Alecia Harmse @aleciaharmse-blog - Tumblr Blog

Elevator Pitch - Recorded Submission

Here is the link to my recorded submission.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11VmuLxlb9rEx22gDXr5W_s9C0SiVRMz7

Prescribed Reading: "Start with Why"

This chapter focuses on the Golden Circle relating to leadership and business. It’s really interesting how it’s defined - a structure of thought that discloses what, why and how a certain person is able to be influential. These people know that they’ve made a difference and how they’ve done it. Many people lack this skill.

The Golden Circle diagram consists of three circles. The first circle represents the what, the second represents the how and the third represents the why.

“Companies try to sell us what they do, but we buy what they do.” According to the author, it’s important for a company to start with the why. This creates a sense of loyalty, and communicates to the customer what the company is all about. Secondly, the why is the most important.

This reading was quite interesting and insightful, and I think there are definitely some helpful tools I could use in my future.

“In all cases, going back to the original purpose, cause or belief will help these industries adapt. Instead of asking ‘WHAT should we do to compete?’ the question must be asked, “WHY did we start doing WHAT we’re doing in the first place, and WHAT can we do to bring our cause to life considering all the technologies and market opportunities available today?”

#BS300

TASK 6: WHY?

I’m a creative soul, with limited ways of knowing how to express myself. Art is a way I know doing. I struggle with words and expressing myself verbally, but when I make art, it speaks without words. I would like to have my own company, and be my own boss. But I definitely can’t do that alone. I’d like to start small and work myself up. If other opportunities present themselves, I’ll take it as it comes.

#BS300

Prescribed Reading: Sample Independent Practitioners Contract

I had to go over the contract a couple of times to actually grasp what’s going on. I think it’s really complicated and I’ll definitely need some help in the future to make sure I know what I’m signing.

#BS300

TASK 5: To Intern or not to Intern

In a short reflection consider the viability of pursuing a career as an intern or independent practitioner.

I’d like to start my journey as an intern so that I can grope what the industry is about before delving into it too fast. I’m a fast learner, and I want to impress whoever I’m going to be interning for. I’ll make sure that I like what the business or brand is about.

What are the pros/cons.

A few pros of interning is that I’ll gain valuable work experience, develop new and necessary skills, network with professionals, I’ll be exploring my career path and it could potentially transition into a permanent position. There are cons to being an intern as well - I’m not going to get paid much, if at all, I could get colleagues that take advantage of interns, I could get labeled and the hours aren’t fixed.

What would you need to have in place in order to become independent?

I have an apartment in Cape Town where I could continue staying. I could find different ways and opportunities to make money - freelancing etc. I could start waitering again over weekends. I know my parents will support me until I am capable of being independent.

How would this way of working relate to your personality and lifestyle?

My lifestyle would have to drastically change as I currently don’t have a routine. Waking up early every morning, and dressing accordingly, etc. My social situation would have to change as well as I’d have to spend less time going out or spending time with my friends.

Why would you freelance? Why not?

I’d freelance for the exposure and the extra money. I don’t have a reason not to freelance.

When would you work as an independent practitioner? When not?

I would work as an independent practitioner when I’m sure what I’d like to do. I’m still not sure in the exact direction I’d like to go into once I graduate just yet, as I still have some time to figure that out. I’d also like to refine my skills by interning first and then delving into the industry I know already.

#BS300

Prescribed Reading: Build a Network - Even When You Don’t Think You Need One

If you’ve never enjoyed networking because of lone wolf tendencies: here are 4 strategies to change your mind to make it something you actually enjoy.

1. Understand what networking is - and isn’t.

When you change your mindset and perceive it as making long-term friends, it becomes more appealing.

2. Identify people you truly respect.

Write down a list of people you’d like to connect with. These are people who can illuminate possibilities for you. The payoff is meeting new people - not fending off the grasping hordes.

3. Recognise how a lack of networking may be holding you back.

Take a short self-assessment to understand where your strengths lie, as well as areas you could focus on.

4. Identify your vehicle for networking.

Host network dinners. Invite colleagues for coffee. Connect with prominent people by interviewing them for your own blog or podcast. If you share a commodity, you can suggest a call as colleagues.

#BS300

Task 4: Job Hunting

UI/UX Designer - UCOOK

https://www.indeed.co.za/viewjob?jk=5804fbe1a8f6a5a3&q=Ux+Designer&l=Cape+Town%2C+Western+Cape&tk=1e6ri7uge14j2000&from=web&vjs=3

What about this position appeals to you?

One part that really caught my fancy is that the way they describe themselves: driven, enthusiastic and looking to disrupt the norm wherever they can. I like that the hours would be flexible as well.

What about this positions intimidates you?

The mention that they’re a close knit team, and it’s intimidating to walk into a new workplace as a complete newbie. It’s terrifying not knowing if you’ll fit in, and if they’ll like you.

What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

I know everything I need to know.

How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

It’s a really good starting point, and the opportunities within the business are good. I feel like I could learn a lot from this position and that it’d be an excellent foundation.

Junior Web and Graphic Designer - Property24

https://www.careers24.com/jobs/adverts/1662853-junior-web-and-graphic-designer-6-month-contract-south-africa/?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

What about this position appeals to you?

I feel like this would be an excellent entry-level job, to give me insight on what the industry is like. I can familiarise myself with the industry. Property24 is also a well known company, therefor it would benefit me to get a good reference.

What about this positions intimidates you?

It is a big company, so I’d be going into he big leagues immediately.

What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

If my level of experience would be enough to fulfil their wishes.

How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

It’s a good option to familiarise myself with the industry.

UI designer (Junior / Intern) - FUSEBOX

https://www.indeed.co.za/viewjob?jk=6e40a434a15037b2&q=Junior+Illustrator&tk=1e6s63r2f14j2000&from=web&vjs=3

What about this position appeals to you?

This is also a big brand, and they’re offering an opportunity to learn how to work with the big brands.

What about this positions intimidates you?

As an intern I’ll have to perform very well to impress them.

What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

I would apply right now.

How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

This would give me the opportunity to impress some big brands, which would benefit me.

#BS300

Prescribed Reading: How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul

Three essential attributes any modern graphic designer needs: cultural awareness, communication skills and integrity. Practical skills are obviously important as well. No amount of reading or instruction will enable us to lay out a page of text as effectively as the lessons we learn from physically doing it.

Time management

It is an illusion to imagine that we never have enough time. What we really mean when we say that we don’t have enough time is that we have a problem managing our time. The waiting and the searching is one of the main reasons designers find it difficult to manage their time. We should build allowances for setbacks into our thinking and planning. It will make deadlines slightly easier to deal with, and help reduce anxiety.

Research

Supporting ‘in specific ways the (practical, active) process of design whose product is an artefact. It is research that leads to a design outcome and support for an art practice. Design in its purest sense is research mixed with imagination. Individually both are very important, and at best when combined.

Strategy

To many clients, the strategy that supports the design is more important that the design itself. If we want to communicate with our clients, we have to be strategists too. Making and strategic positioning should go hand in hand.

Writing skills

Write with precision, brevity. Do not hold back, write without uncertainty. The ability to handle text is a priceless attribute. Practice writing and read, it keeps you smart and desirable. Always write in plain English and avoid jargon.

After completing the piece of writing, change the font etc. so that everything looks different, and re-read the piece.

Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.

It’s important to allow time to pass before declaring a text finished.

#BS300

Prescribed Reading: Maximise your Potential

What kind of skills should people be cultivating?

It will make you valuable to any employer if you have the ability to cultivate new skills. Being open to new areas of learning and new areas of growth will give you the most options moving forward.

The guiding principle is your own passion and your own search for meaning.

How do we prepare for a future filled with uncertainty?

Look beyond the job title, and focus on your own mission.

Explore new technologies with enthusiasm.

Make a habit of helping people whenever you can.

Be proactive about taking on additional responsibilities and put chin g new projects.

Cultivate your “luck quotient” by staying open and alert.

Always be asking “What’s next?”

#BS300

TASK 3: Internship Plan

I’ve decided that I’d like to do my internship at The Jupiter Drawing Room.

I’ll be doing my internship in the last 6 months of 2020, if circumstances allow it. Otherwise, I’ll do it in 2021.

A while ago I met a woman called Michelle, she works at The Jupiter Drawing Room. She invited me to intern or job-shadow there whenever needed. I’ve done research on this company, and creatively it’s very successful.

I need to familiarise myself with how it is in the creative corporate world.

#BS300

TASK 1: Personal Goal Setting

#BS300

Task 2: A Practice of Openness

I will expose myself to situations where opportunities could potentially cross my path. I will update and organise my portfolio monthly. I will try and work on a single skill set per week to enhance my skill level. I will do my best to put procrastination behind me and do what I need to do and to get it done.

These aren’t changes that would be difficult to make, but the changes would be massive. I have free time, and I usually waste it, so by making these changes I’ll be utilising that time so much more efficiently.

I used my free day, Friday, to practice some Openness. I found that when people seem interested in your work, it motivates you to create more. It’s not only satisfying, but also really insightful. Constructive criticism can really go a long way when it is carried over correctly. It helped me see what my future could be like if I tried.

#bs300

Prescribed Reading: Overthrowing the Tyranny of the Ideal

Isaac Lidsky wanted to form a nonprofit at curing blindness. He is a kind and humble character and graduated from Harvard. He then published a book on how to deal with your internal critic

“the tyranny of the ideal” Your inner critic is in an ongoing battle with ones ideals of how life should be. Perfect ideal can be attained in theory but the critic knows reality isn’t perfect.

Fear lurks behind the critic because of the fear of the unknown. Perfection is deceiving, no progress or motion in perfection. For a strong minded man “ best” is a fallacy. A strong man is obsessed with attaining constant momentum.

Failure breeds knowledge. Progression is a slow journey. Knowledge is the way of overcoming fear. A strong man leads by example. He inspires instead of offering advice.

A strong man knows the difference between ones fears, inner critic and ideals and the constant battle these cause in ones mental psyche.

#bs300

TASK 5: Transactional Communication

#bs220

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Alecia Harmse