Some soft skills I have been learning throughout this program have been time management and professionalism. Throughout the day, I have many responsibilities to take care of when it comes to making it to my classes and making it on time to my internship. Improving my time management skills has been absolutely crucial for me because they have enabled me to be on time for my obligations without stress. I’ve had to spend more time looking at my calendar, figuring out how long it will take me to get from point A to point B. It’s presented itself as a challenge, but certainly one that I have overcome. As far as professionalism goes, I think I have been able to display my abilities in acknowledging other colleague’s duties and deadlines so that I can get tasks done accordingly.
As far as technical ability goes, which I have gained through my program, I have learned hard skills in Excel while searching for suppliers for a project. Additionally, I have gained experience working with business applications/software in Nutritics and NetSuite.
Personally, I find I am navigating cross-cultural situations fairly well, but I feel that I could improve. At the moment, the only individuals whom I encounter on a regular basis who are from another cultural background are my supervisors who work remotely in the Philippines. Additionally, yesterday I walked into a Middle Eastern supermarket with the objective of picking up some goodies I was missing back from the international grocery stores back in Pittsburgh. I walked through the aisles, which were filled with spices, olive oil, pita bread, and dates. I really enjoyed being in the supermarket because it felt as though I had actually gone to the Middle East; many individuals there wore Islamic garments and spoke Arabic and other languages. I feel that when I’m in this environment, it’s important for me to recognize and develop an understanding of the values of these people, so that I can thoroughly appreciate them, and perhaps develop friendships with them.
While on the program, I’ve met a good friend who has certainly made an impact on my life and my overall experience in Sydney. She has made me more aware of the difficulties some individuals face simply existing, i.e., the Aboriginals who have faced significant marginalization and racism living on their own land with the arrival of Europeans. Overall, I have become more acutely aware of the plight of the Aboriginal peoples, which has made me significantly more empathetic as a person. Before, I never really considered marginalization or racism to be a significant problem, likely because I had never experienced it first-hand. But after meeting my good friend, she has transformed my outlook on the experience for these colonized peoples, and other peoples who face similar issues, i.e., native Americans.