Personal Development Plan Is an Unavoidable Element in Doctoral Programs - Research Paper Example

? Personal Development Plan Personal Development Plan is an unavoidable element in doctoral programs regardless of one’sfield of study. As I move further with my Doctorate in Business Administration, already I have got benefitted a lot from various phases of the program. Getting specialized in leadership is an exciting prospect and benefit in the career. Having a tight and effective schedule is essential in this regard. A right plan and preparation would always result in good performance. Evidently, quality of leadership is the sole part of effective administration. The Walden University holds a good academic recognition, and preparing a Personal Development Plan in this context would further boost my studies. The university gives priority to handling different circumstances relating to business, and guidelines to overcome such situations, knowledge related to proper handling of employees and subordinates, and above all enriching one with the quality of a successful leader. This paper intends to consider my skills and strengths, and also the areas in which I seek improvement. This will also help me to design a Professional Development Plan (PDP) as I begin my pursuit of the DBA at the Walden. Personal Development Plan As a part of a doctorate study, one has to cover numerous phases of a specific curriculum. Every part of study involves certain kind of preparation and analysis. Walden University has very admirable facility for pursuing a degree of any interest. The increasing rate of enrolment for graduation courses indicates the growing reputation of the Walden. Being a doctoral candidate at Walden, it is important for me to understand both the feasibility of the proposed project and the mandatory requirements at the Walden. Ample Opportunities at Walden: Discussion with Faculty The discussion with university faculty has given me knowledge of the multiple possibilities of graduate courses in Walden, precisely in Business Administration. Many opportunities are available at Walden though I fall into the common category of business administration with specialization in leadership. For instance, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is one of the most admirable courses offered here. This course has produced many successful professionals who reflect the quality of education imparted in the university. More significantly, it is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP.) For designing the Personal Development Plan, it is important to foresee the essential features and certain aspects of the course as a whole. The course offers; extensive knowledge of business operations guidelines of different tactics and techniques of management assistance in ‘Evidence-based decision making’ development of personal skills and leadership quality (Source: Walden university website). Overall, it is a recognized standard university providing students with quality and skills to face the challenges of today’s business world. My Academic Interests and Goals Reaching heights is never impossible if fortunes and hard work coexist. To begin with, one’s academic interests and goals at Walden have very significant role in one’s course. Academic success of the candidate is of prime importance here. Many factors attracted me to Walden among which the very interactive online system is most notable. Specialization in leadership is one of the most demandable courses of all time. And, Walden is well known for its successful results as records report. I intend to gain doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Leadership. And I am optimistic that the university could assist me, owing to its special interest in the comprehensive development of its candidates. Such exemplary examples are often noticed among many Walden University products. Altogether, pursuing a degree at Walden is a golden opportunity that one can cherish forever. Furthermore, university itself is an excellent example in its very nature of functioning and scheduled activities. Opting Walden is an indication of availability of highly qualified professors and their exceptional skill to nourish the candidates with all requirements. As a result of all these advantages, the university experiences a tremendous flow of new generation candidates. Personally I believe that Walden can add a lot to my curriculum especially in my three year course in the university. In addition, I am hopeful that the course will help me overcome many barriers in my future career. What I understand is that a never ending desire for knowledge would help one accomplish the goal if hard also work aptly follows it. Identifying Ideas Related to the Field Realization of goal is not the mere process of studying theories. It is an understanding of one’s own abilities and self discovery of many factors which are associated with the area of specialization. Since I am specialized in leadership in business administration, I am expected to identify different themes, ideas, and subject matters of this discipline. Although I possess vast experience and knowledge regarding many areas of business and degrees, a clear understanding of the concept of leadership in personal is essential for the successful completion of the course. My employment status and a few years of experience would be an added advantage in many ways. My current post as a Family Investment Supervisor can have a greater influence in completing this course successfully. And other non negligible areas of experiences include but not limited to Family Investment Case Management, Addiction Program Specialist, Proprietor-CEO, Service Supervisor, Security Officer and Claims Investigator. Moreover, my educational background that involves Certified Supervised Counselor-Alcohol Drugs, 2001 and Master’s in Education Management, 2013 also imbues me with hope and expectation. Areas that require further improvement include; essential knowledge in business management leadership tactics for creating a pleasant work environment developing a professional approach understanding the essentials of crisis management Admittedly, success of the course depends on how effectively I meet these objectives. In other words, identifying themes and ideas in the field of leadership would be a vital factor in achieving the goal. Personal Development Plan- Timeline The very purpose of having a timeline is to ensure the proper management of time with a tight schedule. As my goal is to successfully gain doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Leadership, having a timeline is essential. A timeline involves the proper planning and functioning of the activities being undertaken during the different phases of the course. Hence, my timeline for the accomplishment of the dream would go as mentioned below; July Analyzing the whole subject Understanding the concept thoroughly Organizing proper study pattern August Focusing on the concept of leadership Undertaking some practical experiments in the work related premises Preparing an outline on leadership and its importance September Evaluating the porting covered and things learned Collecting topic related information Preparation of notes October Conducting group discussion and debates related to the subject Assessment of the conducted activities Further discussion with respected professors November Study obstacles of leadership Try to implement changes Seek guidelines from great inspirations December Preparing a final assessment on the topic Understanding different areas and concepts of leadership Consulting and submitting a final report to the university professor Conclusion ‘A higher degree, A higher purpose’ motto is literally maintained in every course offered by the Walden University. Over the years the university has been successful in attaining remarkable reputation and esteem. And the university has produced or cultivated many successful candidates within short span of time. Designing a Personal Development Plan is an integral part of pursuing knowledge in any discipline. It helps the candidate to clearly understand the related concept and to carry out the different projects and practical exercises in time. Hence, this special assignment has its own significance in making a doctoral candidate capable of managing stressful situations. References ACBSP. Retrieved from http://www.waldenu.edu/bachelors/bs-in-business-administration Read More