Hadika Islam's MAR026-1 Weekly Reflections by Hadika Islam

WEEK 1 Self Awareness

hadikaislam2 — 2024-09-24 11:40:30 UTC

I took a Career Builder self-assessment (University of Bedfordshire, 2023) to identify my areas of strength and progress.I found the self-assessment enjoyable because it introduced me to various categories that classify strengths and weaknesses which allowed me to identify my own. I felt great realising my strengths like research and time management which I believe are essential for my academic success and future career goals.

I aim to develop these skills because employers are increasingly looking for a range of well developed skills in their employees (Hopkins-West).The evaluation highlighted skills that are my weaknesses which were public speaking and presentation skills which I do not enjoy.

Week 1 Collaborative Challenge - SWOT Analysis

hadikaislam2 — 2024-09-24 11:43:51 UTC

I was the Scriber, I collaborated with my teammates to complete the analysis, I focused on teamwork because I find it difficult to work with others because I often accomplish tasks on my own.It was awkward at first because we did not know each other, but I think it went extremely well after that.I met two new students who I found to be easy to work with because they were straightforward and always willing to hear other people's opinions.I appreciated seeing how we all think differently but agree on the same ideas. It helped that they were confident considering it was our first time working together.

To improve I could be leader once which will help me to express my thoughts and opinions more frequently since I sometimes feel out of place or not enough which I think I have a bit of imposter syndrome – "The Expert" (University of Bedfordshire, 2023) so I'd rather stay silent because someone may not agree with me.

Week 2 Academic Writing & Research

hadikaislam2 — 2024-10-17 20:48:20 UTC

I have always excelled in spelling and understand basic punctuation rules. To improve my writing, I plan to use Studiosity for feedback. I also have solid research skills, particularly when I’m interested in the topic. After completing a Learning Style Assessment, I learned I scored lowest in "Quietly Creative." (University of Bedfordshire, 2023). It recommended reading challenging material daily and summarising it in my own words, as well as analysing complex situations to identify weaknesses and explore different theories.

Week 3 - Absent

hadikaislam2 — 2024-10-17 21:01:05 UTC

During Week 3, I was absent due to health issues which significantly impacted me. While I can access the PowerPoints, I learn better in the classroom. Being present helps me stay on top of my assignments and reduces my anxiety about falling behind. I also miss the chance to ask my lecturer questions and participate in discussions with classmates. This adds stress, as I fear failing.I genuinely enjoy my lectures and gain valuable insights from each one's I feel guilty when I am absent.

Week 4 - Paraphrasing & Summarising

hadikaislam2 — 2024-10-22 11:33:29 UTC

Looking back I would get frustrated when I had to do it for a book for example. I felt overwhelmed because of the language used because it is a higher level. I found it difficult to use words that would match or make sense to the piece of writing I am summarising. To improve this skill I could read more often which would help understanding more texts. I could also practice writing my own then comparing versions and then I can get feedback to see how well I have done.

Week 5 - Negotiation & Influencing

hadikaislam2 — 2024-10-22 11:33:46 UTC

Understanding each team's needs allowed us to create a solution that benefited everyone. This task underscored the value of collaboration and open communication, demonstrating that working together often yields better results than competition. I also understood that having strong influencing skills you need as a leader to be a good leader to make your team follow you and be more productive (Hopkins-West). Overall, it was a valuable exercise that not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also boosted my confidence as I actively participated.

Week 6 - Collaborative Challenge (Egg)

hadikaislam2 — 2024-10-22 11:33:53 UTC

I focused on my motivation skills during a challenge to make an egg fly and land safely. Initially, I felt stressed and believed success was impossible, which affected my teammates' morale. To uplift them, I encouraged everyone, emphasising that we should try our best, even if we failed. In the end, our model wasn't perfect, but our egg survived, which was a relief.

Harvard Reference List:

hadikaislam2 — 2024-10-24 20:49:59 UTC

Hopkins-West, L. (2023) ‘Beginning Your Professional Business Journey Lesson 1’

MAR026-1: Beginning Your Professional Business Journey. Available at:

https://breo.beds.ac.uk/ultra/courses/_62005047_1/outline/edit/document/_9608210_1?courseId=_62005047_1&view=content (Accessed: 24 September 2024)

Hopkins-West, L. (2023) ‘Beginning Your Professional Business Journey Lesson 5’

MAR026-1: Beginning Your Professional Business Journey. Available at: https://breo.beds.ac.uk/ultra/courses/_62005047_1/outline/edit/document/_9684715_1?courseId=_62005047_1&view=content (Accessed: 22 October 2024)

University of Bedfordshire, (2023) ‘Strengths Assessment’

Career Builder. Available at:

https://beds.careercentre.me/Resources/CareerAssessments/default.aspx?quizId=30 (Accessed: 24 September 2024)

University of Bedfordshire, (2023) ‘Learning Styles Assessment’

Career Builder. Available at:

https://beds.careercentre.me/Resources/CareerAssessments/?quizId=28 (Accessed: 1 October 2024)

University of Bedfordshire, (2023) ‘The Five Different Types of Imposter Syndrome’

E-Learning. Available at: https://beds.careercentre.me/resources/elearning/hub.aspx?redirect=/e-learning/asset/view/1356 (Accessed: 29 October 2024)