#4
The first three professional development series have been great help in terms of preparing me for college and job searches. In the first professional development, people had many questions relating to work answered. In the second professional development, we did the strengths test to see what strengths we had and how everyone’s strengths differed. In the third professional development, we were taught how to write resumes and cover letters in terms of what words to use and how we can make it stand out from the rest. These three PDs connected because it was a “look” into the real world; the way we are suppose to act, how we are suppose to work with others, and what we can expect past high school.
When I first had my interview with SYCEP, I was very nervous. I did not know what to say or do but I wanted to well because I wanted the job. When I walked in, I met Jonathan and it was very intimidating because Kenneth told me he asked weird questions so I did not know what to expect. The interview was terrible because I did not have any confidence and was very soft spoken, however, the PDs helped me become more confident in speaking. Whenever we broke into our small groups, Jessica A would tell us to speak louder and replied to our statements with questions to elaborate more in detail which is very helpful because it keeps the conversation going as well as informs us to not answer with short responses. This would help me in college interviews because I would know that in order for the admissions team to select me, I need speak with confidence and make sure that my answers are in detail. Also, I can now brag about my strengths because we took the strengthsquest.
The recent PD was also very helpful because I learned how to write a cover letter (I was taught how to write resumes before) and that my private accounts on social media are not really private. It was interesting to know that the cover letter could either make it or break it for my application to a college or job so I now know that I need to perfect it in order to make me stand out. Also, when I found out that my keystrokes, comments, pictures, posts, and everything that I do online are easily accessible to colleges and companies, it made me more cautious as to what I do on the internet because I do not want my social media to be the reason why I did not get the acceptance letter for a college and job. Even if I deleted something, they can still look it up so there is no point for me to do so. I became a bit paranoid when I sign onto my laptop because I now know that there are people watching my every move.
In all, the PDs have been very helpful and it taught me a lot of things. I hope that in the future PDs, I learn more and that it will help me become more outspoken.
