The past month has been quite the learning experience. I have developed many hard and soft skills throughout this program and have been able to build upon and develop the skills I already had. My persepectives have become more diversified which has lead to significant personal and professional development.
My time management skills have significantly improved, particularly in balancing various responsibilities such as class, homework, work, and travel. Initially, managing these commitments was challenging and I often felt burnt out. Early in the program, I struggled with with feeling exhausted at the end of the day after trying to allocate time for everything I needed and wanted to do. To address this, I began using Google Calendar to meticulously organize my schedule. Planning nearly every hour of my day has become essential for completing all my tasks. This has helped me meet all my responsibilities but also allows me to block out free time for relaxation and time to explore London. One crucial lesson I’ve learned about time management, especially in a program like this, is the importance of scheduling downtime. Allocating time for relaxation has helped reducing my burnout and enhance my productivity.
I have significantly enhanced my communication skills and have realized the the connection between effective communication and time management. My internship supervisor and professors have been very understanding of the challenges associated with studying and working abroad. Reaching out to them with any concerns or questions about balancing my responsibilities has been incredibly beneficial. Additionally, my professional communication skills have improved through my internship, where I have gained experience in writing emails, working within teams, and participating in work calls. Working for a company based in Germany has further developed my cross-cultural communication abilities. Navigating language and communication barriers has been a valuable learning experience, preparing me for a future in international work.
During my internship, I have acquired a variety of hard skills through the wide range of tasks I am assigned. I have achieved proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Teams, which was new to me. I have also gained expertise in WordPress through my work on developing and designing the company website, learning how to format and design web pages effectively and implement marketing strategies. I have become proficient at using Canva. My company has a Canva Pro account that I have been using to create marketing materials and presentations.
The hard and soft skills I have acquired through this experience will be immensely beneficial as I progress towards my personal, professional, and academic goals. These skills are broadly applicable across any profession or industry I choose to pursue in the future. They have also helped me become comfortable in a professional and international environment. This experience has prepared me well and has sparked my excitement for the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
