The day it all began................... It is hard to believe that it ended soon!!!!

I came late as I was still figuring out the venue of our sectional teaching class of ES2007S. Finally, while figuring the venue, I entered the class. Everyone was busy calling for others, exchanging places and so on. I was confused. "Was it the right class I entered?", I thought. Brad , our coordinator, gave me a smile and asked to join two girls sitting at the side. They were none other than our classmates: ALICIA and YUEN MAY. Immediately we were asked to figure out likes and dislikes of other people by approaching them and asking and communicating effectively. The class ended with discussion upon what we would be doing throughout the semester. The "fun of communication" began and since then I have been learning each and every aspect of how to communicate effectively with others. Now, I am very pleased to have gain some of the important skills of "Professional Communication". This "practical" module gave me an opportunity to really express myself in front of our peers and improve the important ability of speech, blogging, research,presentation and most importantly, team work.

Improving skills of Interaction and Speech along with Analyzing abilities:

Throughout the semester, the emphasis was always upon to interact with others, listen what others are speaking and express your views regarding the topic. From day 2 , we had been given specific circumstances and then interact and express yourself effectively about that topic. This really helped to analyze the situation, come up with positive arguments and then speak out in a well organized way so that everybody listening understands your point and even accept it, while being a valid point. It was also helpful in a way of eliminating elements of fearfulness and being shy to speak in front of classmates. This laid the strong foundation of effective communication and forthcoming presentations.

Blogging and Writing:

This module gave us an opportunity to learn the art of effective writing, especially blog writing, in terms of 7Cs. Critically thinking and then following these 7Cs to write a blog post according to the topic given really improved my abilities to produce my work concisely to the point, covering all aspects about the topic and writing without any grammatical errors. The research proposal helped to put all effort to write a reflective proposal in terms of content, data analysis and giving it a very professional outlook in terms of writing.

Peer Teaching and Proposal Presentation:

Peer teaching session was an another positive and useful element of this course. We had been assigned peer group of 3 or 4 from day 1 and were given topics to teach our fellow classmates. It was the first "official" kind of presentation in the class hence, our group worked hard to produce an exhaustive teaching material and present it well in front of them. I learned not only how to write an effective resume/application letter but also how to teach a topic in a professional, impressive way to others. Peer teaching sessions of other groups taught us several other topics of maintaining wiki, conducting interviews , etc. This was the basis of how we would be using these elements while completing our research project.
Finally, after completing our research proposal ,we had to present it in order to convince our classmates regarding our proposal. I learnt how to engage people, explaining each and every aspect of our proposal and maintain a good professional presentation.

Getting along as a team:

This was one of the important aspect that this module taught me, how to work as team and help each and every one of us, how to divide tasks and at the same time be flexible. From peer teaching to final proposal presentation, even feedbacks of blog posts, I learnt the importance of motivation to complete the task and discussion about the problems and topics related in detail. Thanks to our group mates Elgin, Yuen May and Nanhai that we successfully completed an impressive proposal which was the result of hard work of our group.

Conclusion:

I am really pleased to have completed such an interactive learning module ES2007S. It is one of the most memorable module I have studied so far. I can feel the practical implications of this module upon myself. I improved not only my speaking ability but also I got rid off issues such as: nervousness to speak in public and inability to project voice. I learned to work in a team and how to develop a problem solving approach. Blogging and writing skills were improved exponentially by just following the concept of 7Cs. One of the most valuable thing that this module has given to me is the art of resume writing. I got offer from two companies regarding internship and I give my credit to Brad for imparting such skills in me to write an effective resume and handle an interview session. I am really honored to be part of such a fun , intuitive and learning module. I would like to thank Mr. Brad Blackstone to make this module such an innovative one and also supporting us with feedbacks and suggestions to improve in fields where we are weak. Thanks to everybody and it was nice to meet and know my peers.

Reflection upon our Oral Presentation

Yesterday( on 8-10-2010), we, "MAPP your Future" group, finished our final presentation of our research proposal. I heartily thank all of my group mates, Nanhai, Elgin and Yuen May, for working together as a group and coming up with such a great and useful proposal and then finally a good presentation of our proposal.

PREPARATION:

We held three meetings before the actual presentation. We made full use of these meetings as ,before each one of them, we already assigned everyone's work. I received very useful tips regarding how to express my point and also how to improve my the coherence of the materials shown in slides. Due to time clashes and CAs , we could not held more of such meetings ; which would eventually prove to be better for us to give our best on final day presentation. However, to cope up with this problem, we were in continuous contact through e-mail , giving suggestions and asking doubts from one another. It was very useful for me to improve in all the possible areas of my presentation.

DELIVERY:

I tried to be very clear with my point to explain as my part was to actually explain the "PROPOSED PLAN". So, to do it effectively I slowed down my speech, allowed the audience to digest and then proceed further. I tried to explain each and every point related to implementation of our research proposal, so that there are confusions or questioning regarding how our proposal is implemented. I think I did better job than the last peer teaching. The important thing was that I did not loose my chain of thoughts in front of audience. Hence, I went through it explaining my point.

USE OF VISUALS AND SLIDES:

Our proposal was divided into: Introduction, what is MAPP test, What we propose, Benefits and Conclusion. Hence, each part was given to Elgin, Nanhai, me and May respectively. Hence, we tried our best to make these slides to look coherent. Since, these divided are very well related and at the same time refer to 5 different parts, hence I feel we gave our best to make it look like a "One Complete Presentation Slides". As everybody pointed out at the end of our presentation, it slightly looked as if slides were designed by different people. But at the same time, I think it is acceptable as long as it not that uncomfortable or noticeable.

I used logos and photos of agencies to present our proposal in a official way. Also other pictures were used to emphasize upon a single point. Words were used to minimum level and were self explanatory too without ambiguities.


Overall, I feel our group did very well to present our proposal. This presentation has really helped me to sharpen my skills of oral communication and delivery tricks. Each one of us enjoyed our work and we gave our best. I learned a lot about key points of expression and engaging audience too. This project has really made me advance to next level of writing and professional speaking.

I shall totally appreciate to get feedback from our peer group and fellow classmates too. I and my whole group are looking forward to improve our skills further with your recommendations and feedbacks.

Thanks once again!!!!

"Lets go clubbing MAN!!!!"

Mumbai is such a fun and merry making city in India unlike my home town. I went to Mumbai to spend summer holidays at my uncle's house. Soon I made friends in a period of one week and started having fun and enjoyment. However, there was one incident which made me realize something about inter-cultural conflict.

It was really hard for me in the beginning when for the first time I was supposed to go to a club and I had pretty different thoughts about that.The very first thing that came to my mind about clubbing was that "loads of alcohols" which I do not like as my personal choice ( preferably due to other kind of cultural background).

There was my friend's birthday celebration at his apartment. It was weekend and we had already made up our mind to enjoy(which could be different for different people). The plan was that we would go to his apartment in afternoon , celebrate for about 3 hours and then go for an evening show movie. After all sorts of fun, one of my friend checked available tickets online. Everyone was disappointed when we came to know that there were no more tickets available.

Now what to do. One after the another suggestions came along. I was busy in talking to others while suddenly it was decided to go clubbing. When I heard I was kind of uncomfortable due to that "thought". I was confused whether to back off and go back or not (because many of my friends could be disappointed). While I was busy thinking, the whole gang started to move ; there I was left, pretty confused. Finally I decided to go with them on a condition that if I wouldn't like it I would move out and go back.

We reached at the club house. The whole environment was electrifying with rocking songs. I started liking it. But the moment I entered the club, there were sights of alcohol drinking. I was reluctant to move further, but carried on. Soon I saw most of my friends started drinking too and even forced me to have one. I was shocked and disappointed. I decided to go back. While thinking I could feel the cultural conflict between me and them. I told some of my friends and told them I am not quite used to it so I am better going back. They kept asking me to stay but I could not.

Finally one of my friends decided to go back with me as I was new in Mumbai and was bad at finding my way to home. He had not drunk so while in the way, I told him how I felt and what was the real reason. He understood and even told me to never mind and top of that told me to join next time. I wondered. He said that it is not necessary to drink and join the dance in clubs. Once you are enjoying music you can go and have fun.

I was pleased and relieved as well. "Now I can go to a club too!!!", I thought. The conflict really gave me an important experience.

Peer Teaching

Hi we are the 4th Peer Teaching Group( Alicia, May and Shivam). We presented the topic "Designing Surveys Questions: Questionnaires and Interviews" to our classmates. Also we played a GAME with chocolates as prizes. We hope we contributed to assist you all regarding designing survey questions and common mistakes that we make. Kindly post your comment for our PEER TEACHING PRESENTATION in class.

Thanks.

Regards,

Shivam

Cover Letter to apply for internship in Accenture( Edited )

About The Internship

Accenture Offers:

• An opportunity to gain real-life business and technology consulting experience as a member of a client project team
• A stepping stone to a career with Accenture
• An internship allowance

Types of Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing technology-based solutions to improve clients' business performance
• Assist in analyzing, designing, and implementing business process improvements
• Assist in defining user requirements

With reference to website https://tas-accenture.taleo.net/careersection/10001/jobdetail.ftl?lang=EN&job=00077803 Internship/Job Specifications are as follows:

• Eagerness to contribute in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment.
• Desire to work in an information systems environment.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.

COVER LETTER

25 Prince George’s Park Residence 6 Date: 31-08-2010

Block 27, Level B1, Room A Singapore- 118424.

The Accenture Recruiting Team 250 North Bridge Road #33-00 Raffles City Tower Singapore 179101

Subject:- To apply for Accenture Information Technology Internship Programme 2010-11

Respected Sir/Madam,

With reference to “INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2010-11” in Accenture, Singapore website, I wish to apply for an internship in the Information Technology sector. In order to work in a complete innovative environment and learn design implementation of analysis of the given task I am applying for this internship in Information Technology sector. I am a 2^nd year Computer Engineering student.

I have a good track record of academic and co-curricular record. This will surely help me to work in a team with impressive implementation of ideas and analysis needed to carry out the responsibilities. I have personal interest in user-defined technology solutions and I am willing to learn and work hard in order to meet to the expectations of this internship’s responsibilities.

Due to my curriculum and past achievements, I have already been through group projects design like building line tracking sensors as hardware or developing hypermarket store software; being as one of the creative team member. I have a deep understanding of data structures and MOSFET designs. In these projects I not only ended up with good marks but professors were impressed as well. Thus, I am confident I can take up such challenging tasks of assisting in analysis and design implementation of developing technology based solutions which must be user defined. I am keen to learn and improve my skills in all these aspects of implementing such solutions to improve business processes. This will ultimately help me to contribute towards program responsibilities of this internship programme.

Attached is my resume. Hopefully, I would like to contribute in this internship opportunity if provided. Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Shivam Pathak.

Interpersonal Conflict: Why did you behave in such a weird manner?

"Interpersonal conflict is a situation in which one or both persons in a relationship are experiencing difficulty n working or living with each other.This usually occurs due to different or incompatible needs,goals or styles."(Fisher R., The American University, 2000).I am no exception with this situation in my life.I was in grade V when something like this occurred for the first time in my life.

It was month of July, 2001.The students of my class were noisy as always when suddenly a newbie entered the classroom with our class teacher.She was introduced and the teacher called top 5 students of the class to help her complete her work. I was among those top 5. Thus, during recess we all went to her to ask about her, and her doubts. We soon became good friends. I must say she was brilliant as well as very active in class, in studies as well as in sports. I considered myself way behind her. But I was satisfied with myself as I used to do work with all that I could.

The tests started. I was good in science related subjects so I was confident and comfortable in scoring high marks in them. The results were out. I did better than her in all these subjects( science and related) but overall she topped the class. I was happy to see a newcomer being the topper in the first attempt itself. It encouraged me to do more hard work. I went to applaud her for her achievement. After all, we were good friends. But she looked more disappointed and surprised with her results, eventually saw my some of the marks and went away. I was baffled. I thought about the matter but could not understand it.

The mid terms approached.My score was better than previous time but she topped again. I again went to her to congratulate but she went away without saying a word. We had not talked since the day of previous test's result.I wondered what happened again. She had a very furious look when she saw me approaching her. From that day she started ignoring me and even all of her friends. I realized that this had begun since the day I got few marks more than her. But I could not understand if this was the matter as she was the topper till now. I was annoyed and did not care much about the matter

I was confused with this matter until something staggering happened. I managed to top the class( which was unbelievable). Parents were called to meet up to show papers in front of them. I went with my father and sister. We were going through my mistakes when I heard a voice," Show me all of your papers!". It was her and she sounded so demanding and rude. My sister and father were astonished. But I kept my nerve and gave her the papers. After all , I still considered her as my friend(though I was not sure on her part). Her mother took those papers, and went straight to the class teacher and started arguing why her daughter had got less marks than him. The girl was also involved. The class teacher gave a simple remark," She has got marks for what she has written, same is with Shivam".

I felt very bad to think of this as a reason of all things happened till now.I was agitated and keeping my nerve, went to ask the papers and came back. I apologized to my father and sister for such embarrassment in class. I even thought of never talking to her and could no longer continue my friendship.

I still cannot find any way to overcome that interpersonal conflict , if it occurs again. What could be better way to deal with such situations? I wonder I would know this at that time. After all, its the outcome of such situation which best describes one's diligence and ability to behave in a proper way.

Importance of effective professional communication in my LIFE!!!!!

Hello everyone. We often think of some of the questions like: “ Did I converse well in front of them? , Did I host the show effectively?, Did I entertained my colleagues with proper reasoning?” and so on. Even one of the most nocturnal element of our society, the scientist, sometimes thinks whether his seminar was well enlightened by him or not. We find that the art of effective communication covers each and every one of us. I am also not an exception. It is one of the most integral part of myself.

With the help of effective communication, I can converse well with others and exchange my thoughts and ideas to a greater extent. It gives me a form of self-awareness to employ adequate principles to speak with correct grammar and pronunciation. I accept I am still learning and will learn this art throughout my life as it cannot be mastered with so many direct and indirect elements related to it.

Few common activities, in this regard, includes public speaking, talking to cross-cultural people , writing e-mails to friends, colleagues, employees and interviews. Proficient command over English language will help me to gain confidence and speak in front of audience. I can easily mingle with people of diverse cultures. It is very important for any individual to learn how to write letters, e-mails etc. to friends , professional people and even to seek jobs. The methodology is very different in each case so the “art” must be understood to deal with each scenario. I find it very applicable to my case and most of my fellow mates. I would like to share one of my experiences. I had to give a short speech of not more than 90 seconds to run for two positions(Director and subordinate).I planned well how to share my strengths humbly , but with more confidence and gestures. I would also make them laugh and other candidates to be at ease. However, I screwed up everything at the stage and just spoke everything like a mere speech. I was given the subordinate position. I learned that practicing well in front of the mirror does not help you if you do not possess effective communication within your friends and people you don’t know. It was a great lesson taught to me and I still make efforts to improve my communication skills.

I have also realized the importance of blogging as it helps to share my thoughts, improving writing skills and realizing flaws and mistakes upon receiving comments. It has helped me even to go through research papers and analyze the data.

Overall, from my point of view, effective communication forms foundation of higher learning and understanding. I want to learn it as far as I can which would greatly help me to express what I actually need to without being nervous. This would ensure greater social and successful life for me.