In order to help my thoughts on the past 3 tasks, I've "reflected" back on Reader 2. Using the concept of reflection I have learnt that it's OK to realise you've done something wrong or seen something you've missed- it is all part of our learning process. This means that were 'open to finding' and thats exactly what I did throughout studying the networked professional.
Like I've expressed, to begin with I was even unsure of what a professional network was. I used a combination of what can be seen as 'in action' and 'on action' reflection whilst reading and completing tasks; within the reader I was utilising these concepts to engage in networking myself. As I have previously expressed, whilst attending events and general social gatherings I was putting 'into action' the ideas expressed in Reader 3 and actually doing whilst learning. I was also reflecting and learning after logging my accounts and findings on my progression in my journal. This was my 'on action' way of learning. The way in which I feel I have learnt more from the professional network is through a written process; reading and researching has given me more knowledge so far than carrying out and performing the concepts expressed within Reader 3.
My learning journal has been a valuable instrument in which I've used to reflect and evaluate upon my networking skills.
Specific ideas that emerge about networking and sources are the ways in which I can network, the importance and its rewards. My engagement to date now that I am continually applying networking techniques seems appropriate and looks like this will lead to success. It may seem a little limited compared to more experienced networkers, BUT I am doing all I can currently with what I have and I believe it is focused. I see the ways in which I'm networking are proving useful to me. in order to answer whether my engagement in networking is planned or unplanned, I have to say both. I seem to follow a focused organised way of networking with specialised and specific people. Then on the other hand I seem to apply this technique to everyone and sometimes overload myself with opportunities that might have a disadvantage as you can not do EVERYTHING all at one time. As I take time out to reflect on my situation I begin to ask myself 'is this really necessary?'. I seem to be reaching out to everyone all at once, whether this is going to prove its worth is another question.
My ideas, position and concerns are shared by others both within and beyond my professional area of work. Whilst spending time in either formal/informal situations I have encountered models, photographers, artists and actors sharing the same concerns on the issue of wages and getting paid a respectable amount for our work. Other notions we have discussed and shared have been on broadening our skills, fusing together work in which dancers, photographers and artists formulate to create a large scale spectacle of artistic work. The concerns shared would be of networking and how to expand within this field of the industry.
Sharing ideas and communicating with others definitely shifts my thinking, planning and practice. I become mostly POSITIVELY influenced by others to try different classes and different sources, to attend events and push myself further. When faced with an opportunity, I now have now become accustomed to the mentality to seize each and every one; you may never know where an opportunity leads.
I don't know if critical reflection helps me decide what really matters if I'm honest, but it does create a link to inform me of what actions to take. Reflecting back you notice things you might not have done at the time and this can form a focused path which you endeavour to take.
The extent to which concepts and theories assist me in thinking about professional networking in different ways has been very influencing; to use the term 'it has started the ball rolling' is something that relates to me. Through specific theories such as co operation it has ignited an inner fire to carry out that practice. I now seek opportunity in which to practice my networking skills. They have definitely had purpose to me, its made me understand the world of networking and inspired me with ways in which to perform and act upon it. I already understood the sheer importance of networking before reading the provided reader but I did not possess the knowledge in which to undergo it.
I am definitely left thinking differently prior to this part of the module. I feel as if I have grown as a professional and individual, I feel as if my knowledge has deepened but my will in which to seek further knowledge and learning has grown also. I feel as if I am now approaching the industry in a more professional manner, my work, presentation and personality is now developed and deepened. It starts to fit the form of a professional. I feel as if there is still a way to go in order to become a more pronounced professional but I am not discouraged at all. I am the opposite, I feel more inspired and encouraged to develop into a professional and I know the experience of this course and carrying out the practice will enable me to do so.
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