In Unit 2, we began the process of thinking-through and setting-up our formal reports. We also had the chance to learn about the benefits of setting up a good Linked-In profile and putting those learnings into practice. As we come to the end of Unit 2, here are some of my reflections regarding the latest pieces of work completed and lessons from each:
Lesson 2:1 – Research Proposal for a Formal Report: The research proposal gave us a chance to think through a problem or inefficiency in a work or community setting. In my current workplace (as with workplaces everywhere), employees have had to adjust to rapidly changing circumstances due to COVID-19. Measures placed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have often been envisioned as short-term solutions, but as the pandemic wears on, there are several policies that need revision to ensure the health and sustainability of the workforce. For my research proposal, I chose to examine the effects of our site’s return-to-work policy. In order to accommodate new public health orders, I have found that the policies have been overly stringent about the way individuals request office time in order to accomplish their tasks. This seemed like a feasible and actionable project for the formal report, and I enjoyed thinking through the process. My original research proposal for a formal report can be found here.
After submitting my research proposal, my teammate Evan revised the proposal and offered helpful revisions. I find the peer review process extremely valuable, as it often helps improve not only the product at hand but allows me to revise my writing practices more generally. At the same time, I had the opportunity to review Mitchell’s report proposal in regard to improving student life and engagement in his role as an executive of the UBC Residence Hall Association. I enjoyed the process of reviewing Mitchell’s proposal, which allowed me to learn more about my teammate and about issues affecting students on campus. Evan’s revision of my proposal can be found here, and my peer review of Mitchell’s proposal here.
Lesson 2:2 – Networking and Resume Building: After a short research exercise involving LinkedIn best practice, we were asked to put our learnings to use by building our own LinkedIn profile. While I have had a LinkedIn profile for many years, I have used it very rarely. I found the practice of building my LinkedIn profile for this assignment extremely helpful, as it allowed me to consolidate my experience and skills in one place, including more detailed aspects of my experience (specific skills and coursework) that I have generally left off my CV. My original memo regarding LinkedIn best practice can be found here, and my LinkedIn profile here.
Along with creating my own LinkedIn profile, I had the chance of reviewing my teammate Rodrigo’s profile. Reading through Rodrigo’s profile really showed me the potential of a good LinkedIn profile – I found his to be extremely interesting and professional and could definitely see how an employer would be keen to hire or reach out to someone with a profile like his!
Lesson 2:3 – Outlines and Progress Reports: Finally, we were tasked with detailing our progress for the formal report, including submission of survey questions and research plans. I thought this exercise was extremely useful, as the timeline for completing the formal report is relatively short. It also helped me think through possible barriers to completing the formal report, and plan ahead for any issues that may arise. Having a set timeline and detailed task list will undoubtedly help me ensure that things are accomplished in a timely fashion and that important tasks do not fall off my to-do list
Evan’s revision of my proposal can be found here.
My revised formal report proposal: 301 Amina Moustaqim-Barrette Revised Research Proposal for a Formal Report
Thanks and looking forward to the final unit!
Amina