The Journey of Crafting a Contract: A Reflection on Work-Based Learning

Embarking on my first assignment for Work Based Learning was an exhilarating experience, filled with both excitement and a touch of nervousness. My objective was to create a contract that would impress Suzanne, our mentor, as she had placed her utmost trust in our abilities. I was determined to demonstrate that we were skilled in rhetoric and capable of delivering concrete results. This blog recounts my journey through the process of meticulously examining the contract, collaborating with teammates, and ultimately presenting a polished and impactful document.
To begin with, I dedicated significant time and effort to scrutinise each and every question mentioned in the contract. Understanding the importance of thoroughness, I sought inspiration from my reference contracts and collated similar questions into a brainstorming bubble diagram. By putting myself in the shoes of an architect, an artist, and an art enthusiast, I strived to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that needed to be addressed in our contract.

During this phase, I received invaluable assistance from my friend, Ar. Sriparvathy Unni, provided references to books mentioned in the contract. Although I must confess to not having read those books due to my inherent laziness, I made an effort to search for them. While I did not engage in extensive reading, I recognised the importance of referencing these works in our contract to bolster its credibility.

As a self-proclaimed last-minute worker, I challenged myself to encourage my teammates to take a proactive approach. I urged them to develop their own versions of the contract well before the submission deadline. This strategy would allow us ample time for revisions and improvements, ensuring the final document was of the highest quality. Through frequent Zoom meetings, we collaborated intensively, refining our contracts collectively to strengthen our overall presentation.

The day of our meeting with Suzanne arrived, and we were armed with well-prepared contracts that had been enhanced through meticulous collaboration. Suzanne, being an experienced mentor, provided us with valuable pointers and suggestions to further refine our work. It was encouraging to witness her active involvement and genuine interest in our progress. After careful consideration, my contract was selected among the four, becoming the group's contract.

As the day of the contract presentation approached, a wave of nostalgia swept over me, reminiscent of my professional life experiences. The event served as a reminder of the growth and development I had undergone throughout my journey in Work Based Learning. It was an opportunity to showcase not only my individual efforts but also the collective achievements of our team.

Crafting a contract for Work Based Learning was an eye-opening experience, demanding attention to detail, effective collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement. Through meticulous analysis, research, and teamwork, our group succeeded in presenting a refined and impactful contract to Suzanne. This endeavour not only strengthened our understanding of contract formulation but also offered a glimpse into the practical application of our skills. As I reflect on this journey, I am grateful for the memories created and the valuable lessons learned, which will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours.