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Hello, my name is Melina B K. I am from Nepal. I am 24 years old. I completed my higher secondary education in commerce from Triyuga Higher Secondary School. After my studies, I explored various roles that helped me develop valuable skills and experiences.

Talking about my experiences, in September 2021 I began teaching at the primary level at Sagarmatha model school. I taught there for a year and during this time, I learned a lot about patience, communication, and how to adapt to the needs of others. My ability to convey complex ideas improved significantly during this period, as did my leadership skills.

From November 2022 to April 2024, I worked as a receptionist, where I improved my customer service and organizing abilities. In my opinion, I had to plan appointments, answer phones, and organize everyday office work welcoming clients and guests. It strengthened my capacity for multitasking, pressure-sensitive work and meticulous attention to detail.

I am gifted with a variety of qualities, including strong problem-solving and communication skills as well as competence with Microsoft Office and accountancy. I can also communicate well with people thanks to my good interpersonal skills and fluency in both Nepali and English.

To be honest, my dream job is to work in a bank. I am particularly drawn to the world of finance, and I believe my background in commerce, customer service, and administrative experience have prepared me well for a career in banking. I have a strong desire to assist clients in reaching their financial objectives and managing their money, and I am excited to advance in the field.

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Phase 1: Immediate Goals (0-6) months

Month 1

·        Revise and customize my cover letter and CV to emphasize transferable talents( e.g., organizational, customer service, and communication).

·        Take introductory banking and finance courses, such as Accounting Fundamentals and Banking Fundamentals.

Month 2:

·        Improve My LinkedIn profile and begin interacting with recruiters and banking professionals.

·        Examine Nepal’s banking sector, laws, and leading organisations to focus on throughout your job search.

Month 3-4

·        To make contacts in the sector, I will go to job fairs and networking events.

·        I will keep applying for entry-level jobs like customer service representatives.

Month 5-6

·        I will concentrate on interview preparation using a method unique to banking.

·        To obtain practical experience, I will try to find an entry-level position in banking or administration.

Phase 2: Building Expertise (6 Months – 1 year)

Month 7

·        I will start to work in a bank or other financial institution in an entry-level position. Make learning everyday procedures and client interactions a top priority.

Months 8-12

·        To boost my reputation and expertise in the banking industry, I intend to earn professional certifications like FRM(Financial Risk Management) or CBS(Certified Banking Specialist).

·        To stay competitive in my position, I will also study banking software and tools to gain technical skills

·        To acquire important knowledge about career advancement and industry best practices, I will proactively seek senior colleagues' mentorship.

Phase 3: Career Advancement (1-3 years)

Year 1-2:

·        Make the move to more specialized positions by using your training and credentials, such as Loan Officer or Personal Banker.

·        To show initiative and proficiency, assume leadership roles.

By year 3

·        To bolster my credantials I intend to do toward advanced certifications like the Diploma in Banking and Finance or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

·        To be competitive in the area, I will keep up with developments in the financial technology, digital banking trends, and industry.

These are the things that I have planned to get the job I have always dreamt of.

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The common standards, beliefs, and customs that govern how members of a group or organization interact with one another are referred to as communication culture. Communication culture at work affects how choices are made, relationships are formed, and information is shared. This has a knock-on effect on teamwork, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Important Elements of the workplace Culture of communication:

1. Direct vs. Indirect Communication

In Direct communication cultures (e.g., U.S., Germany), individuals emphasize plain, straightforward exchanges of information. They usually don't mince words when they say what they mean.

In Indirect Communication culture (e.g., Japan and India) meaning is communicated more subtly through the use of context, non-verbal clues, and hints. This approach keeps relationships safe and steers clear conflict.

2. High-context vs. Low-context Communication:

In high-context cultures(like China and the Arab world) a large portion of the communication is based on non-verbal clues, implicit understanding, and shared experiences. Messages are often not completely spelt out since members think they already share enough context.

In low-context cultures (e.g., the United States, Switzerland) people want the information to be fully explained.

3. Hierarchy and power Distance:

Communication usually follows formal lines of authority in cultures with significant power distance (e.g., Mexico, India). Hierarchical systems are recognized in these cultures, Workers could be reluctant to question or confront supervisors.

Low power distance cultures like those found in New Zealand and the Scandinavian countries have more egalitarian communication styles, giving junior staff members the confidence to voice their opinions and offer suggestions.

4. Formality vs. Informality:

While some organizations favour informal communication (using first names and having casual conversations), others prefer formal communication ( addressing superiors by title, for example), which can promote a more relaxed and open environment.

5. Verbal vs. Non-verbal Communication:

Non-verbal clues like gestures, eye contact, and body language are valued differently in different cultures. If people from different communication cultures misinterpret these signs, misinterpretation may result.

6. Conflict Resolution Styles:

In confrontational cultural communication (like France and Israel), arguments are treated candidly and debate is considered as a natural means of refining concepts.

Open conflict is typically avoided in non-confrontational cultures (like Thailand and Korea) to preserve harmony; instead, issues may be resolved more covertly or indirectly.

Importance of communication Culture in the workplace:

1. Team Dynamics: Collaboration can be enhanced and misconceptions can be decreased by being aware of each team member's communication preferences and styles.

2. Globalization: As more businesses expand internationally, understanding cultural communication variations is critical to successful cross-border cooperation.

3. Conflict Management: Good communication improves problem-solving, negotiating, and feedback processes while reducing workplace friction.

4. Productivity: Open discussion is promoted where communication is clear and healthy, which boosts productivity and creativity.

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Week 3:                            Listening/writing

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Week 3:                            Listening/writing

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Listening is the process of receiving, interpreting, and responding to spoken(and sometimes non-verbal) messages. It is an active process that involves more than just hearing words; it requires attention, engagement, and understanding

Writing is a method of communicating ideas, information, and emotions through structured text. It allows for more deliberate and thoughtful expression than spoken communication.

Listening Barriers

1. Noise and Distraction: Distraction and noise are big obstacles to communication, especially when it comes to listening when it comes to listening since they make it difficult for the other person to properly understand and digest what is being said.

2. Prejudice: The listener's capacity to listen objectively may be hampered by prior beliefs.

3. Lack of interest: The listener might not provide their complete attention if they are not interested in the subject

Writing Barriers

1. Lack of Clarity: Clarity in writing makes it easier for the reader to comprehend the point or message. To Communicate ideas is to do so in a direct, uncomplicated way that minimizes space for misunderstanding.

2. Poor Structure: Writing Structure refers to how information is organized within the text. A well-structured piece of writing should have a logical flow, with ideas introduced in a coherent order. Poor structure often includes disorganized ideas, a lack of proper headings, and unclear paragraphs.

3. Grammatical Errors: Grammar involves the rules of language, including sentence, punctuation, and word usage. Grammatical errors occur when these rules are not followed, which can distort the message.

Styles of listening

1. Active Listening: Interacting completely with the speaker by posing queries, offering criticism, and demonstrating empathy. This approach guarantees that the message is understood in its entirety and fosters trust.

2. Critical listening: Listening to assess or dissect the speaker's argument. Critical listeners evaluate the veracity of what they hear and make decisions in light of the available information.

3. Empathetic: In delicate or private interactions, the listener frequently seeks to comprehend the speaker's sentiments and emotions.

Styles of writing

1. Narrative writing: When writing a narrative, the author's main goal is to create an engaging and transparent story with descriptive details that make readers picture the actions and empathize with the characters or circumstances.

2. Persuasive writing: The goal of persuasive writing is to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's point of view or to do a particular action. It focuses on making arguments that are supported by data to persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint or action with the use of reason, evidence, and emotional appeals.

3. Expository Writing: A topic can be clearly and concisely explained, informed, or described through the use of expository writing. The main objective is to give the reader accurate, factual information frequently by decomposing difficult topics into manageable chunks. Objective in nature, expository writing prioritizes persuasion for the reader.

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for listening and writing in communication

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week 4:Verbal and non-verbal Communication

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week 4:Verbal and non-verbal Communication

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Two essential components of human communication are the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings through spoken and nonverbal cues. Both are essential to our social interactions and being aware of them can help us communicate more effectively in both personal and professional settings.

1.      Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is the exchange of messages using speech. It comes in written and spoken forms.

·        Spoken communication includes in-person talks, phone calls, video chats, speeches, and presentations.

·        Written correspondence includes reports, books, special media posts, emails, letters, and texts.

Key Aspects of Verbal Communication

·        Clarity: Misunderstandings can be prevented by using simple and unambiguous language.

·        Tone of voice: A person’s tone, pitch, and pace of speech can all be used to express different emotions, such as doubt, range, or excitement.

·        Word Choice: It’s critical to utilize words appropriately given the audience and situations.

·        Active Listening: A critical part of verbal communication, as it ensures mutual understanding.

2.      Non-verbal Communication

Any method of communicating information without using words is referred to as non-verbal communication. It encompasses nonverbal cues including eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and even physical closeness.

Key Aspects of Non-verbal Communication

·        Body Language: Expressions such as posture, gestures, and movements can convey anxiety, openness, or confidence.

·        Facial expressions: Smiles, frowns, raised eyebrows, and other facial expressions can all be used to convey emotions and sentiments.

·        Eye contact: Keeping or breaking eye contact can convey honesty, comfort, or confidence.

·        Gestures: Hand gestures and head nods can support or refute spoken words.

·        Proxemics: The physical distance between people when communicating can show intimacy, aggression, or formality.

·        Appearance: The way a person dresses or presents themselves can communicate professionalism, creativity, or personal values.

The Interaction of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

·        Complementary: Nonverbal clues, such as smiling when offering encouraging feedback, frequently amplify what is conveyed orally.

·        Contradictory: Nonverbal cues can occasionally convey information that verbal cues cannot (e.g., saying you are alright while looking angry).

·        Substitution: Sometimes nonverbal cues (such as a nod in place of a “yes”) can convey the same meaning as spoken cues.

Importance in Cross-Cultural Contexts

Understanding verbal and nonverbal and nonverbal clues is essential in cross-cultural situations since these aspects can differ significantly between cultures. In one culture, anything that is regarded as pleasant or polite may not be understood the same way in another. For instance, making eye contact may be seen as disrespectful in certain cultures but as a sign of confidence in others.

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week 5:  Interpersonal Strategies and Skills

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week 5:  Interpersonal Strategies and Skills

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Interpersonal communication competence and skills are thus necessary in employing interpersonal communication in personal and work-related relations. It can be used as a way of enhancing results in communication, enhancing bonding between involved persons and as a way of solving conflicts. Here is a summary of important tactics and abilities:

1. Effective listening is aimed at receiving information, comprehending it and, providing worthwhile feedback. Skills related to active listening are eye contact, facial and verbal and verbal- verbal signals such as nods, not interrupting the speaker and reiterating the speaker’s information in his own words.

2. Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. In relational communication, it involves putting oneself in the other person’s shoes, empathizing with them, and assuring them instead of criticizing them.

3. Non-verbal Communication: Some forms of non-verbal communication are; grimacing, voice inflection, stance, and other physical actions. Some of them are; Stand or sit open, try to smile while talking, and be aware of your body, hand movements and your face: Finally it needs to be understood that what we convey through our body and what we say should be in harmony.

4. Clarity and Conciseness: Saying things clearly and simply means that your message ought to be simple to follow. This makes it necessary to be very careful when speaking and avoid using very complex language and avoiding speaking in a particular way without any prior arrangement of ideas.

5. Adaptability: In communication, flexibility means having the ability to alter your behavior in response to the circumstances, or the other party. I have learned that it means changing the message depending on the needs or cultural disposition of the audience, being particularly flexible in conversations especially where surprises occur and accepting feedback by being prepared to change one’s approach always.

6. Conflict Resolution: The ability to enter into and seek to resolve differences and solve problems non-violently is referred to as conflict resolution. Hence key skills include assertiveness where one should remain relaxed during an argument, the need to avoid personalization where one should focus on an issue rather than the person, the use of ‘I’ messages to express feelings without being abusive and finally the need to find an amicable solution to the issue or circumstances by coming up with win-win solutions.

7. Feedback: Constructive criticism or encouragement is feedback as it denotes the act of offering feedback in a way that will help a person improve or prop up. Some important techniques include, accurate communication, focusing on behavior rather than the character, ensuring the tone is positive and enthusiastic, and how to ensure that whenever one is giving negative feedback.

8. Assertiveness: Assertiveness is also referred to as the capability of expressing one’s self traditionally, /requesting what one wants or grabbing what one wants. It requires avoiding speaking in command form and instead using ‘I’ messages, being assertive but not aggressive or passive, pushy or passive.

9. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to the ability to recognize, perceive, and manage your own as well as others' emotions. To be able to identify your own emotions and temper tantrums, using techniques like how to take a deep breath to avoid anger, and learning how to be courteous and respect other people’s feelings are all part of life skills.

10. Open-mindedness and Tolerance: Open-mindedness is the ability to entertain new ideas and opinions or to consider new information or sources of information. This entails accepting people’s opinions views and cultures, not discriminating against people based on their views, and encouraging correct communication to ensure that people are treated right without any discrimination.

Not only, in organizational and but also in individual life, these particular interpersonal communication skills are important for trust-building rapport, avoiding conflicts and enhancing the efficiency of collaborative efforts.

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An interview is a planned discussion intended to determine whether a candidate is qualified for a position. Here is a quick synopsis.

Purposes

·        Assessment: Evaluate skills, qualifications, and experience.

·        Fit Evaluation: Determine alignment with company culture and values.

Types

·        Structured: All candidates should be asked the same questions.

·        Unstructured: More adaptable and talkative.

·        Behavioral: To forecast future behaviour, consider prior experiences.

·        Situational: Fictitious situations to evaluate problem-solving skills.

·        Panel: Several interviewers from various divisions.

Process

1.        Preparation: Interviewers prepare questions, and candidates study the position and business.

2.        Conducting: Introduce yourself, pose inquiries, and actively listen.

3.        Closing: Allow for questioning, restate the main ideas, and outline the next actions.

Evaluation

·        Evaluate applicants using present standards and offer comments.

Follow-Up

·        Express gratitude and share hiring decisions.

Best Practices

·        Be respectful, consistent, and open-minded throughout the process.

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Melina B K

71 Hart Avenue, Scarborough, M1K 3H3

Email: melinalohani06@gmail.com, 437-247-0608

1st November 2024

Hiring Manager

CIBC Bank

1500 Eglinton Ave E, Mississauga, ON L4W 4L9

Dear Hiring Manager,

I write to express my enthusiastic interest in a position at CIBC Bank. With a business diploma and solid financial experience, I strongly believe in my contribution potential towards your team. My academic background gave me a broad foundation in company operations, customer service, and financial principles that form an excellent foundation for my banking profession.

I did very well in subjects like corporate communication, customer relationship, and financial management. The practical assignments helped me to establish skills in transaction processing, analysis of financial data, and interpretation of the banking regulations. Bound to provide quality service to customers, with multitasking ability and paying great attention to detail.

My multicultural upbringing and adaptability also provide me with the ability to establish good relationships with various clients. I am committed to offering personalized, efficient service so that each one of my customers will be well

What really drew me to CIBC, among other things, is its reputation for innovation and community involvement. I am so excited about the possibility of bringing my skills and enthusiasm to such a renowned organization. I am fully confident that my abilities and dedication will go well with the values and goals of CIBC.

Throughout my working experience, I have always demonstrated immense capability in fitting into various roles and responsibilities of the financial world. In my previous bank teller position, I successfully managed daily operations to the highest level of excellence while frequently accepting additional duties such as onboarding new personnel and contributing to developing customer service plans. This work has helped me enhance my interpersonal skills and develop a greater understanding of customers' needs and expectations.

Besides, my work under pressure and multitasking in high-paced environments have been a core contribution to providing the best services. Positive responses from supervisors and clients concerning my professionalism and taking control of tough situations have always worked in my favor. Finally, these experiences prepared me with a versatile skill set, and excited to bring that to CIBC

Thank you for considering my application. I hope for a chance to discuss with you how my background, skills, and enthusiam can be an asset to your team. I am excited about bringing my experience in financial services and customer relations to CIBC, to make a meaningful contribution toward your continued success.

Sincerely,

Melina B K

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Effective meetings ensure that the communication within any given team or organization is successful. Following are some of the basic ingredients that will make your meetings fruitful and interactive:

1. Clearly Stated Objectives

Formulate a clear agenda: Before entering the meeting, the purpose and objectives of the meeting should be defined.

Distribution of Agenda: It has to be shared with the participants in advance to make them aware of the expected outcome from that meeting so that proper preparation may be done accordingly.

2. Time Management

Start and close on time: Show regard for people's time by adhering to the scheduled time.

Time for each topic: Give each item due priority and attention without taking too much time beyond the limit.

3. Active Participation

Encouraging input: Make it conducive for one and all to share ideas and comments.

Avoid monopoly: Ensure that no single speaker monopolizes the air and shuts others off from hearing diverse opinions.

4. Effective Facilitation

On track: Keep the discussion within the given agenda and guide it to come back on course whenever it tends to deviate.

Key point summaries: Allow yourself to periodically summarize what has been discussed at one point in time so that everybody keeps on the same frequency.

5. Actionable Outcomes

Assign tasks: Clearly indicate the person responsible for each follow-up action and when.

Recap decisions: Summarize decisions at the end of the meeting about next steps and document those through meeting minutes.

6. Follow-Up

Distribution of minutes: Make sure that everyone in the meeting gets a summary, complete with who will lead key decisions and tasks.

Follow-through: Check in on decisions and tasks assigned to make sure everything is accounted for.

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The Power of Leadership and Teamwork in Driving Success

Introduction

In the modern world, issues of leadership and collaboration can be characterized as crucial for organizational development. They are also responsible for creating a culture of their work teams as well as a culture nurturing innovative ideas. According to (Goleman, 1995), the group with effective emotional intelligence increases productivity and performs successively better under difficulties. We will discuss crucial aspects of leadership that focus on the development of well-knit and powerful teams instrumental in meeting organizational goals. In this case, the following outlined components are found to have values for effective leadership.

Key Elements of Effective Leadership

The key factors of success include vision and communicative and emotional skills. Visionary leaders organize teamwork in a way that all participants are directed toward the common goals thus creating harmony among the working team (Hackman, 2002)). Hence, communication is also critically important because it leads to rapport and understanding of one another. The foundations of empathy and self-awareness can help manage difficult situations and foster relationship (Goleman, 1995)

For example, during the early days of Google, leadership prioritized open communication and a shared vision, creating a culture where team members felt valued and motivated (Gallo, 2022)

Strategies for Teamwork Success

Great teams are built on trust, mutual respect, and clear roles. Psychological safety, where team members feel safe to express ideas without fear of judgement, has been identified as a critical factor for high-performing teams (Smith, 1993)). Defining roles and responsibilities minimizes confusion and fosters accountability. Moreover, addressing conflicts constructively strengthens team dynamics and ensures productivity.

For instance, NASA’s Apollo missions succeeded due to well-defined roles, meticulous planning, and strong collaboration among teams (Smith, 1993). Such examples highlight the importance of both leadership and teamwork in achieving extraordinary outcomes.

Conclusion

Effective leadership and teamwork are indispensable in navigating challenges and achieving organizational goals. By fostering trust, clarity, and innovation, leaders can empower teams to unlock their full potential, driving success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Organizations that prioritize these elements position themselves for long-term growth and resilience.

References

(n.d.).

Gallo, C. (2022, November 23). Business Communication. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-great-leaders-communicate

Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can Matter More Than IQ. Bloomsbury, 1996.

Hackman, J. R. (2002). Leading Teams: Setting the Stage for Great Performences.

Smith, J. R. (1993). The Discipline of Teams. Harvard Business Review.

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Week 13:  Final Reflection and building on the e-portfolio

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Week 13:  Final Reflection and building on the e-portfolio

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The communication course has been a life-changing experience that has allowed me to acquire vital abilities necessary for success in both my academic and professional endeavors. I can see how each idea aided in my development and equipped me for obstacles in real world when I think back on the capstone experience and the weekly chapters. I have outlined my whole experience and how it has influenced teamwork and communication below.

Key Learning from Weekly Reflections

1.        Understanding Communication Modles

I studied a variety of communication modles in the first several weeks, including the transactional and Shannon-Weaver models. I was able to examine how communications are encoded, sent, and decoded in both personal and professional contexts thanks to these frameworks.

Reflection: Having a solid understanding of these concepts helped my team communicate clearly and effectively throughout the capstone assignment.

2.        Active Listening and Feedback

I learned the value of giving constructive criticism and being present from the active listening chapter. This ability helped us settle disputes and agree on goals, which was very helpful while we were having team meetings for our capstone. Example, I worked on this by paying attention to what my peers had to say and summarizing the main themes before answering.

3.        Nonverbal Communication

It was enlightening to learn about tone, body language and eye contact. To produce a powerful presentation for the capstone, nonverbal clues were essential. To engage the audience during our presentation, I purposefully employed a confident tone and positive body language.

4.        Intercultural Communication

The intercultural communication chapter was very pertinent since it emphasized how crucial it is to comprehend different points of view. As a Nepali foreign student, this idea struck a deep chord with me and aided me in navigating cross-cultural situations during the project.

5.        Conflict Resolution

One of the course’s highlights was learning about conflict management styles. I was able to resolve conflicts among the team when we couldn’t agree on how to divide up the work. By using the collaborative approach, it was made sure that everyone’s opinions were heard and that duties were assigned equitably.

6.        Interviewing: Effective interviewing tactics were among the most useful skills I acquired during this course. Researching the other side, crafting powerful questions, and acting professionally at all times taught me how to prepare for an interview.

7.        Group Communication:

Our capstone project was closely related to the group dynamics and leadership chapter. I gained knowledge on how to assign work efficiently and inspire the group to fulfill deadlines. For instance, to make sure we stayed on course, I assumed responsibility for setting up meetings and developing a common schedule.

Challenges Faced and Overcoming Them

·        Challenge: The fact that I had never used capstone platform before was one of the main obstacles I had to overcome. I had a hard time at first figuring out how to use it professionally and successfully integrate it into my business. Attempting to use tools and apply them to the course requirements left me feeling overpowered.

·        Solution:  I made the initiative to watch tutorial videos and get in touch with friends who have used the platform before to get over this. I gradually learned how to use it in a meaningful and professional way thanks to their advice and practical experience. I was much more comfortable using the platform and incorporating it into my learning process at the end of the course.

Impact on Personal and Professional Growth

This course and the capstone project have significantly impaceted my development

·        Better Communication: I feel more comfortable expressing myself succinctly and plainly now.

·        Team Skills: By striking a balance between individual contributions and team objectives, I have learned how to work well with others, especially under duress.

·        Adaptability: I have become more flexible and symoathetic in a variety of contexts by  navigating cultural differences and communication techniques.

Building the E-Portfolio

To showcase this experience, I have included the following in my e-portfolio:

1.        Weekly Reflections: A summary of each chapter’s personal development and discoveries.

2.        Key Insights: An overview of the  most important lessons I have learned including group dynamics and communication modles, along with instances of how I have used them in the real world.

3.        Personal Growth Timeline: An illustration or synopsis that demonstrates how my abilities changed from the first week of the course to last reflection.

4.        Skilled Gained: A list of transferable abilities that were built throughout the course, including effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and flexibility.

Conclusion

I have learned a lot from this course on how crucial good communication is in all facets of life. It has equipped me with the skills I need to oversome obstacles, collaborate well with others, and project confidence. Im confident that these abilities will be quit useful as I go forward, particularly in pursuing my objective of establishing a career in finance. I m appreciative of this opportunity and eager to put what I have learned into pracrice.