Zoe Fang, Master of Commerce (Business Analytics and Finance) student, has recently participated in a 'consulting skills bootcamp' as part of a Digital Industry Project for an accounting software client. This project was part of the new Job Smart Edge in-curriculum unit BUSS6102, designed to assist with developing employability skills.
When I engaged in a marketing consulting project with a client who provides accounting software, as a team of four, we were required to develop innovative marketing options to grow the business. I found it exciting, inspiring and enjoyable.
Our initial challenge was to provide an analysis of the business for the client. Our client is a supplier of cloud accounting software, so this is a business with a lot of competition as well as opportunities! To construct our report more systematically and professionally, we were able to use business frameworks such as a SWOT Analysis.
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| Zoe Fang |
Developing skills through remote teamwork
Our team was an online team, which meant we had to develop some different and additional interpersonal skills. We had to learn online etiquette, and how to manage our work remotely to a professional standard. This was actually a great part of the experience, because more and more workplaces are operating remotely with virtual and global teams. Experiencing this as part of an online consulting team gave me a valuable insight into how effective online teams work.
What I learned
I learned about the importance of feedback in an online environment. Engaging the whole team in discussions, looking for positive points rather than focussing just on negatives and emphasising team goals were key learnings. Also don’t forget the traditional simple things like scheduling meetings, being on time and meeting deadlines!
Developing these interpersonal skills will assist me beyond the area of giving feedback. Soft skills such as self-confidence, team-working ability, and high levels of communication skills are the key capacities that employers expect from graduates.
I suggest to my fellow students that if you have the opportunity to develop soft skills like these as part of your university experience, then take the opportunity. Learning these has been such a valuable experience for me and I know I will be able to use these skills during my studies. I have also developed my employability skills so I feel more confident about engaging in a professional setting. I would really recommend any of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Hub programs!
Like to know more about the WIL Hub Programs? Visit the WIL Hub Canvas page for current students or the Internships, Industry Placements and Experience page for prospective students.
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