Reflective Journal of Guest Lecture

Sharing session is a valuable opportunity for me to better develop future career path. After listening to different guest lectures, there are several aspects most inspiring me in the future planning.

First, Shino’s and Catherine’s sharing highlight the characteristics of the hospitality industry. Exposure to different cultures, diversified career opportunities and global presence and growth are all benefits in the serving industry. The following guests also reminded us of understanding yourself is the prerequisite to better plan my career path. Several guests mentioned the understanding of myself deeply, including strengths, weaknesses, interests, style and preference. Millions of people have no clue what they want. Unfortunately, several years are wasted to figure out what direction to take. Without understanding what we really want, we cannot build a successful and enjoyable career. Only the most suitable job can bring us happiness and success.

Later, Jerry and Kelly showed how university life helps in the career development. Jerry mentioned about the essays, internship, group projects, which all the opportunities for us to train ourselves. Because after a field trip or research, we got inspiration and more ideas with a subject, the process is most valuable in the future work. Kelley raised some hard skills such as computer, languages and knowledge, and soft skills such as teamwork, communications and attitudes that might help us in the future. She also believed that motivated and balance pressure are two difficult tasks always existing in our life. We should keep awake, positive and tough to fight for a specific goal. As Brian Tracy said, “people with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could never imagine”, we should always hold a dream and target to move on.

Finally, the most useful one is what I should have done in the final year to better prepare for my career. Kirsten suggested several ways for us to equip myself. For example, CV should contain contribution to that organization, quality of learning achieved, leadership roles and depth of involvement. Cover letter is mainly focusing on my responsibilities and achievements. To strengthen the points, examples and strong words can be used as supporting materials. To be more proactive in working and show the interest and willingness to rotate in different positions will bring opportunities for me. Regarding the interview, field visit is an effective approach to better understand the company culture and to show your efforts and interests in the job. When answering the questions, give opinion with supporting, explain for the challenge from interviewer and do not be afraid to change your opinion. Wynnie also gave us some interview tips. Do not show off, listen to others and do not dominate the group discussion. Always smile and perform approachable.

To conclude, I will look into myself, connect the dots and make use of everything I are and have learned in the prior years learning, view life from a higher, more enlightened perspective, fight for a clear and specific goal always and forever.