Professional Skills Development Plan - Personal Statement Example

My Personal Development Plan Introduction For me, business is more than just a job, it is a way of life. I do not aim to be just another employee in a firm, but rather I wish to be a businessman, one who risks his own capital and creates goods and services that are helpful and desirable to the community and society. I aspire to create jobs which would provide employment for many people, and a sound business that builds wealth for those who invest with me. As a businessman, I seek to create value, for myself as well as for all the stakeholders who will deal with my business. With these long-term goals in mind, it is time to plan my life direction. Where am I now' I am now taking a Business Studies course, working for my bachelor's degree. Since I am only in college, I am still very hesitant in taking the big step after graduation. I feel that I lack the confidence and drive to strike out on my own and attain the grand dreams I have planned for myself. I know I still lack experience, and I still lack an understanding of how to deal with people. Until now, I have dealt mostly with books and ideas. At present, I feel that my course has not yet prepared me sufficiently for work after graduation. Although I try very hard to comply with the academic requirements, I feel that the business world is much broader and deeper than mere theory. There are several things that I would want to stop doing to improve my performance. Two of them are (1) to stop the habit of putting things off until the last minute, and (2) to stop putting the blame on other people or things when I am not able to comply with requirements. The first habit shows how poorly I manage my time, and the second is a childish habit of not taking the responsibility for my own performance. As I prepare for graduation and work after that, I should learn to mature, manage my time better, and become a more responsible person. There are two things I would want to continue, and these are (1) to continue the hard work I put into my studies, and (2) to continue improving on my communication skills. I believe that I have really exerted myself in the theoretical foundation of my degree, but learning is only one aspect. There is always room for improvement in communication, so that I can share what I have learned and what original ideas I have with my colleagues in school and, eventually, at work. Finally, of all the things I want to start, there are two in particular. These are: (1) to start saving up my money for future investment, and (2) to start building personal relationships that will help my career someday. As a student in business, I know that financial resources will move the success of an enterprise, and I must be ready with my own capital; there is no sense in thinking up a business if there is no capital to invest. Also, building friendships may not seem much beyond catering to personal satisfaction, but business is all about people. A successful business harnesses the talents and resources of people, not to take advantage of them, but to make them productive and create more value. Where am I going' I dream of becoming a successful global businessman someday. But while I have grand goals for the future, I believe that I should have reasonable aims for the short term. Within six months to one year after graduation, I hope to be able to start a career in the retail industry, as a manager of a retail store in order to get an understanding of the business. In the longer term, I hope to establish my own chain of retail stores, develop a franchise and through it market my product across the globe. Given the unfolding economic crisis, in the next few years there appears to be a greater chance for success for businesses that provide basic consumer needs. These are considered "defensive" industries because even in an economic downturn, sales in these areas usually remain brisk because they provide the daily necessities consumers cannot do without. These businesses have to do with food, clothing, and medicines. I did a search of internet sites that advertised a need for business managers, both for retail store operations and corporate settings. Data was gathered concerning what employers look for in managers of retail establishments in these areas, just to get a profile of the job requirements and qualifications In a scan of job advertisements for food retail store assistant managers, as there were no vacancies for store managers at the time. The details for two food chains - KFC Corporation and Taco Bell - were garnered. The job responsibilities of both chains were as follows: 1. Maintain fast, accurate service, positive guest relations, and ensuring products are consistent with company quality standards 2. Ensures Occupational Safety & Health Act, local health and safety codes, and company safety and securing policy are met 3. Assists Profit & Loss management by following cash control/security procedures, maintaining inventory, managing labor, reviewing financial reports, and taking appropriate actions 4. Assists Restaurant Manager in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring team members 5. Conducts performance appraisals, takes disciplinary action, motivates and trains 6. Ensures company standards on equipment, facility, and grounds are maintained by using a preventive maintenance program 7. Ensures food quality and 100% customer satisfaction 8. Ensures complete and timely execution of corporate and local marketing plans 9. Has authority to hire and fire (or participate in those decisions) 10. Champions recognition and motivation efforts (careerbuilder.com, 2009) The requirements for both KFC and Taco Bell assistant store managers are: 1. Dedication to providing exceptional customer service 2. Good communication skills, and strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills 3. Exceptional team building capability 4. Basic business math and accounting skills, and strong analytical/decision-making skills 5. Basic personal computer literacy 6. High school diploma or GED minimum, College or university degree prepared. 7. 1-2 years supervisory experience in either a food service or retail environment, including Profit & Loss responsibility. (careerbuilder.com, 2009) In the garments industry, a notice for store managers for Aeropostale enumerated the following items under job description: 1. Meet sales plans and expectations; meet statistical quality selling expectations 2. Develop/implement seasonal strategies to increase sales and quality selling statistics 3. Lead the selling effort on the floor, and act as role model for customer interactions 4. Anticipate hiring needs and recruit management and staff 5. Train employees for increased effectiveness, and develop employees to support career growth and meet expectations for internal promotion 6. Evaluate performance against company standards 7. Lead execution of company directed floor set and visual display 8. Lead execution of company marketing strategies 9. Drive sales results by appropriate merchandise levels on selling floor 10. Responsible for executing company policy and procedures related to store operations. (careerbuilder.com, 2009) For Aeropostale, the following critical skills are requisite: 1. Leadership 2. Interpersonal communication 3. Planning 4. Time management 5. Decision making 6. Motivation 7. Delegation 8. Problem solving 9. Staff and management development 10. Competition and industry awareness (careerbuilder.com, 2009) Personal traits which are required for the store manager's job were also specified in the advertisement for hiring in Aeropostale. The following were the identified personal traits: 1. Commitment to career growth of self and others 2. Team focus 3. Professional 4. Confident 5. Awareness of fashion trends and personal appearance 6. Flexible, open to the ideas of others 7. Positive outlook 8. High level of integrity (careerbuilder.com. 2009) Finally, the pharmaceutical retail firm CVS/pharmacy provided the following job description for its store manager's position: (careerbuilder.com., 2009) Store Managers spend most of their time providing customer service, completing sales floor merchandising activities and working with/training store employees. Other duties include planning & organizing, handling office administration, processing inventory and sales reports and managing in-store communication. Successful Store Managers work to select, build and maintain an engaged store team, build customer loyalty, and drive both store execution and store performance. Leading by example, showing initiative and a sense of urgency and being results driven help Store Managers become successful. Store Managers are supported by a dedicated team of employees in our stores, call centers, distribution centers and Store Support Center. Areas of responsibility for CVS/pharmacy retail management: Customer Service Merchandising/Presentation Loss Prevention Store Operations and Execution Human Resources Financial Reporting/Administration In comparison to the food retail (KFC and Taco Bell) and garments (Aeropostale) store operations previously described, the CVS/pharmacy requires the following qualifications for its prospective store managers: (careerbuilders.com) At least one year of management experience in retail, food service, restaurant, or customer service (college degree preferred), or at least one year of work experience in these types of businesses, preferably at a supervisor level with a two or four year college degree. Ability to work flexible schedules including 1st and 2nd shifts, and early morning and/or overnight shifts at some locations for merchandise deliveries. Schedule adjustments are made according to store needs and operating hours. CVS/pharmacy does not require members of store management to become registered Pharmacists. How do I get there' The requirements I have to comply with are shown in the job descriptions and personal traits required by employers in the businesses earlier mentioned. I have noticed that all jobs required specific competence in several areas of business management. In order to achieve these short-term aims, I have to comply with three objectives: (1) to train in the operations of a retail store and get at least one year's hands on experience in this field; (2) to build my capital and apply the proper knowledge of financial management; and (3) to gain confidence in dealing with people, both employees and customers, which is important in retail store operations. Objective 1: To gain one year's experience in retail operations ' Action(s) to be taken to achieve this objective' I will apply to work in a retail establishment, as a member of the store sales personnel if it is a sales outlet, or a member of the service crew if it is a fast-foods restaurant. ' When will you do these actions' Since I am aiming to get at least one year's experience, and my time frame for this plan is one year, I have to start finding such a job immediately. While I am continuing my studies, I can find a job part-time as a member of the service crew or sales personnel in these areas. If it is possible, I shall work this into the on-the-job training, practicum, or internship component of my study program, in order to gain as much job experience I can possibly get. I aim to be considered eligible for the store manager's position in a year's time, so I must impress the management of the franchise that I am fit for the job. Objective 2: To build my capital and apply the proper knowledge in financial management ' Action(s) to be taken to achieve this objective' Even now, I can begin saving. All businesses demand equity, that is, investment. I can put away saving in a bank where it will earn some interest, as well as earn my own money in the job I am intending to get in the coming year. By spending only for what is necessary I expect that there will be a significant portion of my earnings that I can put away. Also, I will need investors to supplement my equity when I eventually put up a business. Their contributions are not yet expected to be necessary in the coming year, but gaining their trust takes a long time to accomplish. I will start, therefore, to build up my networks of contacts who, I hope, will also become eventually my friends. Trust in business is built over many years, and I hope to be able to gain their trust in my abilities and good intentions so that we may do business someday. ' When will you do these actions' I intend to start saving immediately, as well as earn additional income as soon as possible. I shall begin building my network of contacts also immediately, beginning with my schoolmates and teachers, and progressing to other people in the course of my employment. I shall also develop contacts through my relatives and friends, and participate in as many social and civic activities as I can in order to get to know more people as well as to engage in activities that I enjoy. I shall also take additional seminars and training courses in financial management, since this will be most useful in the proper management of a business. Objective 3: To gain confidence in dealing with people, both employees and customers ' Action(s) to be taken to achieve this objective' As mentioned earlier, I will be gaining greater exposure through two activities - by getting employed, and by gaining membership in as many social and civic associations as my time will permit. Through greater socialization, I could get to mingle with people more and develop an understanding of what motivates them as well as what turns them away. By greater socialization, I will get to understand their tastes and preferences, their likes and dislikes. It was once said that those who become successful businessmen are those who understand their market well, and understand how to motivate the people who work with and for them, in order to attain the goal of the business undertaking. ' When will you do these actions' Again, these are actions that have to be undertaken immediately, because it takes a long time to attain proficiency in them. I need to get started in them at the soonest possible time. I could begin with school clubs, but preferably would join community socials and associations of people with common interests. What I can do immediately is to apply for membership in a professional association of businessmen and students, as such associations exist. Conclusion The foregoing personal development plan is a serious attempt to put into perspective my future as I begin my professional life. It has created for me a vision of what I hope to attain when I leave school and enter "the real world". I hope that I live up to the dream that I have created for myself, and with this plan, I have an excellent opportunity to do so. CURRICULUM VITAE CONTACT INFORMATION Name Address Telephone Cell Phone Email PERSONAL INFORMATION Date of Birth Place of Birth Citizenship Visa Status Sex Optional Personal Information: Marital Status Spouse's Name Children EMPLOYMENT HISTORY List in chronological order, include position details and dates Work History Academic Positions Research and Training EDUCATION Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification High School University Graduate School Post-Doctoral Training PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Certifications and Accreditations Computer Skills AWARDS PUBLICATIONS BOOKS PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS INTERESTS REFERENCES Aeropostale. JobSearch. Careerbuilders.com. Accessed 12 August 2009 from McClelland, D & Boyatzis, R 1982 "Leadership motive pattern and long-term success in management." Journal of Applied Psychology, as cited in Rollinson, D, Organisational Behaviour and Analysis: An Integrated Approach, 3rd Ed. Retail Store Management. JobSearch. Careerbuilders.com. Accessed 12 August 2009 from Read More