Introductions and learning habits
Project 1
Ukoliko ne razumeš ovaj tekst, koristi Google Translate da ga prevedeš. Ukoliko i dalje imaš nejasnoća, to je okej, slobodno mi napiši mejl i odgovoriću ti što pre.
This is the first project that you will be preparing for.
The first goal of the project is to introduce yourself. The second goal is to talk about your language-learning journey. The second goal is to talk about your work or studies.
To introduce yourself well, you can follow the examples you can find in the first lesson in your course. There are a few short examples and also a slightly longer text. Use it as inspiration. Try to give us a lot of detail. Also, think about the other participants in the class. What questions would you like to ask them?
To talk about your experience with learning English, tell us about your learning history, the most significant issues, and why you applied for this course.
To talk about your work or studies, explain how you got to this place professionally. What achievements are you proud of? What challenges did you face?
HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PROJECT
1. Write your responses down. This will help you think about what you want to say. It will also help you remember some grammar rules you might have forgotten.
2. Use the internet as a tool. Google common ways to introduce yourself, use Google Translate to find good words you want to use and try to find good videos of people introducing themselves on YouTube.
3. Practice out loud. If you have room and privacy, try saying your introduction in front of a mirror. This will help you gain confidence.
4. Send me the text for review. Whenever you send me a text for review, I get a chance to learn more about your mistakes, and then I can help you fix them.
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write up to 600 characters.
Inspiration
Useful expressions
Listen to the introductions. Try to use them as inspiration when you greet people.
Excited to be here!
Nice to meet you all.
I’m looking forward to collaborating with you.
Happy to be here.
- Hi, I’m Rachel, and I’m from London, UK. I work as a graphic designer at GHI Enterprises.
A pleasure to meet you all. - Good afternoon. My name is Hassan, and I’m based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I work as a financial analyst at MNO Corporation.
It’s great to be part of this meeting. - Hi everyone, I’m Lisa, and calling from New York City. I’m a human resources specialist at PQR Enterprises.
Nice to virtually meet you all. - Hello, I’m Hiroshi, and I’m joining from Tokyo, Japan. I work as a marketing coordinator at STU Corporation.
It’s an honor to be here. - Good morning. My name is Sarah, and I’m from Sydney, Australia. I work as a customer service representative at VWX Corporation.
Excited to be part of this meeting. - Hi, I’m Alex, and I’m from Toronto, Canada. I work as a software developer at YZ Company.
A pleasure to meet you all.
A backend developer introduces himself.
Read and listen to John’s introduction. What questions would you ask him?
Hi, I’m John, and I’m a back-end developer. I grew up in a small town in Slovenia and started learning about programming when I was young. Since I have always liked technology, I decided to become a software developer.
As a back-end developer, I create and maintain servers, databases, and applications that help websites and mobile apps work well. I like my job because every project is different, and I enjoy using my problem-solving skills to find good solutions.
Even though English is not my first language, I learned to speak and write it by listening and reading a lot. I try to learn new words and phrases daily to improve my English skills. This helps me communicate with people from all around the world who also work in software development.
When it comes to learning, I think it’s essential to practice every day. I usually read articles about technology, work on small projects, and try to learn new programming languages and frameworks. If I make mistakes, I don’t give up; I keep trying until I get it right.
In summary, I am happy to work as a back-end developer and thankful for the opportunities it has given me. I am excited to keep learning new things and using my skills to make useful and innovative software for people and businesses.
Discussion
- What do you do for work/study?
- What are your hobbies/interests?
- What are your expectations for this class?
- What are some of your goals for improving your English skills?
- Have you ever worked with people from different cultures? How did you adapt to their work styles?
- What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work?
- How do you usually handle stress or pressure at work?
- Have you ever had to give a presentation in English? How did it go?
- How do you feel about speaking English in front of others?
- What do you hope to learn in this class?
My workplace
Project 2
The next project will be focused on workplaces. You can write about your current or previous workplace if you like. You can write about your house or apartment if you work remotely.
The first point is to answer a few questions about your workplace. You can find them in the Discussion section of Topic 2. Choose the ones you find most interesting.
The second point is to choose questions you’d like to ask the other participants in the class and expand on them.
The third point is to answer some of the questions you’ll see after the section ‘A day in the life of a software developer.’ (Writing topics)
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write up to 1000 characters.
Inspiration
Hello everyone! I am Sarah, and I work at Google as a software engineer. You might be familiar with Google – we’re the world’s largest search engine and make various other products such as Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Drive.
As a software engineer, my typical day at Google involves working with other engineers to develop and improve Google’s products. This can involve writing and reviewing code, debugging issues, attending meetings, and collaborating with other teams.
One thing that I love about working at Google is the flexibility. We can work remotely or in the office; plenty of resources are available to help us learn and grow in our roles. This means I can balance my work and personal life while still being productive and achieving my goals.
We work in a team-based culture where everyone works together to achieve a common goal. This means I work with people from different backgrounds and expertise, making the work more exciting and helping me learn new skills.
A day in the life of a software developer
Meet Seb, a software developer from Manchester. He will guide you through his typical work day. He speaks quickly, so feel free to use CC (captions) and slow down the video.
Writing topics
- What does this man do?
- Where does he work?
- Does he have a fixed work schedule?
- What does ‘get cracking’ mean?
- When is their daily meeting?
- When does Seb have lunch?
Discussion
- What kind of work do you do at your company?
- How long have you been working at this company?
- What do you like most about your job?
- Can you describe your typical workday there?
- Have you worked in other companies before? How does this one compare?
- What kind of challenges have you faced while working here?
- Can you tell me about a project you worked on that you are proud of?
- Are there any company traditions or events that you enjoy participating in?
- How does your department contribute to the overall success of the company?
- Have you ever thought about career development opportunities within this company?
Idioms
- A rat race – It’s hard to get ahead in this company. Everyone is always competing against each other. It’s a real rat race.
- A cushy job – My colleague has a cushy job. She hardly does any work and gets paid well.
- A dead-end job – I don’t want to work in a dead-end job. I want a job with growth opportunities.
- A toxic work environment – The office is very negative. It’s a toxic work environment.
- Behind the eight ball – We’re behind the eight ball on this project. We’re running out of time.
- The elephant in the room – Everyone knows about the layoffs, but no one wants to discuss them. It’s the elephant in the room.
- A blessing in disguise – Getting fired was a blessing in disguise. It led me to a better job.
- A breath of fresh air – Working from home is a breath of fresh air. I don’t miss the commute.
- A shot in the dark – We’re unsure if this marketing campaign will succeed. It’s a shot in the dark.
- A game-changer – The new software has been a game-changer. It’s made our work much easier.
Translate to English
When you're trying to translate something, never put an entire sentence into Google Translate. Always try to translate single words or expressions, and then try to form the sentence yourself. This might take longer, but it will help you think in English.
Stanijina sestra otišla na rođendan Miljanine tetke. (VREO VIDEO)
Jovana Jeremić: ‘Nikada nisam išla na psihoterapiju.’ (FOTO)(LEKARSKI KARTON)
Milan Stanković svakog vikenda pije vinjak, a ovih dana pije i rakiju! (RAČUN IZ PRODAVNICE)
Rada Manojlović živi u Beogradu, troši u Milanu, a spava u Četerežu. (FOTOKOPIJA PRVE STRANE PASOŠA)
Personal traits
Project 3
The next project will be focused on personal traits and workplace conflict.
The first point is to describe yourself as best as you can. Use the words mentioned in this topic, or use your own words. Tell us about your best and worst traits.
The second point is to choose questions you’d like to ask the other participants in the class and expand on them.
The third point is to answer questions from Writing Topics 2 and 3. You can choose a few questions to answer and a few to ask the other participants in the class. Choose at least 3 questions from Writing Topics 3.
The fourth point is translating the headlines at the end of this topic from Serbian to English.
Writing topic 1 is optional.
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write up to 1500 characters.
Inspiration
Share the traits you think are important in business, teamwork, and in your personal life. Which ones do you appreciate the most?
- Kindness – Being nice and helpful to others.
- Confidence – Believing in yourself and your abilities.
- Empathy – Understanding and feeling what others are going through.
- Perseverance – Not giving up when things get tough.
- Optimism – Seeing the positive side of things and expecting good outcomes.
- Responsibility – Taking ownership of your actions and being accountable.
- Creativity – Having a good imagination and coming up with new ideas.
- Patience – Being able to wait calmly without getting upset.
- Honesty – Telling the truth even when it’s hard.
- Humility – Being humble and not thinking you’re better than others.
- Curiosity – Being interested in learning and exploring new things.
- Assertiveness – Being confident in expressing your thoughts and opinions.
- Flexibility – Being adaptable and open to change.
- Loyalty – Sticking with someone or something even when it’s not easy.
- Courage – Being brave and doing things even when you’re scared.
- Compassion – Feeling concerned and caring for others’ well-being.
- Resourcefulness – Finding ways to solve problems using available resources.
- Dependability – Being reliable and trustworthy.
- Sense of humor – Finding things funny and making others laugh.
- Generosity – Giving to others without expecting anything in return.
How to Handle Difficult Employees
Greg Winter talks about the things CEOs and business owners need to do when their employees are being difficult. Listen to the video and try to answer a few of the questions below.
Writing topics 1
What anecdote does Greg share in the beginning?
What did he do when a female employee showed up at work disheveled?
How difficult was it to follow this man’s thoughts?
A conflict at a software development company
At a software company, there was a backend developer named Tom and a UI designer named Lisa. Tom was a hard-working developer who loved writing code and creating software that worked efficiently. Lisa was an artistic designer who enjoyed creating beautiful, user-friendly designs.
Tom and Lisa had to work together on a project to create a new software application. However, they had very different ideas about the software. Tom thought that the software should be efficient and functional, while Lisa wanted it to be appealing and easy to use.
As they started working on the project, Tom and Lisa began to disagree. Tom thought that Lisa’s designs were too complex and wouldn’t work well with his code. Lisa thought that Tom’s code was too rigid and wouldn’t allow for any creativity in the design.
The conflict between Tom and Lisa got worse each day, affecting the team’s productivity. The project manager had to intervene and ask them to work together and find a solution. After some discussions and compromise, Tom and Lisa finally found a way to work together. Tom made some adjustments to his code to allow for more flexibility in the design, while Lisa simplified some of her designs to work better with the code.
In the end, they created a great app. The project was a success, and the team was proud of the software they had created together.
Tom and Lisa learned that by working together and finding common ground, they could overcome their differences and create something great. From then on, they worked together smoothly and became good friends.
Writing topics 2
Who thought the code was rigid?
Why was Tom upset?
Who helped them solve their problems?
What happened in the end?
Writing topics 3
- What does it mean to be honest, and why is it important to you?
- How do you deal with feeling stressed, and what helps you to feel better?
- What does it mean to be strong and able to handle difficult situations, and how do you get better at it?
- What makes someone a good listener, and how do you try to listen better?
- How do you make sure that you are being clear and honest in your conversations with others?
- What does it mean to be creative, and how do you come up with new ideas?
- How do you make sure you are doing what you need to do, even if it’s hard, and what do you do to motivate yourself?
- What makes someone a good leader, and how do you try to be a good leader?
- How do you work through disagreements with others, and what helps you to find a solution that works for everyone?
- How do you stay open to learning new things, and what do you do to keep improving yourself?
Bad traits
- Greediness – Wanting more and more of something, often at the expense of others. Example: “Emma is very greedy. She always takes more than her fair share of the toys.”
- Jealousy – Feeling resentful towards someone because they have something you want or because you feel they’re better than you. Example: “Sophie is unbelievably jealous. She always gets upset when her friends get attention.”
- Stubbornness – Refusing to change your mind or accept someone else’s point of view. Example: “Mark is incredibly stubborn. He always insists that he’s right and never listens to other people’s opinions.”
- Rudeness – Being impolite and disrespectful towards others. Example: “Jenny is unbelievably rude. She always interrupts people when they’re talking.”
- Arrogance – Thinking you’re better than others and treating them poorly. Example: “Jake is terribly arrogant. He always talks down to other people and acts like he’s superior.”
- Impatience – Getting upset or frustrated when things don’t happen quickly enough. Example: “Max is quite impatient. He always gets mad when he has to wait in line.”
- Laziness – Not wanting to do work or put in the effort to get things done. Example: “Kelly is very lazy. She never wants to do her homework or help with chores.”
- Dishonesty – Telling lies or not telling the truth. Example: “Ben is so dishonest. He always lies about his grades to his parents.”
- Inconsiderateness- Not thinking about other people’s feelings or needs. Example: “Samantha is very inconsiderate. She always talks loudly on the phone when people are trying to sleep.”
- Negativity – Always thinking and speaking negatively and bringing others down. Example: “Tom is so negative. He always complains about everything and makes people feel bad.”
Conversation starters
Personal Traits in Teamwork: What personal traits do you think are most important for a successful team?
- Have you ever worked with someone who had a personal trait that made teamwork difficult? How did you handle it?
- Do you think it’s better to have a team with diverse personal traits or a team with similar personal traits? Why?
- How do you think personal traits affect team dynamics and productivity?
Personal Traits in Learning: What personal traits do you think are most important for successful learning?
- Have you ever had to work on a personal trait to improve your academic performance? What was it?
- Do you think it’s more important to be a self-starter or to have good study habits when it comes to learning?
- How do you think personal traits like curiosity and perseverance impact learning outcomes?
Personal Traits in Business: What personal traits do you think are most important for business success?
- Have you ever worked with someone with a personal trait that made working with them challenging? How did you handle it?
- Do you think it’s better to have different types of people working for a company, or is it better for everyone to have a similar mindset?
- How do personal traits like confidence and adaptability impact success in business?
Translate this to English
Pohlepna pevačica ukrala automobil od bivšeg dečka.
Karleuša: “Jako sam negativna, pitam se zašto?”
Marija Šerifović džipom udarila vola. Tvrdoglava životinja je dobro. Vo se i dalje oporavlja.
How to be confident in interviews
Project 4
This is our first mock interview.
The first question is about introducing yourself to the HR representative, hiring manager, or CEO.
Read the first subtopic, ‘Tell me a bit about yourself,‘ and watch the video. Write a few different answers using these prompts or similar sentence starters:
Success – “I have been….” or “My background is…”
Strength -“My strength is…” or “my real strength is…”
Situation – “What I am looking for is…” Is this what your company is looking for?
Present – ‘I am a Flutter developer with 4 years of experience.’
Past – ‘I’ve worked for a few companies in the banking sector.’
Future – ‘I look forward to expanding my skillset / I’m learning Node.js / I want to move my career towards working with large corporations.’
The second point is to talk about your biggest weakness.
Acknowledge a real weakness, discuss how you have addressed it in the past, and explain how you continue to work on it.
‘My biggest weakness is my English proficiency. In the past, I focused on other things, but now I’m taking classes and working on improving my communication skills in English’.
‘I had issues with time management, but I’ve started working on it by using time management apps and to-do lists. This really helps me stay on track.’
The third point is to research the companies you want to work for. Try to think of a way to answer the question, ‘How did you hear about us?‘ if you get an interview with one of those companies.
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write as many characters as you need.
The informal part of an interview
The informal part of an interview is the portion of the interview process that occurs before or after the interviewer asks you those formal questions about the job. It is an opportunity for the interviewer and job seeker to get to know each other more personally and build a connection.
During the informal part of the interview, the interviewer may ask more casual or personal questions, such as “How was your weekend?”, “What do you like to do outside of work?” or “What brought you to this city?” These questions are meant to give the interviewer a sense of who the job seeker is and help them gauge their fit with the company culture.
Job seekers need to be themselves and be honest during this part of the interview, as it can provide the interviewer with valuable insights into their personality and communication style. However, it is also essential for job seekers to be mindful of their language and behavior, as the informal part of the interview is still a professional setting.
How To Prepare For The Informal Interview
Clark Glassford talks about causal interviews. A casual interview is an interview that doesn't seem very formal, and it might happen in a coffee shop or restaurant. It seems like you've simply been invited to meet someone in a casual way, but these interviews are just as serious as any other kind. Clark helps you stay in the interview mindset.
Tell me a bit about yourself.
An interviewer might ask you this question, or they might say something like, ‘walk me through your background, tell me more about you, or walk me through your resume.‘
The purpose of this question is for the interviewer to hear a bit more about you. They already saw your resume and probably went over your LinkedIn page. This is an excellent opportunity to show them more of who you are.
You can briefly introduce yourself, and if you want to talk about your education and previous work experience, you can give more information about why you made those choices or what you gained from your previous experiences.
Try to use this opportunity to give more insight into who you are. Some interviewers read many resumes daily, which is the time to stand out.
Some of us don’t like this question, and some recruiters never ask it during interviews. They simply start talking about your career. However, it serves an essential purpose when it’s used.
Why are they asking me this?
This question allows the interviewer to move the conversation from an informal introduction to a formal interview. When entering the room, you might talk about the traffic and weather, drink a cup of water, or comment on your commute. And now it’s time to start talking business.
Remember that being an interviewer is also a job, and the person interviewing you might be new at this job. So they might use this question to allow themselves to prepare or even to remember details about your application. It also helps them figure out the direction they want to take in the interview.
How to respond?
A simple formula can help you structure your response to this question.
You can talk about the present first, then the past, and finally the future.
Present – you can quickly say who you are, your current position, and your primary skillset. You can also add an important recent achievement if it’s appropriate.
Past – here, you can talk about how you got to the present moment. Talk about your previous experiences, education, and reasons for choosing this career path.
Future – It makes a lot of sense to finish this answer by talking about your plans for the future of your career. Those plans start with you applying for this job. Share what makes you a good fit for the role you applied for, and explain why you are interested.
Of course, you can change how you answer this question without following this pattern. What remains important is to tie in your previous experiences or interests with the position you’re interviewing for. This will leave the recruiter with the impression that it makes sense that you are the person sitting in front of them.
Tell me about yourself – Dan Lok
Dan Lok shares another formula and great prompts to answer this question.
Tips and prompts
1. Don’t share your life story. Share what you can bring to the table.
2. Be your Best Self – What’s in it for the company?
3. The 3 S’s:
Success – “I have been….” or “My background is…”
Strength -“My strength is…” or “my real strength is…”
Situation – “What I am looking for is…” Is this what your company is looking for?
How did you hear about our company?
This is a very common question during interviews. Believe it or not, this question reveals an essential fact about the applicant. It shows whether the applicant wants this particular job or any job.
Why are they asking me this?
You’re being asked this question because the interviewer wants to know if you are interested in this company or if you simply have a lot of bills to pay. Focus on explaining what you find interesting about this particular company or job.
Most people find their first few jobs through job boards, general ads, internet advertising, and job fairs, which is fine.
However, a candidate who consistently finds their next position through general job ads most often has yet to decide what they want to do and where they want to do it.
Employers prefer to hire qualified, interested candidates rather than those who are simply looking for work.
For instance, mention the friend or business contact who told you about the job and explain why you were so impressed. Share your source if you learned about the role from a social media group or an article. Even if you came across the job ad on a random job board, mention what drew your attention to the position.
How should I respond?
When you’re in a job interview, it’s crucial to ensure you answer all questions professionally and articulately. One common question that is often asked is, “How did you hear about us?” This can be tricky to answer, so here are some tips for responding to this query successfully:
• Be Honest: While making a good impression in an interview is essential, it’s equally important to be honest in your answer. It’s best to avoid embellishing the truth or making up a story. If you’ve heard about the company through a friend, online search, or company website, mention that.
• Do Your Research: If you aren’t familiar with the company, take some time to do research before the interview. Being knowledgeable and informed about the company’s mission, values, and goals is essential. This will demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
• Show Your Networking Skills: If you heard about the job through a professional contact, mention it. This will show the interviewer that you have excellent networking skills and have taken the initiative to learn about the company.
• Show Your Passion: If you heard about the company through a friend, family member, or online search, be sure to mention the passion and enthusiasm you have for the role. This will demonstrate that you have taken the time to research the company and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Ask Questions: If you heard about the job through a recruiter, ask questions about the company and the role. This will show that you are eager and interested in the job and have taken the time to research the company.
What is your greatest weakness?
This can be an intimidating question. If I say the truth, I might not get the job. If I lie, they might see through it and simply not hire me. What should I do?
Why do interviewers ask this question?
By asking this question, interviewers are looking for candidates who are honest about their weaknesses, show a willingness to improve, and have a growth mindset. They want to see if you can recognize areas where you may need to improve and if you have a plan in place to address those weaknesses.
Additionally, this question can help interviewers assess whether your weaknesses are likely to impact your ability to perform in the role you are interviewing for. If you can explain how you are working on improving your weaknesses and provide examples of how you have overcome them in the past, it can help alleviate concerns that your weaknesses will negatively impact your performance.
Overall, interviewers ask this question to understand better your personality, work ethic, and self-improvement strategies, which can help them determine if you are a good fit for the job and the company culture.
How to respond to this question?
When asked about your greatest weakness in an interview or professional setting, it’s important to answer in a way that shows self-awareness and a willingness to improve while also highlighting your strengths. Here are some dos and don’ts when answering this question:
Do’s:
- Be honest: It’s important to acknowledge areas where you could improve but also explain how you’re actively working on it. Example: “One of my weaknesses is public speaking, but I’ve been taking public speaking courses and volunteering to present at meetings to improve my skills.”
- Show self-awareness: It’s important to show that you have a clear understanding of your weaknesses and how they may affect your job performance. Example: “I tend to get caught up in the details and can sometimes take longer to complete tasks, but I’ve learned to prioritize my workload and focus on the most important tasks first.”
- Highlight strengths: After discussing a weakness, try to highlight a strength that balances it out. Example: “While I’m not the most outgoing person, I’m very detail-oriented and organized, which helps me excel in my work.”
Don’ts:
- Be too negative: While acknowledging weaknesses is important, avoid talking about them in a way that makes you seem like a bad candidate for the job. Example: “I’m terrible at time management, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to improve.”
- Lie: Don’t try to give a fake weakness that doesn’t actually apply to you. Interviewers can usually tell when someone is being disingenuous. Example: “My greatest weakness is that I’m too much of a perfectionist.”
- Fail to address the question: Avoid giving a vague or unrelated answer that doesn’t actually address the question. Example: “My greatest weakness? Hmm, I’m not sure. I think I’m pretty good at everything.”
Remember, the key to answering this question effectively is to show self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to improve, while also highlighting your strengths. With practice, you can turn this potentially tricky question into an opportunity to showcase your skills and impress your interviewer.
Dan Lok – Interview Question: “What Are Your Weaknesses?” And You Say, “…”
What advice does Ben have for you?
What should you never share?
How to turn this question into an advantage?
Pronunciation tips
When you’re having difficulty remembering how to pronounce a word, or if you’re unsure, there’s an easy way to check.
You can go to Google and type how to pronounce + the word you need to hear. You will see something like this:
If you click on practice and say the word, Google will try to coach you on pronouncing it better. The tool isn’t perfect, but it’s very good for casual practice.
Tricky words to pronounce
| Synergy Agile Entrepreneurship Disruptive Innovation | A way of doing work that is flexible and fast. Coming up with new and useful ideas. Something that changes or disturbs things a lot. Starting and running your own business. When things work together to create a bigger effect. |
| Sustainability Blockchain Cryptocurrency Artificial intelligence Augmented reality | The simulation of human intelligence by computer systems, including learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Any digital or virtual currency that uses encryption techniques to secure and verify transactions and to control the creation of new units. Using resources today in a way that won’t compromise future generations. An interactive experience that adds digital elements to a live view, often by using the camera on a smartphone or tablet. A digital ledger that records transactions securely and transparently. |
| Gamification Venture capital Incubator Accelerator Pivot | The money that’s provided to startups and early-stage companies by investors looking for a high return on their investment. It is a place where people with new business ideas can get guidance, networking opportunities, and assistance to make their ideas into real businesses. A program that helps businesses grow, become successful, and scale rapidly. Change direction or strategy in response to feedback or changing circumstances. Companies, startups, and corporations often do this to stay ahead of the game. Making work or learning fun by adding game elements like points, badges, and challenges. Using game design principles in non-game contexts. |
| Monetization Intellectual property E-commerce Scalability Crowdfunding | The ability of a system, product, or service to handle increased demand, traffic, or volume without breaking down or degrading performance. Asking large numbers of people to give small contributions to help fund something you want to create, like a new product or business. Often done through online platforms like GoFundMe, especially in the US. Generating revenue from something you create, like a website or app. The legal rights you have to something you created, like a song, a book, or an invention. The buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet, typically through online stores, marketplaces, or platforms. |
Portfolios
Project 5
The next project will be focused on portfolios. I suggest you read the article below, “Why should everyone have a portfolio?” before starting.
The first point is to talk about your portfolio. Tell us about what you have in your portfolio if you have one, and tell us what you plan to put in it if you don’t already have one.
Use these sentence starters:
My portfolio includes…
My portfolio should include…
I think my best project is…
I didn’t include (this project) because…
I host my portfolio on…
The second point is to answer questions regarding this topic’s video. The questions that I think are the most important are:
Why is it important for the portfolio to be simple, clean, and readable?
What do you think? What’s better, to create your own portfolio or to use a template?
What is the skillset demand in your field?
The third point is to do research. Find a portfolio you like and answer the following questions about it:
Whose portfolio is this?
What is their main skill?
What do you like about this portfolio?
What did you see in their portfolio that you’d like to use in your own?
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google Translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write up to 1500 characters.
Why should everyone have a portfolio?
| Contribute | To give something (such as time, effort, or money) to help or achieve something |
| Wireframe | The process of generating ideas or coming up with new concepts. |
| Ideation | To give something (such as time, effort, or money) so you can help someone or achieve something. |
Having a portfolio can be beneficial for various professionals in different ways. Here are some potential benefits and examples of what each professional could include in their portfolio:
- Developer: A portfolio can showcase a developer’s technical skills, experience, and expertise. Examples of what a developer can include in their portfolio are:
- Code samples: Including examples of their coding work can demonstrate their proficiency in various programming languages and technologies.
- Projects: They can showcase their completed projects, including web applications, software, or mobile apps.
- Contributions to open-source projects: Including their contributions to open-source projects can showcase their collaboration and community involvement.
- Certifications: They can include certifications in various technologies and programming languages that they have earned.
- Designer: For a designer, a portfolio can be an excellent way to demonstrate their creativity, visual style, and design skills. Examples of what a designer can include in their portfolio are:
- Design projects: Including design work, such as logos, websites, UI/UX, branding materials, and marketing materials, can showcase their creative skills and design style.
- Design process: They can show their design process, including sketches, mockups, and wireframes, to demonstrate their approach to problem-solving and ideation.
- Client testimonials: They can include feedback and testimonials from previous clients. This can demonstrate their ability to meet client needs and work collaboratively.
- Marketing expert: For a marketing expert, a portfolio can demonstrate their ability to create effective campaigns and strategies that achieve business goals. Examples of what a marketing expert can include in their portfolio are:
- Case studies: Including case studies that showcase successful marketing campaigns and their results can demonstrate their ability to create effective strategies.
- Campaign materials: They can include examples of marketing materials, such as social media ads, email marketing campaigns, and landing pages.
- Analytics: They can showcase their ability to analyze and report on marketing campaign results by including data and analytics reports.
- HR representative: A portfolio can be helpful for an HR representative to showcase their experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, and employee relations. Examples of what an HR representative can include in their portfolio are:
- Recruitment materials: Including examples of job postings, resumes, and cover letters can demonstrate their ability to attract top talent.
- Performance reports: They can include performance reports and employee feedback to demonstrate their involvement in employee relations and management.
- Training materials: They can showcase training materials and presentations they’ve developed to demonstrate their ability to foster employee development.
- Psychologist: For a psychologist, a portfolio can demonstrate their experience and skills in providing counseling, therapy, and mental health services. Examples of what a psychologist can include in their portfolio are:
- Case studies: Including case studies that showcase successful treatment outcomes can demonstrate their ability to provide effective therapy.
- Publications: They can include published articles or research papers in the field of psychology.
- Presentations: They can showcase presentations they gave at conferences or workshops on various psychology-related topics.
- AI expert: For an AI expert, a portfolio can showcase their experience and expertise in developing and implementing AI technologies. Examples of what an AI expert can include in their portfolio are:
- AI models: Including examples of AI models developed and deployed in real-world scenarios can demonstrate their ability to create effective AI technologies.
- Research papers: They can include published AI and machine learning research papers.
- Open-source contributions: They can showcase their contributions to open-source AI projects, demonstrating their collaboration and community involvement.
| Testimonial | A type of software or technology where the original source code is made available to the public, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute it. |
| Open-source | A statement that describes how someone feels about a product or service |
| Deploy | To give something (such as time, effort, or money) so you can help someone or achieve something. |
The Junior Web Developer Portfolio That’ll Get You Hired
When did he start learning how to code?
What is the minimum tech stack he recommends?
What projects does he recommend developers start with?
Why is it important for the portfolio to be simple, clean, and readable?
What do you think? What’s better, to create your own portfolio or to use a template?
What is the skillset demand in your field?
Communication tips
This message explains how to write a formal email. You should start with a greeting that suits your relationship with the person. You could say “Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms” followed by their name or “Dear Sir/Madam” if you don’t know their name. Then, you should introduce the reason for writing with a sentence that matches the subject of the email.
If you want to share information, you could say, “I am writing to let you know,” or “I am delighted to tell you” if it’s good news, or “I regret to inform you” if it’s bad news. If you’re answering an email, you can say, “I am writing in response to” or “I am writing to thank you for” if you need to express gratitude.
When writing the body of the email, divide it into short paragraphs and avoid using abbreviations and acronyms. Abbreviations and acronyms are better suited for informal emails to friends and family. Finally, you can end the email with an invitation for further communication, such as “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “Please let me know if you have any questions.” Use an appropriate closing for your email, such as “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Yours faithfully” if starting with “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Yours sincerely” if starting with “Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms + surname.”
A resignation email
Dear Priti,
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to resign from my position as a Web Developer at Tesla. I would like to thank you and the company for the opportunities and experiences I gained during my employment here.
My last day of work will be the 4th of May, which should provide enough time to ensure a smooth transition for my replacement. I will do everything I can to ensure that all my duties are handled before my departure.
If there is anything else I can do to assist during this transition, please let me know. Thank you again for the support and guidance you provided during my time at Tesla.
Sincerely,
Nick.
Project 6
This project is focused on how to ask for help when we’re stuck.
Try to answer at least one of the following questions:
- (If you’re already proficient at a skill)
1. Who helped you learn the skills that you have now?
2. What do you do when you’re stuck?
3. Do you help others in your team or community? - (If you’re a beginner)
1. Who helps you on your learning path?
2. Who do you ask for help if you get stuck while learning or practicing?
3. Are you a member of a learning community?
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google Translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write up to 600 characters.
Asking for assistance
A front-end developer needs help.
Jack is a Scrum leader, and Manesh is a front-end developer. They work in the same company and are collaborating on a project. Jack checks in with Manesh on the project’s progress and offers assistance. Manesh asks for guidance on a new feature and requests more time to complete it.
Dialogue
Jack: Hi there, Manesh. How’s the project going?
Manesh: Hi Jack, it’s been going okay so far, but I could use some help.
Jack: What do you need help with specifically?
Manesh: I’m struggling with the new feature we’re trying to make. Do you have any advice or tips?
Jack: Sure, I can help you out. What specifically are you struggling with?
Manesh: I’m having some trouble with the design elements, and I think I need more time to complete them.
Jack: How much time do you think you need?
Manesh: Maybe an extra week or so?
Jack: Alright, I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, do you need additional resources or support?
Manesh: Yes, that would be great. Are there any design tools or resources that you recommend?
Jack: Yes, there are a few design resources that I can recommend. Let me send them over to you via email.
Manesh: Thank you, I appreciate your help.
Jack: No problem, that’s what I’m here for. Do you have any other concerns or issues that you need help with?
Manesh: Not at the moment, but I’ll let you know if anything comes up.
Jack: Great, sounds good. Keep up the good work, and let me know if you need anything else.
Manesh: Thank you, I will. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.
Discussion topics
How would you ask someone to help you with a bug in your code?
How would you thank them for their help and time?
How would you encourage someone to keep trying?
How would you offer your help to someone on your team?
How would you say you will try to help, but you can’t guarantee it?
Grammar point
What do these sentences imply about the duration of the state I’m in?
Which states are permanent or long-term, and which are temporary?
I struggle with drug abuse.
I’m struggling with this bug.
I’m thinking about salmon for lunch.
I often think about the past.
I live in Kragujevac.
I’m living at my mother-in-law’s until my apartment gets renovated.
Jordan Peterson talks about quitting
This talk by Professor Peterson is quite difficult to follow, but it’s a good topic for conversation.
- Who is Jordan Peterson?
- Do you agree with what he says?
- What does it mean ‘dispense with the idea’?
- The devil I know is better than the one I don’t know – what does this mean?
- What is meaningful for you?
- Do you follow motivational speakers?
- What motivates you?
- What does it mean to ‘bargain’?
The highs and the lows of your career
Reading tips
You don’t always have to read the whole text to find the information you need. You can first skim through it to get a general idea of what it’s about. Then, feel free to read it. Later, you can just scan it to find the particular word or expression you need.
Skimming is reading rapidly to get a general overview of the material.
Scanning is reading rapidly to find specific facts.
Skimming tells you what general information is within a section.
Scanning helps you locate a particular fact.
Interview question: What’s your biggest professional achievement?
When an interviewer asks about your biggest professional achievement, they want to know about the most significant accomplishment you’ve had in your work life. It’s a way for them to see if you’re suitable for the job and how you can contribute to the company.
Second, this question allows the interviewer to learn more about your motivations and goals. By hearing about your most significant professional achievement, the interviewer can get a sense of what drives you and what you are most proud of in your career.
To answer the question, use the STAR method. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Explain the situation you faced at work, what you were tasked to do, what action you took, and what the result was. Focus on how your achievement helped the company or team and how it shows your strengths and abilities.
Here’s an example answer using the STAR method:
Baker:
Situation: I worked as the head baker at a bakery, and my boss asked me to make a new line of gluten-free pastries.
Task: My task was to make gluten-free pastries that tasted good and looked nice.
Action: I tried different flours and ingredients until I found a good recipe for gluten-free pastry dough.
Then, I made different kinds of pastries like cakes, cookies, and croissants.
I used good ingredients and tried different flavors.
I also worked with the bakery’s marketing team to tell people about our new gluten-free pastries.
Result: Lots of people liked our new pastries! Our bakery sold 30% more gluten-free pastries than before, and people wrote nice things about us in the newspaper.
Additional examples
AI Expert:
Situation: Our company needed to improve its natural language processing capabilities to make our chatbot more effective.
Task: My task was to design and implement a new machine-learning algorithm for the chatbot.
Action: I researched and experimented with different approaches to natural language processing. After several iterations, I developed a new algorithm. It significantly improved the chatbot’s accuracy and response time.
Result: The chatbot’s improved performance led to increased customer satisfaction. Our company was able to attract new clients who were impressed with our chatbot’s capabilities.
Android Developer:
Situation: Our company needed to create a new mobile app for our customers to use.
Task: I was responsible for developing the app’s user interface and user experience design.
Action: I conducted user research and designed the app’s interface, incorporating feedback from users and stakeholders along the way. I tested the app on different devices and platforms to ensure it worked as intended.
Result: The app was well-received by customers and increased our company’s visibility in the market. We received positive reviews and feedback, which led to increased downloads and usage of the app.
Front-End Developer:
Situation: I worked on a project to redesign a company’s website to make it more user-friendly and modern.
Task: My task was to design and develop the front end of the new website.
Action: I collaborated with the design team to come up with a new layout and design that met the client’s requirements. I then developed the front end of the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring that it was responsive and compatible with different devices.
Result: The new website was well-received by the client and its customers. They found it easier to navigate and use. The website also received positive feedback from the company’s stakeholders, which helped to improve its reputation and increase its online presence.
Back-End Developer:
Situation: I was responsible for developing a new payment system for an e-commerce website.
Task: My task was to design and develop the back end of the payment system.
Action: I researched different payment gateways and developed a custom solution. I integrated it with the website’s existing infrastructure. I also ensured the payment system was secure and met the industry’s compliance standards.
Result: The new payment system was successfully launched and processed transactions seamlessly. The new system was also more efficient than the previous system. This resulted in a shorter payment processing time and an increase in customer satisfaction.
Interview question: Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
When an interviewer asks about a time you made a mistake, it can be nerve-wracking. However, this is an opportunity to show your honesty and ability to learn from your mistakes.
Start by choosing a specific example of a mistake you made in the past. Make sure it’s not a major mistake that would disqualify you for the position. Explain what happened and take responsibility for your actions.
Next, talk about what you learned from the experience and how you improved. Highlight any steps you took to prevent the mistake from happening again.
You can also use the STAR method here.
A florist talks about his mistake.
Situation:
One time, I made a mistake with an order for a bouquet of roses.
Task:
The customer wanted a certain color of roses, but I got the wrong color from my supplier.
Action:
I called the customer and said sorry for the mistake. I asked if they wanted their money back or a new bouquet with the correct color of roses. They chose the new bouquet.
Result:
I worked hard to make a new bouquet with the right color roses and delivered it to them on time. The customer was happy and left a nice review for my business.
By showing how you learned from your mistake and that you took steps to prevent it from happening again, you’re demonstrating your ability to take responsibility. You’re also showing your problem-solving skills. This type of response can show the interviewer that you’re proactive and willing to learn from your mistakes, which are valuable qualities in any job.
Additional examples
Front End Developer:
Situation: While working on a website redesign project, I missed a crucial deadline for the homepage due to miscommunication with my team.
Task: I needed to fix the mistake and get the project back on track.
Action: I immediately informed my team of the issue and worked overtime to complete the homepage as quickly as possible.
Result: The project was completed on time, and my team appreciated my effort to fix the mistake.
Back End Developer:
Situation: I was responsible for a database migration project, but I made an error in the code that resulted in data loss.
Task: I needed to recover the lost data and prevent the mistake from happening again.
Action: I took ownership of the mistake and worked with the team to restore the lost data from a backup. I also conducted a thorough review of the code to identify and fix any other potential errors.
Result: The lost data was successfully restored, and the team appreciated my transparency and efforts to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
AI Expert:
Situation: I made a mistake while developing a machine-learning model that resulted in inaccurate predictions. Task: I needed to identify the mistake and improve the model’s accuracy.
Action: I analyzed the data and code to identify the mistake and made the necessary adjustments to the model. I also implemented new testing protocols to catch potential errors before they could impact the accuracy of the model.
Result: The improved model delivered more accurate predictions, and my team appreciated my attention to detail and efforts to improve the project continuously.
Interview question – Have you thought about compensation?
Negotiating a salary during a job interview can be a tricky process, but it’s important to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your skills and experience. Here are some tips on how to negotiate your salary during a job interview:
- Do your research: Before the interview, research the typical salary range for the position you are applying for in your industry and geographic location. This will help you understand what you can expect and provide a starting point for negotiations.
- Know your worth: Consider your skills, experience, and qualifications and how they align with the position you’re applying for. Be confident in your abilities and the value you can bring to the company.
- Wait for the employer to bring up the topic: It’s best to wait for the employer to bring up the topic of salary during the interview. Once they do, you can begin to negotiate.
- Be flexible: Be open to negotiation and willing to compromise. It’s important to understand that the employer may have constraints, such as budget limitations.
- Focus on the total compensation package: Don’t just focus on the salary figure alone. Consider other benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. These can add significant value to your overall compensation package.
- Practice your negotiation skills: Practice your negotiation skills before the interview. This can include role-playing with a friend or mentor or researching negotiation techniques online.
- Be professional and polite: Remember to be professional and polite during negotiations. Avoid being confrontational or aggressive. Focus on finding a mutually beneficial solution.
By following these tips, you can negotiate a fair salary during your job interview and ensure that you are compensated appropriately for your skills and experience.
Salary expectations – conversation starters
My salary expectation is 4000$, based on my experience and the responsibilities of the role.
Based on my research, I believe my skills and qualifications are worth between 2000 and 3000 $ for this position.
Salary negotiations – useful phrases
Thank you for the offer. I have a question. Is there any room for negotiation on the salary? Based on my research, the market rate for this position is higher than what’s offered.
I’m very interested in this position, but I’m hoping we can agree on the salary. Is your offer negotiable?
Project 7
This project aims to prepare you for our second mock interview class.
I recommend you do the project after you’ve skimmed the contents of this lesson.
Use the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to answer the following questions about yourself.
- What is your biggest professional achievement?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
- What are your expectations when it comes to compensation?
The rules
Please don’t use a spell checker.
Please don’t use Google Translate to translate whole sentences. Only use it to translate individual words and expressions.
Write up to 1000 characters.
The shorter, the better.
Three colleagues are discussing the topic of remote work. Julia, a social media manager, believes remote work is excellent. Mike, an AR/VR developer, doesn’t like it. Jafar, a Magento developer, is on the fence.
Julia: Hi, guys! How are you both doing today?
Mike: I’m good, thanks. What about you, Jafar?
Jafar: I’m doing fine, thanks for asking.
Julia: I was wondering, what do you both think about remote work?
Mike: Personally, I don’t like it. I prefer being in the office with my colleagues.
Jafar: I’m on the fence. I can see the benefits, but I also like the social aspect of being in the office.
Julia: I see. Well, for me, remote work is excellent. It lets me have a better work-life balance and avoid long commutes.
Mike: But don’t you miss working with your team in person?
Julia: I do, but we still have regular video calls and talk on Slack.
Jafar: I agree with Julia. Remote work gives us more flexibility and saves us time.
Mike: Hmm, I can see your points, but I prefer the office. I find it easier to concentrate and be productive.
Julia: That’s fair. It’s important to find what works best for you.
Jafar: Yes, everyone is different. It’s good that companies are offering more options nowadays.
Julia: Definitely. Well, it’s been great talking about this with you both. Let’s catch up again soon!
Writing a good business email is important in today’s professional world. Whether you are communicating with colleagues, clients, or customers, ensuring your emails are clear, concise, and professional is essential. Here are some tips to help you write effective business emails:
- Start with a clear subject line. Your subject line should be concise and to the point, summarizing the content of your email.
- Use a professional tone. Your email should be written in a professional tone, using proper grammar and spelling. Avoid using slang or informal language.
- Keep it brief. Keep your emails short and to the point. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to make your message easier to read.
- Use proper salutations and closings. Begin your email with a proper salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms.” or “Hello.” End your email with a professional closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”
- Use clear and simple language. Avoid using complicated language or industry jargon that your reader may not understand. Use simple and clear language to make your message easy to understand.
- Proofread your email. Before sending your email, proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. This will help ensure that your message is clear and professional.
By following these tips, you can write effective business emails to help you communicate professionally and effectively in the workplace.
In this article, I will describe 10 words you should avoid when describing your colleagues. Using negative words to describe others can create a wrong impression and damage relationships. Therefore, it is important to choose your words carefully.
- Lazy – Instead of calling someone lazy, you can say they need to improve their time management skills.
- Dumb – This is a hurtful word that should never be used. Instead, use phrases like “they need more guidance in this area” or “they could benefit from more training.”
- Crazy – Using this word to describe someone’s behavior can be disrespectful. Instead, try to explain the behavior more objectively.
- Gossip – Refrain from using this word to describe colleagues who like to talk. Use phrases like “they enjoy socializing” instead.
- Weird – This word can be hurtful and vague. Instead, try to describe what you find strange or unusual about the person in a more objective way.
- Arrogant – This word can be offensive and dismissive. Instead, use phrases like “they can come across as confident” or “they have strong beliefs.”
- Control freak – Instead of using this negative term, describe the person as “detail-oriented” or “focused on the end result.”
- Stubborn – Instead of using this word, use phrases like “they have strong opinions” or “they stick to their convictions.”
- Bossy – This word can be hurtful and condescending. Use phrases like “they have leadership qualities” or “they like to take charge.”
- Moody – Instead of using this word, try using phrases like “they can have changing moods” or “they are sensitive to certain situations.”
In conclusion, using positive and objective language when describing your colleagues is essential. Avoiding negative words can help build better relationships and improve communication in the workplace.
Business meetings are a vital aspect of business communication. Video and phone calls can be incredibly challenging because it can be hard to read nonverbal cues. Here are some tips to help you have a productive and efficient meeting.
- Prepare beforehand: Make sure that you have an agenda for the meeting. Make sure that everyone attending knows how they should contribute.
- Check your technology: You should have a good internet connection, and your microphone and camera should not have any issues.
- Dress appropriately: Dressing professionally can help you feel more confident and focused.
- Be on time: Punctuality is essential in business, even virtual meetings.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Ensure your background is appropriate for business.
- Speak clearly and concisely: Avoid using technical jargon and speak clearly to ensure that everyone can understand you.
- Listen attentively: Listening to others is essential because it allows you to understand their perspective.
- Follow up: After the meeting, send a summary of the main points you discussed. Also, send action items that need to be addressed.
- End on a positive note: Thank everyone for their time and contributions.
- Use useful expressions and collocations to make your language sound more professional:
- “I’d like to introduce myself/my colleagues.”
- “Let’s get started.”
- “Could you please clarify/elaborate on that point?”
- “Moving on to the next item on the agenda…”
- “If I may interject/add for a moment…”
- “Just to recap/summarize what we’ve discussed so far…”
- “Do you have any questions/comments on this topic?”
- “I’m afraid we’re running out of time, so let’s wrap this up.”
- “It was great to hear your insights/opinions on this matter.”
- “I’ll follow up with an email.”
By following these tips and using these valuable expressions, you can have a productive and efficient business meeting. Remember, always be prepared, respectful, and professional.
Hello everyone,
My name is Alex, and I’m a full-stack developer. I love building web applications, but I’ve always had a passion for game development. My short-term goal is to learn how to develop games using Unity by the end of this year. I plan to dedicate at least 5 hours per week to learning Unity and practicing game development.
My mid-term goal is to create and release a simple game on the App Store and Google Play by next year. This will be an excellent opportunity to get user feedback and improve my game developer skills.
My long-term goal is to start my own game development company. I have a lot of ideas for games that I believe will be successful, and I want to turn those ideas into reality. I plan to continue learning and practicing game development until I can start my own company.
Of course, my ultimate goal is to become the CEO of my own game development company. This will take much hard work and dedication, but I’m ready for the challenge. I plan to achieve this goal by improving my skills as a developer and learning more about business management and entrepreneurship.
By the end of next year, I hope to have achieved my short-term goal of learning Unity, and by Christmas, I plan to have released my first game. My ultimate goal of becoming the CEO of my own game development company is a long-term goal I plan to work on in the next decade.
Pay slip
A pay slip is a document you receive from your employer every month. It shows how much money you earned and how much tax and other deductions are taken from your paycheck. Let’s take a look at the different sections of a pay slip.
First, you’ll see your gross pay. This is the total amount you earn before any deductions are taken. Next, you’ll see the deductions section, which shows the different amounts of money taken from your paycheck. The money is taken for taxes, healthcare, and retirement savings.
The following section is net pay, which is your gross pay minus deductions. This is the amount of money you actually take home. Finally, you’ll see year-to-date figures. This shows how much money you earned and how much tax you paid this year.
You should review your monthly pay slip to ensure everything is correct and to understand where your money is going.
Benefits around the world
Job benefits vary greatly depending on the country you’re in. In some countries, like the United States, employees may receive benefits like healthcare and retirement savings plans through their employers. In other countries, like France, employees may receive benefits like paid vacation time, parental leave, and subsidized childcare. The state pays for this.
In Japan, it’s common for employers to offer a bonus at the end of the year, which is usually equivalent to several months’ salary. In Brazil, employees may receive a thirteenth salary payment at the end of the year.
You should research the job benefits available in your country. You should try negotiating for the most important benefits when you accept a job offer.
Scrum is a popular project management methodology. It is used in software development to manage complex projects.Scrum breaks projects down into sprints. It focuses on completing specific tasks. This helps teams be more efficient and adaptable.
This article will show a conversation between two people working in a software development company. One is a developer named John, who is unfamiliar with Scrum, and the other is a Scrum Master named Sarah, who explains the benefits of using the Scrum methodology.
Dialogue: John: Sarah, can you explain what Scrum is? I have heard about it, but I don’t know much.
Sarah: Sure, John. Scrum is a project management methodology used in software development to manage complex projects.
John: How does it work?
Sarah: Scrum involves a team working on a project in short sprints. Each sprint lasts for a specific amount of time, usually two weeks, and has a set of tasks to complete.
John: That sounds interesting. But how is it different from other project management methodologies?
Sarah: Scrum allows for more flexibility and adaptability to change during the project development process. It is handy when dealing with a complex project with many unknowns.
John: Can you give me an example?
Sarah: Sure, let’s say we are working on an e-commerce website. We can break down the project into sprints, and each sprint will have specific tasks to complete, like designing the homepage or creating a checkout system. At the end of each sprint, we review the progress and plan for the next sprint. This way, we can adjust based on the feedback we receive and ensure we are on track to meet our goals.
John: I see the benefits of using Scrum. It can help us be more efficient and adaptable.
Sarah: Exactly. Scrum helps the team stay focused and on track, leading to a more successful project outcome.