Module 1 is coming to a close

With two weeks to go until the final submission date for module one, I begin to reflect on the last 10 weeks to see what I have learnt...

I can proudly say that I understand myself a lot better, and I am starting to develop strategies within my professional practice to tackle how I can utilise my time more efficiently. I have been working on my social skills within a working environment to enable me to form stronger professional networks and relationships. My confidence is growing each week and I believe that I just need to keep focused on my career goals in order to progress further in this field.

This week, I took part in some work experience on Monday evening at Phantom of the Opera, where I spent the evening with the Company Manager. It was reassuring to hear that her background was mainly in production administration and she didn't progress through Stage Management like so many others. I was inspired by her story and she provided wonderful advice that I can take forth on my own journey. In particular, I have taken on board that being a Company Manager involves a lot of empathy and understanding of others. Perhaps a qualification in social psychology wouldn't go unnoticed or even taking a course in mental health first aid, which could even be obtained through my current employer!

These are the lessons that I have learnt from this experience.

1. Trust in my own ability achieve what I set out to do
2. Consider a variety of career paths that can help me achieve my goals
3. Try to loosen my grip on control - just go with the flow... sometimes
4. Build my skillset to make myself more desirable
5. Seize every opportunity I come across, in order to gain as much experience as possible
6. Persevere and don't give up!

From last week's Skype session, I feel much more at ease with the assignment. I gain comfort knowing that others are having the same doubts or struggles that I am. Discussing each part of the portfolio with the tutors and other students has given me inspiration to be more creative with the Diagram. I have begun to experiment with ways I can display this piece of work and form more a interesting design that I will come to submit.

Creative writing is my strong suit, and I have spent many hours stressing over the essay; especially as it has been many years since my last piece of writing. I was determined to overcome this challenge and I feel my motivation has brought me through; self belief is truly a skill that we should all learn.
I am now at a comfortable position with my work, and I truly grateful for the learning experience of this first module.

Now I await the feedback from my first draft, take on any recommendations and power through to the end of the chapter.