Category: COMM 299

COMM 299/Business Communications

This class has been helped me identify my strengths, and also careers in which my strengths would be best applied, and how to go about finding opportunities in those fields. After the lesson on the hidden/invent-a-job market, I realized that I don’t really want a typical office job. Since then, I have been exploring other possibilities for this summer. I have also been reflecting on which option to take at the end of second year, and this class has shown me that my path of studies, and career path nonetheless, is actually quite flexible and that if I take the time to explore my options and utilize the opportunities made available, I don’t need to be concerned at this point. It was also interesting to learn that employers are looking for Sauder students as much or more than we are looking for employment. Knowing that there are many job opportunities out there and that our skills as students are desired, I feel more confident about the job application process. The greatest lesson that this course has taught me about myself is that no matter what job I pick or how I choose to spend my time, my career needs to be aligned with my own goals and not others’ expectations real or perceived.

It is very difficult to pinpoint one great lesson learned from someone else. I believe that each person in your life teaches you something, and it is up to you to learn from them and apply the lesson to your life. However, this question must be answered in less abstract terms, so I would have to say that my grandparents have taught me a great lesson. Both sets of my grandparents immigrated to Canada from Ireland and Croatia respectively when my parents were very young in search of opportunity. They came here with little money, no relatives, many children to support, and no job prospects. Each of my four grandparents worked tirelessly to provide for their families. My Irish grandmother had 4 children to look after, and my grandfather found work as an engineer at BC Hydro. My Croatian grandmother used her cooking skills and worked in many restaurants, including with Umberto Menghi, and took sewing jobs on the side. My grandfather, with only a grade 3 education, worked as a carpenter, and would walk long distances to and from work.  Their dedication and perseverance is truly inspiring. They have taught me about the importance of working hard, making the best of every situation, and now I approach every opportunity with an understanding of the sacrifices that my family has made for my brother and I.