Managing Ones Career - Coursework Example

Managing One’s Career As a senior pursuing business and human resource management, one has gained the basic theoretical framework for being knowledgeable in the field of business management. As such, different skills were likewise developed, in conjunction with attuning oneself in the proper mindset to find a job that is commensurate to one’s knowledge, talents, and abilities. The current discourse has provided one with the opportunity to reflect on one’s personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) (Renault, 2012) as factors needed in assessing employability skills. In this regard, the paper would present one’s self-reflective personal SWOT analysis, prior to creating a personal development plan that incorporates SMART goals (Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals, n.d.). Finally, a career timeline would also be presented to provide an overview of how one sees professional growth within the organizational setting. Self-reflective Personal SWOT Analysis Based on one’s personal assessment of employability skills, the following are hereby categorized as one’s personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats SWOT, as presented below: Strengths: Due to the course modules taken as part of the business degree program, one’s personal assessment has identified strengths in self-management, communication and literacy, as well as possessing a positive (can-do) attitude. Self Management Strengths in self-management were developed through practicing prioritization of academic activities and balancing school and life endeavors. There is no need for constant reminder to do required tasks and responsibilities. One developed and designed an effective system for managing tasks through a personal diary and calendar of activities which are frequently reviewed, noted on which tasks have been duly accomplished, which ones need to be scheduled next, and which ones are urgent and need to be addressed immediately. One recognizes that organizations require personnel who have innate initiatives and abilities to organize and adhere to roles and responsibilities defined to be accomplished within stipulated time frames. • Communication and literacy Through courses taken in English and human behavior in organization modules that emphasize communication in organizational settings; in conjunction with regular interpersonal correspondences using verbal and non-verbal modes of communication through daily interaction with students, teachers, and administrative staff, one definitely identifies having gained competency and strengths in communication. The skills gained in English courses included observing and acknowledging grammatical rules, writing business correspondences, communicating with various stakeholders, and understanding diversity in language through non-verbal communication patterns. • Positive (can-do) attitude The optimistic behavior and assuming a positive outlook in life has been inculcated since early development years. As such, one developed strengths in defining personal and professional goals and design strategies that assist in achieving these goals. Likewise, through various academic challenges, one learned to be resilient and acknowledge that failure is part of life. One is therefore not intimidated to face difficulties and challenges and take these situations as means to develop strengths in personal outlook and in learning through adversities. Weaknesses: With one’s academic background and limited work experience, one acknowledged that there are still weaknesses in terms of applications of theoretical frameworks, specifically in areas of numeracy and advanced information technology. Application of numeracy So far, one was able to develop the needed theoretical framework for numeracy from previous academic backgrounds that delved into subjects such as mathematics, statistics, and college algebra. Basic courses in accounting, finance and quantitative methods likewise provided knowledge on numeracy. However, applications of these courses to actual work settings are still insufficient, and therefore, these are considered current weaknesses. Application of information technology One has developed average competencies in the use of software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). However, these programs were used only to comply with academic requirements (such as writing essays, designing spreadsheets and PowerPoint Presentations). There are still room for improvement to apply information technology in the work setting depending on the nature of ones’ future responsibilities and the tasks that require these applications. As such, one expects that training on the field of information technology, pertinent to applying specifically designed programs in the work setting need to be undertaken. Opportunities: • Teamworking One acknowledges that the current skills in working with groups and teams are confined to the academic setting. As such, there is much opportunity seen to improve teamworking skills within the organizational setting through becoming part of a particular department (HRM, marketing or finance) and to collaborate with other employees towards that accomplishment of defined objectives. • Business and customer awareness There have been limited chances to be involved directly in business and customer awareness in an organizational setting; therefore, this skill is seen to be an opportunity for personal and professional development. If entry level work would entail being in the front-line (customer service representative, customer assistance jobs, sales, or technical assistance), there is a need to undergo appropriate training to enhance one’s competencies in addressing the needs of the target clientele. Threats: There is only one threat that is perceived which is in developing skills in problem-solving. This is categorized as a threat since inability to effectively find solutions to pressing and crucial problems would inevitably cause negative impact on one’s performance. Problem solving The skill in problem solving requires not only theoretical framework on models in problem-solving and decision making; but also ample experience in addressing different problems in the work setting. This is initially categorized as a threat since it would be considered a significant risk to pursue courses of action where one’s work experience is limited and could negatively impact the organization. Personal Development Plan To address the identified weaknesses and threats, one plans to undertake the following courses of action: (1) complete one’s academic program and graduate on the identified time frame to appropriately gain the needed knowledge and theoretical framework which would prepare one for applications in numeracy and advanced information technology; (2) be focused on course modules that use case studies as instructional approach to develop skills in problem-solving; (3) keep oneself abreast with current updates on applications regarding numeracy, information technology and problem solving by reading scholarly information on these subjects and seeking mentoring and support from professors; and (4) harnessing skills gained during the course of study to specifically focus on research skills for appropriate employment opportunities that match one’s academic qualifications, as well as personal and professional goals. To capitalize on one’s strengths and opportunities, one would ensure that self-management skills, communicating and literacy skills are utilized in pursuing future endeavors that include searching for employment opportunities and available training programs to develop teambuilding and customer service skills. As such, as part of one’s personal development plan, the following SMART goals are identified and presented: SMART Goals Specific: To design one’s resume and indicate professional objectives of finding appropriate employment opportunities in entry level positions in global organizations. One would hereby use communication and literacy skills to effectively design application letters to target organizations. As part of one’s search, one would use the search engine to locate organizations within one’s area of residence and determine positions open within one’s field of endeavor and draft cover letters for applications and attach the appropriately designed resumes. Measurable: Using self-management skills, the number of potential organizations where one intends to apply at using the designed resume and cover letter would be sent right after graduation, and as soon as educational credentials would be released by the university. Achievable: As soon as application correspondences are sent, one would schedule following up one’s application regularly to determine possibility of entry and to comply with required interview or examinations in the target organizations. Realistic: As entry level applications are initially targeted, one would ensure that knowledge, competencies and skills perfectly fit and match the job descriptions as noted from job openings. Time bound: One intends to be employed at least one month after graduation. Career Timeline Year 1: Entry level position seen to have been achieved. In assuming an entry level position in the organizational hierarchy, one sees undergoing a series of training in the areas of teambuilding, customer service, applications of numeracy and information technology; as well as being actively involved in seeking alternative courses of action for company problems within one’s area of responsibilities. Year 2: Promotions seen in supervisory or administrative positions. To undergo advanced leadership development training programs and to earmark pursuing higher education through studying the possibilities of enrolling in a master of business administration program. Year 3: Pursuing higher education through enrolling in a master of business administration program. Focus on training and developing knowledge on areas such as leadership, operations management, and human resources management; as well as delving into advanced courses in finance, marketing, among others. Year 4: Assuming managerial position in a global organization. Appropriate advances in theoretical framework has been gained from the MBA degree program and therefore competencies and qualifications for managerial positions are appropriately established and entrenched. Reference List Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals. (n.d.). [Online]. Availablet at: http://www.oma.ku.edu/soar/smartgoals.pdf. [Accessed 10 December 2012]. Renault, V. (2012). SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, andThreats.[Online]. Available at: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1049.aspx [Accessed 10 December 2012]. Read More