Sorry for the delay!
I was thinking of having a whole list of common interview questions, but I decided that I will just post a link to the Oxford Careers website which has a lot more useful information!
Preparing for Discussion:
Remember the 5 'O's I highlighted during the peer teaching presentation?
Here is the link for the questions to ask yourself based on the different sections.
As a recap, they are:
1. Own self-knowledge
2. Occupational knowledge
3. Organisational/sector knowledge
4. On-going/current affairs
5. Objective questions to ask
Navigate around the Oxford Careers website for more useful information, like the post-interview details - handling offers or rejection.
Hope it is useful!
Cheers :)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
#4 Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour
My paternal relatives are Chinese Malaysians; my father and his siblings all grew up and lived in Sugai Siput (a small town in one of the districts of the Perak state). While my father married my Singaporean mother and settled in Singapore, most of his siblings started their families and continued living in Malaysia.
It was Chinese New Year, and my family was at my grandmother’s place in Sugai Siput about to have a steamboat reunion dinner. All the mothers were busy preparing the ingredients for the steamboat… All the mothers, except one. My mother was watching television with my father, along with all the other fathers. The house was filled with hearty conversations, and no one mentioned anything about this odd scenario.
However, I felt discomfited that my mother may be giving a bad impression by not helping out in the food preparation with all the other mothers. In fact, I felt ashamed, afraid that my relatives may view my mother as arrogant as she seemed nonchalant about her actions (or rather, her lack of action). So I went over to my mother and whispered my concerns to her.
“Oh, it’s O.K. All along, I have never helped out before, and they know I don’t do such things. I’m the only wife who doesn’t know how to help out in the kitchen!” My mother replied, with a slight hint of bemusement at herself.
This scenario highlights the different cultural norms with regards to the role of the mother in a family. My mother was a working mother; kitchen work was left to our domestic helpers. The other mothers were homemakers; kitchen work was typical as one of their “duties”. My relatives’ have a more traditional approach towards the function of a family, which is unlike that of Singapore where it is not uncommon to have mothers who don’t cook.
Based on what my mother said, I believe that there was a mutual understanding about the differences in culture. Being aware of such, there was also some sort of acceptance towards this difference which enabled everyone to have “hearty conversations” and communicate well with each other.
However, to give it further thought, my interpretation is based on only what I see on the surface and hear from my mother. There might be a possibility that my aunts may be baffled by my mother’s lack of involvement in food preparation each time. Can it be just be because my relatives consider being modest is more polite than expressing one’s opinion, and thus did not bring up their concerns?
It was Chinese New Year, and my family was at my grandmother’s place in Sugai Siput about to have a steamboat reunion dinner. All the mothers were busy preparing the ingredients for the steamboat… All the mothers, except one. My mother was watching television with my father, along with all the other fathers. The house was filled with hearty conversations, and no one mentioned anything about this odd scenario.
However, I felt discomfited that my mother may be giving a bad impression by not helping out in the food preparation with all the other mothers. In fact, I felt ashamed, afraid that my relatives may view my mother as arrogant as she seemed nonchalant about her actions (or rather, her lack of action). So I went over to my mother and whispered my concerns to her.
“Oh, it’s O.K. All along, I have never helped out before, and they know I don’t do such things. I’m the only wife who doesn’t know how to help out in the kitchen!” My mother replied, with a slight hint of bemusement at herself.
***
This scenario highlights the different cultural norms with regards to the role of the mother in a family. My mother was a working mother; kitchen work was left to our domestic helpers. The other mothers were homemakers; kitchen work was typical as one of their “duties”. My relatives’ have a more traditional approach towards the function of a family, which is unlike that of Singapore where it is not uncommon to have mothers who don’t cook.
Based on what my mother said, I believe that there was a mutual understanding about the differences in culture. Being aware of such, there was also some sort of acceptance towards this difference which enabled everyone to have “hearty conversations” and communicate well with each other.
However, to give it further thought, my interpretation is based on only what I see on the surface and hear from my mother. There might be a possibility that my aunts may be baffled by my mother’s lack of involvement in food preparation each time. Can it be just be because my relatives consider being modest is more polite than expressing one’s opinion, and thus did not bring up their concerns?
Saturday, September 10, 2011
#3 Job Application Letter
Email subject header: Mechanical Designs Engineer Position Application
September 10, 2011
Teh Xiaowen Noelle
123 Pet Avenue
Singapore 123456
+65 98765432
noelleteh@email.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am expressing my interest in the above mentioned position as advertised online at Jobstreet.
I will be graduating from National University of Singapore (NUS) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a specialization in Product Design come May 2012, thus I believe I possess the necessary product development knowledge, innovative design skills and enthusiasm to be a Mechanical Design Engineer in your company.
In the course of my study at NUS, I have gained relevant knowledge and skills in mechanical designs and processes, product management, and 3D modeling with SolidWorks. My previous coursework projects include conceptualizing and designing an electric bike for urban use, and designing and prototyping a grocery trolley which doubles up as a walker for the elderly. For my degree dissertation, I am currently working on the design of a rotator cuff spacer for an orthopedic surgeon at National University Hospital. To ensure its feasibility, I modeled the spacer using Mimics (a medical modeling software) to produce prototypes for testing and ran simulated tests to analyze the stresses and mechanics involved.
Furthermore, I have successfully led and managed committees in organizing youth camps, and have achieved several awards representing NUS in sports. These accomplishments demonstrate the importance of team spirit, cooperation and enthusiasm for success, and I believe that I can bring these qualities to your company.
In review of Novo Design’s objectives to generate unique and iconic design whilst leveraging on engineering and technology, I feel that my strengths and skills will be an asset to the company. I am eager to speak with you to discuss the possible contributions that I can bring to your company. I can be reached in confidence at any of the above contact information. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Noelle Teh
Link to job advertisement: http://www.jobstreet.com.sg/jobs/2011/8/default/20/2697936.htm?fr=J
September 10, 2011
Teh Xiaowen Noelle
123 Pet Avenue
Singapore 123456
+65 98765432
noelleteh@email.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am expressing my interest in the above mentioned position as advertised online at Jobstreet.
I will be graduating from National University of Singapore (NUS) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a specialization in Product Design come May 2012, thus I believe I possess the necessary product development knowledge, innovative design skills and enthusiasm to be a Mechanical Design Engineer in your company.
In the course of my study at NUS, I have gained relevant knowledge and skills in mechanical designs and processes, product management, and 3D modeling with SolidWorks. My previous coursework projects include conceptualizing and designing an electric bike for urban use, and designing and prototyping a grocery trolley which doubles up as a walker for the elderly. For my degree dissertation, I am currently working on the design of a rotator cuff spacer for an orthopedic surgeon at National University Hospital. To ensure its feasibility, I modeled the spacer using Mimics (a medical modeling software) to produce prototypes for testing and ran simulated tests to analyze the stresses and mechanics involved.
Furthermore, I have successfully led and managed committees in organizing youth camps, and have achieved several awards representing NUS in sports. These accomplishments demonstrate the importance of team spirit, cooperation and enthusiasm for success, and I believe that I can bring these qualities to your company.
In review of Novo Design’s objectives to generate unique and iconic design whilst leveraging on engineering and technology, I feel that my strengths and skills will be an asset to the company. I am eager to speak with you to discuss the possible contributions that I can bring to your company. I can be reached in confidence at any of the above contact information. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Noelle Teh
Link to job advertisement: http://www.jobstreet.com.sg/jobs/2011/8/default/20/2697936.htm?fr=J
Thursday, September 1, 2011
#2 Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
As a preface to my account of a conflict, I am declaring myself as the fussiest eater I’ve ever known. Unless you know me well and long enough, to describe what I do or do not eat will probably require you to read my encyclopaedia of “Noelle’s Food Preferences” – if I ever have one.
When I was in Nottingham for SEP last semester, I made a new friend who asked me out for lunch. It was very hospitable of her because I didn’t know many people or the places there. Before our lunch-date, she asked me about my food preferences and I told her simply that I didn’t fancy food with lots of sauces.
She brought me to a Latin restaurant. Having the impression that Latin food was full of spices and sauces, I was initially quite hesitant. However, I did not make my thoughts known to her because I did not want to make things difficult. Thankfully, while the menu’s features were Tapas and Fajitas (dishes full of dips and sauces!), there were other options available for my liking.
But then, our conflict came: she asked me if I would like to share some Tapas with her. I declined without explaining at first, but she kept insisting, so I told her that I didn’t like such food. She might have had assumed that I was very weight-conscious, because she started sharing her opinion on what one can afford to eat whilst being young, and cautioned me about my supposed diet! I was quite offended and contended with what she said. Although we seemed to exchange our differing opinions with polite words, I could feel the tension between us.
In the end, I did share Tapas with her – but eating it was agony for me. I think she may have concluded that I don’t like to eat. Actually, I absolutely adore eating, but the food must suit my picky palette! That is my problem, but I am not sure how much I can or should compromise in such situations (of which I often encounter). Any thoughts, anyone?
When I was in Nottingham for SEP last semester, I made a new friend who asked me out for lunch. It was very hospitable of her because I didn’t know many people or the places there. Before our lunch-date, she asked me about my food preferences and I told her simply that I didn’t fancy food with lots of sauces.
She brought me to a Latin restaurant. Having the impression that Latin food was full of spices and sauces, I was initially quite hesitant. However, I did not make my thoughts known to her because I did not want to make things difficult. Thankfully, while the menu’s features were Tapas and Fajitas (dishes full of dips and sauces!), there were other options available for my liking.
But then, our conflict came: she asked me if I would like to share some Tapas with her. I declined without explaining at first, but she kept insisting, so I told her that I didn’t like such food. She might have had assumed that I was very weight-conscious, because she started sharing her opinion on what one can afford to eat whilst being young, and cautioned me about my supposed diet! I was quite offended and contended with what she said. Although we seemed to exchange our differing opinions with polite words, I could feel the tension between us.
In the end, I did share Tapas with her – but eating it was agony for me. I think she may have concluded that I don’t like to eat. Actually, I absolutely adore eating, but the food must suit my picky palette! That is my problem, but I am not sure how much I can or should compromise in such situations (of which I often encounter). Any thoughts, anyone?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
#1: Effective Communication Skills
I don’t need to start thinking about how effective I am at communicating at a professional level before I can conclude that my communication skills need improvement. Already in my everyday social life, I often find myself in situations where is misunderstandings and confusion due to poor communication, causing me (and the other party involved) much needless irritation or frustration.
Boo, to me!
They say students in Engineering aren’t as vocal or eloquent as those in the Arts… Such sweeping statements should seriously be condemned, but honestly (and embarrassingly) for me, it is true. My friends often laugh at me (jokingly, of course) being so animated because I like to use a lot of sound effects and gestures when I talk about something.
“… then it tiewwwww and after that chibabooh! …”
The underlying explanation is that I always seem to somehow be unable to express my thoughts and intentions in words.
Boo, to me!
While communication has the non-verbal aspect to it, verbal communication is crucial for good communication. I mean, in social settings with friends, my manner of communication is OK, but I can’t imagine tiewww-ing and chibabooh-ing to my project supervisor or my future boss. The message that I would have like to bring across just won’t be appropriate or credible.
Boo, to me!
With my FYP at hand and one year to graduation, it may have been much easier to choose a module that is less demanding in workload. But upon reading the synopsis of this module, (as first ‘advertised’ to me in our NUS mail) I thought it would be really useful to acquire effective communication skills “…in writing and orally” (as stated in the module synopsis).
Yay, to me!
Boo, to me!
They say students in Engineering aren’t as vocal or eloquent as those in the Arts… Such sweeping statements should seriously be condemned, but honestly (and embarrassingly) for me, it is true. My friends often laugh at me (jokingly, of course) being so animated because I like to use a lot of sound effects and gestures when I talk about something.
“… then it tiewwwww and after that chibabooh! …”
The underlying explanation is that I always seem to somehow be unable to express my thoughts and intentions in words.
Boo, to me!
While communication has the non-verbal aspect to it, verbal communication is crucial for good communication. I mean, in social settings with friends, my manner of communication is OK, but I can’t imagine tiewww-ing and chibabooh-ing to my project supervisor or my future boss. The message that I would have like to bring across just won’t be appropriate or credible.
Boo, to me!
With my FYP at hand and one year to graduation, it may have been much easier to choose a module that is less demanding in workload. But upon reading the synopsis of this module, (as first ‘advertised’ to me in our NUS mail) I thought it would be really useful to acquire effective communication skills “…in writing and orally” (as stated in the module synopsis).
Yay, to me!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Post #0: Social Media and Me
So this is blog post #0 simply because this is not post #1 (in which I would have to write about why I need/want effective communication skills). Instead, given the unusual rubrics for this ES2007S module, here’s some really brief thoughts on social media... And me.
Frankly, I think I am averse to the use of social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Youtube). Having to figure my way through the various tabs for the seemingly millions of functions/applications in Facebook, or browse through the Twits and Blog posts of friends somehow muddles my mind. I prefer things to be simpler. (This implies that I consider that the increase in social networking avenues as making life more complicated… which definitely can be argued against, but this is just what I think.) To me, I can get by with written notes, emails, phone calls or instant messages to arrange gatherings or to keep each other in the loop about things. Real Time Information isn’t necessary for me. Thus, it took me a few years before friends could convince me to get a Facebook account. In fact, it was only when I was about to go for SEP last semester that I started using Facebook so that I can keep my family and friends updated with my life, and mine with theirs.
And right now, I am blogging. I log onto Facebook almost every other day. I am taking a module that urges me to blog and to be active on Facebook. Plus, I just got myself an iPhone two weeks ago, allowing me to do all that on-the-go, and get Real Time Information. (Even though I am still learning how to do so and following that, get used to it without feeling disoriented.)
Social communication/interaction is fast relying extensively on social media. Almost everyone uses Facebook, Youtube, Instant Messaging or blogs. I am progressively using more forms of social media, not because I am blindly conforming to society, but rather, I believe that I am engaging myself with society! It is difficult and confusing (for me, at least), but participating in the use of social media presents to me opportunities to reap its numerous benefits… Benefits so numerous that I think it will take me another blog post to list and elaborate.
And so… Until another time.
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