Weekly Report (9/22-9/28)

During this week in ISM we mostly focused on scheduling our research interviews. We used our time in class and out of class to call or email professionals in our respective field of study in order to successfully attain research interviews. This week I’ve called over 10 professionals, however, the calls either went straight to the doctor’s secretary or to the doctor’s voicemail. When speaking to the secretaries I explained to them about the Independent Study and Mentorship program at Liberty and inquired if there were any such research interviews available at their hospitals, clinics, or offices. After I was done, the secretaries told me that they would talk to the doctors about my request, and so far only one secretary called me back to offer me an opportunity. When the calls went to the voicemails, I briefly explained myself and requested for a research interview, leaving my phone number and email before I ended the calls. Also, I emailed over 5 professionals and did not receive any replies back. In the school hallways this week I shook hands with our school’s principal and four associate principles. They all wished me good luck in my path and told me that if they needed anything I could ask them. The activities I did this week enhanced my communication skills as I learned to hold a conversation with others. I hope to attain more research interviews so that I can learn more about Cardiology and I look forward to the research interview that I have next week.

Weekly Report (9/15-9/21)

During this week of ISM we set up almost everything for our professional interviews that we will be soon doing. On Thursday, we dress professionally and practiced mock interviews and calls in order gain a better understanding of the process. The mock interviews and calls helped since I learned that I should be more confident of myself and should smile more. After practicing the interviews and calls, we critiqued each other’s resumes so that our drafted resumes would have little to no error. For instance, we set up appropriate voicemails on our cell phones in case anyone may want to contact us, made email signatures so that professionals know we are and represent, and drafted a resume to give to professionals at the business symposium. This past week I composed a rough draft of my resume (1hr), which I will give to professionals. Also, I completed my second research assessment (2hrs), which I was able to become better informed on how certain proteins promote or hinder a healthy heart. I learned that circulating protein apolipoprotein E helps repair the lining of blood vessels, while the genetic variant APO4 doesn’t thus increasing the chance of cardiovascular disease for some individuals. Next week I plan on making calls from those on my contact log and try to succeed in scheduling interviews with them. I hope to learn more insight and tips in the coming weeks.

Weekly Report (9/8-9/14)

During this week of ISM I've learned the importance of a contact log, the type of questions needed to be asked during an interview, the proper methods to start and end conversations, and how to speak more confidently with others. This past week was oriented more towards independent work time, so I was able to begin and finish many assignments in class for ISM. First I completed my contact log (2hrs), which would help me keep track of all the calls, emails, or texts that I would give while trying to find a mentor for my field. The contact log I created has basic information such as a Cardiologist’s name, hospital location, address, phone number, and email. We were responsible to find twenty five professionals, so I found thirty five Cardiologists, all from different hospitals. After the contact log, I personalized my blogger (1hr) in class after a class activity that helped me know any faults or problems that I had in my blogger. Some faults included a need for: a more relevant background, some personal information, and a less bland layout. Next I completed my first research assessment (2hrs) which helped me gain a much better understanding about Cardiology. For the research assessment I essentially analyzed an article that explains how antibody-studded iron nanoparticles injected into a patient's bloodstream can steer stem cells to treat damage from heart attacks. Although everything was still experimental, I learned that researching is strenuous work in which requires dedication and perseverance. Following that I continued to work on my resume (1.5hrs), polishing it before its due date next week. I hope to learn more insight and tips in the coming weeks. 

Weekly Report (8/25-9/7)

During the past two week of ISM I've gained a better understanding of what is expected of the program. The first week we were expected to compose an introductory speech about ourselves and our interest for our field of study. However, composing the introductory speech was not the problem, presenting it well with confidence and ease was an issue. After composing my speech and practicing it numerous times (1hr) I thought I was ready to present it in front of the class, though I was wrong. After presenting my speech I found that I like others had many flaws while introducing myself. I found out that every detail from hand gestures to eye contact to tone of voice was important when one addresses himself. Ending off the first week I’ve created a Google Blogger account (.5 hrs) that will help me keep track of my progress. The following week I had chosen a quote in which I felt that best described the start of my ISM journey (1hr); a quote that is in a way connected to who I am. I had also written a mission statement (1hr) that describes my goals and aspirations that I want to achieve through the ISM program and completed a career/industry forecast (1hr) that helped me know more about the field of cardiology. The career/industry forecast helped me come up with and create specific interview questions (1hr) that I will use later on. In class that week, I’ve learned more about professionalism, appropriate dress attire, and how to create effective resumes. For the upcoming business symposium, we’ve prepared shaking hands with one another and learned effective communication skills. These skills are essential in introducing oneself with a professional in the business world. I hope to learn more insight and tips in the coming weeks.

Welcome to Gowtham Katta's Blog!

Welcome to my ISM Blog! Here you will be able to follow me through my journey and research in the field of Cardiology.