Written by Jieming Yao (Emily), 2018 Cohort
2 years ago, I started my postgraduate studies in Canada. At that moment, I felt lost in the new environment and new lifestyle. But with my dear teachers and classmates in Pre-MDM, I overcame that period. And everything I learned made me become a better professional today.
For me, Pre-MDM is a good transition to MDM.
In 8 months, I got many chances to cooperate with my classmates and finished some brilliant projects. During the process, I learned a variety of techniques to analyze the complex relationship between users and products, such as creating user personas, SWOT analyses allowing me to get a basic understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for our projects.
All of these helped me achieve a better performance in the MDM program and urged me to apply critical thinking to all processes.
Now, as a game developer who works closely with game designers, I am still using those practical methods to optimize our game experience.
Another thing that has already brought me immeasurable benefits are communication skills. During my study in MDM, I never felt confused about how to do a pitch/presentation, since I always knew how to organize the structure, what should be emphasized, how to catch my audience’s attention with eye contact and body language, and how to pass the stage to the next person naturally. These techniques gave me huge confidence to express myself in front of clients.
Also, in my work, when I discuss the requirement details with game designers, taking minutes helps me remember the key points that I should focus on, so that I won’t bother my colleagues too much at a later time, it obviously narrows down the communication expenses while improving my work efficiency.
The Pre-MDM program built a concrete foundation for my future development and gave me the power and confidence to face various challenges.
I would say, starting my overseas study experience with pre-MDM is the best decision I have ever made.