Past, Present and Future: My Journey with the University of Phoenix - Essay Example

Running Head: Past, Present, Future Past, Present and Future: My Journey with the of Phoenix Past, Present and Future: My Journey with the University of Phoenix Making the decision to attend the University of Phoenix was a major development in my life. Throughout the course of my enrollment, I have learned much about the business world, grown as a person, and begun to look at global events in a very different manner. The following is a recounting of my journey with the University of Phoenix. I. Past A. The Role of Learning When I first enrolled with the University of Phoenix, I did not have any formal work experience. In thinking about the direction I wanted my life to take, I reviewed several career possibilities and quickly realized that without a foundation of education, the evolution of technology would pass me, and my hopes and dreams, by. It humbled me to realize just how rapidly our society is evolving based on the continually expanding role of technology. Without proper training, I would only be able to start a position with a company from the ground up and learn as I went. However, I wanted more than that. I wanted to be able to offer my services to an employer on the basis of my knowledge. The variety of courses offered by the University of Phoenix allowed me to obtain a extensive knowledge about a variety of topics which are key to survival, and success, in today's society. B. Level of Professional Competence Prior to the advent of my enrollment in the University of Phoenix, my personal experience with the techniques and skills involved in problem solving, written and oral communication skills, information retrieval and utilization, and collaboration were practically nonexistent. In high school, classes touched upon these subjects, but did not fully delve into the implications of utilizing these skills in a business context. C. Initial Career Goals Prior to my enrollment in the University of Phoenix in the Business Science of Management program, I did not have a clear career goal in mind. I knew that I was interested in business applications and certainly wanted to be a member of a management team, but I did not have a specific industry in which to apply the skills I was eager to learn. I needed to experience various aspects of management before I could truly decide in which direction to pursue a business career. II. Growth A. Contribution of University of Phoenix courses The class, "Essentials of College Writing" was extremely helpful to me in taking the basic writing skills I'd used in high school to the next, more professional level. My management classes, as well as "Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making" were essential in realizing the importance of problem solving, as well as collaboration, in practical business applications. Without learning these skills, I would never have been ready to accept a management position with a company based on my lack of prior experience. The class "Skills for Professional Development" offered me an overview of information retrieval and utilization that I have continually referred to throughout my journey while "Communicating in a Virtual Workplace" took that overview and expanded it to include relevant applications in a modern company. I have grown personally as well as in my professional competency. Through such courses as "Cultural Diversity" and "Ethics in Management" I have learned to view the world and its events in a more discerning manner and I found a personal affinity for exploring diversity and celebrating human differences. I also realized I am concerned with the rights of others and how ethics impacts some of our basic human rights. "Foundations of Research" also aided in helping me critically analyze various pieces of data which surround me in the everyday course of my life, such as news articles and political coverage. B. Courses with Greatest Impact The classes "Human Motivation" and "Organization Psychology" were both instrumental in having an impact on the direction of my professional development. It was through the information in these classes, which delved into the mind and the motivations which make humans behave in a particular fashion, that I was able to gain a deeper insight into how to effectively manage and interact with others. "Ethics in Management" will be a course that I refer back to often. It made me realize that often companies are subjected to standards expected by their stakeholders, employees, and customers which can directly affect their bottom line. "Team Dynamics for Managers" is another course which I found quite useful. The information from this course, along with my studies in psychological aspects of humans, will make me a better manager in that my awareness of the importance of all components in a company hierarchy contributes greatly to business success. Understanding the dynamics of how a team is forged and how to keep them motivated to succeed in reaching goals was particularly fascinating and I am sure it will be very useful information as I enter the business world. C. Recommended Changes to University of Phoenix Program I honestly feel that the variety of courses and the core information taught in the Business Science of Management program is ideal. The only regret I may experience is in not having enough time to immediately pursue further areas of interest. The work load was heavy, but not extreme, and it caused me to stay motivated, on track, and on schedule. Since I have no prior professional experience, I do not feel able to comment regarding the value of the program for those with prior knowledge. Personally, the level of education I received was challenging without being discouraging. III. Impact of Degree on Future Goals A. The Importance of Lifelong Learning In referring back to my original goals in attending the University of Phoenix, our society is experiencing a vast amount of technological changes on a continual basis. This "technology revolution" is one which will continue to be a factor in business management success. Without taking opportunities to learn about the forces which will shape the future of business, I would not expect to further my career goals but instead remain stagnant. As I begin my professional career, I will experience many different situations and observe many different scenarios in the business world. I know that this will affect the future path of my career, and will most certainly necessitate gaining further information to more narrowly define this path. B. Future Goals My professional goal is to create, and run, an establishment for people with special needs whereby they are taught to be productive and dependent on their own abilities. By providing necessary resources to develop their competencies, their self esteem will be affected in a positive manner and society will also benefit. In order to achieve this goal I will be required to research funding and grants as well establish a name for myself professionally as being ethical and humanitarian. As a service organization, it will be important to establish bonds with government agencies such as the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Management of a similar facility will be key in attaining this goal. I plan on taking additional courses that will help me in this endeavor, such as classes on education, developmental psychology, and those relating to human services. An additional degree in education is a possibility I have considered. Alliance for Technology Access and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities are two organizations I have targeted to join as they both relate to making technology available to people with special needs, which is my area of interest. The information available to be shared by joining these associations would be invaluable in my quest to open a facility in the future. Government Horizons is an organization which provides several annual conferences, such as the Disability and Special Needs Technical Assistance Conference, in the Washington, D.C. area and it would be a privilege to be able to attend one. My personal goals within the next five years involve becoming a more active and productive member of society not only through my professional development but my involvement in the community as well. I would like to become a part of a community outreach program and use the skills I have learned thus far to help others in need, without expecting compensation. Of course, obtaining a position with a stable company will be necessary to finance my further education and development. It is also my goal to travel, possibly in the guise of work-related education but also for my own personal satisfaction in observing other parts of the country and the world and the various societies. Throughout my educational journey with the University of Phoenix, I have changed in many ways. I realize the importance of being a vital member of a community and the implications of such which impact an even greater sphere. While I began the course of this management program with certain expectations and ideals, I have found those personal aspects changing over time to include goals which are both ethical and moral. I see the world through a different pair of eyes, based on the knowledge I have obtained and the background of my own experiences interspersed with my ability to critically examine the events occurring around me. Receiving my Bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix is a decision I will never regret. Read More