During my internship as a project assistant at Informa exhibitions, I was tasked with actively communicating sales information with clients and managing the company’s various marketing channels. These assignments were entrusted to me by my boss, the exhibition director.
The interpersonal communication problem I faced during my internship was a lack of empathy. This incident happened when I was given a task to market an upcoming event. Though I had existing deadlines to meet, the exhibition director still requested that I do up a press release in traditional Chinese for this event.
Upon informing my boss on my weak Chinese capabilities, she reprimanded me and informed me that I should do this task on my own, to improve upon my Chinese. She also made it very clear that she needed this done within the day. Despite me feeling uneasy that she had placed her own personal targets before my travails, I agreed to get it done as I knew that my internship grades would have otherwise suffered. However, together with balancing my other assignments, I was ultimately not able to complete the task. Therefore, my exhibition director was exasperated and my relationship with her suffered as a result of this.
I have identified two best sets of solutions for the interpersonal communication challenge in which I faced. Firstly, I should have communicated my concerns to the exhibition director in private and politely inform her on the possible negative repercussions should I have continued with the task on my own. However, if she still insists, I should suggest that I do it under her guidance or collaborate with a colleague that has a higher proficiency in the Chinese language. By employing these methods, I believe that I will not only showcase my positive attitude but also practice effective conflict management, which are both invaluable interpersonal skills.
Ian's brain farts 
Dear Ian
After reading through your reflection, I cannot help but feel the same situation as you.
Being an intern with a school with grades involved. We are caught in a situation whereby we need to figure out whether is the battle worth to fight.
For your case, I applaud your courage in attempting it. Even though you tried your very best, but the end results still do not show.
Just a note for you, the next time should you encounter a similar situation. Please do voice out and let the other party know where you are coming from. Moreover, should the situation not solved, please find the department head to mediate the situation.
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Dear Ian,
It must have been a tough situation to be in given you were an intern and was still a part of the school.
I think you must be applauded for trying to accomplish the task given it was not one of your strengths. If anything, it reflects positively on your character and attitude as a person.
I think one way to overcome this language barrier or lack of language skills in this case would be to inform your supervisor. Maybe you could have requested for some assistance from someone more proficient in the language and not completely disregard the task. It would be a learning experience for you to improve in your Chinese ability as well.
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Dear Ian,
The description of the scenario is good but the engagement with learnt communication concepts is insufficient. What exactly was at stake? your lack of language skills to complete the set task, Exhibition Director’s lack of empathy, your stress for grades. There was a positive energy to meet challenges as well. But you give me the impression that you wanted to do it by yourself. Why? What was missing in terms of interpersonal skills here?
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A note of choice of words: you would do better by using simpler words and sentences. The following sentence, “during my internship stint with Informa exhibitions, I was upholding a project assistant role. This encompassed of me dealing directly with clients with regards to the sales of event spaces and I was also required to manage the various marketing channels” would sound clearer if you said, “during my internship as project assistant with Informa Exhibitions, I managed several marketing channels and spoke with clients about the sales of events spaces.” Try out concise writing of this post, if you have the time by the end of this week.
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