Wednesday, January 6, 2016
What did I Learn?
Today I was given my first project and was invited to meet with the client to discuss the problem and the solutions. I’ve worked on freelance projects before where I met with clients but in informal settings. Today, I experienced a more formal setting where I had to approach the client in a professional manner. Although I wasn’t hesitant to ask questions, I was conscious of what to ask and when to ask.
What were my challenges?
My challenges today was writing emails as professional as possible. I used to think I knew how to write emails until today. I’m aware that every word matters, as well as the details. This was probably the toughest thing today.
How did we help each other?
Mandy and Arianna was by my side all day and they helped me write emails, gather data in our client meeting and prepare the project contract for the client. We assisted each other in coming up with the creative process for todays project.
Your reflection was thoughtfully written. Members of the AIR team also appreciated meeting you today in-person and also by responding to your emails asking them to comment on drafts of posters for spring workshops.
Emails are difficult to construct. The tone must be professional and the reason for writing— clear and succinct. The subject line should preview and highlight the content of the email. Yes, It is important to ask peers to read and tell you what they think BEFORE you reread your message, make any adjustments, and then hit send. It is a skill worth developing; while texting is informal and has its use, more formal written communication is valued in the work place, and especially in an academic setting with clients who are faculty, staff and administrators.
It is important experience client meetings with different work environments and manners. So it’s great that you now know a little bit of both formal and informal. As for email writing, it is a skill that you can improve in time with practice. So, don’t give up!
I am glad that I was able to guide you through email writing, and super excited to see how your project will go. We will be by your side to help you with your project! 🙂
Thank you for taking on the challenge of writing emails. The level of professionalism is important for us to maintain so that we represent Faculty Commons and City Tech in a professional so that we create a great relationship with our clients.
You have done great thus far in the past two days of training with the amount of projects and information we have given you. Keep it up 😀