Hi everyone! I'm Sreevardhan Sama, part of the MSA Connect team. Previously joining the MSA I studied Bachelor of architecture at the Dayananda Sagar University, India and I am a registered architect from India. Today I am part of the Praxxis atelier.

Day-1
On Monday the 10th of May, the MSA CONNECT team introduced the BA students to CV making, LinkedIn profiles and networking. The purpose of this session was to set the knowledge basis, which students will use later to develop their own versions and help them connect to the wider MSA alumni network.

Day-2
On Tuesday the 11th of May, the MSA CONNECT team worked with the BA students to evaluate how they want their future careers to progress. They were asked to draft posters demonstrating their personal expectations and aspirations for what kind of architectural work they would like to be involved with in the future.

Day-3
On Wednesday the 12th of May, the MSA CONNECT team worked together with the BA students on CV design. We had discussions around our CV’s, was what to be improved and how to organise and detail sections when there is yet no relevant experience.

The MSA Connect team presents ALUMNI EVENT as part of the MSA Live Projects 2021. This event showcases a journey from past to present featuring speakers of various backgrounds. We invited four alumni speakers to delve into the past, taking us through a range of experiences that ultimately led to their current roles. Following speaker presentations, a panel discussion will then focus on the present, examine the way we approach careers in times of crisis, and apply the skills learned at university.

Day-4
MSA CONNECT team had the great opportunity on Thursday the 13th of May to welcome Maia Ardalla from Blueprint for All. Maia has delivered a talk on the topics of inclusivity, career advancement, networking as well as her experience as an alumnus of the charity. Maia talked about her career path from the BA at MSA to her current role as well as her plans. We were grateful to have such a wonderful guest from whom everyone had to learn. This provided a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about the unique programmes of Blueprint for All. We greatly hope those eligible will get involved in the Building Futures Programme. It is a wonderful opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to get support in achieving their future career goals.

Day-5
On Friday 14th of May, the MSA CONNECT team had the great opportunity to meet Mr Mark Williams from the company Boardroom Knowledge and the University of Hertfordshire. Mark is a Chartered Engineer with 40 years of experience working for industry-leading organisations in property and construction. Today Mark provides valuable insight to each organisation he works with on proper professional practice. We were lucky to receive a lecture from him on the finer points of networking practice wherein he also provided case studies for students in the scheme to gain better insight into how to most effectively network. Students had to work in groups and apply the scenarios presented by Mark, in a practical exercise.

Day-6
On Monday the 17th of May, the MSA CONNECT team invited Marcell Ovova to discuss the transfer of skills from BA to the year out and then to master. The focus of the talks is on their experience in practice and individual project/business start-ups. Students gained an insight into what they might experience in practice after they graduate from MSA as well as how to leverage their skills and interests.

Day-6
On Monday the 17th of May, the MSA CONNECT team invited Alina Marinescu & Adriana Stefania Tomeci to discuss the transfer of skills from BA to the year out and then to master. The focus of the talks is on their experience in practice and individual project/business start-ups. Students gained an insight into what they might experience in practice after they graduate from MSA as well as how to leverage their skills and interests.

Day-6
On Monday the 17th of May, the MSA CONNECT team invited Raluca Sisu & Thomas Cooper to discuss the transfer of skills from BA to the year out and then to master. The focus of the talks is on their experience in practice and individual project/business start-ups. Students gained an insight into what they might experience in practice after they graduate from MSA as well as how to leverage their skills and interests.

Day-8
On Wednesday the 19th of May, the MSA CONNECT had updated the posters of all recent events during the MSA live 2021

Day-9
On Thursday the 20th of May, the MSA CONNECT team had helped BA students to focus on their future plans and prepare their mind map. The purpose of this session was to set the knowledge basis, which students will use later to develop their own.

Day-10
On Friday the 21st of May, the MSA CONNECT team had worked on the final submission for the publication.

Day-7
On Tuesday the 18th of May, The main event of MSA CONNECT we had different MSA alumni students with different career paths to discuss the transfer of skills from BA to the year out and then to master. The focus of the talks is on their experience in practice and individual project/business start-ups. Students gained an insight into what they might experience in practice after they graduate from MSA as well as how to leverage their skills and interests. At the end of the day, we have a panel discussion with Prof. Kevin Singh, Rob Hyde and Dr Victoria Jolley.