Masa's Online Portal

Hello, my name is Masatoshi Suzuki. I am an overseas student of University of Hull in the U.K. It has been three months since I came here from Japan🎌. In this portal, I would like to share my university life in both academic and private life. It would be really great if my experiences could be useful for someone and help them to decide to study in the U.K. 

I am now doing the foundation program for a master’s degree. I will be going to my master’s in Logistics and Supply chain management from Sep 2022. 

The biggest risk ever that I have taken is that I left my old job at a Japanese logistics company where I had worked for five years and decided to study in the U.K. to advance my career. After graduation, I would like to work for an international organisation. I hope to not only do a desk job but also work in the field. 

In private, I have always been into having coffee and food, traveling, and trying new things. I think I am like someone who is always smiling and friendly but a little bit shy.

I have been doing a research project module for five months and I have learnt essential academic skills so far such as research methodology, Harvard reference, data analysis and so on. At the beginning of the second term, I got feedback from a tutor, saying that:

1.     Similarity is too low.

2.     Updating the research is needed.

I thought low similarity would only mean positive things because references used in the research were well paraphrased. However, that feedback made me aware of the importance of using direct quotations as well. They can sometimes have a bigger impact on what we would like to explain. University of Hull (2022) introduces some of the most effective ways to use direct quotations: when defining something, using historic words, when not being able to paraphrase due to its perfection. They can add a better explanation and capture the reader’s interest. After I found this, I amended my research with more direct quotations.

Also, the tutor pointed out the necessity of bringing the research up-to-date. My topic, about supply chain problems after COVID-19, needs to reflect on the current situations which can be changing day by day, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine, Shanghai’s lockdown and so on. Fortunately, it is easier for me to find ongoing circumstances because this topic is so remarkable that there are many resources available. According to the tutor’s advice, I mainly used newspapers to collect the latest information.

Even though it will take much time and effort to work on a research module, numerous things can be obtained from it. At the end of the day, it is one of the happiest moments for me that I can improve my work every tim

e I get feedback. I am going to try to put into practice what I have learned so that I can get new feedback next time.

In this entry, I would like to reflect on a class about CV. The contents will be divided into three main parts: about CV itself, transferrable skills and STAR method. 

First, CV means an overall profile that covers your skills and experiences when used to apply for jobs (LifeSkills, 2022). From my experience, I felt a little bit difficult to build my CV. The major deifference that I found is that Japanese one basicallly requires an achievement in a university and reasons why they want to work there to show an applicant’s potential and passion while the U.K.’s ask people to include skills or work experience. One of the reasons for this could be the difference in the concept of employing people; most of the Japanese companies still want to change or adapt someone to the company’s style after hiring them whereas in the rest of the world, companies employ someone they need right now. 

Therefore, an idea of transferrable skills needs to be understood for me to apply for jobs outside Japan. Indeed (2021) says that people can use those skills regardless of jobs or roles and they can be learned through work and other experiences and that they are critical in any workplace.

As one example, I am going to try to assciate one of my transferrable skill with the requirements of a job in UNICEF that I am interested in. They shows their core value and competencies (pictures below). I will prove the first one by showing my adaptability and communication. When I was working in a Japanese logistics company, I always worked between many stakeholders, such as consumers, customers, subcontracting companies and so on. I soon got along with them and learnt how to communicate with business partners from them.

Finally, according to Michael (2022), when doing a job interview, STAR method will help you to answer the questions strategically. It will definitely be helpful but the main point is I think to answer to the questions precisely with some coherence. Too much focus on the method can be trouble. 

I have made a CV to apply for a part-time job, however, there are a lot to be improved. Based on these reflections, why not start to tailor our CV straight away for our future career!!👨‍🎓👩‍🎓

__________________________________________________________________Indeed (2021) Transferable Skills: Defiimnitions and Examples. Available online: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/transferable-skills [Accessed 01/05/2022]

LifeSkills (2022) What is a CV? Available online: https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-help-applying-for-jobs/school/what-is-a-cv/ [Accessed 01/05/2022]

Michael, C (2022) STAR method: What you need to know. Available online: https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/star-method-what-you-need-to-know/ [Accessed 01/05/2022]

I set four SMART goals (which is the picture below) in a class and I would like to achieve these goals by the time I graduate. I have experienced the importance of goals to make the most of my time and improve myself. It was natural for me to do that, however, I feel the most significant thing is to stick to the goals. In this entry, I am going to write about the importance of SMART goals and come up with the way in which we can achieve those with motivation.

To be fair, developing goals can help us to improve ourselves effectively. It shows and provides keys to what we should do. However, what got me interested at first was an article saying that SMART is not always a smart option (Reeves and Fuller, 2018). It means in some situations, especially where huge uncertainty lies, it can cause problems. In that way, as I plan to use SMART goals for self-improvement, there seem to be no problems for me in using that framework.

Another point about SMART goals is that we need to continue to make efforts to achieve them which I think is the most difficult aspect. To keep my goals in mind, I would write them down on a piece of paper and put them on the wall in my room. I still believe it is one of the good ways, but especially for SMART goals to be achieved, MacLeod (2012) recommends listing them according to the priority and difficulty. Macleod says it will help to increase the sense of accomplishment, which can lead to consistent motivation.

After all, I will review my current SMART at the same time when I reconsider my SWOT (I have already started a part-time job!). On my next SMART, I am going to list goals from an easy one to the most difficult one.

At the moment for example, I watch TEDx talk or one BBC news segment every morning to reach the goal 1. 

__________________________________________________________________ MacLeod, L (2012) Making SMART Goals Smarter. Physician Executive, 38 (2). Available online: https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/making-smart-goals-smarter/docview/1284082621/se-2?accountid=11528 [Accessed 21/04/2022] 

 Reeves, M. & Fuller, J. (2018) When SMART Goals Are Not So Smart. MIT Sloan Management Review, 59 (4). Available online: https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/when-smart-goals-are-not-so/docview/2074384329/se-2?accountid=11528 [Accessed 21/04/2022]

I thought I had already understood the concept of critical thinking, but I realised there was still a long way to go. One of the things that I found the most interesting is a threshold concept or threshold barrier. As I researched more about the idea, it became harder to fully understand. After all, I found a good explanation about it on YouTube.

According to TEDx Talks (2018), firstly, it is something that gets people locked in a box where they cannot see a big picture outside. The second is that once they experience and understand a threshold concept, it completely changes the way they see it. To put these another way, once you can think outside the box, you will never get into the box again. Finally, people have different boxes so that they might see the same thing in different ways. For example, a picture below shows two different images, which are a young woman and an old woman. Even if you can only see one of them at first, once you notice the other, your view will completely differ.

Two different images of a young woman and an old woman (Dave, 2013)

To become a critical thinker, I can use a tool called Bloom’s taxonomy explaining the process of thinking critically (Kecia, 2021). Moreover, TEDx talks recommends the following: questioning and jumping into a challenging situation. Being skeptical might need more energy than finding and accepting simple answers.

Bloom’s taxonomy (Kecia, 2021)

I will apply these principles to my decision making. First, trying to find another material that shows a different perspective about something. Second, questioning those materials. Last, weighing up those and design my opinion. It will be difficult to put it into action, but I will have a go with ‘one action is worth a thousand words’. This will bring myself to more of a critical thinker.

__________________________________________________________________Dave, B (2013) Seeing Things Differently, Seeing Different Things. Available online: https://www.business2community.com/strategy/seeing-things-differently-seeing-different-things-0494859 [Accessed 15/04/2022]

Kecia, R. (2021) Updating Bloom’s Taxonomy for Digital Learning. Available online: https://www.techlearning.com/news/updating-blooms-taxonomy-for-digital-learning [Accessed 13/04/2022]

Completing my personal SWOT analysis took much effort, especially in strengths. I wondered why I had struggled to write down my abilities, but some idea came out of my mind.

Although I do not want to generalise, I suppose most Japanese do not feel comfortable analysing their strengths. One of the Japanese sayings explains it: ‘A clever falcon hides its claws’. I am not saying I am capable but generally in Japan, it is often considered as a virtue to hide their abilities or at least not to tell them directly. I guess that is why I felt difficult to do the analysis while I think the idea is outdated. As IBS (2019) says, studying abroad can provide experiences that I need to be independent and confident. This is one thing that I want to learn from other cultures. Fortunately, I have classes regularly to discuss with my classmates and tutors, so I am trying to fully embrace this opportunity to get the most out of it.

However, SWOT analysis seems to have a profound effect on my academic life. After SWOT was finished, I feel it has become easier to consider the goals I want to achieve. The process of identifying my SWOT gave insights about myself. Business Queensland (2017) says it can help develop strategic goals so that I can achieve my goals effectively. I am going to write about SMART goals in another entry.

Reconsidering my own SWOT regularly also could help me to move forward. SmallBusinessify (n.d.) points out that some changes that a person has experienced should be taken into account. For example, as I participate in classes and workshops that need to express myself by speaking as much expressions as I can, I am getting more confident in presenting in front of an audience. I will review my SWOT after I finish ONCAMPUS program and then set goals for the next academic year.

______________________________________________________________IBS (2019) 8 SKILLS YOU GAIN FROM STUDYING ABROAD. Available online:  https://ibstours.com/blog/skills-gain-studying-abroad/ [Accessed 06/04/2022]

SmallBusinessify (n.d.) Personal SWOT analysis. Available online: https://smallbusinessify.com/personal-swot-analysis/ [Accessed 06/04/2022]

Business Queensland (2017) Benefits and limitations of SWOT analysis. Available online: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/planning/market-customer-research/swot-analysis/benefits-limitations [Accessed 06/04/2022]

Today, I learnt about brainstorming in the PSD class. I had heard of the word but I did not know a lot about that. It refers to the different techniques to get and deepen ideas about something. 

In today’s class, three of us discussed an interesting topic: Which 2 of us will use a boat by which you can leave a desert island? As it was the most familiar technique for us, we ended up choosing listing out of the following techniques: listing, clustering, journalistic questions, outlining and freewriting. We three were able to get some conclusion out of this discussion. 

However, I felt unprepared to join the discussion because I did not quite understand what the main point was and how it was going on. Therefore, I searched Google for brainstorming after I came home so that I would be able to do that effectively next time. According to Jenna (2020), it is essential to specify the topic and purpose beforehand and to give at least one day to participants to prepare. I believe this might be the reason why I could not get into the argument well. On the other hand, MindTools (n.d.) mentions from a different perspective that excessive preparation should be avoided. After all, I understand the importance of keeping a balance between preparation and freedom.

Also, I realised another benefit of brainstorming during the discussion apart from its productivity. It can just help people to get along with each other. To be honest, I had not talked much with the other two before the brainstorming, but after finishing it I felt more comfortable chatting with them. Jenna (2020) indicates the same point, saying spending more time through brainstorming without criticising can lead to building better teamwork.

When I advance in my master’s degree, I am going to employ this technique straight away to get diverse creative opinions and make friends with a new group of people.

______________________________________________________________Jenna, W (2020) 10 effective brainstorming techniques for teams. Available online: https://www.wework.com/en-GB/ideas/professional-development/effective-brainstorming-techniques [Accessed 05/04/2022]