VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY - HCMC

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

WORKSHOP 1 INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

Course: Workshop 1

Lecturer: Dinh Thi Le Trinh

Full name and student ID: Huỳnh Lâm Hoàng Huân - BAFNIU21042

Email addresses: [email protected]

Word count: 1953

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 I. Introduction

Workshop 1 served as a pivotal catalyst for developing essential soft skills and attitudes
crucial in academic and professional settings. This comprehensive program has led me
through a transformative journey, imparting a diverse set of competencies that positively
influence both personal and professional spheres. Acquired skills include refined
interpersonal and teamwork abilities, improved problem-solving and decision-making
capacities, and a broader career perspective. Additionally, the journey of self-discovery has
instilled self-confidence and assertiveness. Valuable lessons in interview skills, CV writing,
and emotion/stress management have significantly deepened my understanding of effective
communication, collaboration, and self-management. This report synthesizes the gained
knowledge, outlining a plan to apply these skills and attitudes in my current studies and
future career endeavors.

II. Skills and attitudes learned from this course

1. Interpersonal skills

Ms. Huong's presentation focused on enhancing professional communication skills and

delving into personal aspects of communication and self-awareness. The workshop
emphasized the significance of active listening and introduced Otto Scharmer's four levels of
hearing as a means to encourage participants to enhance their communication abilities and
self-awareness. Tailoring questioning techniques to suit various audiences, situations, and
objectives was highlighted as a crucial factor for fostering self-awareness and personal
growth.

Furthermore, the workshop explored the influence of self-talk on self-communication,

underscoring its impact on emotions, behaviors, and one's perception of reality. Participants
were equipped with tools to cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and a renewed sense of
purpose in both their personal and professional lives. The session also guided crafting
professional and clear emails, stressing the importance of effective written communication in
both personal and professional contexts.

2. CV and Interview.

Mr. Viet led a session on creating effective CVs and interview techniques, focusing on tax
accounting, payment administration, and cover letter writing. He advised on interview

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preparation, addressing common questions, and projecting confidence. The speaker
highlighted the importance of showcasing relevant education, experiences, achievements,
internships, and volunteer work in a CV. He also recommended using the STAR strategy for
responses and cautioned against handling uncomfortable questions. The session also
highlighted the role of effective communication and personal development, providing
practical tools for navigating the interview process with confidence. The session provided
valuable tools for professional and personal growth.

3. Assertiveness and self-confidence.

Mr. Viet emphasized the crucial role of assertiveness and confidence in business success,
offering practical tips to enhance self-assurance. Implementing his advice significantly
boosted my confidence, positively impacting both personal and professional relationships.
This lecture underscored the importance of self-belief and positive self-talk, leading to
increased confidence in setting expectations and approaching challenges with determination
for future success.

4. Time Management skills

In the time management session, Mr. Viet highlighted the critical role of effective time
management skills for personal and professional success. Key takeaways included setting
clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and using efficient planning techniques. The speaker
emphasized breaking down larger tasks into manageable components and avoiding
procrastination. Practical tips were provided for minimizing distractions, such as
time-blocking techniques and productivity tools. Overall, the session stressed that mastering
time management is about productivity, not just busyness, offering individuals the means to
enhance productivity, reduce stress, and achieve a better work-life balance.

5. Teamwork skills

In the teamwork skills session, Ms. Huong emphasized the vital role of effective
collaboration in achieving collective goals. Key insights included the importance of open
communication, active listening, and fostering a positive team culture. Successful teamwork
was highlighted as dependent on seamless coordination and mutual support, beyond
individual efforts.

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The session underscored recognizing diverse perspectives, leveraging strengths, and
providing practical tips for constructive conflict navigation, creativity encouragement, and
defining clear roles. Ms. Huong facilitated the application of these principles through
collective activities, fostering collaboration among members with diverse knowledge and
skills. This also led to building new connections and friendships. Overall, the session aimed
to equip participants with essential skills and a mindset for success in collaborative team
environments.

6. EQ and Mindfulness skills

Ms. Huong led an engaging session on emotional intelligence, centering on the significance
of acknowledging and expressing emotions in a professional setting. Participants were guided
through exercises aimed at recognizing and understanding emotions, including activities such
as identifying, coloring, seeing emotions through cards, and free-hand painting emotions. The
session highlighted the value of cultivating mindfulness and EQ, particularly ineffective
leadership. It underscored how EQ empowers leaders to inspire and motivate teams, build
strong connections, and foster a positive work environment. Additionally, the importance of
emotional intelligence in building cohesive teams was emphasized. Through creative
exercises, participants enhanced self-awareness and emotional literacy, emphasizing the
pivotal role of these skills in leadership for inspiring teams, fostering meaningful
connections, and creating a positive workplace atmosphere.

7. Problem Solving & Decision Making

In the problem-solving and decision-making session, Mr. Viet emphasized practical strategies
for addressing challenges and making informed decisions. The systematic approach focused
on steps such as defining problems, analyzing issues, generating solutions, and implementing
decisions. Participants engaged in exercises to enhance their problem-solving skills. Mr. Hai
stressed the importance of critical thinking and creativity in decision-making, encouraging
consideration of diverse perspectives and alternative solutions, while also highlighting the
need for flexibility and adaptability in dealing with complex issues. The session aimed to
equip participants with tools for effective problem-solving and decision-making in both
professional and personal contexts.

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 8. Career orientation

Mr. Tuan employed an interactive approach to career development, engaging students in

practical exercises and group activities to boost self-awareness and explore varied career
paths. Encouraging students to articulate their interests and aspirations, he broadened their
consideration of potential careers. Mr. Tuan's focus on post-graduation employment goals
served as a framework for envisioning professional futures, empowering students to take
control of their career paths. Emphasizing the importance of embracing uniqueness and
acknowledging areas for growth, the session prompted reflection on past experiences,
passions, and goals to shape a clearer vision of authentic selves. Additionally, he advocated
practical steps like networking, internships, and extracurricular activities for career
advancement. Through mentorship, Mr. Tuan guided students confidently and purposefully,
providing the tools and insights for better self-understanding, informed decision-making, and
cultivating a more authentic and fulfilling life.

9. Self-discovery

During the session on self-discovery, Ms. Linh passionately explored the lifelong journey of
understanding oneself. She highlighted the transformative power of self-discovery in
fostering self-confidence, personal development, and meaningful connections. Emphasizing
introspection, she encouraged the audience to engage in self-exploration using tools such as
personality tests and seeking insights from trusted individuals. Ms. Linh stressed that
self-discovery is a dynamic process, requiring continuous self-awareness and a commitment
to personal growth. She urged the audience to embrace the ongoing nature of this journey,
recognizing the various pathways it entails and the profound significance of the continual
process. Her insights provided a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of
self-discovery, empowering individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and
cultivate meaningful connections, ultimately leading to a sense of fulfillment in their lives.

III. Applying the skills and attitudes from this course current studying and future
career plans

Participating in workshops and sessions within my current academic studies and future role
as an Audit Assistant in a BIG4 firm is poised to enhance my professional success
significantly. Ms. Huong's focus on interpersonal skills, active listening, and self-awareness
has improved my communication abilities and provided insights into tailoring communication

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for diverse audiences, particularly crucial in client interactions and team collaborations within
the banking sector. Mr. Viet's guidance on CV writing and interview techniques has equipped
me to confidently present myself, emphasizing both academic and personal achievements. As
I enter my career, Mr. Viet's lessons on assertiveness and creative thinking will contribute to
effective communication with colleagues and clients, ensuring a strong customer-company
relationship. Additionally, his emphasis on time management aligns with the fast-paced
nature of the financial sector in Vietnam and globally, crucial for handling tasks and priorities
efficiently in the face of dynamic economic events. Ms. Huong's insights into teamwork,
emotional intelligence, and mindfulness will play a pivotal role in fostering positive
relationships, effective collaboration, and essential leadership qualities within a company. Mr.
Tuan's career orientation sessions have empowered me to set clear professional goals, plan
actively for post-graduation endeavors, and take practical steps toward career advancement.
Lastly, Ms. Linh's profound exploration of self-discovery has inspired continuous reflection
on my identity, values, and aspirations, contributing to personal growth and fulfillment in my
studies and future role as an Audit Assistant in a BIG4 firm. In summary, these workshops
have offered a comprehensive approach, equipping me with a diverse skill set. This ensures
that I am not only proficient in the technical aspects of my role but also possess the crucial
interpersonal and self-awareness skills necessary for success in an environment that requires
a lot of mindset and data processing.

IV. Skills and attitudes liking from the course and reasons

The session on Emotional Intelligence and mindfulness skills by Ms. Huong has been
beneficial for personal growth and personal development in a university setting. The focus on
emotional intelligence has improved self-awareness, enabling better interpersonal
relationships and sensitivity. Mindfulness skills have fostered focus and resilience, enabling a
calm and collected mindset. Reading emotions through cards helps one understand one's
purpose in life and identify weaknesses for improvement. Meditation sessions focused on
breathing have reduced stress, improved concentration, and improved memory. The course's
emphasis on empathy and effective communication has improved the ability to connect with
others in the workplace and beyond. Understanding and managing emotions has been
instrumental in diffusing conflicts and enhancing collaboration. The course's emphasis on
continuous self-awareness and growth has fueled a proactive approach to personal
development. The course provides practical tools for managing stress, improving overall

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well-being, and cultivating a positive mindset. The EQ and mindfulness skills acquired from
this course have not only enhanced professional capabilities but also positively influenced
attitudes toward personal growth, resilience, and meaningful connections with others.

V. Comparing what having learned with expectations

Participating in the Workshop 1 has been a highly enriching experience that surpassed my
initial expectations. I anticipated gaining insights into effective communication, emotional
intelligence, and mindfulness, but the workshop went above and beyond by providing
practical, hands-on learning experiences. Through the lectures of speakers, I realized that I
lacked a lot of skills. As I said, Ms. Huong's class left the most impression on me because I
always overthink and think negatively. Thanks to Ms. Huong's class, I have learned effective
methods to control emotions in all situations, because I think emotions are the factor that
helps us stay calm and make the right decisions. correct. Besides, Mr. Viet and Tuan's lessons
far exceeded my expectations. I have gained important tools to be able to improve myself and
my career in the future. These include communication and collaboration skills, time
management practices, CV writing, and interviewing that provide practical application and
insight into these key topics. The workshop's emphasis on tailoring communication for
diverse audiences and fostering a positive mindset has been especially impactful. The
real-world applications and interactive activities not only deepened my understanding but
also equipped me with practical tools for immediate implementation. In essence, the
workshop not only met but exceeded my expectations, offering a well-rounded learning
experience that has enhanced my skills and provided valuable insights applicable to various
aspects of my personal and professional life.

VI. Conclusion

Workshop 1 was an enlightening educational experience that provided valuable soft skills and
attitudes for academic and professional success. The course, led by speakers covered topics
like effective communication, teamwork, assertiveness, time management, emotional
intelligence, problem-solving, and self-discovery. The participants improved their
communication skills, CVs, and interview techniques, and their demeanor and
communication style. Practical insights on time management were crucial in a demanding
university setting. The workshop on teamwork, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness
enhanced their collaborative and leadership skills. Mr. Tuan's career-oriented sessions

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empowered them to set clear professional goals and take proactive measures for career
development. The EQ and Mindfulness skills from Ms. Huong help me to build relationships,
reduce stress, defuse conflict, and improve job satisfaction. Generally, Workshop 1 has
provided a comprehensive and enriching educational experience, shaping my academic
approach and influencing my aspirations for a successful career. Workshop 1 shaped their
academic approach and influenced their aspirations for a successful career.