Managing a Professional Career in the Present-Day Competitive Environment - Assignment Example

?Professional Development – Mechanical Engineer Introduction Managing professional career in the present day competitive environment has become all the most important and critical. Opportunities do not knock at the door very frequent and a carefully designed plan has to be in place all the time to grasp any opportunity if one happened to come across. The need of planning and constantly reviewing it is growing more and more important due to rapid advancements in every field of science, specially the mechanical engineering which has a very wide spectrum of influencing human life and living. Mechanical engineers have very broad choice spectrum for professional development to be pursued. It may range from designing, manufacturing and testing of mechanical engines, turbines or other devices to their maintenance and overhaul. The choice of professional development pathway is crucial because the choices in this regard are often irreversible. It is a make or break decision which may pave the way of all future successes or may cause irreparable loses. An early and correct decision is therefore of core importance for all engineering student. They have to weigh various aspects of their personal tendencies and professional trends to strike a balance somewhere which can prove fruitful in the long run. As discussed above the variety of mechanical engineering branches and fast pace advancements in the field can make the choice of a professional track quite difficult and it may require extra bit of knowledge and a methodical approach to arrive at a correct decision. Various techniques and methods that I have employed to make it a correct decision include SWOT analysis, Time Management skills, and use of Spider diagram. It is important to understand that all these methods are simply a way to provide a big and clear picture of main objective and how to approach it. 2. SWOT Analysis SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The term was first introduced by Albert Humphrey at Stanford University in 1960s and 1970s. (Marquis, 2009, p. 143). SWOT analysis is the a common tool used in strategic planning, specially it is a preferred professional development planning tool because it takes care of both, the internal and external factors that may affect a strategic plan. Strengths and Weaknesses are personal or internal characteristics that may hamper or assist the final outcome of strategic goal whereas opportunities and threats are the external factors accountable for the success or failure of a strategic plan. In SWOT analysis these factors are analyzed to determine the probability of success for a specific achievement. SWOT analysis can impact the strategic plan for the professional development if personal strengths and weaknesses are analyzed realistically and rationally. The individual has to be honest in assessing his own weakness because a wrong assessment would result in future failure. This might also provide a chance to correct the personal shortcomings and to overcome the weaknesses overlook in past. However, it is important to understand that SWOT is a subjective analysis and everybody has different strengths and weakness moreover, everybody does not come across same opportunities and threats. a) Goal Definition The selection of an ultimate objective as the purpose of strategic plan is the first step in SWOT analysis. This defines the final goal to be achieved using the strengths and opportunities while avoiding the threats and weaknesses. In mechanical engineering defining this final state is a bit difficult due to versatility of the subject and branches it assumes. I have a determined objective of becoming an aeronautical engineer, a branch of mechanical engineering deals with designs, simulations, manufacturing and maintenance of flying machines which may include airships and fighter plans. I have planned to do masters in aerospace engineering on completion of graduation and later on a doctorate in the same discipline will further bring me nearer to my professional career. b) Strengths Analysis The most important strength for any objective in life is the desire to achieve this objective, the stronger the desire the greater are the chances of success. I find myself not only determined but also enthusiastic to achieve the goal I have set for my professional development. However, it is not only desire that fuels the passion it must be backup with hard work. My industrious nature has eased me out in very tense and tight schedules in past and I am confident of meeting the standards of effort that is required to be put up by an individual for achieve such big objectives. Technically speaking I am good at math and imaginative skills. I can work out difficult equation effortlessly and have got good imaginative powers with excellent aesthetic sense. These skills can definitely prove an added advantage in the field I have chosen as there is lot of mathematics as well as visualization involved in aerodynamics engineering. These skills may even be considered excellent in the space engineering. I have always accepted challenges with a smile and the knowledge that the choice of this professional track may expose me to few very difficult challenges is even soothing for me as it gives me courage to face and conquer these challenges. Easy paths have never attracted my attention and I feel passionate about the things which fear others easily. c) Analyzing Weaknesses While challenges instigate courage in me it also results in over confident gestures at times. I often take things easy and as a result they are prolonged till late. This obviously results in long-drawn-out tasks which increases burden. I have to limit myself to strict deadlines otherwise inefficient time management may cause serious damage to overall goals set in professional development plan. Moreover the imaginative skill may also cause problems if they go beyond control. Over pondering on an issue often cause sluggish actions. I will have to have clear short-term targets for overcoming these inactive states of mind. I have planned to draw spider maps to clearly define every possible milestone that will lead me to the end-state of my professional development plan. d) Analysis of Opportunities I have ample opportunities to flourish through my professional development plan. I am studying in a reputable institute which itself is the biggest opportunity because it has proved a great enabling factor in past. I have no financial concerns which may cause a diversion in academic pursuits. This as a matter of fact often proved quite helpful in getting extra exposure through short courses and trainings in my filed of studies. Moreover, I have industrial setups at manageable distance where I can apply for an internship or on-the-job-training. Opportunities are always there and all that I have to do is to get a hold of these opportunities and by availing them I can make good professional development a reality. I can qualify for a scholarship for masters in aerospace if I can overcome a few obstacles that I happen to come across. The scope of aeronautical engineering itself has never been a controversial issue. There are in fact countless opening and opportunities for career development. This discipline of science has yet to discover many new horizons and this require a talent force which can meet the challenges of the time and can bring comfort to humanity by making life easier and faster than ever. Research and development is various field of aero nautical engineering is being carried out at most prestigious institutes and organizations of world. There is a tough competition in the market for engaging the most talented and imaginative tradesman to boost the business and accept the upcoming challenges that the aerospace industry has to face in the skies and space. e) Analyzing Threats The most evident threat to this dynamic professional development track is its demanding nature. It is a quest for the fittest and the dormant will be vanished away. The fittest will survive and anything less than it will have to take refuge in less effective and attractive openings of the industry. This competitive environment demands all out efforts to keep oneself up to the task and may cause acute stress. Over stretching may cause serious problems therefore one has to be quick in responding changes and adapting to environments quickly. This is thrilling but a quite hot seat. It demands extra bit of effort to maintain the pace with emerging technologies and developments. Creativity is the essence of this professional track which demands employment of best imaginative skills. The SWOT analysis has reinforced a sense of challenge in me and I have reached a conclusion that achieving this dynamic professional development plan is only possible if I can use and employ all qualities that nature has bestowed while overcoming the shortcomings that I have analyzed in my personality. 3. Time Management Time management is the utmost necessary skill for success in any sphere of life but it is all the most important for professional development in the field of aeronautical engineering. It is not only saving the time leakages but to utilize time efficiently because getting best value of your prize hour is the only way to compete the overwhelming pressures. Reading, writing and communication skills are required to ensure better time management. It is important for a student to know exactly when he can learn quickly, what time will best suit the research efforts and what time should be allotted to recreational activities. Doing right thing at right time can guarantee the better time management. As extensive research and reading activities will form part of the goal achievement action plan they are required to be learned professionally. Rapid information sharing and searching can help to save precious time for some other important task. A correct use of time is an ultimate requirement to meet tight deadlines that student often encounters in their pursuit of professional development. 4. Spider Diagram Spider diagrams are a useful tool to plan and focus professional development goals. These diagram help to concentrate on a central idea which may be the final goal or like end-state of a SWOT analysis. Other objectives and milestones surround this main idea and joining these ideas results in a diagram that resembles the spider web; very organized and clear. The beauty of a spider diagram is its simplicity and easy comprehension. Spider diagrams are easy to draw and can be adjusted easily. They are much like mind maps but do not have strict formation rules. In professional development you have to have big picture before you to make quick adjustments and to gauge your progress towards the ultimate objective or purpose. It also helps to educate you on various alternate paths that may lead toward the same goals. I have drawn a spider diagram with the central idea or goal being a qualified aeronautical engineer. Then various paths and opportunities surround this main idea to help me understand my position at some point of time. The central idea of spider diagram always reminds me the ultimate objective and rest of the surrounding bubbles have some relevance to this main idea. Following is the spider diagram to illustrate the concept; 5. Conclusion The professional development plan is a vast subject which may include the in depth analysis of step by step professional career progression towards a final objective or it may cover the various aspects of analyzing the factors which may contribute in some way to achieve a career goal. Techniques discussed in this document are only supportive technique which can help to analyze the ultimate objective and these techniques are intensely subjective in their nature. No matter how the subject of professional development is approached the objective of educating individuals on their career goals and discussing various method to achieve them remain at the core of all discussions. Specially, the SWOT analysis is a very effective strategic planning tool which not only helps to explore the future openings and limitations but also provide a personality insight which may help to avoid shortcomings while revitalizing strengths. References Marquis L. Bessie & Carol J. Huston 2009, Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and Application, 6th ed., Wolters Kluwer Health and Lippincott Williams & Wilkin, China. Read More