Key Takeaways From BCVS-I

BCVS-I

Business Communication and Value Science - I (BCVS-I) was one of the courses I took in my first semester studying Computer Science and Business Systems (CSBS).

This Course aimed to make us understand the importance of life skills and helped me develop various communication skills required in day to day life as well as in professional context 

This course had theory as well as practical or lab sessions. While the theory sessions were "fine", the practicals is where this course peaked. The lab sessions helped me brush up my knowledge when it came to communicating in English and delivering speeches, etc.

Experience

I still remember my first practical session where we were asked to introduce self, and one of our batch mates to the rest of the batch, i had a few difficulties opening up and introducing myself, but as the course progressed I learnt a lot when it came to communicating, and it helped me gain some confidence in myself.

We also had to make a small poster as a project on our favorite sports person and talk about their values and skills. I went for "Max Verstappen", a 3 times Formula 1 world champion. It really helped me figure out some of the values he showed and helped me reflect upon myself.

There were many more interactive lab sessions which helped me establish a strong understanding with the English language, open up with my batch mates and it also boosted my pronunciation skills.

Few highlights of the theory lectures were the topics "Non-verbal communication" and "Business Correspondence". I, personally had difficulties when it came to getting "non verbal queues" and this course gave me some insight in that area. Business correspondence is basically communicating in written format through the means of letters, etc; in professional context.

Learnings

Here are some of the things I learnt after completing this course:

• Effective public speaking
• Active listening
• Use of life skills/values in real life situations
• Verbal and Non-verbal communication
• Business Correspondence
• Communication with a purpose 
• How professionals communicate in big companies/organizations
  

Conclusion

Software engineers are often regarded as "poor communicators", at least in India. Courses like BCVS will help budding engineers hone their communications skills and help us get rid of these stereotypes.

Finally, i would like to thank my professors "Dr Mahesh B. Shinde Sir" and "Shivprasad Majgaonkar Sir" who guided and supported me through this course and helped me broaden my communication skills.