Intellectual Communication, Networking and Career Management - Coursework Example

Reflective journal Student’s name Grade course University name Professor’s name 15th June, 2011 The purpose of this paper is to make a reflection on my critical understanding of the presentations made in the course of my study. The reflection will aim to engage me with the outside world and therefore prepare me in making critical decisions in life. As many authors acknowledge, high education is expected to create an intellectual autonomy on students in their academic discourse. The current knowledge that is provided in class is supposed to play a crucial role in preparing the future life of my career. Specifically, this paper will reflect on intellectual communication, networking and career management. In writing the journal, the paper will make focus on some of the presentations made by the guest industries. Since when I started my studies, I realized that intellectual communication is an important element in my career. Intellectual communication entails understanding what I learnt in class and putting it in a real life perspective (Wright 2007, p.6). The presentation made by Bob Dally of Port Adelaide Artists Forum Inc played an important role in helping to understand the process of intellectual communication. Being an art practitioner, Bob Daly has attained wide range of experience in his profession career. The experience he attained ranged from teaching to management and coordination of freelance arts projects. From this view, I realized that intellectual communication entails applying what is learnt in class in both theoretical and practical approach. I learnt that if Bob Duly could be able to teach, it implied that he understood the theories and concepts of arts and artwork that were taught in class. As such, he could be able to convey that knowledge to other students who came after him (Weaver et al 2006, p.19). I thus made a declaration that I needed to make emphasis in conceptualizing the class work so that I could be in a position to teach other people who wished to pursue my area of profession. Another thing I discovered from Bob Daly presentation was the application of knowledge learnt in class on the ground. Intellectual communication requires what has been attained in class can be interpreted and put onto the ground (Donald 2006, p.51). In other words, this is converting knowledge into a practical case. Bob Daly presentation indicated that he had been an experience practitioner in the management and coordination of freelance arts projects. In order to achieve this, I realized that it was wise to be in a position to convert the classroom knowledge into real world knowledge. It is in no doubt that one is supposed to attain professional knowledge so as to be a successful manager or coordinator. In addition to this, I learnt that the professional knowledge attained should be converted into real life knowledge so as to become successful in ones career. The benefits of developing intellectual communication skills cannot be forgotten. Bob Daly’s presentation was evident with respect to how his work has led him to travel and interact with various cultures within and out of Australia. I discovered that with good intellectual communication skills, one gains recognition since his or her work is distinct. This is the reason why Bob Daly has been a common name in the southern Australia region where art work is fully recognized due to growth in tourism in the region. In addition to local fame, Bob has been able to cross the borders of Australia and meet several communities that engage in art works. I acknowledged the fact that Bob would not have travelled that far if his work was not of high quality. As a result, I declared to aim on specialization in my career so that my work in future will be of high standards. Quality and professionalism are some of the core values that are not in class. These values are attained through realizing that the community would prefer quality services and products. Therefore, through specialization I discovered that my mind should focus on what I am studying in school so that I can grow to be a successful professional in my area of study. Intellectual communication can be achieved through developing passion in ones professional career (Forsyth 2006, p.31). The desire and wish to be successful in what one is doing builds passion which in turn help one to a renowned figure in a specific field. In his presentation, Bob stressed the passion he has on art and how the passion has raised him in the community. Bob has been in various art boards including Port Adelaide Artists Forum Inc and Community Arts Network due to his passion. I discovered that the community will always appreciate ones passion when selecting the representatives at different levels. It is the desire and the commitment to work that makes the society to recognize ones passion in a certain field. I thus made up my minds to dedicate high proportion of my time to my area of study so that my passion could grow. Managing ones career is vital in this changing world according to Michelle Wigg, an artist services manager of Adelaide Fringe. Career planning entails organizing one’s life career so that it can fit the dynamic work environment during the different life time season. One is supposed to understand whom he or she is, interest, skills and abilities, personal goals and aims. The work environment and the economy are changing with time which in turn affects one’s career. These were some of the things Learnt during UniSA Global Experience Industry Presentation. I was very keen while Michelle Wigg narrated her career life in her presentation. The presenter has had several previous jobs before joining Adelaide Fringe in 2008. Still, in Adelaide Fringe the presenter has held various positions in the course of her career. I discovered that one’s career should be growing if one is to be successful in life. Upon realizing person goals, one is supposed to put a lot of efforts to ensure that his or her career is growing (Morgan 2003, p.87). I must admit that Michelle’s presentation was very encouraging to my life since it set me a good example of what I am expected to do to ensure that my career is growing. Michelle has worked in several organizations since she was not selective on any job that was available. These different jobs provided her adequate experience in the respective work environments. The experience was very vital since it enabled her to even combine different jobs. For instance, in 2008 and 2009 while still at Adelaide Fringe, she was able to work as an event promoter for Edinburgh Fringe which is the largest art festival in the world. I could not afford to miss any item of presentation made by Michelle in the course of her presentation. Particularly, of interest were the hints of being successful in managing personal career. I learnt that I should not underestimate the job provided to me irrespective of the industry nature and the duration (Bohlander & Snell 2009 p.29). Michelle stressed on gaining skills in the respective job even if it is offered for a short while since one does not know when such skills shall be needed. Various skills are gained during the part time jobs such as data entry, market research and ushering during concerts. These skills would not be gained if one did not have an opportunity to work even for a short while (Levitt & Harwood 2009 p.45). I therefore learnt that I should aim at acquiring such skills which will one day come into use. All these ideas should be incorporated in a personal plan. The plan is aimed to map my route starting from where I came from followed to where I am and last to where I am going to (Yarnall 2007, p.56. Therefore the ideas I gain should always be put in paper and also into action. I realized that career is evolving and therefore I should always keep on deciding what I want to do in order to identify my current and future preferences (Greenhaus et al. 2009, p.34). Networking is another important factor that even Michelle Wigg acknowledges when one is building his or her career. Michelle advised that one should not underestimate the size of any potential employer and thus everyone should store the contacts. In addition to this, one is expected to contact the potential employers either by writing a note, an email or a phone call explaining more about him or herself. In such contacts, one is supposed to explain more about himself or herself and what the studies or job that he or she is pursuing (Harrington & Hall 2007, p.62). I realized that one needs to make him or herself a product of the market by explaining what he or she can do if an employment is provided. The biography of Greg Clarke was an example of person who had created a good network with most of the potential employers in his professional career. Since 2001, Greg has been working in the Australia film industry at different positions and in different companies. These are the fruits of networking according to Michelle Wigg. The presentation made by Michelle Wigg remains in my mind every time I think about my career. Michelle was for the position that education does not have an end even after the completion of the university study. There are always gaps that are left in studies that require additional knowledge in order to be filled. Such areas are those which require some technical expertise which may not be provided in schools (Darling 2003, p.72). In addition, there are skills that needed to be upgraded every time due to the dynamic work environment. Such skills are computer, project management and public skills. Therefore, Michelle advices that education should not be stagnant. Skills such as computer applications need to be upgraded always since the technology is advancing with time. The employers will focus on employees who address the rising problems within organizations (Noble 2008, p.61). As such, I learnt that the employee who has the right skills has a better position to work at any given position. Finally, Michelle advises that one should feel as a product of the market by being well dressed and having a good health. Reference List Bohlander, G. & Snell, S. 2009. Managing Human Resources. New York: Cengage Learning. Darling, D. 2003. The networking survival guide: get the success you want by tapping into the people you know. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. Donald, R. 2006. Successful Career Management: Strategies Beyond Technical Preparation. London: Robert Donald Publishers. Forsyth, P. 2006. Career Management. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Greenhaus, J. et al. 2009. Career Management. New York: Sage. Harrington, B. & Hall, D. 2007. Career management & work-life integration: using self- assessment to navigate contemporary careers. New York: SAGE. Levitt, J.G & Harwood, L. 2009. Your Career: How to Make It Happen. New York: Cengage Learning. Morgan, W. 2003. The career management process in a university administrative career: control, balance, and satisfaction. Massachusetts: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Noble, J. 2008. Networking in Australia. Sydney: Tribus Lingua. Weaver, D. et al. 2006. Communication and democracy: exploring the intellectual frontiers in agenda-setting theory. New York: Routledge. Wright, L. 2007. The breakdown of intellectual communication. London: Stanford University Press. Yarnall, J. 2007. Strategic Career Management: Developing Your Talent. London: Butterworth- Heinemann. Read More