Category: Comm 299

My attitude towards Comm 299 was both positive and negative. Many of the lessons taught in the class were useful, but others felt like filler. I think that in general this course really tries to equip Sauder students how to act in and pursue a career in the business world.  It helped me to see my potential and how I can use my passion to define myself in the business world.  If I had to give it a rating out of 10 it would be a 7. This rating isn’t solely based on the instruction of the lectures or tutorials but that essentially a lot of Comm 299 is dry, but useful.

I think of Comm 299 as the ultimate business student beginner’s handbook. You start with the basics but also the dirty work of the course. I found that the gutting and reconstructing of my cover letter and resume was a HUGE benefit. I got an interview and eventually a job with my paper portfolio. Also being able to practice an interview was a bonus. I myself had never had a proper interview and considering I’ll probably be doing multiple interviews over the next few years, it was key.  After the interview section I this course I feel confident and actually enjoy doing interviews!

After cover letters my interest in the course drop, until the information interview lecture. I’d thought of contacting people in businesses and positions of my interest but never knew how to go about it. Even though we are students, that doesn’t mean that our communication with businesses is limited; it’s just a matter of how you approach the situation.  Now with school coming to a close I am going to comply a list and make a few phone calls.

My TA for Comm 299 is what really made this course worthwhile for me. She was so enthusiastic and energized all the time, as well as really cared about her students. I had this feeling, that if she could she would write a handbook with all her personal experiences and advice to help us on our paths through Sauder and transition into the world of business. I really hope that I can be as successful as she has been in her years at Sauder.  I know that if I need anything in the future she’ll be there.

I’m really glad I got a chance to sit on the peer advising council for this course. Being able to express what others and I felt about the course will only foster the success of this course. Overall I have mixed feelings about this class, but deep down I’m glad I took it. I think if I hadn’t I would be treading water, not really knowing what to do. I’ve been equipped and coached. Now it’s time for me to get out there and get some victories under my belt.

Today, most of society uses text messages and e-mails to share and exchange information.  We have abandon vocal communication.  When was the last time you picked up the phone to call a friend?  You probably text your friends and family more then you spend time on a telephone or in a face-to-face conversation.  This is even becoming the trend in some businesses these days.  The gap in communication causes for much confusion.  Tones are not heard and mixed messages are sent.

The greatest lesson learned from someone else was from my dad.  Working in the port industry, my dad converses with multiple people daily locally and globally.  Yes, he writes e-mails but those are always followed up with a phone call.  I remember after an incident at his workplace one day, when an angry e-mail was sent and then distributed throughout the office.  Due to a miscommunication via e-mail, someone at his work had become upset and instead of picking up the phone and diffusing the confusion, wrote an enraged e-mail.  He came home that day and told me never ever try to solve things by written word.  To always pick up the phone and talk to someone.

From then on he has instilled in me that verbal communication is power.  Over the years I have tried to employ his words of wisdom, but when others begin to rely on written communication, a friction arises.  Although there is temptation to responding to a spiteful text message or e-mail in the heat of the moment, it is always better to pick up the phone.  Communication is crucial not only in business, but also with friends and family, as I have learnt over the years.