Personal Development in Professional Setting

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Table of Contents
Part 1 – Career Goal........................................................................................................................1

Part 2 – Current Reality...................................................................................................................2

Part 3 – Options for Progression......................................................................................................3

Part 4 – Way Forward......................................................................................................................5

References........................................................................................................................................6

Appendices......................................................................................................................................7

Appendix 1 – SWOT Analysis....................................................................................................7

Appendix 2 – Feedback Questionnaire........................................................................................8

Questionnaire 1........................................................................................................................8

Questionnaire 2........................................................................................................................9

Questionnaire 3......................................................................................................................10

Questionnaire 4......................................................................................................................11

Questionnaire 5......................................................................................................................12

Appendix 3 – Professional Profile.............................................................................................13

Appendix 4 – Personal and Professional Development Plan.....................................................16

Appendix 5 – Personal and Professional Development Action Plan.........................................17

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The report has been developed on discussing various aspects of professional and personal
development considering the career growth opportunities and attaining specific career goal. The
report consists of four different parts that include a specific career choice to develop a personal
career, identification of current abilities and inabilities through the SWOT practice and
determining the ways to engage with the learning opportunities to develop appropriate
competencies for attaining the career goal.

Part 1 – Career Goal

The first career option that I had to become a professional fashion designer which I intended at
the early stages of my career planning. I studied fashion design because I found the field to show
my creativity and bring my inner creativity and imagination in real practice through my designs.
The purpose of my studying fashion design was because I more liked it to present myself through
my designs rather than being a professional in the sector. Latterly I realized that the field is too
difficult and highly competitive to find a suitable position for own self.

The second option that I had to develop my career was in dental nursing regarding which I
continued my dental nursing college for one year. But after joining the academics and working as
a dental assistant had given me the professional and real idea and experience of the sector which
I found does not suit me as jobs were too simple and repetitive and I had always been looking for
something complex and enjoyable.

The third option that I have chosen to develop my career in the finance and accounting sector
regarding which I intended to graduate on the particular subjects to develop my further career in
finance or accounting. Finance and accounting, especially the business graduate sector has quite
a high possibility of diversity and have too many fields and branches that I can choose to develop
my career further (Trought, 2017).

Finally, the career option that I choose to develop my career in finance or accounting sector with
any of its further branches such as analyst, manager, advisor etc. Also, a career in the business
sector would provide me the opportunity to develop my own business where I would be able to
work with more flexibly and it would also offer good financial and social status.

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Part 2 – Current Reality
Performing the academic tasks on personal development and “Ask 5 People” task to identify my
strengths and weaknesses regarding personal and professional development has significant
benefitted me that has led me to determine my strengths and weaknesses accurately.

Considering my strengths, I have been always a good person in my personal, academic and
professional fields that has helped me to be more friendly with people and showing a good
gesture to them always. When I mix up with people, I try to help them with my best of approach
regarding which I have been a good listener throughout the time of my such practice. I have a
good skill over critical thinking of different situation regarding which I can think technically and
lead to viable solutions to the problems through my critical thinking skill. Also, being a good
critical thinker, I can make a good decision considering the pros and cons of the situations which
helps me often to help people I meet with good advice. I have always been persistent to the
ambition that has led me to my current position on both academic and professional life regarding
which I would like to consider my ambition, patience and persistency. I always try to put my best
efforts in my professional life for performing my duties in an organised manner that helps me to
become more efficient with my jobs and also, my work ethics is something that I would consider
one of my strengths.

Identifying the weaknesses and the weaker part of personality and professional competencies is
always difficult though the class activities have helped me to identify my weaknesses. Though I
am a good listener and thinker, by I reckon that professional communication skill has been
always a weakness for me regarding which I have struggled often in my professional life for
making effective both way communication. Before I used to think that my skill of problem-
solving was the key to my adaptability in a different situation but latterly I have realised that
adaptability in different situational context is a different thing and needs special efforts and
possession of such skills to adapt in different situations effectively to handle the unusual and
unexpected situations effectively. I have not been great with my technological knowledge though
I have the very basic of using regular devices I lack in-depth knowledge of digital information
and technology knowledge and skill which is another weakness. Though I can work on my own
and prefers more flexibility, I have not been great in my team works and leadership skill which I

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would intend to develop through the proper process to strengthen my team working and
leadership skill.

Part 3 – Options for Progression

The gaps in my skills, experience and knowledge that I have been able to identify are
demonstrated in my weaknesses which I would like to develop over the time through a particular
process of learning and developing such personal and professional competencies. This section is
developed on the discussion about the viable opportunities that I have to utilise in developing my
weak personal and professional competencies to become an adequate professional personality
and achieving my career goal in the business field.

As I intend to develop my career in the business sector by becoming a professional financial or

accounting analyst, manager or advisor etc. and also considering starting my own business after
complexation of my degree, I would need to become ready to join the professional sector
regarding which having good skill and knowledge of the professional competencies is essential.
Learning the effective communication skill and having a good knowledge of the communication
tactics would help me to get my desired job and also it would help me to make adequate
communication in my professional sector (O’Brien and Jones, 2014). Developing a professional
network would help me to get knowledge of industry context and also different high-end
companies higher through the network connections regarding which I would be able to get jobs.
Professional life would be full of different unexpected and inconvenient situations and also there
would be much difference and gap in personal and professional life regarding which I would
need proper adaptability skill to adapt with my professional life and perform adequately
(Thompson, 2015). Having a good knowledge over the information and technology is one of the
most essential skill that is expected from the professionals in their first impression learning of
which would help me to get my job easily. Joining a job would need me to work in different
functional and cross-functional teams on the basis of need regarding which I would need to work
as a team player that needs proper team working skill. And finally, to become a financial and
accounting manager in any high-end company the candidates must possess the adequate
leadership skill as he/she would have to work with other subordinates and need proper leadership
capability to lead them (Zimmerman, 2018). And also, considering the opening of my own

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business I would have to employ other staffs whom I would have to control and guide
effectively.

To develop my communication competency, I can take the professional help through joining
different external courses and workshops on communication tactics. And also I would have the
opportunity to gain the theoretical knowledge of communication competency from the reading
materials and practising them in my professional sector. Learning the adaptability skill, I would
have to utilise my patience skill and also know how to react and stabilise the mind on different
types of situational contexts (Bowgren and Sever, 2014). I can learn from the reading materials
and online sources on case studies of adaptability in different situational contexts to improve my
adaptability skill. To develop my IT skill professionally I would have the opportunity to join the
professional workshops and courses offered by the institutions to learn the professional software
and proper skill and knowledge over the digital devices (Sherman, 2014). Learning the teamwork
skills and knowledge would be one of the most essential goals for my personal and professional
development that would help to learn the skills and ways that I can be a good contributor for the
team performance (Ritchie et al., 2012). And at the very end, I would need to develop my
leadership skill adequately regarding which I would need to join the seminars and workshops
arranged on leadership development. Additionally, I can take the leadership and management
courses in my academic degree while I would also have the opportunity to take external courses
on leadership that is offered by international institutions.

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Part 4 – Way Forward
Three next SMART objectives and steps that I would take are –

i. I will e-mail my academic mentor of attaching my personal and professional

development action plan asking feedback on my action plan and suggestions to follow
the developed plan within the next eight weeks.
ii. I will enrol myself with any two of the professional courses that would certify my
skill and development on communication skill and digital IT skill within the next
three months.
iii. I will join a part-time job in the business and management sector to get the
professional working experience in a real company within the next six months.

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References
Bowgren, L. and Sever, K. (2014). Differentiated professional development in a professional
learning community. Bloomington, In: Solution Tree Press.

O’Brien, J. and Jones, K. (2014). Professional learning or professional

development? Professional Development in Education, 40(5), pp.683–687.

Ritchie, A., Clare Morag Walker and De, A. (2012). Continuing professional development :
pathways to leadership in the library and information world. Münich: K.G. Saur.

Sherman, C. (2014). Technology Skill Development Among Education Majors. The Journal of
Technology Studies, 40(1).

Thompson, M. (2015). Professionalism and professional development. Professional

Development in Education, 35(2), pp.169–174.

Trought, F. (2017) Brilliant Employability Skills. 2nd Edition. Pearson Education.

Zimmerman, B. (2018). Academic studing and the development of personal skill: A self-
regulatory perspective. Educational Psychologist, 33(2), pp.73–86.

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Appendices
Appendix 1 – SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
- Good listener and advisor - Communication Skill
- Adaptability
- Technical thinker,
- IT Skill
- Problem solving and decision making
- Team Work
- Work ethics
- Leadership
- Ambition and Persistency
- Organised
Opportunities Threats
- Online Courses - Multiple learning plans together
- Academic Courses - Fast and dynamic industry trends
- Study Resources - Quitting in the middle
- Workshops - Negative feelings with progress
- Joining Seminars result
- Professional Practice

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Appendix 2 – Feedback Questionnaire
Questionnaire 1
Below are five questions that I would like you to answer based on your perception of me. I have
chosen you as one of five people whose opinions I trust, value and respect. I hope and expect you
to be honest. This will probably take about five minutes of your time.

Thank you

Name: Adrian Manea

What one word or phrase describes me best?

Never give up

What do you think is my greatest achievement?

Being able to follow your dreams

What do you value most about me?

Honesty

What one thing could I change for my own benefit?

Being more understanding

What do you believe to be my greatest strength?

Ambition

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Questionnaire 2
Below are five questions that I would like you to answer based on your perception of me. I have
chosen you as one of five people whose opinions I trust, value and respect. I hope and expect you
to be honest. This will probably take about five minutes of your time.

Thank you

Name: Catalina Candea

What one word or phrase describes me best?

You are highly organised, ambitious and driven.

What do you think is my greatest achievement?

Your biggest achievement in life I believe it’s your son and who you are raising and educating
with so much love and care.

What do you value most about me?

I value your integrity, your honesty and your commitment

What one thing could I change for my own benefit?

Believe in yourself more.

What do you believe to be my greatest strength?

I a world that’s changing so quickly, your ability to adapt easily to any situation would prove to
be your greatest strength.

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Questionnaire 3
Below are five questions that I would like you to answer based on your perception of me. I have
chosen you as one of five people whose opinions I trust, value and respect. I hope and expect you
to be honest. This will probably take about five minutes of your time.

Thank you

Name: Daniel

What one word or phrase describes me best?

-Incredity

What do you think is my greatest achievement?

-Having such a beautiful family, having such a great soul and bringing up such an amazing kid.

What do you value most about me?

-Your humanitarian approach to everyday tasks and goals

What one thing could I change for my own benefit?

-Nothing. Keep improving and working on your traits.

What do you believe to be my greatest strength?

-Your mentality.

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Questionnaire 4
Below are five questions that I would like you to answer based on your perception of me. I have
chosen you as one of five people whose opinions I trust, value and respect. I hope and expect you
to be honest. This will probably take about five minutes of your time.

Thank you

Name: Vasilica

What one word or phrase describes me best?

Justice Maker

What do you think is my greatest achievement?

Your family

What do you value most about me?

Your transparency and trustworthiness

What one thing could I change for my own benefit?

Nothing. You are perfect

What do you believe to be my greatest strength?

Your strength of always thriving forward.

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Questionnaire 5
Below are five questions that I would like you to answer based on your perception of me. I have
chosen you as one of five people whose opinions I trust, value and respect. I hope and expect you
to be honest. This will probably take about five minutes of your time.

Thank you

Name: Valeria

What one word or phrase describes me best?

-Friendly

What do you think is my greatest achievement?

-Anglia Ruskin University

What do you value most about me?

-Amabiality

What one thing could I change for my own benefit?

-Naive

What do you believe to be my greatest strength?

- Dedication and enthusiasm

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Appendix 3 – Professional Profile

LOREDANAROTARESCU

I am an exceptionally motivated and driven person .I have a consuming interest in the world of
accounting, since I was young and helped my cousin accountant in that time with paperwork
and keeping tracking for them and I am eager to forge a career in this field. This is the reason I
have decided to study in this field. I am also very delightful to share the knowledge that I already
have in the field with other students in the school. I am also very optimistic and outgoing and
look forward to the opportunities that university will give me to participate in lively discussion
with new peers on my course.

Experience
February 2019 – April 2020
Dental assistant, EVOLUTION ORTHODONTICS
 Welcome customers in the dental office
 Prepare customers for treatments or checkups ensuring their comfort
 Select and set up instruments, equipment and material needed
 Sterilize instruments according to regulations
 Assist the dentist through 4-handed dentistry
 Undertake lab tasks as instructed
 Provide oral hygiene and post-operative care instructions
 Keep the dental room clean and well-stocked

May 2018 – February 2019

Admin, MANEA CONSTRUCTION LTD

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  Manage phone calls and corresponds (e-mail, letters, packages etc.)
 Paper work
 Create and update records and databases with personnel financial and other data.
 Organise and store paperwork, documents and computer- based information.
 Use a word processing package such a Microsoft Word.
 Photocopy and print various documents.

January 2017 – July 2017

Waitress, CAFFE CASCOLO
 Provided exceptional, friendly and fast service.
 Skilfully anticipated and addressed guests service need.
 Consistently adhered to quality expectations and standards.
 Appropriately suggestion additional items to customers to increase restaurant
sales.
 Maintained knowledge of current menu items, ingredients and preparation
methods.

Education
2019/01 – 2020/01
North London Dental Centre, NEW SOUTHGATE
National Diploma in Dental Nursing

2004 – 2008
Fashion Designer College
It’s okay to brag about your GPA, awards, and honors. Feel free to summarize your
coursework too.

Skills

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 Good numerical skills  Leadership
 Composure  Integrity
 Respect

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Appendix 4 – Personal and Professional Development Plan
Skills Level of Skills Current Status Need for
Improvement
Communication Lack of proper knowledge of Yes
Skill 1 2 3 4 5 professional communication
Adaptability and Unable to adapt with different Yes
Flexibility 1 2 3 4 5 situational context
Problem Solving Proper knowledge of theoretical
and Decision 1 2 3 4 5 framework of problem solving and No
Making able to make decision solving
problems
IT Skill 1 2 3 4 5 Acquires the very basic knowledge
over the regular IT devices and Yes
activities
Critical 1 2 3 4 5 Can perform critical observation No
Thinking and technical thinking
Team Work Insufficient knowledge and idea of
1 2 3 4 5 perfective team role and unable to Yes
contribute for team purpose
Leadership 1 2 3 4 5 Unable to influence and motivate
others through proper leadership Yes
and lack the competencies
Persistency and 1 2 3 4 5 Can perform works with proper
Organising organising and has the patience to No
continue for long time

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Appendix 5 – Personal and Professional Development Action Plan
Skills Current Level Development Development Time
Goals Opportunities Frame

Communication Improper knowledge Learning the Taking 1 Year

Skill and skill of communication professional
professional techniques courses, joining
communication workshops and
seminars
IT Skill Very basic idea of Developing a good Joining the 2 Years
the regular IT skill over the professional
activities in professional IT use trainings and
professional sector and activities workshops
Adaptability Unable to adapt Being able to adapt Learning from the 1 Year
effectively in in any types of reading materials
different situational situation in shorter and practicing in
context time real context
Team Work Lack of knowledge Developing proper Joining 1 Year
how to contribute for knowledge of team workshops,
the team work and seminars and
performance participant roles learning from the
reading materials
Leadership Unable to lead a Being able to Joining seminars, 2 Years
team effectively and influence others trainings,
lack of knowledge and lead teams initiating
on leadership skills effectively professional
courses and
practicing

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