Ashif Nawaz

A key component of both professional and personal growth is self-reflection, especially in areas that need flexibility, compassion, and critical thinking. I experienced situations that have pushed the boundaries and inspired me to develop during my career. The two structured models of reflection discussed in this e-portfolio are Jasper's ERA Cycle of Reflection and Kolb's Learning Cycle. Both approaches show different but valuable perspectives for understanding professional encounters and turning them into knowledge that can be adopted to use. I want to show how structured reflection has improved my self-awareness, expanded my knowledge of application, and improved my professional talents by using these models in real-life workplace scenarios.

Jasper’s ERA Cycle of Reflection

Jasper’s ERA (Experience–Reflection–Action) cycle is a straightforward and accessible model of self-reflection that allows individuals to engage with their experiences critically and practically. It consists of three interconnected stages:

Experience - face a situation or event.

Reflection - an examination of the experience, considering the emotional, cognitive and contextual features.

Action - considering what might be changed or approached differently in future practice (Jasper, 2013).

I chose this model because it is simple and practical, and it can be very applicable in a busy professional setting. The ERA model fits with my own learning style, through a general tendency to do better when an experience can be related to an action plan.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle

David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (1984) describes learning as a lifelong process in which knowledge is created through experience. Kolb’s model consists of four stages:

Concrete Experience – engaging in a new experience.

Reflective Observation – reflecting on what occurred.

Abstract Conceptualisation – drawing conclusions and forming theories.

Active Experimentation – applying learning in new situations.

I chose Kolb’s model because it describes both action and reflection, which complements my preference to learn by practicing as I go through while also reflecting and assessing this experience. It frames the development of a professional identity in a more integrative way, involving personal reflection and wider theorizing and thinking concepts.

“With empathy as my guide and people at my heart, I strive to leave the world kinder than I found it.”

- Ashif Nawaz

About Ashif Nawaz

With over eight years of professional experience in sales, business operations, and customer service, my career has been shaped by a commitment to strategic growth, operational efficiency, and people-focused impact. My expertise in team leadership, customer engagement, and process optimization has allowed me to contribute to organizational success while ensuring high standards of service delivery.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at Excelsia College, Sydney, a transition driven by my passion for empowering communities, advocating for social justice, and supporting individuals in need. This academic and professional journey reflects my determination to blend corporate acumen with social responsibility, transforming practical business insights into skills that can benefit vulnerable individuals and communities.

🌍 Professional Journey & Expertise

Sales & Customer Service:

My experiences with vivo Mobile and Probashi Kallyan Bank in Bangladesh strengthened my ability to design and implement sales strategies, manage and mentor teams, and enhance customer satisfaction. Through these roles, I developed resilience, adaptability, and the ability to exceed performance targets while maintaining strong client relationships.

Logistics & Operations:

At David Jones, Sydney, I worked as a Logistics Assistant, where I gained hands-on experience in supply chain management, inventory control, and operational efficiency. This role provided me with valuable insights into teamwork, leadership under pressure, and reflective practice during high-demand retail operations.

In addition to these roles, I have cultivated skills in data analysis, marketing analytics, banking solutions, photography, and graphic design, all of which complement my interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

🌟 Vision & Aspirations

My vision is to integrate business expertise with social work principles, bridging the gap between strategic organizational practice and community-driven support. I aspire to contribute through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, community outreach programs, and strategic social development projects.

By combining my background in leadership and operational management with the reflective frameworks I am developing through my studies, I aim to drive sustainable, people-centered change. My e-Portfolio reflects this journey of growth, where each experience—whether in sales, banking, or logistics—has shaped my capacity to learn, adapt, and apply insights toward a meaningful career in social work.