Reflection on C.V.

part of MP #1
For this reflection, I will be using the What? So what? Now what? model.
What?
The first time I actually settled down and began the process of building my C.V. was when a
professor of Mechanical Engineering asked me for it. I had requested a recommendation letter
from him to support my scholarship application at HBKU. That was the time I created my shi**y
first draft (SFD). For that purpose, I contacted my friend at CMU-Q who was already done with a
course called: Business Communication. He explained to me how a good C.V. could look like
in terms of structure (eg, information order of importance, avoiding gaps, bullet point format,
mistake-proof grammar, avoiding repetition)
So What?
To me, my BA (business administration) major friend was a subject matter expert (SME). His tips
and experience motivated me to spend three good hours on creating my first good looking C.V.
draft. If we look into it, the C.V. is of great significance to me at this time. I am talking here about
a junior Mechanical engineering undergraduate who is seeking an internship at a prestigious
company. I am talking about a future engineer who has set goals to earn the dream job and start a
motivating career.
All this has pushed me to scan for the skills I lacked that are key to achieving these goals. Hence,
I went out there and looked for research opportunities with my professors in areas I like. This was
challenging as I had to have the academic qualifications at first and the charisma to prove that I
am a team player fit for the position. My efforts in improving these areas in myself awarded me
with these opportunities that are professionally placed on my C.V I am submitting for this project.
At the current moment, I am enrolled in ENGL210 technical writing and communication course.
I expect that this course is going to work on taking my C.V. to the next level. For this purpose, I
believe participation in peer-response workshops successfully made me enhance my document
based on the valuable constructive criticism I got from my classmates.
Now what?
MP#1 is not just about creating the C.V. that will get me the interview to my dream job. It is about
gaining the skill of representing yourself successfully and adapting your qualifications smartly
specific for the multiple sought opportunities. Not to mention, hosting Professor McGinnis (SME)
rotated my traditional mindset on the job market. His lecture I believe gave me heads up on what
to expect in my future career. This thus has motivated me to best use what I learnt to strengthen
my career path as an engineer.
One thing I would like to emphasize on is the know your own resume tip the SME proposed.
The next time I am seeking future opportunities, I will make sure to have a good brief story
prepared for each bullet point present on my C.V. By then, I can ensure that I will succeed in my
interview and achieve my set goals.

For a grand finish, I would like to express that MP#1 is a learning experience rather than just an
assignment. In fact, it works on building an environment rich with teamwork skills between
prospective engineers. It works on stimulating us to analyze the changes to be done in our projects
till we reach excellence. All these are traits every successful engineer must have.

Reflection on letter of application part of MP #1

For this reflection, I will be using the ORID model.
Objective
It first started when I received an email about an internship posting for Schlumberger at the
HireQatar portal. I went online and launched my application after I got some clarifications about
the process from the office of Academic Services at TAMUQ.
I had already gained knowledge from my engineering seminar course (MEEN 381) about the
power of cover letters, so I got motivated to write one for this position. I looked on some templates
and fit my experience that has potential to drag Schlumbergers interest in the letter of application.
Weeks later, I got an email about an interview.
Reflective
Going to the second round meant that I successfully passed the 60 seconds spent by the person
responsible for reading my C.V. and dragged his interest. I guess that the letter of application
increased my changes, though it was NOT required. Reaching this stage made me very excited and
confidence especially as this is the first time I apply for an internship position. However, all this
was of less significance when I actually dressed up and walked to the interview room. I was very
well prepared and had high expectations, however the questions directed at me were basic and a
bit far from technical. I felt disappointed until the point when I got a phone call from the HR
representative saying that I got the position in the division of Artificial Lift.
Interpretive
Looking back at all this experience, I discovered that the tackle for a positon you want is not easy.
A letter of application is your best expression of your qualifications that are of interest to the
company being sought. I was sure that I should take care writing it as it was my only shot to express
myself broadly before an interview.
I want to mention something I learnt from an SME that I should focus on the companys role and
how effectively can the position seeker benefit it. Another good tip I learnt is to avoid stating the
letter with an I for the purpose of professionalism.
As for what I am going to submit for MP#1, I believe I can hit a more advanced level using the
experience to be earned from my professor and the very useful handout entitled Communication
Audit. In addition to the peer-response constructive criticism workshops definitely push me to
change. All these will enhance and strengthen my skill in writing cover letter for different future
opportunities I am going to pursue in the future as a Mechanical engineer.
Decisional
This learning experience in ENGL210 class greatly improved my understanding and knowledge
capacitance in writing letter of application. The next time I write on I will create a set of decision
on the best structures, writing styles and arguments to use.