There is always “the climb” that I believe every motivated individual has his or her own stories to tell.

It is very important to have a clear idea of where one is going and who they are at the very beginning, so he or she will not waste their time or encounter unpleasant experiences. In the course, one of the assignments was conducting a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). While S and W are internal, O and T are external. SWOT does not only apply for businesses. It is extremely helpful for individual assessment too. In fact, it helps us to know and enhance our competitive edges and improve the weaknesses to take advantage of the opportunities. Then use strategies to protect and defend us against threats. I believe any college student who does this analysis before graduating will have a better idea about themselves and the external environment. In other words, where they are standing and how to perform at their best capacity.

I got to evaluate myself and was amazed at what I am naturally good at and can easily do that I have never noticed. I love hands-on experience and work exceptional well in a team setting. To fulfill an assignment about the SWOT analysis for Salty Nut, I actually went to the restaurant in 5-points and interviewed the manager. It was not required to do so, but I cannot stress enough on the difference in my knowledge between observation and Googling from the real interviewing experiment. I was able to collect many insights from the employer’s point of view i.e. the strengths and weaknesses, the threats he faced from competitors, and the most amazing thing was a new connection I gained with the manager. He introduced to me many opportunities to hold events with special discounts for students after knowing I was the event coordinator of the International Student Association. Who knew a serious assignment