79 lines
9.7 KiB
Markdown
79 lines
9.7 KiB
Markdown
### Lecture 1 - Overview and Basic Skills
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The lecture focused on the importance of soft skills in career development, exploring communication, problem-solving, and time management with the goal of equipping us with knowledge to enhance our employability and prepare for professional environments.
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The most relevant aspect of the session to me was the emphasis on soft skills like interpersonal communication and adaptability. As a computer scientist, these skills require enhancement to further increase employability. I also acknowledge that my ability to reflect on performance could be improved. For example, I struggle with time management and self-organisation during note taking and assignments.
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While I feel I excel in problem solving, I need to work on my communication, priorities and self reflection habits; I plan to implement a structured note-taking system using digital tools, such as Obsidian, to improve my time management. Additionally, I will practice reflective writing to gain better understanding of my progress as I learn.
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### Lecture 2 - CVs and Placements
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The lecture focused on creating effective CVs, writing covering letters, and preparing for interviews with the goal of helping us present ourselves professionally, increasing our chances of securing job placements. The CV section stood out to me, since it applies to me the most. I learned that a CV is not a list of qualifications, but a tool to give good impressions, helping employers see how my skills align with their needs. One area I need to work on is highlighting achievements, not just duties. For example, knowing certain languages and having relevant experience - these are definitely selling points, however by incorporating metrics alongside actions, will make my CV more impactful. Additionally, I appreciated the emphasis on proofreading and clarity; I regularly overlook key requirements in briefs and skip important points. Implementing checklists for proofreading and checking grammar with tools will help improve the professionalism of my CV.
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### Lecture 3 - Skills Audit
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The lecture focused on understanding the importance of both soft and hard skills for computer science students, with the goal of identifying current skills, recognising gaps, and outlining actions to enhance employability. From this, I recognise my communication and interpersonal skills lack development, requiring me to rely on my problem solving, given my computer science background. For this reason, I am actively seeking out employment that will fall outside of my comfort zone to bridge this skill gap. This approach will force me to be more adaptable and versatile, developing skills I lack. Additionally, I plan to utilise the STAR technique to articulate my skills more effectively in both technical and non-technical situations by reflecting on past experiences, such as assignment feedback; Hack Camp will be perfect for this. I also acknowledge my existing skills, such as problem-solving and technical analysis, can always improve. I have just subscribed to TryHackMe, to address skill gaps in my learning.
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### Lecture 4 - Personal Branding
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The lecture on personal branding was both insightful and challenging. It made me think about how my actions and values shape the way others perceive me, especially in a professional context. The idea of my personal brand being something others can recognise and remember stuck with me. I appreciated the emphasis on authenticity. It made sense that my brand should reflect who I truly am, not some polished image I try to project. The suggestion to Google myself and see what others see was eye-opening—I hadn’t thought about how my online presence might influence first impressions. However, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the idea of being "remarkable." The lecture mentioned that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, which is a stark reminder of how much my online presence matters. I’m not sure how to start building that consistent, professional image across platforms like LinkedIn and social media. The STAR technique for articulating skills was also valuable. I can see how using this method in interviews would help me demonstrate my abilities more effectively. It’s a practical tool that I plan to incorporate into my next application. Overall, while the concepts are daunting, they inspire me to take control of my professional identity. I need to be more intentional about how I present myself online and in person. It’s a lot to juggle, but I’m ready to take the first steps towards crafting a personal brand that truly reflects who I am.
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The lecture focused on personal branding and its importance in career development, along with creating a compelling personal brand with the goal of enhancing self-awareness, identifying strengths and values, and learning how to effectively present it in a professional environment.
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The concept of personal branding was intriguing, since I have only ever written basic CVs and a LinkedIn. Personal branding is more than listing skills on a CV; it involves presenting myself in a way that stands out and creates a lasting impression.
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I was particularly inspired by the idea that my personal brand is how others perceive me, not just how I see myself. This realization is crucial for my sales role, where building rapport and trust with customers is key. I realized that consistently projecting a positive image online and in person will help me stand out in a competitive market.
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One area I need to work on is aligning my personal values with my professional brand. For example, I value integrity and empathy in sales, but I need to ensure these values are evident in every interaction. Reflecting on the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helped me see how my actions can demonstrate these values effectively.
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Additionally, I need to leverage my technical skills from computer science to position myself as a well-rounded professional. By showcasing both my technical expertise and interpersonal skills, I can appeal to a broader range of opportunities in the job market.
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The concept of archetypes was insightful. I identified with the Hero archetype, which aligns with my goal of making a meaningful impact in both my academic and professional journeys. This has motivated me to start crafting a personal brand statement that reflects my values, strengths, and aspirations.
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Overall, this session has equipped me with practical tools to develop a personal brand that is authentic and impactful. I plan to use platforms like LinkedIn to consistently share content, engage with industry professionals, and showcase my unique value proposition.
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### Lecture 5 - CV's, Placements & Applications
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As a computer science student, I recently attended a lecture focused on enhancing my CV, effective placement strategies, and the job application process. The session provided valuable insights into how to present my skills attractively to employers and secure meaningful placements.
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The lecture emphasized the STAR method for structuring a CV, advising against generic applications and encouraging tailored content aligned with specific job descriptions. I appreciated the practical examples of good CV practices, such as highlighting relevant academic modules and experiences.
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Regarding placements, the speaker highlighted resources like Handshake for job listings and suggested starting early to grasp opportunities. This resonated with my proactive approach, as I have been updating my CV and preparing for interviews by reflecting on past experiences in student societies and part-time work.
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I found the lecture's focus on continuous learning and adaptability particularly relevant. It encouraged me to seek out tech companies recruiting in our area and highlighted the importance of research in tailoring applications. This has inspired me to be more proactive in my job hunt, ensuring each application is customised and keyword-rich.
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Overall, the lecture provided actionable steps that have positively influenced my job hunting strategy. I am now more equipped to present myself effectively and navigate the application process with confidence, aligning my skills with industry needs for a successful future career.
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### Lecture 6 - Peak Performance
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The session focused on enhancing personal peak performance through goal-setting, possibility thinking, and developing a growth mindset. It aimed to empower attendees with tools for overcoming self-limiting behaviours and fostering lifelong learning.
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The most interesting content was the concept of "possibility thinking," which encourages envisioning a world as open and positive rather than limited. This approach can be particularly valuable in a computer science context, where innovation and adaptation are key. Learning how to set clear goals and create affirmations to reinforce progress was also transformative.
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Reflecting on my own journey as a computer science student, this session has made me more aware of the importance of embracing new possibilities and challenging my own limits. I plan to apply the "4As" framework (Acknowledge, Analyse, Assimilate, Apply) to better engage with academic materials and identify areas for improvement. This reflection highlights my commitment to continuous growth and resilience in pursuit of my career goals.
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### Lecture 7 - Psychometric Testing
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### Lecture 8 - Self Management Skills
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### Lecture 9 - Working in Industry
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### Lecture 10 - Professional Presence - LinkedIn
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### Lecture 11 - International Opportunities
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### Lecture 12 - Emotional Intelligence
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### Lecture 13 - Art of Freelancing
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### Lecture 14 - Professionalism and Confidence
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### Lecture 15 - Assessment Insights (hmm..)
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### Lecture 16 - Placement Insights and Career Journey
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### Lecture 17 - Fear and Loathing in the Tech Community
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### Lecture 18 - Effective Networking
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### Lecture 19 - 11 P's to Success in Industry |