Planning Your Career in Business

This report discusses how to plan a career in business, with a focus on creating a personal statement, CV, SWOT analysis, and action plan. It includes an overview of Marks and Spencer, a British multinational retailer brand, and why it is a desirable place to work. The report also covers the importance of developing skills and knowledge to work effectively in a business organization.

Your Career in
Business

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY ..................................................................................................................................1
SECTION A ....................................................................................................................................1
A brief introduction to indicate what the portfolio contains and the reason for both the
personal statement and the CV that will be presented. ..............................................................1
You may also want to consider writing a short overview of the chosen organization in a bid to
justify your peculiar interests in working in such a place...........................................................2
SECTION B ....................................................................................................................................3
Personal statement in support of your application for a volunteer/work experience placement
in any organization of your choice..............................................................................................3
A detailed CV that has been carefully designed to fit purpose. .................................................4
SECTION C ....................................................................................................................................6
Self-assessment reflecting skill gaps (SWOT Analysis inclusive).............................................6
Action plan tailored towards your skill development (reflecting SMART objectives)..............7
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
It is very important for an individual to plan for making their career in an business
organisation. In order to run a business there are various activities which need to be performed.
This requires to develop certain skills in order to work in an effective and efficient manner. It is
very important for an individual to upgrade their skills and knowledge in order to perform the
different activities within the business organisation. This is the report which is based on Marks
and Spence which is British multinational retailer brand. The company is headquartered in
London, England. The company was founded by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in 1884.
(Phionah, N., 2019). this is the report which will include various topic such as portfolio contains
and the reasons for the personal statement and CV, overview of the business organisation and
interest in such work place, designing of personal statement and CV, personal SWOT analysis
and action plan with SMART objectives.
MAIN BODY
SECTION A
A brief introduction to indicate what the portfolio contains and the reason for both the personal
statement and the CV that will be presented.
It has been identified that it is very important for the individual to build the personal
statement and the CV which presents the overview of the personalty and individual is carrying.
The personal statement is defied as the content or the summary of the skills and knowledge
which the individual have build. This also includes the qualifications and the various
achievements which enhances the ability of an individual. This is required by the company in
order to analyse the potential of the candidate in order to work towards the goals and objectives
of the business organisation. This is most important for the company and for the individual to
define their goals and objectives in an effective and efficient manner. In order to perform the
different activities and run a business the individual should have the skills and knowledge which
should be define and properly to gain the opportunity. (Marling, C., 2022).
The CV is defined as the a document which highlights about the detail of an individual.
This includes the academic and professional aspect which has been achieved by the individual in
their life. This includes the skills and knowledge of a person which helps in understanding the
candidate and their potential. This helps the organisation to analyse whether the candidate is
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suitable for the job role which has been offered by the business organisation. It is very important
for the individual to summarise about the work experiences and everything which an individual
has achieved in the document.
Importance and the reason why personal statement and CV will be presented in the
portfolio.
 Matches an individual for the job role- The personal statement and CV helps the
individual in defining themselves in front of the interviewer and this helps in grabbing the
best opportunity which is available. Also in context of business organisation CV helps the
companies to understand the individual in an effective manner. (Wister, O., 2019)
 It showcase the benefit an individual can provide to the organisation- it has been
identified that a well organised CV will help the both employees and the organisation to
attract the best opportunity and the various business activities. It is very important for an
individual to make the right structure of the CV to attract the manager.
 It lists the applicable experience and the skills- the CV and the personal statement
helps the individual in listing down all the experiences in s systematic way. This defines
the ability of an individual to perform different functions.
 Attract the attention of the potential employers- the important section in the
curriculum vitae is the section that readers sees the most , so by unfolding the information
about individual potential to do work attracts the employers. Employers aligns the
abilities of the person to the potential job role(Reif, J., 2022)
You may also want to consider writing a short overview of the chosen organization in a bid to
justify your peculiar interests in working in such a place.
Overview of the company (Marks and Spencer )
Marks and Spencer is the British multinational retailer brand which is situated in London,
England. The company is specialises in selling the variety of products such as clothing, beauty,
home products ad food products. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a
constituent of the FTSE 250 index. It is the well known company for the clothing where the
company provides the exclusive design in their clothing. The company was established by
Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in 1884. Marks and Spencer currently has 959 stores across
the United Kingdom. The company became the first British retailer to make a pre- tax profit of
over $ 1 billion. (Friedman, and Westring, 2020)
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Interest in working in such a place
As this is the well established organisation and a retailer brand in clothing. This company
can enhance various skills and develop the personality of an individual. As a individual it is a
great opportunity to work in such a company with a culture which is diversified. Marks and
Spencer is a company which attracts individual to work with such environment. There are some
reasons of interest in such a place which is discussed below;
 Available in multiple locations- as it is well known brand in United Kingdom which is
the great opportunity in order to develop career for an individual. The company is located
at several locations which is beneficial for the individual to work with the suitability and
also this will help in gaining competitive advantage and explore new places.
 Flexible working hours- it is very important for an individual to have flexible working
hours. In the retail sector as the shift has been divided for the particular aspect and the
employees are comfortable. As this has build interest for working in such a place where
there is flexibility of working hours within the organisation(Khaja, and et. al., 2021)
 Working with the experienced people- the most significant and most effective aspect in
order to work with the Marks and Spencer where it is a great opportunity for an
individual tow work with a well known brand. As there are experienced people from
which an individual can develop their personality and skills. (Gallo, P.M. and Kercher,
V.M., 2021)
 Growth opportunities- there are several growth opportunities working with Marks and
Spencer as this is retailer company where an individual can develop their career with the
brand and enhance their skills and knowledge. This will help in developing the
personality of an individual and achieving growth and success. (Guggenheim, F.G.,
2019 )
SECTION B
Personal statement in support of your application for a volunteer/work experience placement in
any organization of your choice.
It is very important for the individual to conduct an effective personal statement which
defined the goals and objectives and a detail information of an individual to defined the abilities.
This helps in analysing the potential a candidate has. It is very important for the business
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organisations so that they can hire the right talent according to the job role. The personal
statement should be well defined in order to grab the opportunity in the business organisation.
My name is XYZ and currently I am living at B-56 Garden street, London. I would like
to tell about my education and qualifications which has enhanced my skills and knowledge. I
have studied in the London collage and accomplished with the MBA degree where I was able to
grab the opportunity. As I am working with the Marks and Spencer and this is the well known
retailer brand in United Kingdom. This has enhanced my personalty, skills and knowledge. I am
able to gain so much of experiences working as a employee within the organisation. As a student
of the marketing and human resource I was able to get a opportunity as a marketing manager
within the Marks and Spencer where there were several role and responsibilities. I was good at
certain roles and there were various skills which I have developed during my working experience
within the business organisation. The main role for me was to analyse different strategies which
can help in attracting customers. As a marketing manager I have performed several activities
where also I have developed skills how to keep the merchandising in order to attract the
customers. I have developed communication skills where this has enhanced in the personality
development and I am able to talk to customers in an effective way. As from my experience I can
say that working with Marks and Spencer is a great opportunity or me where I have several other
opportunities and I am able to build myself for my career. The company has flexible working
hours and the culture is so good that I am able to adjust myself and enhance my personal and
professional skills. Also from the various experiences where I am able to learn about handling
the team effectively. As a ,marketing manager it is very essential to analyse the different
opportunities in order to market the product and increase sales. Also I have learn that team work
is an important where I am able to develop this skills.
A detailed CV that has been carefully designed to fit purpose.
This is defied as the short written summary of an individual career, qualifications, AND
education. This is considered as the most common usage while identifying the job opportunities.
In the business career development CV plays a major role in attracting the personality And
potential of an individual. It is very important to create a CV in a systematic manner for an
individual. The CV is mentioned below;
Name- ABC
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Contact Details- 123456789
Personal Profile
DOB- XYZ
Nationality- Britisher
Personal statement- I am a person who can develop innovative ideas an has a ability of critical
thinking. I am a hard-working person where I can perform the multi task in order to accomplish
goals and objectives of the business organisation.
Education & Qualification
 Masters of management from London university in 2015-2017
 Bachelors of commerce from St. George University of London in 2013-2015
Work Experience
 Worked as a supervisor within the xyz limited company
 Worked as marketing manager in Marks and Spencer
Skills
 Good communication skills
 Good at critical thinking
 Team training and supervision
Personal Interest
 Reading books
 Listening music
 Playing basketball
Declaration
I hereby declare that all the above information are true to my knowledge.
15-09-2022
It is very important for an individual to design its CV which includes a detailed
information of the education, qualifications and achievements which enhances the ability of an
individual. This helps in the career of an individual. The CV reflects the most important and the
image of the person in front of the business interviewers and in order to develop the career
within the organisation it is important to create a image and personality.
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SECTION C
Self-assessment reflecting skill gaps (SWOT Analysis inclusive)
The SWOT analysis is the tool which is used by every individual in order to analyse the
strength and weakness in order to grab the new opportunities and overcome with the treats. The
personal SWOT is mentioned below;
Strength Weakness
 I am good at critical thinking skills
which has enhanced my personal
development. I can think innovation
ideas. As a marketing manager job in
Marks and Spencer has developed this
skill which is the biggest strength of
mine where I am able to develop the
creative ideas in order to market of the
products or services for the business
organisation.
 I am good at communication skills
which is required at today's time period.
This is the strength which I have gained
in order to work in an effective way.
From my learning I have able to
develop my communication skills in an
effective way. I am able to
communicate effectively with my
peers, professional authorities and I am
able to attract the customers.
 The one of the major weakness which I
have is that I am lacking in leadership
skills which I need to develop. As I
have experienced in my working and
professional career that I was not able
to manage my team in an effective way
where i am lacking. This skill need to
be developed in order to be effective
store manager.
 The another weakness or the way in
which I am lacking is that I am short
tempered where in the pressure I am
not able to handle or manage the work.
This is the most important matter of
concern where I need to focus on this
in order to work effectively. The stress
which I take at the time of work load
leads to several mistakes which
disturbs everything.
Opportunities Threats
 As I have several opportunities in order
to build my career in the retail
sector .as I am able to grab the new
 There is the threat of the competition in
the market. As because of the
technology there is competition within
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opportunities from the skills and
knowledge which I have developed
from my past experience.. I can
showcase my knowledge and skills in
the other organisations where I can
develop growth opportunities.
 I can grab the opportunities in order to
develop my career in the professional
and the various other organisations. I
have opportunity to develop my
information technology skills which
can enhance my growth and
development.
the market and every business seeks to
hire the talented workforce which has
the knowledge of new technologies.
 There is the threat of the peers and it is
tough competition. In today work every
individual seeks to develop and brush
up their knowledge and skills so that
they can avail the best opportunity. In
order to beat the peers it is very
important for me to be aware of the
new ideas and ways to attract the
people.
Action plan tailored towards your skill development (reflecting SMART objectives)
SMART OBJETCIVES- It is very important for an individual to develop smart objectives in
order to be effective and efficient.
 Specific- To develop the my inter personal skills and abilities in order to accomplish
growth and development in my career.
 Measurable- This objective can be measure by performing the various task in an
effective and efficient manner.
 Attainable- the objective can be attained by practising the various skills and knowledge
with personal development.
 Relevant- this is relevant because in order to enhance my skills in the various
organisation can be developed by attaining the various goals and objectives.
 Time frame- I need to achieve the goals within the 6 months .
ACTION PLAN
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Skill to be
improved
Current
proficiency
Desired
proficiency
Actions to be
taken
Measurement
criteria
Time frame
Leadership
skills
I an not good
at managing
the team
It is very
important for
me to develop
leadership
skills in order
to manage
team be an
effective
manager in
future t
develop my
career path
effectively.
In order to
develop
leadership
skill I can
practice of
developing the
nature of
handling my
team under der
a supervisor.
This can help
me to realise
my mistakes at
that point of
time.
In order to
measure this
skill I can ask
my peers and
the various
other
professional
bodies to
analyse that
whether I am
able to
develop good
leadership
skills.
2 months
Problem
solving skills
Average I need to be
perfect in the
problem
solving skills
where I need
to develop the
ability to solve
the problem in
critical
situations
within the
team, this is
the most
In order to
develop the
problem
salving skills I
need to
practice the
various
situation basis
cases where I
need to solve
to such
problems.
Also I can
In order to
measure the
problem
solving skills I
can ask my
colleagues and
my peers to
analyse my
performance.
This can be
measured
where I can
see myself
5 months
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important for
me for the
career
development.
participate in
the various
aspect where i
can try to give
ideas in order
to give
solutions for
the business
problems.
from the ways
in which I am
able to solve
to the critical
problems
which arises
within the
business
organisation.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that the career in business ned to be
developed by an individual by practising various skills and knowledge. This has been determined
that in order to develop the various skills and knowledge the business organisation need to focus
on the development of employees. The CV and personal statement plays major role in the
career development. In context of any business organisation the managers requires a talented
workforce. It is very important for an individual to develop their skills in order to attract the
interviewers. The CV is defined as a written document which consist of a detailed information of
an individual which helps in the various job opportunities. It is very important for an individual
to analyse the Swot in order to gain competitive advantage and identify the skills gaps which
need to be improved for better performance.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Deutsch, R., 2021. Adapt as an Architect: A Mid-career Companion. RIBA Publishing.
Elciyar, K., 2021. Social Media and Career Building: Creating Online Portfolios and Personal
Brands. In Innovative Perspectives on Corporate Communication in the Global World
(pp. 22-37). IGI Global.
Friedman, S.D. and Westring, A.F., 2020. Parents Who Lead: The Leadership Approach You
Need to Parent with Purpose, Fuel Your Career, and Create a Richer Life. Harvard
Business Press.
Gallo, P.M. and Kercher, V.M., 2021. Three Point Perspective: Discussing the Importance of
Certification for Career Growth. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal, 25(2), pp.41-42.
Guggenheim, F.G., 2019. A Narrative on Career Transitions in Academic Psychiatry. Psychiatric
Clinics, 42(3), pp.535-544.
Khaja, and et. al., 2021. Issues most pressing to early-career interventional radiologists: results
of a descriptive survey. Academic Radiology.
Kingham, J.C., 2019. Perceptions of Career Success Among International Graduates of a Top
US MBA Program (Doctoral dissertation, New York University).
Marling, C., 2022. Career resilience tips for business continuity practitioners. Journal of
Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 15(4), pp.312-318.
Phionah, N., 2019. Comparison can make or break your career.
Reif, J., 2022. Devrel, the career created for a developer-centric world. XRDS: Crossroads, The
ACM Magazine for Students, 28(2), pp.14-15.
Reisinger, S., 2021. How One Law Student's Political Passion Became A Career.
Wister, O., 2019. The Strange Career of Ulysses S. Grant. New England Review, 40(4), pp.197-
199.
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