Now that I have graduated from NUS, I

Now that I have graduated from NUS, I look back and believe that ES2007 is among the most useful modules I have taken. The focus on soft skills is definitely something that distinguishes the module from others that I have taken. When I enrolled, I expected to improve my presentation and writing skills over the course of the module. Now that I have finished, I can say that my expectations were generally met.

The bi-weekly writing assignments in the form of blogging kept me on my toes and instilled made sure that I do not lose touch with writing. However, these were often not as structured as the reports that I churn out for my scientific modules. While I usually tried to maintain some semblance of organisation in my writing, I regret to say that I do not explicitly plan what I intend to write for blogs as compared to my reports. In this regard, I felt that I let myself down in attempting to improve my writing.

Despite this, my other aim of trying to improve my presentation skills was achieved. The course was delivered in such a way that participants were constantly probed with questions to encourage class participation. I was glad that I am able to contribute to discussions and through this I felt I became more confident in speaking out in a group discussion, especially in situations when my opinion was not sought openly. Communication was the keystone of the module,  I was exposed to different aspects of it and made more aware of how I speak and carry myself when conversing with others. Non verbal cues and fillers in my sentences are now things which I will take note of when people talk to me.

Even though I did not fulfil all my initial goals for the module, I must say I did not regret taking it in my final semester and strongly believe that what I take away, especially communication skills, will be vastly applicable to my future endeavours.