COMM 305 Reflection Blog

For the past 16 weeks of the fall semester, I have been working on an ePortfolio project for my COMM 305 class. When I first read the information regarding it, I was extremely nervous because the work that needed to be completed for it seemed overwhelming. Every other week there was something that needed to be done for it and I thought it was going to be a major challenge for me. I also found out that I had to do one for my COMM 302, which made me even more nervous because I thought I had to end up doing two different ones. After emailing both of my professors, they explained everything to me in clear detail and I was able to understand exactly what I was supposed to do. I was not nervous anymore and I was ready to put together this portfolio to not only fulfill the class requirements, but also to put myself out there in a professional light.

The ePortfolio encouraged me to think objectively and critically about professional communication by having me stop and think about how I carry myself in my own work environment. The material that I was reading in my class was eye opening because I was not exhibiting a lot of the tips that were given in the book. The ePortfolio also encouraged me to see this project as a reflection of who I am. If I do not carry myself as the constant professional, there was no way I could say that I am when it is not true at all. As I read and learned new material, I slowly started to apply these tips so I can talk about my experiences in my ePortfolio.

After completing my COMM 305 ePortfolio, I can say that I have improved my professional presence in my work environment. My listening skills have gotten better because originally I would not listen to what people would tell me if it is not important. Every time I would do this, it came back to me when I needed help or I did not understand what was being told to me. I now listen to everything regardless of how important it is because everything being told you is important in its own way. My eye contact has improved as well and I learned how to control my anxiety when I start to feel it coming. I get nervous real easily and I never knew exactly on how to handle it. Practicing and exercising the techniques have really helped me and I am feel more confident in myself in anything that I have to do now.

What I liked most about the ePortfolio is that it is a great way to put yourself out there for potential employers, schools, internships, or whatever it may be that you want to be a part of. I think it was a great way for people learn more in depth information about yourself and what you can bring to their establishment. This portfolio is a reflection of who you are and I love how it gives you a chance to be creative and expressive when it comes to that. I think I did a good job in creating mine to showcase my personality and why I would be a good candidate if I am ever chosen for a big time job.

I had absolutely no issues with the ePortfolio because I am a creative person and I catch on pretty fast. The only aspect that was the most challenging to me was the resume. This was not easy at all because I had no idea on how to format it and what I was supposed to put in it. I did not know that since I was a college student, that I needed to put my coursework load on it so that it could be relevant to what my major is. I do not have any work experience except for my current job to put in my resume. I thought this was a bad thing because I wanted my ePortfolio to look professional as possible, but since I am still in school, I have plenty of time to gain more experience to put in it.

The only component that I am not completely satisfied with in my ePortfolio was the blog section. Throughout the semester I wanted to write as many blogs as I could so that the readers can read about my dreams, experiences, my opinions relating to the communication field, etc. I did not write that many blogs because I was so busy with both work and school that I did not make any time to do any. It is hard to balance everything when you are always busy and some things I had to put on the back burner because I simply did not have any time for it.

What I could have done differently in order to be satisfied with the final product is that I should have made time to do the blogs in order to enhance my ePortfolio. I was really looking forward to doing the blog section the most because I always talked about doing a blog column and the fact that I was given the opportunity to do one, I did not take advantage of it. I am really upset that I did not do that many because that would have my made ePortfolio look more polished with my own thoughts to share with everybody that reads them.

My advice to future students that engage in creating an ePortfolio is to take full advantage of it and be creative as possible. This is your chance to be expressive and show potential future employers who you are and what employable skills that you have. Do not be shy about this and be completely honest about yourself because all of the characteristics that describe you is what makes you special and unique. I would also say to look at this as a confidence booster because you basically talking about your strengths, skills, and best qualities about yourself. I really enjoyed working on this throughout the semester and I am very thankful in everything that I learned from it.