When I began BCM313, our early conversations about uncertainty, disruption, and change felt abstract. But as the weeks went on, the subject pushed me into a deeper style of listening one where you don’t just hear someone’s story, but recognise the echo of your own values inside it. This relates closely to what our readings described as the “absent but implicit” the idea that what matters most often appears indirectly, through what we respond to or feel uncomfortable with. BCM313 taught me that career decisions aren’t only shaped by skills they’re shaped by the values beneath our stories.

Our first speaker, Negin, shared a raw and honest journey about studying film and later realising it wasn’t the industry she wanted to stay in. She described hosting a multi-day event and feeling uncomfortable at an after-party she was invited to, which made her question whether she belonged in that environment. Her shift toward teaching came from wanting stability and genuine happiness. Her story about being the “protest kid” in school, then carrying responsibility after her father passed away, made me recognise how implicit values safety, independence, purpose shape our paths long before we articulate them. Changing direction, as she described, is not failure it can be an act of strength and self-awareness.

Running TouchWood before university gave me early experience with creativity and responsibility, but BCM313 helped me recognise what actually motivates me. Through media and marketing, I discovered a passion for planning and curating events something that grew naturally through Saanjh. Listening to Negin helped me see that interests evolve as we learn to honour the work that aligns with our values, even if it wasn’t part of the original plan.

Our second speaker described how he began in hospitality as a waiter and bartender, and how everyone should experience those jobs for the resilience and communication skills they build. His career unfolded through opportunities rather than strict planning, which challenged my assumptions about what a “proper” career path looks like. What stayed with me was his belief that CVs alone don’t make people stand out. Instead, he emphasised reaching out, following up, and being human, which connects to our Week 4 discussions on soft skills and communication. The slides reminded us that poor communication tone, clarity, and assumptions is the biggest cause of workplace conflict. His perspective helped me see both my Traditional and Narrative CV not as the final product, but as a starting point for connection.

Our third speakers, Meera and Aliza, gave a realistic insight into creative work. Meera found corporate marketing unfulfilling and shifted into academia, while Aliza taught herself animation by arriving early to her internship to watch tutorials. Now she is Design & Animation Lead at Virgin Megastore. Their stories illustrated how adaptability, a key soft skill highlighted in class, shapes the future of work. They also reminded me that creative careers evolve unpredictably, and sometimes our degree becomes a stepping stone rather than a destination.

Finally, Mr. Green’s story tied everything together. His transition from law to writing, and the year he took off to support his wife, showed that careers are shaped by relationships, timing, and courage. His reminder to “get off the screen and smell the roses” became, for me, the emotional core of BCM313: step back, reflect, and allow life to redirect you. Like him, I’ve realised that passion reveals itself gradually. Through Saanjh and the Creators Society, I discovered how much joy I find in event creation and community building.

Creating my Narrative and Traditional CVs was the final step in understanding my journey. For the first time, I saw my entrepreneurship, content creation, leadership, design, and filmmaking not as disconnected tasks, but as one evolving story. BCM313 didn’t just help me create a CV it helped me understand the person behind it.

REFERENCE

Lecture Slides & Class Materials

Nagin, N. (2025). BCM313 Week 2 Lecture: Values, Listening & Narrative Identity [Lecture slides]. University of Wollongong in Dubai.

BCM313 (2025). BCM313 Week 4 Lecture: Soft Skills, Ego, Communication & the Future of Work [Lecture slides]. University of Wollongong in Dubai.

Carey, M., & Russell, S. (2025). Absent But Implicit [PDF]. BCM313 Course Reading. University of Wollongong in Dubai.