Professional Development: a Guide for General Practice - Essay Example

? Introduction The United Kingdom is a country that provides a number of options for education to the from all over the globe. With a numberof universities offering high quality education, it has now become a perfected place for students. Especially, when it comes to business and strategic management related education, the quality of courses provided by the universities in the United Kingdom is exemplary. Also, these universities provide adequate support to the international students. Hence, I opted for the United Kingdom to be my preferred destination for education. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has seen massive business growth. With the onset of globalization, many new organizations in various sectors have emerged. This has resulted in many good career opportunities for the citizens. Therefore, once I complete my education, I would prefer to move back to my country and consider the employment options there. There were a number of reasons because of which I opted to study in the United Kingdom. The universities together intake about 250,000 students per year for their various business education programs in the UK. Ranging from undergraduate business programs to post-graduate studies and doctoral studies, the courses are of various types, so that students can choose the field that suits them the most. In addition, there are numerous organizations in the United Kingdom that offer support to the business management students through internships. London is one of the financial capitals of the world, and hence, there are both large corporations as well as small organizations where students can opt for internship. The internship offered by these organizations proves to be a big value-addition because it helps the students get a real taste of the professional life and the expectations associated with it. It also equips them to handle a professional environment in a much better way. These are the reasons because of which I opted to choose the UK for my higher education. After getting an undergraduate degree, I would like to do a MBA degree and simultaneously would continue to clear the CFA exams. After that I would also like to enroll for a PhD in Business Policy and Strategy Formulation. For the PhD, I would prefer to enroll in a university that is based in the Middle East. There are many centers offering doctoral programs in the Middle East that are focused on business management in the region and it would help me in strengthening my understanding of business practices of the region. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had limited career options and most of them were confined to the oil industries. However, in recent times the business has expanded greatly in the sectors of construction, information-technology, hospitality, telecom and financial sectors. Along with the increased career opportunities, I have always nurtured the passion to work in my own country, so I after finishing my education in the UK, I would pursue a career in strategic management in Saudi Arabia. Discussion of Career Path As Saudi Arabia was slowly transforming its economy with the changes brought about by globalization, I felt very interested in the way in which business processes are carried out. Additionally, I have always taken interest in understanding how different organizations came into being, their set-up processes, challenges, successes, their strategic management approaches, and financial management and so on. Among these management fields, strategic management and finance interested me the most. Therefore, from an early age, I have been reading articles related to these topics on the Internet. Therefore, when it came to pursuing higher studies, I was sure that I wanted move in the direction of business administration. This interest was further fueled because I come from a business family and I have closely observed the business practices followed in our family business. Furthermore, when I had worked in part time roles, I always had a keen interest to look up to the senior management staff who handled the areas of strategic management and finance. I was also able to contribute by providing inputs in terms of strategy management and it was much appreciated by my managers. Throughout my schooling years, I have also aspired to have a career in a senior management role that involves decision making. Over the years, I also discovered that my interest in strategic management can help me hold a senior management position in an organization. All this had propelled my interest to move in the direction of business management. Before deciding which career path to pursue, I had taken a number of steps that would provide me an indication on my aptitude, interest and area of excellence. The first step was to undergo a series of tests. These tests were of various types and tested my verbal, abstract and numerical reasoning aptitude. The results showed that my personality is that of an innovator. Hence, because of this personality, I would be able to offer valuable insights when it comes to solving complex business process related challenges. Once I completed these tests and received the results, I spent some time thinking about my personality. This introspection revealed to me that even as a child, I have always been innovative. For example, I always wanted to work in an environment where my new ideas would bring about a change in the way in which business is done. I have always looked forward to doing thinks in new and better manner, whenever possible. Even during group discussion sessions that I have participated in, I have noticed that I offer good and innovative ideas. Hence, I would like to take the trait of innovativeness in me to the next level by combining it with the education that I get through business management and CFA degrees. I also undertook some online tests that would gauge my attitude towards business management and finance. These tests indicated that I have good business acumen. It also pointed out that my trait of innovativeness and also my eagerness to learn would be an asset. In addition, I also excelled in a test that assessed my interest in financial management and the test proved that I had good basic knowledge. This led me to my decision of taking up the CFA course further down the road as it would strengthen my attitude towards strategic financial management. After I joined the undergraduate program of Northumbria University, United Kingdom, I was able to narrow down my field of interest to strategic management. The course is extensive and provides valuable inputs about various aspects of business management. Among all the course modules, I was most interested towards strategic business management and this interest strengthened my resolution on the career path that I had chosen. At the end of each course module, there is a discussion session with the members of the faculty who provide us with inputs on their assessment about our performance as well as their judgment about the stream that would suit us the most. The teachers also noticed my increased interest in strategic management and provided me with the feedback that I should continue to take interest in these subjects. According to them, strategic management provides good career opportunities and if a person is genuinely interested in the subject, it can provide a very rewarding and satisfactory career. Throughout the semesters, I have had formal and casual interaction with the faculty members who have helped me understand the finer nuances of strategic management and how a specialist financial degree like CFA can provide an added advantage when I reach a higher management level. These discussions have provided me with confirmation about my decision related to the career path. I have also received the opportunity to participate in various discussions with both my classmates as well as with the career assessment cell. I attended these sessions with an open mind so that could look at various other career paths. This was important because it could help me in reaffirming my decision regarding the career path that I opted. During the discussion with classmates, I was more inclined to the sessions when students spoke about strategic business management. In fact, I discovered that I could participate and contribute to these sessions in a much more meaningful way, in comparison to the other sessions that I attended. Also, as my background is from Saudi Arabia, these sessions also gave me a chance to provide good information to the classmates on how business management happens in the Middle Eastern countries. These inputs were appreciated by the classmates and I also received the feedback that my knowledge in strategic business management had a good foundation. The discussions with the career assessment cell also proved to be immensely useful for me. The sessions started with a basic assessment test which had both quantitative as well as descriptive questions given to a group of students. Based on the answers, the counselors informed me that the broad area of interest that I show aptitude towards are strategic business management, human resources management and financial management. All these factors together led me to choose the career path that I am pursuing currently. Next Steps and Conclusion Over the past few decades, the world has drifted to what is known as knowledge economies. Hence, there is a big role that knowledge and education play in effective management. It is necessary for me to constantly upgrade my skills and identify the steps that I would have to take in a consistent manner to ensure that my knowledge and skill-set remain up-to-date. For this, I carried out an assessment of the skills that I currently have and the skills that I need to develop so that I achieve my goal of being a strategic business manager. At present, I have good decision making skills and innovativeness. I identified these skills through numerous tests, activities and discussions (mentioned in detail in the previous sections). I also have a good knowledge in work relations management. I acquired this knowledge because of the part-time jobs that I had undertaken and also from helping out in my family business. Additionally, from the part-time jobs where I held the role of an Assistant Manager, I also acquired the skills to delegate tasks. From self-assessment, discussion with colleagues and teachers and meetings with the career guidance cell, I found out that there are certain skills that I need to develop in the years to come. The first area is that I need to acquire excellent strategic decision making skills. I believe that the undergraduate program I am currently pursuing would give me adequate foundation of strategic management in a theoretical manner. The internship that I plan to pursue would also supplement this theoretical knowledge with practical inputs. I understand that with career progression, strategic decision making would require additional knowledge and for that purpose, I plan to do an MBA degree. I plan to pursue the MBA program in a part-time manner while holding a full time day job, I would get ample opportunity to use the knowledge related to strategic decision making gained during the part-time MBA course. Furthermore, as I ascend to a managerial level at the workplace, I also plan to enroll in a PhD. in Business Policy and Strategic Formation. It will help me in developing through and in-depth knowledge that is needed for higher level strategic management roles. To further supplement my knowledge in strategic management and decision making skills, I would also pursue to clear the CFA examination. I think acquiring this knowledge would help me in my career goal because it would help me get a more holistic perspective of the business as I will gain in-depth knowledge of the financial aspect also. I plan to clear the CFA examination in phases, starting with the Professional Examination, second CFA examination and final CFA examination. I will do this along with the MBA course and a full time day job. This would mean that by the time I ascend to the management roles in my career, I would develop a complete perspective from a strategic management as well as financial perspective. As discussed earlier, I plan to pursue my career in Saudi Arabia. At present, the country has seen rapid progress and I would like to make use of the skills that I acquire during my education in an organization based in Saudi Arabia. However, as I am pursuing my education in the United Kingdom, there may be a small knowledge gap in terms of culture when it comes to strategic decision making. Therefore this is one area that I would like to upgrade in my skill-set by developing a thorough understanding of how culture has a role to play in strategic decision management. I plan to acquire this knowledge through different steps. First, even though I may be based in the UK until my undergraduate program is completed, I plan to keep myself updated with the Saudi Arabian industry related updates on a regular basis. Also, my undergraduate class consists of students from a number of countries. I plan to conduct a group discussion session with them to gain an understanding of the cultural aspects that can play a role in business management. Furthermore, when I take up a role as a graduate management trainee in a Saudi Arabian organization, I hope to gain first-hand knowledge of the way in which culture has an impact on the day-to-day decisions as well as the large scale decisions made in the organization. While pursuing my MBA, I would also pay special attention to cultural aspects that can have a role in strategic management. Therefore, I am confident that by the time I ascend to a senior management role in a Saudi Arabian organization, I would have developed an in depth knowledge on the role that cultural factors play with regard to strategic business decisions. Apart from this, I have also set up a number of small goals, throughout my academic and professional careers that would help me achieve my goal in a step by step manner. As I am pursuing an undergraduate degree currently, the immediate next step that I hope to achieve is to fully devote to my academic endeavors to ensure that there are no chances of delayed completion. I also hope to secure good grades as that will determine my future with regard to my internships, job as well as future MBA admissions. During the course of my undergraduate studies, I also hope to pursue an internship in an organization where I would get ample opportunity to gain insight into how strategic management happens in that particular organization. I would ensure that I discuss this aspect with the organization before I start my internship program with them. Additionally, as I plan to start the Professional Examination from the Certified Financial Analyst Institute immediately after finishing my undergraduate program. Therefore, I also have a goal to make myself equipped with all the information available on how to pursue this course effectively, as I know that this qualification will widen my scope in the decision making process as most decisions encompass knowledge that spans different areas of specialization. Post my undergraduate course, I plan to immediately look for employment as a graduate management trainee at the entry level. To achieve this goal, I plan to work on my resume so that it reflects my achievements, skill-sets and capabilities in an accurate manner. I also plan to have a session of mock interviews with my classmates. In addition, I would keep myself updated with the latest trends in both global and local market trends and industry news. This will help me in achieving my goal of joining an organization of my choice to start a meaningful and rewarding career. As I have a target of pursuing an MBA course during the 2016-2018 academic year, I plan to equip myself to complete the course along with handling a full time job. I understand that it would be challenging to pursue MBA in such a manner that it does not have any negative impact on my work schedule. Therefore, one skill that I would have to develop is that of multi-tasking. In preparation of developing of this skill, I plan to take up additional projects as a part of my course work during the undergraduate program. This will give me an idea of how my current multi-tasking skills are and also it will help me to understand how to handle multiple things at the same time in the most effective manner. Even during my internship program, I hope to contribute to more than one aspect/project to enhance my multi-tasking skills. This would prove to be a good asset also because I also plan to clear the CFA examination and hence, it is imperative that I develop the skill for multi-tasking. It would also teach me better time management. ` Another goal that I have set is to ensure that the trait of innovativeness in me is enhanced. As discussed in the background section below, the trait of innovator also comes along with a certain problem, that such people may be ego-centric and then, it can have an impact on the way in which decisions are taken and innovativeness are carried out. Therefore, I should start working to make sure that I overcome this negative trait. For this, I already conducted some preliminary research on the Internet to find out the various ways with which the slight ego-centric behavior that innovators display can be overcome. Additionally, I also plan to have a discussion with both my classmates as well as with the members of the faculty. I believe that if I overcome this challenge right away, it would be much easier for me rather than working on it at a later stage. I also plan to contribute new ideas in a continuous manner, whether I am in the university, or while during internship and employment. This will help me enhance the skill of innovation. With the mention of above mentioned steps, I am confident that I would be able to achieve my career goals in a successful manner. Reflective Commentary After taking the type dynamic indicators, I had an average score that indicated that I am best suited in areas that will demand innovation. Reflecting on my nature since childhood, I find myself with agreement with this indicator as my childhood passion was to have work in a business environment where my ideas will alter the traditional ways of doing business as opposed to maintaining the status quo of the business world. Innovators, according to While and Attwood, (2000), have the ability to see things differently from what others see thus enabling them to offer sound business ideas where other players would not have seen. As an innovator, I it is my desire that I will take a job position that will enable me to put my innovative mind into practice. I consider that in a contemporary business environment, this can only be achieved if one works in the strategic management department. This is because this is the department that is equipped with the responsibility to craft a competitive strategy for a firm in a globalizing economy. Going by the results of the dynamic indicators, my traits as an improviser are hard to ignore as, according to the test results, most improvisers like having their way without being denied the chance to experiment. My nature also is experimental oriented whereby I remain attracted to many opportunities that may need to be tried. However, the main weakness with this personality trait is the fact that most innovators fail to concentrate with one endeavor, making them to shift their attention from one activity to the other. This can be detrimental at the workplace especially in strategic decision making as they are long term in nature. It is my expectation that other team members will work as the regulators to ensure that in as much as my innovative skills may tend to come up with many possible alternatives, the team remains focused to the main objective and thus can select the best innovation. To give myself a head start immediately after completion of my undergraduate course, I have prepared detailed curriculum vitae that I believe will go a long way in ensuring that I get the first job as fast as possible. The Curriculum Vitae Saud Alhoshan P12A, 55 Degrees North NE1 6BJ Telephone: 00447788279595 Email: sasaudi13@hotmail.com Personal Information Date of Birth: 13/01/1990 Gender: Male Marital Status: Single Personal Interest: Business Affairs Language Proficiency: Arabic and English (Both languages can be spoken and written effectively) Personal Statement: My business interest started at a tender age. I aspired to take courses that deal with business management to ensure that my future career will be based on aspects of business management. It is my belief that as a graduate of business administration, your organization will find my services helpful in advancing its core goals and competencies. Career Objective: I seek to offer competent skills that will guarantee continued profitability through deployment of my professional skills as a business administration expert. Academic Background High School Degree (94.44%) Foundation year: Average (Merit) First Year : Average (62.5) Bachelor Degree: 2012 2004 - 2008 (Riyad Najd High School) 2009 - 2010 (Northumbria University) 2010 - 2011 (Northumbria University 2010 - 2013 (Northumbria University) Work Experience Vodatel (Part Time Job) Saudi Inteltic (Part Time Job) 2011 Assistant Manager 2010 Assistant Manager Family Business In the three months of the summer of 2011, I worked in the family business. I also devote my energy in this business whenever I have some time. Skills Skills that I possess Excellent administrative skills A strategic thinker An active team player Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent on-job acquired skills Desired Skills Self-motivation skills References References and letters of recommendation available on request. As outlined in my career development plan, I plan to apply for an internship immediately after completing my undergraduate studies. This is the covering letter to that effect. Cover Letter To The Human Resource Manager KPMG International, Address United Kingdom Saud Alhoshan P12A, 55 Degrees North NE1 6BJ Mail: sasaudi13@hotmail.com United Kingdom 21/06/2013 Dear Sir Re: APPLICATION FOR AN INTERNSHIP I refer to your advert concerning the availability of internship vacancies in your reputed organization and wish to register my interest. I am a fresh graduate in the field of Business Administration from Northumbria University, United Kingdom. I have been awarded a honors degree having satisfactorily satisfied the board of the aforementioned institution on my capacity as a potential business expert. Above these academic endeavors, I possess excellent skills that will prove valuable in the attainment of your organization’s core goals. I have also acquired relevant skills while working in different engagements in various firms. I believe that coupled with the talent that exists in your current pool of human capital, my engagement with you as an intern shall be two ways where you will harness my raw talent while at the same time nature me into the world of employment. Ultimately, I am a result oriented individual, a keen listener and devoted to assigned duties. I will be glad to be offered a chance for a personal interview with you. I will be looking forward for your positive reply. Respectfully Submitted, Saud Alhoshan Conclusion In conclusion, I have already established that to build a solid career after graduation, I will need to acquire an internship position as with a reputed firm. This will go a long way in ensuring that my career pursuits are grounded on strong foundations that combine both experience and academic qualifications. An internship will act as an important bridge between theories of management acquired in class and the real application of these theories in the work environment (Kandula, 2006a; Nelson and Economy, 2005) Reference List Books Llc. 2008. Personal Development: Landmark Education, Procrastination, Self-Help, Erhard Seminars Training, Large Group Awareness Training, Werner Erhard. New York: Llc Books Group. Davis, F. 2004. Personal Development In A Nutshell. New York: PageFree Publishing, Inc. Johns, H. 2003. Personal Development in Counselor Training. New York: SAGE. Kandula, S., R. 2006a. Performance Management. London: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. Kandula, S., R. 2004. Human Resource Management in Practice: With 300 Models, Techniques and Tools. London: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. Kandula, S., R. 2006b. Human Resource Management and Organization Development - Practitioner Readings. London: ICFAI Books. Madura, J. 2009. International Financial Management. Upper Saddle River: Cengage Learning. Nelson, B. and Economy, P. 2005. The management bible. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Pavlina, S. 2008. Personal Development for Smart People: The Conscious Pursuit of Personal Growth. New York: Hay House. While, R. and Attwood, M. 2000. Professional development: a guide for general practice. New York: Wiley-Blackwell. Read More