Freshman Seminar Fall 17 DFD

Starr Career Center; Personal Brand/Pitch

Going into my career, I know that I will have to represent myself in the best light to seize opportunities and jobs. So, I decided to attend the “Build your Brand” workshop at the STARR Career Center. There I learned about elevator pitches and the S.W.O.T. test. I have had previous experience in networking through organizations like Step Up, #Built By Girls and through my internship at Oath. I have had my own versions of my personal pitch, but sometimes I tend to lack articulation. I learned that S.W.O.T. means strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. I also realized that I have practiced before, usually before interviews, since interviewers tend to ask those questions. I learned a lot from the instructor, Adia; specifically about posture, confidence, formulation of your pitch and language. The pitch is usually brief and can be prompted by a short encounter or the question “Tell Me About Yourself”.

I really got the chance to think about my strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses, specifically should be supported by the way you have worked to improve that. So, for example, if my weakness was having trouble completing a self-motivated project before moving on to the next idea, I would talk about the app design project I worked on. I resisted the pull to stop working by setting dates and deadlines for myself to separate the project into simpler tasks. Thus, it did not seem daunting and I was, in fact, able to complete it. In an interview, you should be focused, sit up straight and be authentic. I learned that your pitch evolves as time passes on and in different scenarios. So, I should not memorize my pitch, but be familiar with my points and talk with genuine. This really helped me gain critical feedback and understand what to do as I move forward into my career. As a freshman, I can feel a bit intimidated because of the professionalism needed in our careers, but the Starr Career Center does have a supportive environment where I can work to build my skills.

 

Writing Center: Different class, different writing

I chose this writing seminar about interpreting writing assignments because I feel that knowing the different styles of writing each class or professor expects is crucial. An English professor may expect a different kind of analysis than a science professor would. We analyzed a prompt example to what the professor is tasking us with, what key components to add and what organization we should follow. I thought the resources we received will be extremely helpful later on in future assignments. One resource explained all the key verbs we may find in instructions summarize, analyze and discuss. This will help clarify my future assignments and help me structure my work efficiently to get a high grade. I also learned about the resources available to us like the reference librarians, written feedback and of course, the writing center itself. I feel prepared and calm knowing how to use the writing center. I would have to schedule earlier to get a longer time slot for a session. I plan on using this resource in my upcoming English narrative essay. I was nervous about projects, since I am not necessarily accustomed to the whole college experience. This session was able to give me a better sense in how I should organize my work and manage my time with written assignments.

From the session, I learned that writing assignments should be articulated in a way that builds s thesis. I have had trouble formulating the correct theses in my past assignments. So, perhaps, in the future, I could attend a session that revolves around creating a thesis. That way I can have a foundation for my writing. The Writing Center is a welcoming and helpful place. Even without direct from the center, I feel supported knowing there are other resources I can utilize to get the best grade possible.

 

     

WBMB Radio Club

When initially walking into the WBMB Radio Club room, I could feel the lively and energetic vibe. I wanted to be part of this club for the particular vibe I felt in the room. I might the leaders of each department including Marketing, Music and Human Resource. I was particularly interested in marketing and graphic design, even though I am still interested in other aspects of the club like music playlist and sound engineering.The interview session did make me feel nervous, but it was nice to meet with the head of the Marketing department and discuss the work that this department entailed. Specifically, I have had some background experience in graphic design from my internship at Oath this summer. So, I was also able to talk about my previous works. I plan on getting heavily involved in the WBMB by using my Marketing, technical, film and photoshop skills. I want to be able to represent the club in the best light possible. This can increase ratings, views and awareness of the club to other students who want to join. I would also like to participate in live events in and out of the school. All departments of the club are interdependent and have to collaborate together to be successful.

During the meeting itself, I was able to meet other students as well. I am looking forward to building a closely connected community with the club, if I am able to proceed. We also learn Ned about the exterior community the radio station reaches and the opportunities we have in order to expand our involvement like having our own show segment within the station. I also plan on taking my own initiative to add my one creativity to the radio station, even through an original show or the incorporation of my own music taste. During the meeting, it was amazing to see  the technology, sound  and engineering work together to produce the music we hear. Everyone was very lively and open to ideas and new members to the club, which made me feel welcome. I believe that their music brings the Baruch community together. The WBMB Radio club is an integral part to the Baruch community and events, which I would love to be a part of.