Employability Skills and Professional Development

This document provides an overview of employability skills and professional development. It covers the components of a portfolio, the importance of CPD, and the process of reflection. The document focuses on the case study of Marks and Spencer and includes a CPD plan for improving skills and achieving business objectives.

Employability Skills and
Professional Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
COMPONENTS OF PORTFOLIO.................................................................................................3
Introduction.................................................................................................................................3
Aims and Objectives...................................................................................................................3
CPD..................................................................................................................................................4
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Employability skill is defined as skill which is transferable in nature acquired by person
in order to make them employed for work performance (Andrews and Russell, 2012). This is
significant for working employees to possess proper skills having good understanding, technical
knowledge and so on. Similarly, professional development is referred as way of learning for
maintaining as well as earning professional qualifications in terms of informal learning, gaining
opportunities, formal coursework, attending conferences and so on. It is also called intensive and
collaborative phase of learning new things in best manner. For working in organisation,
individual should possess professional development and employability skills to achieve effective
results. In given scenario of report, local organisation chosen is Marks and Spencer that was
founded at London, United Kingdom in 1884. Main purpose of assignment is preparing
continuous development plan for improving and enhancing capabilities, skills and knowledge in
order to attain objectives of business in effective manner.
COMPONENTS OF PORTFOLIO
Introduction
Personal Development Plan (PDP) has prepared in first assessment which focus on
providing information in context of skills as well as abilities that are lacked by individuals and
methods or ways to improve or overcome them (Bilsland, Nagy and Smith, 2014). PDP is
referred as procedure which assist in establishment of aim and objectives of person that identifies
where individual want to go, achieve and see themselves in career life. It also assist in
identification of knowledge, competence and skills for both personal as well as professional
development and growth. The PDP plan has prepared through which Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) plan will be prepared in order to improve and enhance abilities and skills
within stipulated time period to achieve goal and objectives.
Aims and Objectives
The presented portfolio represents CPD plan prepared by human resource manager of
Marks and Spencer business. The various skills are lacked by individuals that has to be improved
through hard work in order to work in organisation and attain set goal and objectives in best
possible manner. The main aim as well as objectives prepared for CPD are described below:
Aim

To enhance my various types of skills in order to perform my allocated duties at
workplace for attaining set goal and objectives in better manner.
Objectives
 To improve my communication skills for interacting with each and every members who
are working in organisation.
 To enhance my management skills in order to accomplish all the task assigned to me in
an appropriate manner.
 To enhance risk as well as complaint handling skills in order to reduce uncertainties.
 To improve my decision making skills in order to take best decisions as per the situations.
CPD
Continuing Professional Development is referred as process of tracking and documenting
skills, experience and knowledge that are achieve from in formal as well as informal manner
(Continuous Professional Development (CPD), 2019). It is also called record that represent about
what has learned, applied and experienced by person. In this case, professionals are liable for
developing and enhancing abilities, skills in most appropriate manner. It also helps in making
learning to be conscious and proactive nature. CPD is assembling of various methodologies in
terms of programs, e-learning, events, conferences, training, workshops, best practices and idea
sharing which mainly focus on improvement for enhancement of both professional as well as
personal development and growth. This is also known as ongoing procedures in order to
maintain, documents and develop professional skills of people. Here, individuals can learn skills
by taking training courses as well as watching others in appropriate way. Such plan is prepared
after preparation of professional development plan which helps in providing to enhance and
improve lacked skills. This is career area which need professional qualification to work at
business place. Individual who are engaged towards CPD possess academic and practical
qualifications that does not allow person to become obsolete as well as out dated.
CPD provide helps to overall business, individuals, organisations for keeping their skills
and knowledge up to date (CPD is the holistic commitment of professionals towards the
enhancement of personal skills and proficiency throughout their careers, 2019). It assist
enterprise to become knowledge bank for stakeholders at business place. This is liable for
training courses, workshops, professionals in order to learn and enhance oneself as per
requirements of marketplace. It also provide help to people for becoming professional and

competent at business and accomplish desired outcomes. CPD focus on providing training as
well as learning to people which leads them to enhance their level of capability, confidence and
compliments for their career success and growth. It also helps individuals in adapting dynamic
environment in positive manner which is occurring at workplace or industry and indulging
themselves according to environment. This shows commitment in transparent manner towards
professionalism and self development for identification of gaps and resolving in proper way.
Similarly, on other aspect, CPD assist business to enhance brand perceptions, recognitions and so
on. This encourage, promotes and motivate healthy learning culture at workplace and fulfilment
of employees requirements. For meeting requirements of working force, training as well as
development programs and sessions are conducted to gain positive results. Whenever any issues,
problems and challenges are arise at business place, they are solved through CPD learning and
attainment of goal and objectives.
Continuing Professional Development plan is designed to identify own needs and
development. The procedure of CPD starts from identification of plans that goes from activities
of learning, reflecting own learning, applying those and ending with sharing them with other.
This is significant for person to improve, develop and enhance their learning, skills and
knowledge in order to sustain, survive and grow at marketplace. It assist in growth and success
of personal and professional development of individuals. Moreover, CDP has prepared for
improving various skills within stipulated time period that is provided from PDP in given project
work or assessment. The prepared development plan has helped me to identify lacked skills such
communication, management, risk and complaints handling skills and decision making which
need to be improved. CDP plan is given below in order to improve myself in effective manner
such as:
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Plan
Identifying
learning
needs
Define
expected
learning
outcomes
Identify
learning
activity
Resources Timescale Communication Evaluation

Communic
ation skills
From this
outcome it
has expected
that
communicati
on is
important for
dealing with
every
problems
and
understand
other. By
enhancing
communicati
on skills I
will easily be
able to
communicat
e with other
and satisfy
the people.
For
improving
my
communic
ation way
I need to
involves in
debates,
seminars,
competitio
n and
other
activities
where I
can put
my views
and
increase
my
knowledge
In order to
improve
this skills I
will start
to
communic
ate with
manager,
supervisor,
employees,
customers
and others
where I
can share
my
knowledge
and get
new one
which will
help to
improve
communic
ation skills
I have
decided to
improve
my skills
in months.
The time
scale for
this 20th
December
2019 –
April 20th
2020.
For improving
such skill, I m
using oral and
written
communication
which will help
me to improve
skill and also
will help to gain
knowledge and
views.
Moreover,
online courses,
interpersonal
communication
skills, reading
books and other
will help to
improve and
maintain
effective way.
CPD is
prepared by
me for
improving
own skills
which is
needed to
evaluate.
To evaluate
the
communica
tion skills I
required to
take part in
competitio
n, seminars
and debates
where in
can
analysis my
skills and
improve
better.
Manageme
nt skills
From
expected
outcome it
has expected
that to
enhance
This
learning
activity I
have
analysed
that by
The
resources
which is
required
communic
ation,
Time is
required to
improve
my
manageme
nt skills is
For improving
management
skills I will
understand the
all problems and
issues properly,
For getting
improve in
manageme
4nt skills I
have
evaluated

Management
skills there is
need to have
proper
planning,
organise,
direction and
controlling
the activities
which can
helps to
manage all
activities
properly and
increase the
organisation
al
productivity
moreover,
paying
attention on
each activity
is another
way which
helps to
improve the
management
skills.
making a
strong
plan
which is
required to
focus to
complete
the project
or task
effectively
. With the
help of
this I will
be able to
work
properly
and
maintain
the work
effectively
.
organisatio
n,
education,
knowledge
and strong
planning
which is
required to
improve
the
manageme
nt skills
which can
helps to
complete
the project
on time
and make
higher
profits.
6 months.
1
December
to 30th may
which will
help to set
a schedule
and make
plans
accordingl
y.
share with all
employees and
will set a plan
which will help
to improve the
business
performance by
maintaining
proper
management.
With the help of
effective
management
plan and strategy
in can improve
my knowledge
and skills which
will helps to
manage all work.
that
understandi
ng problem
s and
finding
optimum
solution
which will
help me to
improve
my
manageme
nt skills.
Decision
Making
Skills
From this
skills it has
learned that
For
improving
y decision
In order to
improve
my
Time scale
to
improving
For the purpose
of improving
decision making
Continuous
developme
nt plan will

decision are
important for
every
business
organisation
and personal
development
which helps
to perform
well. As I m
weak to
make
decision
effectively, I
need to
improve my
skills. For
making
decision I
need to set
the
organisation
al goals and
objectives.
making
skills I
required to
get
decision
making
training,
leadership
and
effective
communic
ation
between
all which
will helps
to
understand
what
action I
should
take and
how it can
be
effective .
decision
making
skills I
need to
focus on
various
learning
and
resources
which can
helps to
make fast
and right
business
decision.
Such as I
needed
collaborati
on,
cooperate
learning,
active
listening,
communic
ation and
data
gathering
resources
which will
help me to
make
decision
making
skills is
decided as
4 month
that is 1st
January to
April.
skills in business
organisation I
will focus on
both oral as well
as written
strategy which
will help to get
positive results
and long term
benefits by
completing task
and attaining
business goals.
help me to
make right
decision by
solving all
problems
and
completing
task on
specified
time
period.

decision
effectively
in firm.
Risk
taking/
problem
solving
skills
The outcome
which are
expected
from this
skills is
handing all
complaints
and risk by
taking
effective
initiative
which will
help to
improve the
business
activities. By
improving
my risk
taking and
problem
solving
skills, I need
to listen
complaint
from
customers
and and
understand
For
solving or
improving
risk taking
skill I
need to
include in
taking part
in
seminars,
technical
training,
sharing
will all,
and
maintainin
g trust
among all
people that
will help
to get
solution
and
complete
the task
effectively
Risk
taking and
complaint
handling
risk will be
improve
by me
through
taking
advices
from
mentor,
senior,
leader and
manager
who will
assist me
how I can
manage
risk
systemicall
y and
make and
can
enhance
the
organisatio
nal
I will
improve
my skill in
3 month . 1
January
2019 to 30
march
2020.
For solving risk
taking and
complaint
handling skills I
will focus on
strategies
whether oral and
written that will
help me to learn
more and solve
the problems
effectively.
CPD plan
will help
me to
evaluate
my skills
and also
suggest me
what to do
for
improving
risk taking
skills and
complaint
handling
skills. This
plan will
give me
positive
results by
evaluating
risk and
will also
help to
grow or
develop
own self.

what risk can
occurred at
the time of
running
business
activities.
productivit
y.
REFLECTION
This is all essential for me to prepare skills audit plan to determine or identify my
strengths as well as weaknesses. The professional development plan has helped me to classify
my strong and weak points of mine which has to be improved and enhanced in proper manner.
My strengths includes leadership, problem solving, technical and empathy skills. Here, I am
good at leadership skills as I can guide and lead my team and members in proper manner. This
help them to work in appropriate way and achieve business goal and objectives. Problem solving
skills is defined as way of solving issues and difficulties arise in business. As I am good at
problem solving skills and provide appropriate solution to arise issue and grab business
opportunities in best manner. While working in team, several problems arise in front of me
which requires positive solution so that it would not arise in future time period. My technical
skill is used when technical work is assigned to me such as creation of web page, working on
computer and so on. I have learned technical skill from coaching, reading books and applying in
business for effective results. For empathy skills, I keep myself in respective situations for
solving other issues in best possible manner.
Similarly, on other hand, my weaknesses includes communication, management, decision
making and risk handling or problem solving skills. For improving such skills, I have prepared
continuing development plan. I have to focus on improving my weaknesses for accomplishment
and achievement of desired goals as well as objectives. In order to enhance communication
skills, I have to participate in different activities such as public speaking, debate and so on. This
helps me to interact with team and members so that I can improve myself. For management skill,
I have to make plans, policies and strategies so that I can easily coordinate and manage assigned
work. This helps me for managing of given work and attain set objectives. In order to improve
decision making skills, I have to observe and learn from other while they make any decision for

organisation. It is very important skills as each and every step, decisions are required to be meet
for business in order to attain positive results. The last skills which should be improved by me is
risk handling or problem solving. There are various types of risk that are faced by business need
to be solved by me in best possible way.
PDP is prepared with help of it, CDP is prepared to improve weak areas and achieve
positive outcomes. It is essential for me to develop and enhance myself for better work
performance and achieve set outcomes. I have to focus on weaknesses and improve those areas
to avoid future issues and problems. Thus, I should keep on learning new things and improve
myself in best possible manner.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that in business environment there are many
organisation which are running by individuals and group of people who works in organisation by
using their skills grows it effectively. It is important to individual to recognise own skills in
which they are weak and make efforts to improve by making a effective plan which helps to
attain the organisational goals and objectives. As a human being, this was crucial for me to know
about employees and complete the goals. Personal development plan is a framework which is
used by individual to identify their weakness and get improve them. Decision making,
management, complaint and risk handling and communication skills have improved by PDP plan
which help to attain organisational goals.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Andrews, G. and Russell, M., 2012. Employability skills development: strategy, evaluation and
impact. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning. 2(1). pp.33-44.
Bilsland, C., Nagy, H. and Smith, P., 2014. Planning the Journey to Best Practice in Developing
Employability Skills: Transnational University Internships in Vietnam. Asia-Pacific
Journal of Cooperative Education. 15(2). pp.145-157.
Creasey, R., 2013. Improving students’ employability. Engineering Education. 8(1). pp.16-30.
Dhiman, M.C., 2012. Employers' perceptions about tourism management employability
skills. Anatolia. 23(3). pp.359-372.
Fallows, S. and Steven, C., 2013. Integrating key skills in higher education: Employability,
transferable skills and learning for life. Routledge.
Jackson, D., 2015. Employability skill development in work-integrated learning: Barriers and
best practice. Studies in Higher Education. 40(2). pp.350-367.
Jackson, D., 2016. Re-conceptualising graduate employability: The importance of pre-
professional identity. Higher Education Research & Development. 35(5). pp.925-939.
Jones, E., 2013. Internationalization and employability: The role of intercultural experiences in
the development of transferable skills. Public Money & Management. 33(2). pp.95-104.
Messum, D., Wilkes, L. and Jackson, D., 2015. What employability skills are required of new
health managers?. Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management. 10(1). p.28.
Rasul, M.S., Rauf, R.A.A. and Mansor, A.N., 2013. Employability skills indicator as perceived
by manufacturing employers. Asian Social Science. 9(8). p.42.
Selvadurai, S., Choy, E.A. and Maros, M., 2012. Generic skills of prospective graduates from the
employers’ perspectives. Asian Social Science. 8(12). pp.295-303.
Wilton, N., 2012. The impact of work placements on skills development and career outcomes for
business and management graduates. Studies in Higher Education. 37(5). pp.603-620.
Online
CPD is the holistic commitment of professionals towards the enhancement of personal skills and
proficiency throughout their careers. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://cpduk.co.uk/explained>.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD). 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/continuing-professional-development.html>.

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