The Importance of Continued Learning and Professional Development: Four Reflective Essays

This paper will be a collection of responses to questions posed to me by four professors with whom I studied while completing the coursework for the Masters of Science in Business Administration at the University of Pennsylvania. These professors and their respective courses were purposefully chosen for their impact that the curriculum and application of the learning had on my personal and professional development. Additionally, the perspective of the learning and applications is from that of an adult learner, an important element of the overall thesis of the importance of continued learning and professional development throughout one’s career. The first question, posed by Professor Barstow, was a task to further explore how we can best understand the benefits of diversity of thought and other differences among generations to ensure to harness and align them to build strong teams and promote innovation in organizations. A question from Professor Subramanian to explore further was to contemplate as a leader, how does one leverage paradox in organizations and the power of diversity in thought? Professor Shapiro asked a two part question: First, what is the importance of ethos, pathos, and logos in everyday communications both up and down the organizational chart, and how and why to consciously inject them into the conversation? Second, how can an MSOD alumnus distill the lessons of a Penn classroom into coaching / mentoring sessions in the workplace? The fourth and final question was also from Professor Shapiro and was also a two part question: First, how does one default to structure consistently in effective presentations, and how can an MSOD alumnus distill the lessons of a Penn classroom into coaching / mentoring sessions in the workplace? Second, how do you leverage the importance of ethos, pathos, and logos (effective communications) into presenting effectively? Ultimately, the project will weave the learnings of the four most influential classes to me in the Organizational Dynamics program here at Penn, through academic analysis and personal reflection, into a single message of the importance of continuing education and professional development