Critical Reflection Assignment Report

Running head: CRITICAL REFLECTION
CRITICAL REFLECTION
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1CRITICAL REFLECTION
Introduction:
Reflective learning forms an integral aspect of continuous professional development (Reynolds
and Vince 2017). As per Cottrell (2017), reflective learning provides learners with a unique
opportunity to assess their existing skill set and introspect on areas that require improvement for
facilitating better professional outcomes. In this essay, I intend to discuss the graduate attributes
that I have attained and also talk about the personal strategies that I had undertaken in order to
accomplish the attributes. Further, I would also reflect on the existing skills gaps and discuss
potential strategies that are available to me for future growth opportunities. Apart from the same,
I would also discuss in detail about a statement plan that would be undertaken by me in order to
address my identified skill gaps for the purpose future career development.
Critical reflection upon skills and ascribed ratings:
For the graduate attributes table, the skills that were listed, were extremely relevant that students
must possess for professional excellence in future. The list comprised of skill attributes such as
conducting ethical research and inquiry, problem solving ability, digital numeracy, effective
communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Against ethical research and inquiry, I have marked my skill level to be ‘capable’. I strongly
believe that for a USQ student, it is extremely important to possess the skill set of conducting
ethical research and inquiry. In fact, for the completion of every assignment and research
projects at USQ, the skill set of conducting ethical research and inquiry had been a consistent
requisite. Therefore, I believe I have been able to exhibit competence against the same.
The next skill set criteria was that of ‘problem solving’ ability and against the same, I have
marked myself as ‘Proficient’. I believe that I am extremely efficient when it comes to problem
solving. In fact, it has always been my forte since high school and I have also worked at
Westfield Sydney for nurturing my problem solving skills. I feel that as an IT student, one of the
primary requisites that every student must possess comprises of effective problem solving
ability.
The next skill criteria comprised of academic, professional and digital literacy. I have marked
myself as’ proficient’ against the skill criteria and I believe, I can exhibit effective competence in

2CRITICAL REFLECTION
displaying academic, professional and digital literacy. The foundation of these skills can be
tracked down to the years of extensive study during the school and high school years. However, I
believe that the academic exposure at USQ has helped me further nurture my skills.
The next skill set criteria comprised of oral and written communication and I have marked
myself as ‘proficient’ against the skill criteria. I have always been competent in communicating
effectively. I developed my oral communication skills during my high school years, when I was
a part of the debate team. As for my written communication skills, I am still working on it and
my previous and current exposure to academics has helped me work on the skills.
The last skills set criteria was mentioned as Interpersonal skills and I have marked myself as
‘proficient’ in terms of the interpersonal skills. I believe that while working as an employee in
Westfield Sydney, Westfield Eastgarden and Coles, I could significantly work on and improve
my interpersonal skills.
Identification of growth opportunities:
In relation to soft skills criteria, there were five skill-criteria namely, team work, cultural literacy,
management, planning and organizational skills, creativity, initiative and enterprise as well as
sustainable practice and development (Gould 2016).
Against team work, I have rated myself ‘proficient’ and I believe I an effective team player. I
had acquired the skill set while I was in the Volleyball team of my school. Later on, my skills
were improved with my professional experience at Westfield Sydney that required extensive
team work and the exposure to CIS3002 Agile methods also helped me develop my team work
skills.
Against, cultural literacy, I have marked myself as ‘Capable’ and I have mainly got accustomed
to the skill after coming to Sydney which is also known as a multicultural hub. Life at Sydney
gave me the first exposure to cross-cultural communication. In terms of management, planning
and organizing skills, I have marked myself ‘proficient’ and I believe that majorly I had
developed the skills while I served as a House captain in my school and I was expected to
manage and deliver a number of school activities. I further developed my skills during the course