and in written form such as emails or letters.
Communication is often a two way process and the exchange between the targeted audience is the key to effective communication. It is amazing to discover that others can deliver a presentation with ease while others struggle to capture the attention of the audience. It is inevitable that when one step into the working world, he needs to be able to present and communicate effectively to his business partners, clients or his superiors in order to sell his ideas or market the product. The ultimate goal of communication is to connect with another person so that he can understand you perfectly, conveying the information required when necessary and thus reducing the hassle of explaining oneself over and over again.
I believe that communication skills must be developed and good communication skills stem from experience. Be it whether you are a speaker or the receiver, such experience will aid one in developing more effective communication techniques. Personally, I‘m not a good speaker and I definitely hope that with the help of ES2007S, I will be able to improve my communication skills, particularly in the area of presentation.
I believe that everyone will remember the childhood game whereby kids gather in a circle and one starts the game by whispering a simple message to the person beside him. Very often, the final message is of minimal resemblance to the original. In this game, the more distorted the final message becomes, the funnier it is. However, in reality, the results aren’t so amusing. Miscommunication often brings about confusion and in some serious cases, conflict among people.
Thus, as can be seen, effective communication is needed in all parts of our lives, for both good human relations and successful businesses. Human relation is not possible without communication. Communication is the basic function needed in the management of any organization and the ability to communicate effectively will enable one to thrive in this competitive world. Such is even more important now that globalization has brought about a more diverse environment. People of different race and religion now work together and effective communication is definitely needed to bring ideas across efficiently, regardless of whether the message is communicated verbally and in written form such as emails or letters.
Communication is often a two way process and the exchange between the targeted audience is the key to effective communication. It is amazing to discover that others can deliver a presentation with ease while others struggle to capture the attention of the audience. It is inevitable that when one step into the working world, he needs to be able to present and communicate effectively to his business partners, clients or his superiors in order to sell his ideas or market the product. The ultimate goal of communication is to connect with another person so that he can understand you perfectly, conveying the information required when necessary and thus reducing the hassle of explaining oneself over and over again.
I believe that communication skills must be developed and good communication skills stem from experience. Be it whether you are a speaker or the receiver, such experience will aid one in developing more effective communication techniques. Personally, I‘m not a good speaker and I definitely hope that with the help of ES2007S, I will be able to improve my communication skills, particularly in the area of presentation.
Monday, January 18, 2010
My very first post!!
Hi everyone, I'm doing a test blog as this is my first time blogging.. haa.. have fun in the first class today and it was nice knowing all of you =)... Take care and see you all soon..
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