DEH Workshops for Final Term Students
Every term, the Department of English and Humanities, ULAB, conducts six mandatory workshops for the final term students to equip them for their future lives in higher studies or careers. The workshops are conducted by faculty members of the department and the reports for each follow.
Student Workshop on “Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules”
The Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh organized a workshop on "Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules" on March 9, 2023. Mohammad Zaki Rezwan, Senior Lecturer, DEH, facilitated the workshop. The workshop was specifically designed for ENG 413, 499, and 498 students.
The workshop’s objective was to give the students proper knowledge about recommendation letters. Mohammad Zaki Rezwan started the workshop with a brief introduction about recommendation letters, giving an overview of what a recommendation letter is, why it is required, from whom the students should get them, and where they will be needed.
The facilitator then asked the students questions about recommendation letters, to which the students responded from their own viewpoints. Following that, the facilitator explained what to include in the letter when preparing a draft of the recommendation letter.
Mohammad Rezwan advised students to offer as much information about themselves as possible, as well as a brief summary of their achievements and skills, and clarified what should be highlighted when drafting the recommendation letter. The facilitator clearly explained to the students what they should and should not do while drafting the recommendation letter.
By the end of the workshop, Mohammed Rezwan gave a few more suggestions and added a question about what they should do if their recommendation letter request is refused. He advised students to always keep a backup choice in hand and to remember that once the letter is completed, students should always be grateful and thank their referee for the effective usage of the letter. The facilitator answered the students’ queries and concerns during a question and answer session that took place towards the end of the workshop.
This workshop is one of a series of workshops created for students in their last semester to provide them with essential knowledge regarding their professional life.
Report by Nazmunnahar Usha (192013049)
DEH Student Workshop: CV and Cover Letter Writing
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, a mandatory student workshop was held on Writing CVs and Cover Letters for the final semester students in ENG413/ENG498/ENG499 at the Department of English and Humanities, ULAB. The workshop was conducted by Ms. Khadija Rubaiyat Tasmia, Assistant Director, English Zone, ULAB, and attended by approximately 35 students. The objective of the workshop was to guide the students on how to write an effective CV and cover letter to increase their chances of getting a job.
The workshop began with a brief introduction of Ms. Tasmia and her experience in the field of professional writing. She then discussed the importance of a CV and cover letter and their role in securing a job. She also explained the difference between a CV and a resume, and the various components of a CV such as personal information, educational qualifications, work experience, skills, and achievements. Ms. Tasmia then moved on to the purpose of cover letters in job applications. She explained how to write an effective cover letter by highlighting one's skills and experience, and showing how they align with the requirements of the job. She further provided tips on how to make the cover letter stand out and impress the employer.
The workshop ended with a Q&A session where students were given the opportunity to ask Ms. Tasmia any questions they had regarding CVs and cover letters.
The student workshop on Writing CVs and Cover Letters was very informative and beneficial for the students. The students left the workshop with a better understanding of how to write an effective CV and cover letter, with increased confidence in their job application process.
Report by Syed Masudur Rahman Siam (191013073)
DEH Student Workshop on Job Hunting and Networking
On March 30, 2023, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), hosted a workshop on “Job Hunting and Networking.” The workshop facilitator was Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Associate Professor and Head of the department.
The workshop is one of the six mandatory workshops for final term students from the courses ENG413/ENG498/ENG499. The workshop aimed to provide students with insights into the job market, strategies for job hunting, and techniques for building effective networks.
Ms. Rahman began the session by highlighting the value of self-belief and the relevance of confidence in achieving success in any vocation. Following this, the discussion moved on to the benefit of developing a personal website as a tool for exhibiting one's abilities to prospective employers.
Next, the facilitator emphasized the necessity for students to be open-minded and consider several career paths, even if they are not directly related to their field of study. She urged students to begin developing their network by joining professional associations and connecting with industry experts on social networking sites like Bdjobs.com, LinkedIn, etc. Ms. Arifa Rahman reiterated the value of volunteering as a way to gain practical experience and develop transferable skills. She advised the students to look for volunteering opportunities in their communities actively and to think about how volunteering could improve their chances of landing a job in the future.
Furthermore, the speaker provided some guidance on how to get ready for job interviews, such as doing background research on the organization and the role, dressing appropriately, and practicing answers to typical interview questions. She, additionally, stressed the significance of highlighting abilities and experiences that align with the demands of the position and the company's ideals. Writing strong resumes and cover letters was another major topic in the session. Samples of resumes and cover letters with skill, experience, and accomplishment highlights were provided by Arifa Rahman. Additionally, she underlined how crucial it is to personalize each job application’s cover letter and CV.
The workshop came to an end with a question-and-answer session where the participants could speak with Ms. Arifa Rahman and get any of their questions answered. The students were appreciative of the opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional like Ms. Arifa Rahman, who presented useful information about the job market and networking techniques.
In conclusion, Ms. Rahman’s workshop on “Job Hunting and Networking” was extremely successful. The students departed with a better awareness of networking techniques and the job market, as well as useful tools and knowledge that could help them improve their professional prospects.
Report by Afia Ebnat Ruhi (192013026)
DEH Student Workshop on Writing Statements of Purpose
On April 6, 2023, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a student workshop titled “Writing Statements of Purpose.” This session was part of a series of mandatory workshops arranged specifically for ENG413/498/499 students. The workshop's goal, which was organized for the Spring of 2023 term’s DEH thesis/internship/non-thesis students, was to instruct the attendees on the critical elements of creating a strong Statement of Purpose (SoP).
Dr. Sohana Manzoor, Associate Professor, DEH, was in charge of the workshop and started by reviewing the significance of a Statement of Purpose and its function in the graduate school admission procedure. She underlined the necessity of a great initial appearance, and setting oneself apart from other applicants through an outstanding Statement of Purpose. An SoP, according to Dr. Manzoor, is a personal essay that describes a student’s academic and professional aspirations, their drive to enroll in a specific course or program, and how that program will help them advance their careers.
Following this, the main components of a Statement of Purpose, such as the introduction, academic background, professional experience, research interests, and future objectives, were covered in the workshop. Dr. Manzoor offered illustrations and pointers on how to plan and arrange each component properly. In addition, she stressed the importance of understanding one’s audience and adjusting the SoP to meet the particular needs of the program or institution. Students discussed their encounters with and worries about drafting an SoP during the interactive session. Dr. Manzoor offered insightful criticism and pointers for enhancing their writing abilities. She recommended pupils be explicit about their accomplishments and long-term objectives and avoid clichés. She emphasized the necessity of displaying a sincere interest in the subject and emphasizing one’s special skills and expertise.
Dr. Manzoor finally discussed students' typical errors when creating an SoP and how to avoid them. Students had the chance to query Dr. Manzoor about the SoP writing process during the question and answer session that followed the workshop. She gave thoughtful responses to their inquiries and insightful advice that would help the students create effective SoPs.
Report by Afia Ebnat Ruhi (192013026)
DEH Student Workshops: Interview and Presentation Skills
On Thursday, April 13, 2023, a workshop was held for ENG413/498/499 students on interview and presentation skills. The workshop was conducted by Ms. Nadia Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of English and Humanities, at the ULAB Research Building.
Typically, the workshops are held separately but this time, one workshop in two parts was held. The first part of the workshop focused on interview skills and the second part on presentation skills. Ms. Rahman provided a comprehensive overview of what employers look for during interviews and how to prepare for the different types of interview formats. She also discussed common interview questions and how to answer them effectively, as well as techniques for controlling nerves and projecting confidence during the interview process.
During the second part of the workshop, Ms. Rahman covered the key elements of effective presentations, including how to structure a presentation, how to use visual aids, and how to engage the audience. She also provided tips on how to overcome nervousness and deliver a well-prepared and professional presentation.
The workshop was mandatory for students of ENG413/498/499 of Spring 2023. There were approximately 30 students present and they actively participated in the workshop by asking questions and engaging in discussions.
Ms. Nadia Rahman presented the materials in a clear and concise manner which provided students with the necessary skills to prepare for job interviews and give them the confidence to perform well in the future. She also addressed each student's concerns and provided valuable feedback on their questions.
Overall, the workshop was a success, and students found it to be very informative and helpful. They were provided with the tools they needed for effective and engaging interviews and presentations. The facilitator, Ms. Nadia Rahman’s guidance was greatly appreciated by all attendees.
Report by Syed Masudur Rahman Siam (191013073
