Personal Development Planning - Assignment Example

? Table of Contents Plagiarism ment……………………………………………………………………………3 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….4 Education and Professional Development..................................................................…...5 Personal SWOT Analysis………………………………………………………………………7 KSA……………………………………………………………………………………………….8 Motivation and Future Objectives…………………………………………………………….10 Action Plan………………………………………………………………………………………11 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………12 References………………………………………………………………………………………13 Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………...14 Plagiarism and Unfair Practice It is dishonest not to acknowledge the work of other people and you open yourself up to the accusation of plagiarism. All content of this assignment must be your own independent work. No text, code, diagram, or other content (not even a sentence or phrase) should be taken from another source unless this source is referenced. Referenced phrases should be placed in quotes. Each item should be referenced separately. For more information in respect of plagiarism please refer to the University Assessment Regulations at the following web address: http://quality.newport.ac.uk Plagiarism Statement I have read and understood the statement above concerning plagiarism. I confirm that the work attached is my own and that I will follow the College and University Regulations in respect of plagiarism or any other examination offence. Signed: _________________________________________________ Print Name: Zeiad Al-Tuwayjiri Student ID No: _________________________________________________ Module: Personal Development and Ethics : G106771 Assignment: Assignment 1 PDP Analysis Pathway: BEng/HND/HND Top Up/HNC/Fd (state:) _____________ Date: _________________________________________________ Lecturer: Dr. Louise Hung Total Word Count: 2817 Introduction Every individual in this world has some goals and objectives established for his future which are based on his interests. The educational career is selected on primarily on the basis of these interests and also on the established goals and objectives. These goals and objectives once established serve as the guiding principles in the individual’s life who will devise a set of rules and ideas for achieving these goals. The next step is to lay out a plan for proper execution of these ideas for achieving those goals. I believe in working in the same pattern while deciding about my future goals and objectives and achieving them. Acquiring education is one part of the plan, the other one is developing the right kind of personality which is best suited for achieving those established goals and objectives. Having selected Electrical Engineering as a career based on my interest, my targets which I have set for myself serve as the biggest motivational power for me. I plan to excel in both technical and managerial skills as I plan to establish a business based on electrical engineering knowledge in future. The technical aspect of my plan is being covered by the courses I am taking in university while the managerial aspects are being polished by the way I am spend the extra time I have. I know if I have to achieve my goals I have to develop strong leadership, networking and communication skill in addition to technical skills. My activities in the co-curricular clubs which I have joined help me to master communication, networking and leadership skills by becoming part of certain teams and leading a few of them, this has also taught me how to work in a team effectively. While being a member of a team I fulfill the responsibilities I am entrusted with while being a leader of a team I exercise authority very effectively by distributing the work assigned among the team members. Such activities also help me to apply the knowledge I acquire in the classroom in real-time problems in the form of technical projects. Education and Professional Development Achieving technical and managerial skills are my targets and for these targets my current education program i.e. Electrical Engineering serves as a program which will not only give me the required education but also will develop my personality into a professional. My targets clearly explain why I selected this program. I was good at mathematics and physics at school which made me think that engineering is the right profession for me. Interest in web development and also the innovative techniques in electrical engineering related to computer technology made electrical engineering as the my final choice. I believe in setting a bigger target for myself and then achieving smaller short termed targets which will ultimately lead me to the bigger one. Running a business based on electrical engineering is my ultimate goal and getting enrolled in electrical engineering courses and acquiring technical knowledge are the smaller goals in the way to achieve the ultimate goal. While studying electrical engineering I have observed that I have greater interest in some particular subjects, from this I conclude that setting targets is also a gradual process and when a person is in the learning phase he learns how he has to give final shape to his goals and targets, same is the case with me. I have observed a development in the goals and objectives which I have set for myself through the course of time. When I was first enrolled in this course my primary objective was just to acquire the degree which will enable me to work professionally but during this course I have observed the interest I have in the mechanics of computers and their relationship with electrical engineering. The future objective which now I have regarding my profession has developed from these things, now I am more interested in learning innovation and creativity in electrical engineering which will help me develop computers, having acquired that knowledge I would like to start a business based on this knowledge. Now I have special interest in the subjects related to computers and innovative technologies in electrical engineering. The technical projects have their own significance in this regard. At first I did not have much interest in carrying out technical projects activities but with time I realized that there are so many interesting technical projects which can be carried out along with the regular studies. A technical project not only gives opportunity to apply the knowledge of classroom practically but also allows individuals to discover new possibilities and future prospects in certain fields of engineering; this part of my courses is related to professional development. Considering this course as a way of acquiring education as well as developing myself professionally I believe that there are certain other skills which I also need to learn. Some of the aspects of professional development are being covered by the processes I mentioned above but I also want to acquire managerial skills because I plan to start a business of my own which will be based on electrical engineering. Having such plans in my mind I completely understand that I will have to develop strong networking and communication skills for that. Currently I am a bit weak in English language communication but I believe in improving every next moment of my life. As far as networking is concerned, it cannot be learnt by the engineering courses therefore I want have some extra courses on from which I can learn managerial skills like networking and communication. But courses and classroom study are not enough; there are so many other things which a person learns while he is outside his classroom. These things are learnt through social and community activities. For acquiring such skills I believe in joining certain club activities which are primarily technical but teach a person leadership, networking and communication skills. Team work is a very important thing which can be learnt from such social and community activities. So summing up my present condition and position, I have clearly identified my goals and objectives for future and I am on the right track for achieving them, this right track is based on continuing courses I am currently enrolled in, opting for additional courses for learning managerial skills, carrying out regular technical projects for learning the correct application of the things learnt in the classroom and also joining technical-based social and community activities through clubs to polish technical, networking, communication and leadership skills. I would sum up my future goals as opting for some courses for learning managerial skills, involving and participating in more complex and detailed technical projects and leaning the most innovative, inventive and futuristic courses of electrical engineering. Personal SWOT Analysis Following is my personal SWOT analysis for my professional development plan: Strengths My strengths are based on my interests in electrical engineering and its fields related to computer engineering. I have always been good at mathematics and physics which helps me understand certain subjects of electronics and software better than others. Another strength to which I personally give very much importance is the self-motivation I have regarding achieving my goals and objectives. The interest I have in the innovative and futuristic subjects of electrical engineering is strength in its own as it is very important to learn innovation in order to compete against the rising amount of electrical engineering professionals. An entrepreneurial attitude is also a positive thing as I plan to start a business of my own based on the innovative technologies in electrical engineering. Weaknesses Currently the most evident weakness I consider in myself is the lack of grasp on English language which hampers me to communicate effectively. This weakness can easily be overcome with time and also by practicing language and participating in language course. Another weakness which I consider in myself is the lack of interest in some of the subjects, but this lack of interest is not of large extent and I easily manage to carry them forward along with other subjects. Opportunities My entrepreneurial approach is the biggest opportunity in itself as I do not want to rely completely on the outside opportunities and believe in creating opportunities on my own, for this I have strong interests in learning innovative subjects and computer technology related to electrical engineering. Since I am lucky enough to get a chance to get better education than the people in my native country I consider it a very golden opportunity for myself as I can continue my education to doctorate level here in UK, which is part of my plan. I have a will power to initiate and carry out technical projects on my own and the current educational scenario is encouraging and allows me to carry out independent research and projects. Threats The threats which I face regarding my professional career are based on the competition I am facing because of the rising number of electrical engineering individuals and according to BLS the number is expected to further rise in the next 5 years. But this threat motivates me to polish myself better than other individuals by learning more and more innovative skills. This where teamwork enters, the best way competing individuals can collaborate with each other is working together for achieving innovation and invention. Another threat which I face because of the goals I have set for myself is the presence of fewer opportunities regarding learning managerial skills but this can also be worked out by considerate efforts and increasing the learning hours and opting for extra courses. Knowledge, Skills and Attitude Knowledge Knowledge is perhaps the thing which has changed drastically since I have become a part of this course. The primary objective of this course is to acquire knowledge regarding electrical engineering. My knowledge about electrical engineering was very weak when I was in school and it was only based on the primary knowledge I have had about electronics from the school physics and science books. With the increase in knowledge I also developed more interest in electrical engineering which helped me to further improve my knowledge by creating zeal for acquiring knowledge. While my knowledge increased I started identifying the subjects which are more interesting and after identifying them I started searching for the prospects of independent projects which I can do in those subjects. This increase in interest with the increase in knowledge has helped me set revise the objectives which I had earlier set up for myself. Now I want to increase my knowledge more and more in certain subjects related to innovation in electrical engineering and created an interest in me to carryout independent research and projects. Skills With knowledge come certain skills which are based on the activities which are carried alongside the course activities. Some of the skills I have developed are because of the academic knowledge, others are developed through research and projects and in addition to these there are skills which I have developed through community and social activities in clubs based on technical knowledge. Some of the skills I have developed through my activities in the CCSE club are web development through different web development languages, organizational activities of certain events. Volunteering for the information desk has helped me develop communication skills. These organizational and communication skills are very important for a successful career. Other team activities and project has helped me develop skills like teamwork and networking. Some of the job experiences which I had during my education has helped me experience real life job environment along with certain skills related to electronics and management. The classroom activities have helped me learn some of the skills like knowledge of computer hardware and software. To sum up I would say that my routine while carrying out my degree program is such that I have not only increased my knowledge of electrical engineering but also learned some special skills. Attitude A positive attitude is obligatory for excellence. My attitude has always been positive but it has also change a great deal since my enrollment into this program. At first I had a very primitive objective of just getting a professional degree which will allow me to get a job. As time passed and my knowledge of electrical engineering increased my attitude became more positive and my mindset and objective changed; now I want to be a good electrical engineer first who can propose innovative solutions and inventions. My thinking has broadened and getting a job is a secondary objective now, acquiring knowledge, skill, ability and innovation is the primary objective. Now I want to become a useful individual for the society who can employ his engineering knowledge in the best possible way for the his own benefit and greater benefit of the society as a whole. Motivation and Future Objectives Motivation is something which has to be developed by one’s own self. For me my objectives, my attitude and my interests are the motivating factors at workplace and also in studies. When I started engineering I had some primitive objectives in my mind which changed with the passage of time and now all the knowledge and skills I am learning moves towards the attainment of those goals. At times when I am tired and I do not work, my inside will power allows me to continue working and I realize that to become a successful individual and for the accomplishment of the set targets I have to acquire knowledge and skills and thus I am motivated to work harder. I have plans for higher studies but after completing my present studies I plan to do some job to apply the knowledge I have acquired in the classroom. I believe in creating opportunities for myself on my own and therefore I do not expect much from my future job, the only expectation, which is very much positive, is that my job would allow me to learn and further excel in the field of electrical engineering. I would like to work in such an organization which also carries out research in the field of electrical engineering as I want learn innovative skills to solve problems and carry out useful inventions. I see myself doing a research plus applicative job in the 3 years after the completion of my degree program and after that I plan to continue higher studies up to doctorate level. I also have some entrepreneurial objectives and I plan to set up business of my own but that will be done after acquiring job experience and alongside my higher studies. I also plan to acquire some managerial qualification if I would need that for my plans of carrying out a business. Action Plan 1. Short Term Objectives: The short term objectives include completing the present degree effectively and efficiently with high grades. Along with completing the knowledge-based learning I also plan to acquire certain technical and managerial skills which include networking skills, communication skills and leadership skills. This I will do by carrying out independent and team projects and research and also through my activities in different technically-oriented social and community clubs. I also want to go for some extra courses to learn managerial skills which will help me in future for establishing my own business. 2. Medium Term Objectives: The medium term objectives include acquiring the correct job which would allow me to effectively apply the classroom knowledge in the field and also will help me to do some research in the field of innovative electrical engineering so that I may learn real life problem solving and provide inventive solutions. 3. Long Term Objectives: The long term objectives include higher studies leading to Ph. D. along with which I will utilize my job experiences for my entrepreneurial plans and finally I would like to establish a business of my own based on electrical engineering inventive products. Conclusion Presently I consider myself to be an appropriate choice for the employer who wants an individual who can handle basic design problems and also problems related to electrical appliances and computer hardware and software. Web development ability is my plus point for any employer as I can easily maintain my department’s pages on the company’s website. I also have experience of working as a team and I consider myself to be an effective member of any sort of team. My experience in organization of events for the CCSE club can be utilized for event management and organizing meetings for the company. The skills that I need to improve are my English language and communication skills and also I while completing my degree program I want to become an excellent electrical engineer by acquiring knowledge related to my courses efficiently so that I can utilize my abilities well for myself and the society as a whole by applying the acquired knowledge and proposing innovative and inventive solutions. References M. Anderson (2004), the Power of Attitude, Countryman R. Wong (2000), Motivation: a bio-behavioral approach, Cambridge University Press M. K. Badawy (1995), Developing Managerial Skills in Engineers and Scientists: succeeding as a technical manager, John Wiley and Sons R. Grit (2009), Managing Your Competencies: Personal Development Plan, Routledge S. Cottrell (2010), Skills for Success, The personal Development Planning Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan Appendix-1 Self Evaluation and Awareness Questionnaire Health: 1. How would you rate your health? Overall I would rate my health as excellent. 2. Do you have any allergies? No, I do not have any major or minor allergies. 3. Do you have any ailments like Asthma that you would like to declare? No I do not have any such ailments. 4. How often do you fall ill? I fall ill very rarely. 5. How often do you exercise? I exercise regularly 4 times a week. 6. Do you smoke or drink? No, I do not smoke and drink. Personal Abilities: 1. Rate yourself on a scale of 10 for natural abilities. When it comes to natural abilities and talent I will rate myself 8 out of 10 as I am blessed with sound mind which is creative enough to devise new ideas. 2. What is your level of self-motivation on a scale of 10? I will give myself 9 out of 10 because I am very much self motivated and I have very big plans regarding my career and future and these plans serve as a way of motivating me towards excelling. 3. What is your level of technical skills? When it comes to technical skills I am excellent in some subjects which are of my choice while a bit weak in others which I do not like somewhat, but overall I will rate myself as very good technically. 4. How much self-discipline do you have? I am pretty much self disciplined person because once I establish some targets for myself I chalk out a proper plan for achieving them. 5. What is your level of resilience? I believe in trying again and again until I achieve my goal. 6. How is your physical endurance? I adjust to new conditions very easily and I am not bothered by travelling. 7. What do you expect from yourself 3 years from now? After 3 years from now I see myself working in field as a successful engineer with strong managerial and negotiation skills. 8. How well you can judge situations and make decisions? I have very good observational skills and I analyze situations critically before making decisions. 9. How well you are adapted to reading large volumes of documentation? I am very fond of reading and I can read books and knowledge for very long durations of time until I complete my work. 10. Are you good at networking and socializing? I am very good at forming good relationships with professionals and my peers and I like the company of people. 11. How well can you communicate your ideas? I can communicate very well in my native language but when it comes to communicating in English language I feel some weaknesses but I am working on it and I believe in improving myself every next moment in my life. 12. Do you have leadership skills? Yes I can lead my team very well, when given leadership position I exercise authority very effectively by distributing tasks among my team members. 13. How well can you work under stress? I consider stress as something very much positive. For me stress is a motivating power which helps me to achieve my targets meeting the deadlines. Appendix-2 (Curriculum Vitae) Zeiad Al-Tuwayjiri Personal: Age 23 years Present Place of Living Newport, United Kingdom Native City Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Objective: To acquire excellence in technical knowledge in electrical engineering along with managerial skills for a successful technically oriented managerial career. Education: Course Institution Electrical Engineering (Undergrad) University of Newport Foundation Course for Engineering Wales International Study Center, Newport High School Al-Qadis Saudi Arabia Work Experience: Organization Date Job Responsibilities Jarir Book Store (IT Division) Summer 2007 Electronic File Management for the Store Date Entry of new Data Co-Curricular Activities and Special Skills CCSE Club 1. Member of the web development team of the CCSE club 2. Member of the organizing team for weekly meetings of the club 3. Member of the help desk team Projects 1. Video game design project under organized by CCSE clun Special Skills 1. Expertise of Web Development Skills using Java Script, PHP, XHTML and XML 2. Knowledge of Data Entry and File Management 3. Knowledge of use and maintenance of complex electrical appliances 4. Extensive knowledge of computer hardware 5. Capable of applying the software engineering principles 6. Strong leadership and networking skills for working in a team Read More