Reflective Essay 1

A) IBM Interview Workshop

On the 19th of August, IBM sent their human resource manager, Miss Sia to provide a speech
on “How to prepare and excel in an interview”. I was excited for this workshop as I have
never experienced a job interview. This was a great opportunity as I could get myself prepare
for an interview after I graduate from Monash.
The term “interview” to my knowledge is questions that are being asked from a person to
another to judge if he or she is suitable for the job applied. This piece of reflective essay will
provide an explanation toward the industry engagement session that I have attended. Miss Sia
the speaker and HR manger from IBM start the session by briefly introducing us about her
company. IBM is an MNC that mainly focuses on the IT sector of the business. The company
provides services such as designing computer hardware, providing expertise on IT services
and providing software to facilitate smooth operation of business.
Miss Sia has shared her experience as a HR manager and the recruiting process of ways to
ace an interview. Firstly, she taught us the importance of doing research of the company and
industry that you have applied for. She mentioned that during the interview process there are
times the interviewer would test your understanding towards their company. Therefore, it is
important to understand the company position, its competitive advantages as compare to their
competitor. Hence, she advised us to focus on a few industries instead of randomly applying
for jobs. Secondly, she shared the importance of how you should behave and dress during an
interview. As providing a good first impression open opportunity toward the door. Ideally,
she mentioned that woman should dress professionally not to colourful or revealing clothes,
as for guys suit would strongly encourage, by dressing appropriately it show the interviewer
that you respect them. During the interview process to maintain good eye contact, posture and
speak clearly. Thirdly she mentions that is also important to ask intelligent question as it
show your knowledge of the company and demonstrate your serious intent. However, she
mentions the importance of not asking inappropriate question area concerning gender, race,
religions, sexual orientation. Salary could be a sensitive topic and therefore should be handle
wisely. Everyone knows that salary play an important factor when come to looking for an
ideal job. Therefore, it is normal for every individual hope to be compensated fairly for the
job they applied for. Miss Sia mentioned that it is important to broach the salary conversation
to your employer at the right stage of the interview. She mentions that during the first
interview it is important to display suitability for the job you are applying for, once your
employer is interested and regard you as a serious prospect to fill up the position, that will be
the ideal time to discuss your salary. During the discussion of the salary it is important not to
portray an image that money is your sole motivator for the job application. Ideally during
negotiation provide a salary range by doing this it gives a room for negotiation. Miss Sia also
stressed on the important of not to mislead or provide false information about your current
compensation.
 B) Maybank simulated trading game
The next workshop was conducted by Maybank, which was about simulated trading game
which lasted for around 2 hours. Right at the start we were asked to get in a group of 5 to 8
people. Everyone was excited for the games at the same time I was feeling nervous as I was
never good in my social skill. The simulated trading game was to collaborate with other team
by trading raw material to complete set of “blocks”. Every member of the team was required
to participate, there were a total of 10 rounds. It was challenging right at the start, but
fortunately I managed to trade the resource we needed, it boosted my confidence a little, but I
believed I could have done better. My group mate was supportive. During the trading session,
the host also required us to complete a 100-word report in 10 mins, the purpose was to test
our ability during unforeseen circumstances which often reflect how the real-world trading
would be. The host also provided us a bonus round to increase our chances of completing the
block however there was a catch we would all need to take a group photo and post it on the
Instagram. Personally, I felt that the bonus round was just to use the student to help market
Maybank to our friends. On the other hand, I felt that it would be unfair for student who does
not have Instagram as they will not be able to meet to the condition thus not having the bonus
resource to complete the “blocks”. During the game, I was surprise that there was no
invigilator or referee to check on our trading blocks and resource. When the trading session
end the host than told us one of the objectives of the game is also to test our personal value
such as integrity, which is very important in the banking sector, as the member of public has
great trust Maybank and therefore putting their assets with the banks. Even though right at the
end of the game my group did not came out to be the winner, however I felt that everyone
was a winner as there was many important lessons, we have learned from the trading session.
Maybank has also emphasised that besides having good academic there are many other
qualities that firm are looking for in their potential employee such as interpersonal,
leadership, integrity, teamwork. Social skill which can be know also as interpersonal skill are
important as banker you are required to maintain good relationship with your client and
communication skill is the key.
In conclusion, I have learned to incorporate my transferable skills such as adaptability,
communication and problem-solving skills gained. For the interviewing tips, I learned that I
should do background research for job interviews and polish my interviewing language. I also
learned to be more respectful to the interviewing process by having a thorough understanding
on jobs applied. Through this reflection, I learned to step out from my comfort zone and place
myself in employers’ perspective when hiring the employee. This reflection has changed my
way of thinking by shifting my perception as an employee to an employer and help me to
rectify my mistakes.
(1200 words)