Reflective Journal

Name – Soham Dalwadi c0866743

Goals/Skills/Personal Brand:

Goal: Enhance technical project management skills.

Why: I am seeking a role in project management industry as these skills play pivotal role
organizational success, I aim to strengthen my project management skills. I aim to contribute
more effectively to team projects so that I can gain hands-on experience in overseeing and
coordinating task when I get in my WIL team.

Goal: Acquire proficiency in data visualization and analysis.

Why: I recognize the importance of data analysis in decision making in today’s data driven business
landscape. My goal is to develop proficiency in data visualization and analysis tools like
Monday.com, Spreadsheet and Microsoft Project. These skills are valuable across various
industries, and I believe that it will open opportunities in the roles related to project
management.

Goal: Expand Professional Network

Why: Networking is a valuable aspect of career development. I aim to actively engage with
professional in my field and build connections with the help online platforms like LinkedIn
and PMI. Networking can prove to be crucial for gaining potential job opportunities gaining
insight, and a broader understanding of the industry. I can also ask professionals working in
the field to review my resume.

Interesting discovery in job search/Career preparation course

One of the most interesting insights that I received form career preparation course was the impact of
networking on career opportunities The significance of connections in the job search process became
evident to me when I discovered how beneficial it is to establish professional contacts both offline
and online. It not only provides insights into industry but also creates potential advice, mentorship
and job leads.

It was exciting to learn about the idea of personal branding in the digital sphere. The necessity of
building a strong online presence—especially on sites like LinkedIn—was stressed throughout the
training. I learned to carefully present my abilities, experiences, and accomplishments in the
workplace after realising that employers frequently utilise web profiles to evaluate applicants. This
finding demonstrated how the job search process is impacted by the digital landscape.

The depth of interviewing techniques was another fascinating feature. The workshop covered more
ground than just standard counsel; it also covered behavioural interviews, answering frequently
asked interview questions, and crafting a compelling value proposition. This information has
improved my ability to successfully express my qualifications during interviews, in addition to giving
me more confidence before going in.
Everyday practices to Bring to WIL Experience

In my everyday life, I am working to hone my effectiveness in time management by organizing daily

routines effectively. I can bring this to WIL experience where I can ensure that tasks are prioritized,
deadlines are met and project progress seamlessly, benefiting both myself and colleagues. I bring
from my everyday life strong communication skills, flexibility in the face of change. My ability to take
initiative, pay attention to details, and negotiate shifting circumstances will help create a productive
and dynamic work atmosphere that will foster success in group projects and tasks.

Areas of Improvement

Among the things I'd like to work on is my public speaking abilities. Although I can articulate my
thoughts clearly in writing, speaking still presents a barrier for me. Improving this ability is essential
for establishing confidence in meetings and presentations and for efficient communication in work
environments.

Job Search and Networking

Important learning moments during the course

Understanding the power of networking stands at top in the learning moments of this course.
Understanding how connections can influence project management career opportunities and
professional growth opened my eyes to the practical aspects of building and maintaining professional
relationships.

The need to align my skills and experience with the requirements of each role was a huge realization.
I was shocked to know how many candidates don’t read the job description before applying. This
realization highlighted the need to align my skills and experiences with the requirements of each
role, significantly increasing the effectiveness of my job applications.

Evaluating my job search and networking skills

I have made progress in understanding the importance of networking and tailoring application
materials. I still have long way to go as I recognize the need for continuously improvement. I need to
enhance in specific areas such as expanding my professional network and refining my online
presence.

To become more successful in my job search and networking, I plan to proactively expand my
professional network by connecting with professionals on LinkedIn and joining a chapter on PMI.
Seeking mentorship, attending workshops, and staying informed about industry trends will further
enhance my job search strategy. I am committed to a proactive and strategic approach to maximize
my success in securing meaningful opportunities.

Professional conduct and presentation

Habits I learned that I want to keep going:

Continuous learning: I plan to continue scheduling time for learning activities, reading, workshops, or
courses, since this practise improves my professional competency and flexibility.

Proactive communication: I wish to keep up this practise to make sure that team members are
informed and that any possible problems are dealt with quickly. This will help foster effective
collaboration.
Effective time management: I want to keep setting priorities and managing my time wisely since it
improves my behaviour in a professional manner and guarantees that high-quality work is completed
on time.

Aligning actions with values:

I make a conscious effort to match my behaviour to my principles, especially when it comes to

honesty. One of my main values is honesty, and I constantly work to live up to my words and deeds.
This calls for openness, dependability, and accountability in both personal and professional spheres.

Honesty with myself:

I am openly considering my actions and the consequences of my decisions. Honesty with oneself
involves acknowledging areas for improvement and being receptive to feedback. I am dedicated to
considering my acts with a positive perspective, even if I am aware that self-honesty is a continuous
effort.

Personal Growth opportunities for next year

CAPM Certification: this will broaden my knowledge and align with my values of
continuous learning. It also positions me to take on more complex projects and
responsibilities.
Network expansion: expanding my professional network is a targeted
opportunity. Continuous relationship-building and opens doors to potential
mentorship and career opportunities.

Collaboration/Teamwork

Things my classmates do that help me learn:

Active Participation in discussions: When classmates contribute to class discussions, share their
perspectives, and ask questions, it enhances overall learning experiences.

Collaboration: Actively engaging in problem solving group activities demonstrates their teamwork
that can be leveraged to overcome challenges, providing valuable insights.

Tips I want to give to myself:

Active listening and open communication: I use to avoid interactions in class, but I would like to
change that by sharing my viewpoints and learnings to the class.

Flexibility and adaptability: I would like to be adaptive to changing project requirements or team
dynamics. Embrace different working styles and be open to adjusting your approach as needed.

Career readiness

I recognise that, based on foundational coursework, I am moderately prepared. Using self-directed

learning, I intend to hone position-specific skills and look for further training to make sure this term
is successful. I will become more prepared overall by actively participating in industry networking,
improving my portfolio and resume, and doing practise interviews. In addition to setting goals for
myself and the WIL team, my objectives for the term are to establish clear expectations, create a
network of support, and provide guidance. An effective and satisfying WIL experience can be
achieved through this strategic approach that combines networking, skill development, and clear
communication.