Reflection Paper Guidelines: The Reflection Paper Will Be 2–

Reflection Paper Guidelinesthe Reflection Paper Will Be 2 3 Pages Do

The reflection paper will be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font with 1-inch margins. It should consist of at least five paragraphs, answering the following questions: You need to include information about your advisor, your background, and what you discussed in the meeting. Your responses should cover:

• Introduction – Define your current academic and career plan and the background of your advisor.
• What did you learn from your advisor?
• How did this support or contradict your view of your current academic and career plan?
• How did this change your perception of your current academic and career plan?
• Conclusion – Define your revised academic and career plan based on the insights gained and provide feedback on the overall experience.

Use the "Interview a Professional" document to complete your reflection paper.

Paper For Above instruction

My current academic and career plan is to excel in my studies and develop a clear pathway toward my future career. As an international student from Saihat in Saudi Arabia, I am studying at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), majoring in Computer Science. My background includes completing high school and college education in Saudi Arabia, and I have spent several years in the United States, striving to improve my English and academic skills. My advisor, Mr. Bart Hill, is a seasoned banking professional with over 35 years of experience. He has held significant roles, including President of San Joaquin Bank and Vice President of United Security Bank, and has been involved in various community organizations. His educational background includes honors in Economics from UC Santa Barbara and a Master's in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis. He has also engaged in numerous leadership roles such as past president of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, which exemplifies his leadership and community involvement.

During our meeting, Mr. Hill shared details about his personal life, including information about his daughter, who has learned to speak Spanish. These personal insights helped create a comfortable atmosphere and fostered open communication. He emphasized the importance of developing strong communication skills, advocating for well-thought-out personal development plans, and encouraged me to consider future employment options, whether in the United States or in my home country, Saudi Arabia. He suggested that I should be flexible and open to opportunities, regardless of whether I become wealthy or face hardship, trusting that my destiny is in God's hands. I also discussed my aspirations to work within government ministries in Saudi Arabia, having already submitted my diplomas to the ministry but awaiting a response for over ten years, which has been discouraging.

From my advisor, I learned the significance of resilience, adaptability, and proactive personal development. Mr. Hill's advice about effective communication and strategic planning has made me realize that these skills are essential for success in any career I pursue. Moreover, his emphasis on maintaining faith and patience aligned with my Islamic beliefs and reinforced my spiritual perspective, which is central to my decision-making process. I learned that despite setbacks, persistence and faith are vital in overcoming obstacles. These insights have deepened my understanding of how personal attributes and professional skills intertwine to shape one's career trajectory.

This meeting supported and, in some ways, contradicted my initial perceptions of my career plan. I previously believed that technical skills and academic performance alone would secure my future. However, Mr. Hill's guidance highlighted the importance of soft skills such as communication, emotional resilience, and networking. His stories and advice challenged me to look beyond academic achievements and focus more on personal development and relationship building. While I had some awareness of these qualities, his practical advice and life stories made me realize their crucial role in achieving success and fulfillment.

The discussion also caused me to reflect on my perception of my future path. I had been unsure whether to aim for working abroad or returning to Saudi Arabia after graduation. The advisor's perspective helped me understand the value of flexibility and open-mindedness in career planning. I now see that my future can be shaped by my efforts, faith, and the opportunities I seize, whether at home or abroad. Consequently, I have revised my academic and career goals to include developing strong communication skills, gaining practical experience, and maintaining faith in God's plan. I intend to pursue internships, improve my English, and build relationships with mentors in my field. Overall, this experience has been enriching, offering me clarity, motivation, and a broader perspective on my future.

In conclusion, my interaction with Mr. Hill has significantly influenced my understanding of career development. I now recognize the importance of balancing technical skills with soft skills and spiritual resilience. The insights gained from our meeting have motivated me to be more strategic and open to opportunities, regardless of the uncertainties I face. I appreciate the guidance and encouragement I received, which has helped me formulate a more comprehensive and flexible approach to my academic and professional journey. This experience has reinforced my belief in perseverance, faith, and continuous self-improvement as keys to success.

References

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