What really is curious? Why does CIPD believe that it is an important behavior of HR professionals? These are the questions I had when knowing ‘curious’ is the required topic of this blog. After reading thoroughly the descriptions by CIPD, I realized that my questions could be perfect evidence of my curiosity because I tried to understand the concept in depth, not just by common sense. Looking back at my Term 1 at CULC and having some serious reflection, I am glad that I demonstrated curiosity in my study as well as extracurricular activities.
Studying at CULC, I am aware that this campus is a new branch, an expansion of the main campus in Coventry. Although Coventry University is quite new itself compared to other universities in the UK, the main campus is still the root of what we are having now in London. Therefore, I have always wanted to visit it to experience the atmosphere, the setting; and to know the people and the way they teach and study there.
In addition, being in a group of 7 different nationalities, my friends and I often have long interesting conversations about how our countries, religions, cultures and beliefs are similar and different to each other. I still remember how surprised I was to discover that in Ukraine, men always pay all the bills when dating out, but as husbands, they do almost nothing to help their wives with housework. I feel like such conversations can last forever if we did not have assignments to discuss.
Because Human Resource Management is my current major of studying as well as my chosen long-term career path, I try to learn as much as I can from the taught modules and grab any chance I have to know more about real HR practices. Luckily, a field trip was organised for our class to interview the Head of HR of London ExCel about his duties and challenges, and we could create the interview questions ourselves! Maybe because we were too curious about his job, many extra questions were asked that sounded a bit off topic.
However, I am not only curious about things around me, but the biggest and most frequent questions I ask are about my own self. What is my identity? What do I want to do? What types of job are suitable for my capabilities? What am I good at? How good am I at it? What do I need to improve? How can I improve? Do I have any hidden potential? Thankfully, my university CULC organizes a program called High Flyers which helps students to have better self-awareness as well as self-promotion skills. I applied and desperately wanted to join the program because I believe it can help me answer my questions; and I cannot be happier that I am in now.
Last but not least, I think that I am still not curious enough, because I often prefer doing things in familiar ways than trying new methods, and sometimes I am too conservative to open my mind for new ideas. Nevertheless, being aware of my shortcomings, I know what I should do to improve, so that I can be a curious HR professional in the near future.
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