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Xueyao Dong

Westcliff University

INT 501 EF Concentration:

Purchasing and Human Resources

Professor: Dr. Julia Sherm

Octomber 20, 2021

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Learning Objectives

This was my third semester at Westcliff University, and I explored a wide range of

helpful strategies and practical techniques that benefited my overall career and life balance.

For instance, the habit of professional journaling helps me release my stress and motivate

myself to keep on track towards my goal.

From week 3, I started to prepare the professional portfolio, and I felt it was an

excellent way to keep a record of my achievements and experiences. From week 5, the

interview exercise taken with the senior manager from my department, I have learned about

her personal experiences and know a little more about strategic leadership. Another valuable

material that I learned from this class is always to be prepared. Before I interview the senior

manager, I prepare additional questions to ask my supervisor and colleagues about my

performance. I was nervous during the interview, but these extra questions helped me come

down and make the conversion more smooth.

At the beginning of this semester, my goal was to improve my communication skills

in the workplace and learn how to be more flexible in dealing with incidents. From week six

course’s video, “I Wanna Be a Human Resources Officer - A Day in the Life of a Human

Resources Officer,” made me see some perspectives of the responsibility of a Human

Resources Officer and provided me some direction to improve my interpersonal skills. I

always find ways to improve my confidence when I communicate with people and learn how

to be an active listener.

Week seven’s video about “Internship Expectations vs. Realities- the Intern Queen”

makes me think about expectations and realities at the workplace. What expectation does the

employer look for, and how should I improve my performance regarding their expectation?

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Additionally, through this semester, I realized different ways of conveying a message

could have other effects and impact communication effectiveness. During the internship, I

utilized the benefits of a supportive and positive environment.

Taking everything into account, I believe that I made significant progress towards my

goals, and I became more efficient and productive at work.

Internship Experiences

This semester I am considering switching to a new company that will allow me to

practice my professional skills in the area of individual and corporate taxes. Therefore, I

started my journey to submit job applications and prepare for an interview. Finding an

appropriate position that matches my interests and abilities is not an easy task. I felt frustrated

for the first few weeks when I did not get many responses. However, I record all my feelings

and things that I need to work on in my resume and cover letter in my journal. Additionally, I

love to write some inspirational and motivational quotes at the beginning of the day. This

helps me to be more firm regarding my goals.

According to the article from Cornell University, “Career journaling can be a useful

way to determine what your interests are, keep a record of career-related experiences, learn to

understand career missteps, and record advice from mentors.” After each interview I

conducted, I wrote a little summary about the discussion and any compliment and recognition

from the employer. This makes me feel more confident for my following interview and

realize what makes me stand out.

As for my current internship position, most of my coworkers work from home due to

the Covid-19 pandemic. The main communication channel for my internship is through

Email and Zoom. However, I gradually realized that email communication and chatting are

easy to get misunderstood and are not the most effective way to communicate. We must be

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extra careful when sending out email instructions to colleagues and customers. The reason is

there is a significant possibility that the recipient interprets the message differently than you

intended it. Email communication does not have true interactivity and is easy to get

misinterpretations from the recipient. Other than that, I was worried that my email did not

sound polite and professional. A good relationship in the workplace has the benefits of

enhancing creativity, efficiency, and productivity. According to Michele and Methew, “A

good work relationship requires trust, respect, self-awareness, inclusion, and open

communication.” The most effective way to build a strong relationship with my coworkers is

to be consistent and trustworthy and remain positive and supportive.

Learning Outcomes

This semester's internship experience helps me identify ways to improve my

communication skills and interpersonal skills. I have a better relationship with my coworkers

and generate more effective working procedures.

From the interview in Week 5, I have a better idea of the challenging part of a leader

in the workplace and the qualities and characteristics that a successful leader should possess.

The essential attributes of a successful leader should include integrity, positivity, confidence,

inspiration, and commitment. I also wrote down these attributes on my career journaling to

remind myself of my goals and directions.

During my internship, in my opinion, my supervisor was an inspirational and practical

leader. She sets a high ethical standard and performance requirements. Meanwhile, she also

leads by example and always encourages us to challenge ourselves with high expectations

and provide valuable construction suggestions. Based on my observation, she not only has

excellent communication skills but also is an active listener. She puts lots of effort into

understanding and figuring out each member's unique strengths and needs. Additionally, she

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always encourages us to challenge ourselves and make timely recognition of our actions and

achievements.

Conclusion

To sum up everything that has been stated earlier, I got to know many new concepts

during this semester, such as leadership strategy and communication skills. In addition, I

formed a habit of keeping a career journal as a motivational tool to keep my progress and

encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone. It gradually became a regular habit in my

daily life. I like to use it to plan my day and prioritize the tasks from work. This way helps

me be more productive and be more organized and also as a way to release my anxiety and

stress.

As for my internship, I wish to be more active in the communication process at work.

In addition, I hope to find a new position soon to expand my professional skill sets.

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Reference

Benefits of professional and personal journaling. College of Human Ecology Career

Exploration Center. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2021, from

https://hecec.human.cornell.edu/2020/05/12/benefits-of-professional-and-personal-journaling

Career%20journaling%20can%20be%20a,and%20record%20advice%20from%20mentors.

Michele, & Methew. (n.d.). Building good work relationships: Making work enjoyable and

productive. From MindTools.com. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/good-relationships.htm#:~:text=A%20good%20wor

k%20relationship%20requires,energy%20%22watching%20your%20back.%22.