Reflection

Maryam Siddiqui

Unit 1

The skills/knowledge I relied upon to complete this unit included the ability to be true to
yourself when completing the self-assessments, ability to self-reflect and ability to differentiate
the various types of personalities or learning styles. I had to complete the self-assessments as
honestly as possible so the results would be accurate and pertain to me. This way the results
would actually benefit me in a way. In addition, I had to be able to self-reflect in order to
understand where my results were coming from and why they turned out to be the way they
were. It allowed me to think deeply about who I am as a person by focusing on my strengths and
values. Furthermore, It was important for me to be able to classify the different types of
personalities or learning styles so that I could easily follow the self-assessments and know what
they were about.
By completing this unit I learned that there are numerous ways to perceive types of
personalities and that everyone has a unique combination of strengths. I discovered that you can
be balance of both left and right brain or an auditory and visual learner. As well, you can be a
mixture of multiple intelligences such as interpersonal, kinesthetic and linguistic. Moreover, if
you are a certain type of personality, you can still develop into other personalities as your
interests and habits can evolve over time. In relation, your learning style can change over time
due to new experiences. As a result, I have learned that everyone carries separate intelligences
and personality types.
I can use what I learned in this unit to find suitable career choices that match with my
self-assessments results. For example, I am an interpersonal learner and can be a therapist or
counselor since it requires understanding a person's emotions and thinking. Furthermore, I am a
visual learner and can be a photographer, interior designer and architect. This is because, these
job options require you to pay attention to detail, visual/spatial reasoning and artistic abilities.
Moreover, I can use the information provided from the self-assessments to help me determine
which way I learn the best. For instance, I am a left brain person and am able to remember verbal
material more effectively than demonstrative material. Therefore, this unit has enabled me to
discover myself and how I apply these results in my actual life.

Unit 2
The skills/knowledge I relied upon to complete this unit included the ability to gather
details regarding high school and post-secondary education while understanding the different
terms. This was important because I had to be able to pick out enough of the main details to fill
out the worksheets. As well, I had to use previous knowledge to gain an understanding of how
the high school and post-secondary system work. For example, I used my knowledge of high
school courses to see the differences and similarities of the courses required to apply for college,
university or an apprenticeship. As a result, I had to use prior knowledge to gain a better
understanding of how education options work.
 By completing this unit I learned that there are a variety of post-secondary funding
options available for students including scholarships, bursaries, OSAP (Ontario Student
Assistance Program) or student loans. As well, I found out that OSAP is offered by following a
certain criteria and must be paid back after six months of graduation. Whereas, bursaries do not
have to be repaid as they are considered financial-need awards for certain people. Moreover, I
found out that it takes one year to earn a college certificate and four years for an applied degree.
Whereas, university typically has a two-four year program for a bachelor's degree followed by an
extra year for a honours bachelors which is followed by a masters degree and then a PhD.
Furthermore, I found out that an apprenticeship involves 80% of a students time spent on the job
and 20% in the classroom. Therefore, I learned lots of new information regarding post-secondary
education.
I can use what I learned in this unit to apply for post-secondary education that best meets
my needs and can seek financial assistance through scholarship offers or an OSAP. As well, I can
easily decide on what type of institution Im geared towards and weigh out the
benefits/drawbacks associated to it. For instance, university opens up many job options but is
costly. However, college focuses on a specific job and is less expensive. Moreover, I can narrow
down my program choices by looking at my available career options. Therefore, this unit has
provided me with a lot of relevant and useful information.

Unit 3
The skills/knowledge I relied upon to complete this unit included the ability to recognize
my current skills and qualifications. This was very important because I had to organize my skills,
qualifications, abilities and experiences to compose a cover letter and resume. Also, I had to
know how to use the resume action verbs effectively so that my resume would be to the point
and well written. In addition, I had to know how to precisely answer the interview questions by
using my communication skills to share my responses in a way that my potential boss would
understand. As a result, I had to be very knowledgeable about my strengths and use my writing
skills to create a well constructed cover letter and resume.
By completing this unit I learned the format of writing a resume which includes your
basic information at the top followed by an objective, skills/qualifications, work/volunteer
experiences, awards, interests and references. As well, I got to know the dos and don'ts of
writing a cover letter and resume. For instance, you are encouraged to send an original letter to
each employer, use simple words and keep it brief. You should also use your cover letter to
highlight your skills relevant to the position being applied for. However, you should not send
your resume without a cover letter, not use a sexist salutation when responding to a bind ad and
never send a cover letter/resume with typos. In addition, I learned that transferable skills are
employability skills categorized into three clusters known as academic skills, teamwork skills
and personal management skills. I also learned the basics for doing an interview which includes
sitting up straight, having a firm handshake and maintaining good eye contact. Therefore, I found
out about how to successfully create a cover letter, resume and tips to having a great interview.
I can use what I learned in this unit to apply to a few companies offering part-time
positions this summer. By obtaining a job, it will help me save up money to use towards post-
secondary education. Also, I now know what an interview looks like and can be more
comfortable when going into potential employment places and doing one. Overall, I am
prepared to seek a job where I can put forth my employability skills.