A Personal Development Plan: Reflection and Competence

The provided content emphasizes the importance of reflection in personal and professional development, enabling individuals to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. It highlights the value of having a plan that serves as a gauge for measuring one's growth, and encourages the development of competencies needed to achieve future goals. The references cited provide insights from various fields, including education, psychology, and business, illustrating the relevance and applicability of reflective practice in different contexts.

Running head: PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Analysing competencies and creating a development plan
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Executive Summary
Personal and Professional Development Plans refer to activities, which improve identity and
self knowledge, develop potential and talents, build employability options and enhance the
quality of life. It helps in realizing future aspirations. In this assignment I will create a
development plan for myself through which I would try to focus on my learning goals, my
competencies and the areas I need to work upon, to achieve my objectives.

2PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Table of Contents
A. Introduction...........................................................................................................................3
B. The competencies developed.................................................................................................3
C. Goals......................................................................................................................................6
Level 1 goal............................................................................................................................7
Level 2 goal............................................................................................................................7
Level 3 goal............................................................................................................................8
Level 4 goal............................................................................................................................9
Level 5 goal............................................................................................................................9
Timeline (using MS Project)................................................................................................10
D. Competencies need to be developed...................................................................................10
E. Conclusion...........................................................................................................................12
F. References............................................................................................................................13

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A. Introduction
Professional development refers to the different types of educational experiences that
are related to an individual’s work. Lawyers, doctors, educators, engineers, students and other
people who are associated with a range of business and professions should often participate in
professional development programs. This will help them acquire new skills and knowledge.
This improves their performance. A personal development plan consists of defining things
that are of extreme importance to us, things we intend to achieve, our strengths that will assist
in achieving the goals and the necessary improvements that need to be developed with time
(Moon 2013). As a part of my graduation study, I have built a personal and professional
developmental plan that will improve my performance in academics. . It will also help me
increase intellectual interaction with my peers and colleagues. This reflective exercise on
personal and professional skills and development plan would help me seek new learning
opportunities. It would be an honest appraisal of my strengths and weaknesses and will
enable me to evaluate the value of the training I have received so far (Hopkinson 2016). I will
be able to utilize it for my future leadership development capabilities.
B. The competencies developed
Before I develop my long term and short term goal plans, I conducted a personal
analysis. It helped me in identifying my competencies that might affect any plans which I
make (Tracy 2012). In this following section I will discuss all the competencies that have
gained during my learning course along with their importance, to what extent I have
developed and the ways through which I have developed.
Competency None Beginner Some Average Advanced Expert
i. Competent to

4PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
deliver complex
information

ii. Being
ambiguou
s

iii. Competent in
dealing with complex
characters

iv. Competent enough
to complete within
deadline

v. Competent in
reaching and
defending the
conclusion of any
matter

vi. Competent
analyser 
vii. Ability to write
and edit clearly and
concisely

 Competent to deliver complex information: The importance of this skill is to develop
the ability in order to communicate the essential information to everybody in my
learning course. This skill can be developed by leading a workshop, providing lecture

5PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
to the class and presenting the general public apart from my study place. I will rank
this competency on advanced section as I have the ability to deliver the important
information through workshops, lectures and presentation to the general public (Crane
et al. 2012).
 Being ambiguous: It is the competency to be adaptive and confident in decision
making within a complex environment. It can be developed by multitasking with
instant decision making and ability to manage complex personalities. In this part I will
rank myself in average section as I believe that I have gathered the potential to handle
multiple tasks and deal with complex situation but some time I face hurdles in
managing some complex personalities (Rogers et al. 2013).
 Competent in dealing with complex characters: This skill entails the ability in
building teams with right personalities, managing them and skilled enough to
visualize situations with different perspective and to become a quality colleague and
head. This skill can be developed by teaching a class and by performing in groups. I
believe that I am still to learn a lot about managing a whole class and performing
activities in and out of my discipline thus I have ranked as beginner in the chart
(Cameron and Green 2015).
 Competent enough to complete within deadline: the competency in managing time
while meeting the deadlines of any task. This skill can be accomplished by forming a
research plan by sticking with the deadline. This information should also be
communicated to others involved in this. I think I have learnt a bit of time
management by meeting the strict deadlines but as I move forward to my course, I
will need to face more complicated task with deadline issues thus I will rank myself in
some competency (Umbleja Kukk and Jaanus 2013).

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 Competent in reaching and defending the conclusion of any matter: This skill
illustrates in analysing and evaluating critically the arguments and the evidential proof
related to the project. This can be established by defending proposal or providing
research ideas to the team by submitting the research proposals and represent the
proposed ideas to broader audience. I will rank myself in average section, although I
have defended some proposals but still I need to orient myself in presenting the ideas
to the audiences (Walton 2016).
 Competent analyser: This competency describes the potential in evaluating and
discovering more effective ways in performing tasks. This goal can be achieved by
analysing the data of the task by availing courses to increase the logical and reasoning
skills and managing the task budget. I will rank myself in the advanced section as I
have been regularly taking courses to strengthen my skills in conducting any research
work (Ferrari 2012.).
 Ability to write and edit clearly and concisely: This ability illustrates the potential to
write clear reports and related papers that corresponds to data collections and research
findings. This skill is developed by submitting the research proposals by forming peer
editing groups and by attending workshops on publishing, proposal writing and finally
write papers, articles and blogs with respect to different audiences. I will rank myself
as expert in this field as I have previously submitted many research proposals by
forming groups and attended various workshops for gaining knowledge and writing
various formats of papers by keeping the different audiences in mind (Fawcett et al.
2014).
C. Goals
PERSONAL GOALS RANKING

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Earn my graduate degree Level 1
Gain a deeper understanding of my major or
specialist subject
Level 2
Gain self confidence and the ability to
present my opinion before people
Level 3
Take responsible positions during the course
of my study
Level 4
Join student clubs and societies Level 5
Level 1 goal
In most career sectors, a graduation degree is the minimum requirement for
employment. With a graduation degree in Information Technology, I will be able to secure an
entry level position as in different professional fields (Von Culin, Tsukayama and Duckworth
2014). While holding a graduate degree will not guarantee me a sense of ultimate success, it
will certainly open many avenues for employment. A graduation in academics would also
help me earn recognition and the financial rewards from companies. The feeling I will
achieve while walking across the platform to receive my graduation degree will be
overwhelming (Monaghan and Attewell 2015). Despite moments of uncertainty and doubts,
the efforts I will put forth to complete my studies to earn the degree will act as a major life
experience.
Level 2 goal
Proper learning of a particular subject will only be facilitated when I am able to
structure existing and new knowledge around the major principles and concepts of the
discipline. A highly proficient performance in my related subject domain will require a

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knowledge that is both usable and accessible. I will need to develop a comprehensive
knowledge on my subject area. It will function as a necessary component, which will enable
me to think and solve problems in the related domain (Erickson, Lanning and French 2017).
A deep understanding of the subject will encourage me for continued growth and will make
me desire for more. I will utilize all academic resources available at the library in my
department. I will also seek help from my teachers to gain a better understanding of my
subject. Regular online test will help me evaluate my performance. It will foster my ability to
structure and recognize the growing content of knowledge based on the principles of my
discipline. Therefore, an advanced study would instill a learning habit and enable me to see
past the features of any problem and connect it to fundamental principles of my discipline.
Level 3 goal
Self-confidence is the attitude that a person holds about himself and it allows the
person to achieve immediate goals. A self confident person always displays a sense of
controlling his own life. He can do what he plans, wishes, and expects. Developing self
confidence will help me believe that even if certain things do not go the way I expect them to
be, eventually I will be able to take control of them. Self confidence and oration skills will
make me value my capabilities. It will increase my self esteem and will make me feel proud
of myself. I will be naturally able to accept and handle all types of situation and replace my
fears and anxiety (Anwar 2016). To build my confidence I will have to eliminate dependency
on others and will need to trust my personal opinion and abilities. I will have to stay away
from all forms of negativity and evaluate my circle of family and friends. Positive enthusiasm
will create excitement whenever I intend to begin a new task. I need to be prepared for tough
times in the field of academics and career. That will make self confidence soar.
Communication skills are also essential for a successful career. I need to develop my reading,
listening and writing habits. Delivering presentations, speeches and reports as a part of my

9PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
curriculum will help me in managing my skills. I will try to achieve this by participating in
group activities in the classroom and my community as well. I also intend to get enrolled in
small workshops that will assist me to improve my skills and engage in effective
communication.
Level 4 goal
I plan to develop my sense of responsibility by looking for opportunities that will
allow me to pursue my interests and practice my skills in a variety of ways. I will cater to
various learning styles. I can become more responsible by tracking my development over
time. I will try to engage myself in different classroom activities and small group discussions
where I can portray my leadership skills. I will try to volunteer to contribute to all types of
events that occur in my college and community (Torre Gibney et al. 2017). This will
inculcate a sense of responsibility in me.
Level 5 goal
It will help me increase my social opportunities. I plan to join university clubs and get
benefited in more than one ways. I will be able to meet various people coming from different
backgrounds. It will assist me to maintain a balance between academic success and social
life. It will also create a potential platform to showcase my talents (Thomas et al. 2017).

10PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Timeline (using MS Project)
D. Competencies need to be developed
Competency
Necessary
None Beginner Some Average Advanced Expert
i. Ethical and integrity
development 
ii. Thinking
strategically 
iii. Succeeding in
competitive
surrounding

In the above discussion I have talked about the different competencies that I have
developed still now in my ongoing course. I have also represented the various goals that are
implemented in educational and developmental plans. But apart from all these, there are still
some competencies that I have feel should be developed in the completion of my course.

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 Ethical and integrity development: This competency discusses the potential to relate
and apply the codes of professional conduct as these are related to generally relate to
the work in and out of discipline. This will be developed by attending workshops on
conduction of ethical research and thereby learning the essential codes of conduct.
After learning the codes, the importance should be communicated to the
undergraduate students, audit the courses of ethical issues and take part in teaching
the ethical thinking. I will rank as a beginner in this section as I have just started
attending and learning from the workshops on ethical issues and code of conduct
(Meine and Dunn 2013.).
 Thinking strategically: This skill demonstrates the potential in clarifying the direction
and project vision and study the various relationships that support the institution goal.
This can be achieved by taking up jobs, projects and/or internships during my course
of graduation by undertaking vision and making strategy. This can be carry forwarded
by learning the working experiences of the faculty and administration. I will rank
myself average in this part as I am yet to undertake any jobs or internships but as I
have worked on some of the projects and recently collaborating with the faculty
members, have gained a partial competency in this section (Liu Frankel and Roohr
2014).
 Succeeding in competitive surrounding: This competency illustrates the ability to
solve any problem with promptness along with potential communication skills. This
can be achieved by proposing, completing and publishing a proposed work and win
fellowships to carry out further project for the department. In this section I will rank
myself in the advanced part as in my previous session I have completed and published
many projects successfully. But I am yet to apply for any fellowships for conducting a
major project to advance my knowledge and education (Rothmann and Cooper 2015).

12PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
E. Conclusion
This report utilized the concept of reflection and enabled me to keep a track of the
steps I need to take to acquire skills. It will help me to keep a track of the required changes in
my life and the weak areas that need improvement. The plan will provide a gauge to view my
progress, and determine the competencies I need to develop in future. This will act as
learning opportunity and will help me to find greater coherence with my learning programs.

13PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
F. References
Anwar, K., 2016. Panel Discussion and the Development of Students' Self
Confidence. English Language Teaching, 9(4), pp.224-229.
Cameron, E. and Green, M., 2015. Making sense of change management: A complete guide to
the models, tools and techniques of organizational change. Kogan Page Publishers.
Crane, R.S., Kuyken, W., Williams, J.M.G., Hastings, R.P., Cooper, L. and Fennell, M.J.,
2012. Competence in teaching mindfulness-based courses: concepts, development and
assessment. Mindfulness, 3(1), pp.76-84.
Erickson, H.L., Lanning, L.A. and French, R., 2017. Concept-based curriculum and
instruction for the thinking classroom. Corwin Press.
Fawcett, S.E., Waller, M.A., Miller, J.W., Schwieterman, M.A., Hazen, B.T. and Overstreet,
R.E., 2014. A trail guide to publishing success: tips on writing influential conceptual,
qualitative, and survey research. Journal of Business Logistics, 35(1), pp.1-16.
Ferrari, A., 2012. Digital competence in practice: An analysis of frameworks. Sevilla: JRC
IPTS.(DOI: 10.2791/82116).
Hopkinson, C., 2016. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH
REFLECTIVE PRACTICE. Becoming a Nurse: Fundamentals of Professional Practice for
Nursing, p.430.
Liu, O.L., Frankel, L. and Roohr, K.C., 2014. Assessing Critical Thinking in Higher
Education: Current State and Directions for Next‐Generation Assessment. ETS Research
Report Series, 2014(1), pp.1-23.

14PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Meine, M.F. and Dunn, T.P., 2013. The search for ethical competency: Do ethics codes
matter?. Public Integrity, 15(2), pp.149-166.
Monaghan, D.B. and Attewell, P., 2015. The community college route to the bachelor’s
degree. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 37(1), pp.70-91.
Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Rogers, K., Luton, R., Biggs, H., Biggs, R.O., Blignaut, S., Choles, A., Palmer, C. and
Tangwe, P., 2013. Fostering complexity thinking in action research for change in social–
ecological systems. Ecology and Society, 18(2).
Rothmann, I. and Cooper, C.L., 2015. Work and organizational psychology. Routledge.
Thomas, B., Nguyen, T., Washburn, A. and Dyess, J., 2017. Student Engagement: The
Effects of Goals, Personality, Relations, and Society.
Torre Gibney, D., Preston, C., Drake, T.A., Goldring, E. and Cannata, M., 2017. Bringing
Student Responsibility to Life: Avenues to Personalizing High Schools for Student
Success. Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR), pp.1-17.
Tracy, S. J. (2012). Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis,
communicating impact. John Wiley & Sons.
Umbleja, K., Kukk, V. and Jaanus, M., 2013, March. Competence-based approach to
learning. In Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 2013 IEEE (pp. 552-
559). IEEE.