Professional Development Week (PDW): Reflection Report

10/6/2024 - 14/6/2024 (Week 8)

Sasilvia Cheong Pei Hoong / 0345031 / Bachelors of Design in Creative Media

Professional Development Week (PDW)
Reflection Report

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Attended Webinars

Day 1 (10/6)

10:00-11:00am: "Financial Literacy for Fresh Graduate” by MAYBANK

14:00-15:00pm: Keynote: “Aspire to Inspire” by POS MALAYSIA
15:30-16:30pm: "The Art of Storytelling" by KAKISENI

Day 2 (11/6)
10:00-11:00am: "Maximize Your LinkedIn Presence" by BDO
17:00-18:00pm: "Exploring Furthering Studies: The Rhodes Scholarship Experience” by OXFORD UNIVERSITY

Day 3 (13/6)
11:30-12:30pm: "Digital Transformation and Solutions: The Importance of Making It Easy" by APLIKASI

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Reflection

Throughout the 6 hours that I have gone through for the Professional Development Week. I was immersed in an abundant amount of information that I believe will be instrumental in shaping my future career and academic pursuits. Each webinar offered deep insights into various topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subjects covered. The hosts were not only knowledgeable but also approachable and enthusiastic, creating an engaging learning environment. They were more than willing to answer all questions, which facilitated a richer and more interactive experience. I would like to share my experience with a few webinars that I personally found very interesting.

Starting off with BDO's talk about "Maximize Your LinkedIn Presence". I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of actively managing and updating our LinkedIn profiles. The webinar emphasized that a well-maintained profile not only increases our visibility but also enhances our chances of receiving valuable recommendations from colleagues and industry professionals. This can also significantly bolster our credibility and attract potential employers and collaborators. Additionally, the session highlighted the crucial role of building strong, meaningful networks on LinkedIn. By connecting with peers, mentors, and thought leaders, we can access a wealth of opportunities, stay updated with industry trends, and foster professional relationships that could be beneficial for career growth. The talk underscored the idea that LinkedIn is not just a platform for job searching but a powerful tool for personal branding and professional development. This knowledge has inspired me to take a more proactive approach in managing my online presence and leveraging LinkedIn as a strategic resource for career advancement.

Moving on to the session "Exploring Further Studies: The Rhodes Scholarship Experience" by Oxford University, we were greeted by three hosts, Renee, Qi Khoo, and Mathilde, who expertly guided us through the talk. They shared detailed insights into their personal journeys, including experiences of receiving the Rhodes Scholarship and working in the UK. The discussion was incredibly informative, covering various aspects of the Rhodes Scholarship, such as its benefits, unique features, and eligibility criteria. They provided a comprehensive overview of what the scholarship entails, including the types of expenses it covers and the unique opportunities it offers to scholars. Additionally, the hosts gave us a list of eligible countries for the scholarship and a detailed rundown of the necessary personal information and documentation required for the application process. Mathilde also shared several useful links for further information on the scholarship. Overall, the talk was highly enlightening and has significantly piqued my interest in the Rhodes Scholarship, making me eager to explore this opportunity further.

In conclusion, Professional Development Week was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights and knowledge, crucial for my future career and academic endeavors. The webinars, particularly those on maximizing LinkedIn presence and exploring the Rhodes Scholarship, offered practical advice and detailed guidance on navigating professional and academic paths. The engaging hosts and their willingness to address all our queries made the sessions even more informative and interactive. I am leaving this week feeling inspired and equipped with new strategies and information that I am eager to apply. The experience has motivated me to actively engage in opportunities for growth and development, both professionally and academically.