Effective Career Development Through Personal and Professional Development Plan

A personal and professional development plan (PDP) is an essential tool for individuals to achieve their career goals. In the assignment content, it has been highlighted that a well-crafted PDP can help in identifying one's strengths and weaknesses, setting realistic goals, and developing effective strategies to achieve them. Through continuous interaction with others and referring various books, I have enhanced my knowledge and skills, which has enabled me to communicate effectively with others. The assignment also emphasizes the importance of evaluating and reflecting on one's progress to ensure continuous improvement. Therefore, this PDP has been updated based on evaluation and feedback, enabling me to acquire a range of skills along with knowledge that needs improvement.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
1

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning and their suitability........................................................3
1.2 Identification of appropriate learning and development method ..............................................4
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individual and organisation.............................................4
4.1 Identification of work based problem along with its solution...................................................5
4.2 Implementation of learning styles to overcome problems identified........................................5
4.3 Effective time management strategies and its usefulness .........................................................5
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Skills required to meet organizational goals and objectives......................................................6
2.2 Identification of personal and professional needs along with activities to meet them..............7
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future needs...................................................7
2.4,3.1 and 3.2 Personal development plan to achieve intended goals............................................8
3.3 Own learning against aims and objectives................................................................................9
3.4 Updated PDP on the basis of evaluation and feedback .........................................................10
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................12
2

INTRODUCTION
In the modern era personal along with professional development of an individual plays most
important role as different type of skills are required so as to carry out assigned duties in
appropriate manner. Further, to have proper knowledge regarding work or any other area is must for
an individual and through this overall confidence level of individual enhances which is effective
enough in carrying out operations within the workplace (Moon, 2013). Moreover, different learning
styles are present through which individual can acquire the range of skills which are not at all
present along with the knowledge required in conducting organizational operations. Apart from this,
personal and professional development plan is developed where main stress is on overall
development of an individual. The present study being carried out is based on personal development
where range of techniques have been considered so that individual can better perform within the
workplace. Several tasks have been covered in the study which are approaches to self managed
learning along with suitability, effective time management strategies, solution to work based
problem etc.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning and their suitability
Self managed learning supports in development of an individual where range of skills can be
acquired easily which are not present in any person (Glogowska and et.al., 2011). It directly
enhances motivation level of individual and work assigned can be carried out in systematic manner.
Further, to perform different type of operations in organization it is necessary for individual to
acquire knowledge on its own. Approaches to self managed learning are as follows: Attending seminars: In order to enhance knowledge level it is possible to attend seminars
along with conferences through which different type of skills can be acquired easily. Further,
it assists in raising the overall level of knowledge which is must for every type of individual
in the modern era (McArdle and Coutts, 2010).
 Learning from others: Every individual has some skills and knowledge and by interacting
with different type of people it is possible to enhance the knowledge level. Moreover, more
ideas and information can be shared with one another which is effective for an individual.
Out of these two approaches to self managed learning attending seminar is much more
effective as it is conducted by experts which can definitely boost knowledge level of an individual.
Apart from this, different learning styles are present which are as follows: Kinesthetic learning: This type of learning style is considered to be most effective where
learning takes place with the help of experience. Further, individual prefers to carry out
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activity so as to learn new things (Kao, Wu and Tsai, 2011).
 Pragmatists: In this type of learning style individual keen on trying out ideas along with
techniques in order to ensure whether they are working in practice or not. Main focus is on
determining new ideas and opportunities are searched to experiment with applications.
Therefore, through this learning style also knowledge can be acquired easily.
1.2 Identification of appropriate learning and development method
I have identified suitable learning and development method on the basis of my actual
requirement. Further, various areas are present where I am not performing better and different skills
needs to be developed. Further, I have also selected suitable learning method on the basis of my
interest as I prefer to adopt kinesthetic style to acquire knowledge rather than others. Apart from
this for other individuals to identify the most suitable learning method it is necessary to consider the
pros and cons of every method and decision must be taken accordingly (Palloff and Pratt, 2011).
They must choose learning method as per their actual requirement only. On the other hand lifelong
learning can be encouraged in personal and professional context in following ways: Effective communication: In order to improve my written communication skills I can take
active participation in interaction with others through Email, letter, memos etc. It is effective
enough in improving my written communication and can boost my motivation level.
 Taking feedback from my seniors: By taking feedback from my seniors on continuous basis
it is possible for me to indulge into the process of lifelong learning. Further, it will support
me in dealing with the issues which arises due to lack of knowledge and experience in
particular field (Shagrir, 2010).
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individual and organisation
Self managed learning is beneficial for individual in every possible manner as it allows
person to work on the areas where improvement is required. One of the main advantage of
indulging into self managed practices is that it can enhance my motivation level and I can easily
take active participant ion in the affairs of company where I will work. Rise in level of knowledge
along with skills is also another benefit of self managed learning where I can acquire skills such as
time management, decision-making, critical thinking for my overall growth along with development
(Ebert-May and et.al., 2011). I can easily rework on the areas where my performance is not up to
the mark and this will definitely support in my personal development. Apart from this, self managed
learning is beneficial for organization also where I will work as the range of skills acquired can be
applied in conducting business operations and this boosts organizational performance. Apart from
this, through self managed learning I can easily guide others and can coordinate with other in
systematic manner.
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4.1 Identification of work based problem along with its solution
At the time of conducting operations many issue arises within the workplace and it directly
leads to decline in overall efficiency of an individual. One of the main work based problem that can
arise when I will work in any organization in near future is taking effective decisions for welfare of
organization. At present, I am not good in taking decisions by analysing the situation and it is
directly having adverse impact on my overall performance. Further, this work based issue prevents
me for accomplishing the tasks assigned to me in effective manner (Nutley, 2008). Moreover, due
to this reason I am underperforming and improvement is required. On the other hand to tackle this
issue best way is to undergo training as through this I can easily acquire knowledge in relation with
the effective ways of taking decisions within the organization. Moreover, I will prefer to join
training sessions organized by my organization on continuous basis and through this I will become
capable to take appropriate decisions which is must in organization. So, it is one of the best way
through which I can resolve work based problem easily.
4.2 Implementation of learning styles to overcome problems identified
In order to overcome with the issue of ineffective decision making within the workplace
their exist range of learning styles which I can adopt for enhancing my knowledge level along with
skills (Ricketts, 2006). One of the most preferred learning style is Kinesthetic where I will acquire
knowledge through experience. I will prefer to indulge in different organizational activities for
gaining more experience and this will assist me in taking better decisions. Through this style I can
become a good decision maker and this can support in my career development. On the other hand
different ways are present through which communication can take place in effective manner at
levels such as strategic, tactical and operational one. At strategic level I will prefer to communicate
information in written form such as through letter, memos etc. It will support in decreasing the
communication gap and can assist in knowledge sharing. Further, at tactical level I will share
information through meetings so that each and every individual can better understand. At last at
operational level information can be shared verbally so that operations can be carried out in
effective manner.
4.3 Effective time management strategies and its usefulness
Time management strategies assist individual in managing the time required for conducting
operations in effective manner. Generally, it is not possible for every individual to manage time
within the workplace or in other conditions and due to this reason various strategies are present for
smooth functioning. Different time management strategies are as follows: Setting priorities: One of the most effective way to manage time is prioritizing work where
individual can give more preference to the work which is important or urgent. Further, it is
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possible to develop “to do list” and this can assist in proper time management (Rose, 2008).
 Scheduling work appropriately: For effective utilization of time scheduling can be done
where most challenging tasks can be carried out when individual is efficient and energetic
too. It is linked with time commitment and is associated with the tasks which are required to
be done.
One of the most appropriate time management strategy for me is setting priorities where on
daily basis I can prioritize my work which needs more attention. It can support me in carrying out
work in appropriate manner and I can easily focus on each and every significant activity. Therefore,
this strategy is most effective for me in managing time.
TASK 2
2.1 Skills required to meet organizational goals and objectives
In order to work for accomplishment of desired aims and objectives of enterprise it is
necessarily required for me to develop various skills. Through various ways I will develop my
knowledge level and this will be beneficial for company where I will work. At present I am not
working anywhere and pursuing my master degree from recognized university. Range of skills
required for performing efficiently in organization involves critical thinking which is already
present in myself and by using this skill I can find out best possible solution to the problem which
can be faced in the workplace. Moreover, time management as a skill is required and by applying
this skill it will be possible for me to carry out each and every operation of the enterprise in
effective manner. Apart from this my sound communication skill will provide me support in
communicating with my colleagues and other employees in better manner. Therefore, all these skills
can easily support me in accomplishing organizational objectives.
Curriculum Vitae
John Basil
07506XXX05/ 079XXXX5701
[e-mail]
Career objective
I am looking for suitable position in the field of marketing where I am having interest. I am highly
interested to work with a company which can provide me a chance to apply range of skills
associated with the field of marketing.
Strengths
Communication skills
Dedicated towards work
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Effective team management skills
Weaknesses
Ineffective in dealing with stress
Poor oral communication skills
Academic qualification
Pursuing MBA from London Business school
Completed graduation from Imperial college London
2.2 Identification of personal and professional needs along with activities to meet them
By preparing my curriculum vitae I have identified my strengths along with weaknesses.
Further, to work for my career development it is necessarily required to identify the range of
personal along with professional needs. My personal needs involve development of various skills
such as oral communication, decision making, leadership etc (Waddell, 2009). In order to develop
my oral communication skills I will try to interact with more people on daily basis and will take
feedback from them in order to know whether I am responding properly or not. Further, for
development of my decision making skills I will prefer to take decisions on my own through
analysis and will evaluate overall results. Through this, it can be easily known whether I am capable
enough of taking appropriate decisions or not. At last to enhance my leadership skills I will try to
manage small team and will take feedback from each member so as to judge my leadership skills.
So, these are some of my basic needs which can be easily focused by undertaking the activities
decided and this can enhance my overall efficiency especially at the time when I will work for any
organization (Marc, 2012).
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future needs
Personal and
Professional
Skills
Rating of
current skills
between 1 to 5
Evidence Development
opportunities
Oral
communication
2 I am not good in
communicating with other
orally and this leads to rise in
communication gap
I will try to indulge
myself in the
communication process
and will read books
linked with development
of oral communication
7

Leadership skills 2 I am poor in leading others By taking advice from
experts and reading books
Decision-making
skills
3 I am not good in taking
appropriate decisions as per
situation
In order to develop my
decision making skills I
will read articles
So this table is showing development opportunities present with me through which I can
meet my current along with future needs. In short, I can easily acquire knowledge along with skills
and the same can be applied in conducting organizational operations where I will work.
2.4,3.1 and 3.2 Personal development plan to achieve intended goals
Learning
objective
Short term
goals
Development
opportunities
Criteria for
judging
success
Time
scale
Way to achieve
goal
1
To enhance
my
decision
making
skills
My short term
goal is to take
effective
decisions as
per the
situations
I will read
books and
online articles
associated
with
development
of decision
making skills
I will
evaluate the
overall
results
derived after
taking
decisions
2
months
Main goal set
to accomplish
decision
making skill
can be
accomplishme
nt by gaining
knowledge
with the help
of books
2
Leadership
skills
My short term
goal is to
enhance my
leadership
skills so that I
can better lead
group of
individuals
I will try to
take advice
from
professionals
and other
individuals
who are
leading others
I will take
feedback
from my
team
members
1month Goal linked
with
development
of leadership
skill can be
accomplished
by considering
role played by
successful
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leaders.
3
Oral
communica
tion skills
I want to
enhance my
oral
communicatio
n skills so that
I can easily
share
information
I will try to
interact with
different type
of individuals
I will take
feedback
from
individuals
with whom I
usually
interact on
daily basis
2
months
To accomplish
this goal I will
read books
linked with
development
of oral
communicatio
n skills.
Therefore, the personal development plan prepared is quite effective and through this I can
easily focus on the areas where my performance lacks and needs improvement. Further, the range of
skills such as oral communication, leadership, decision making can be easily developed. It can
definitely support in meeting with my current and future needs.
3.3 Own learning against aims and objectives
Overall aims and objectives set by me are on the basis of my current and future needs. Apart
from this I have acquired learning by developing effective personal and professional development
plan. Through this I can enhance my knowledge level and same can be applied in company where I
will work in near future. Further, main aim is to improve my decision making skill and for the same
I have read online articles along with books. Therefore the learning acquired in order to accomplish
this objective was effective and it provided remarkable experience. Moreover, I came to know the
appropriate ways through which I can take appropriate decisions keeping in view overall situation.
Apart from this my another aim was to improve my leadership skills so that I can better lead a small
team (Cockerill, Hill and Russell, 2006). Further, for attaining this aim I have taken advice from
experts and learning acquired through this was also remarkable and I understood effective ways
with the help of which I can become better leader in my future employment. Learning along with
knowledge acquired was totally unique and has supported in my career development. My last aim
was to improve my oral communication skills as I am not at all good in interacting with others and
this directly increases communication gap where other individuals are not able to understand the
message shared by me. To accomplish this objective I keep on interacting with others on continuous
basis and I have referred various books. So, this also enhanced my knowledge and now I am
capable enough to communicate appropriately with others. Therefore, in this way the learning
acquired against set aims and objective was quite effective and it has strongly supported in my
personal development.
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3.4 Updated PDP on the basis of evaluation and feedback
Learning
objective
Short term
goals
Developme
nt
opportuniti
es
Criteria for
judging
success
Time
scale
Way to achieve
goal
1
To improve
my written
communicat
ion skills
I have worked
on improving
my oral
communicatio
n skills but it
adversely
affected my
written
communicatio
n skills
I will try to
interact
with my
colleagues
through
Email,
letter
memos
By taking
feedback
from others
with whom I
interacted.
1 month In order to
accomplish this
objective I will
take more active
participation in
written
communication
2
To enhance
my stress
management
skills
My short term
goal is to
enhance my
stress
management
skills
I will try to
indulge
myself in
situations
which
leads to
stress
For judging
success I will
evaluate the
results
derived after
working in
situation of
stress
2
months
In order to
accomplish this
aim I will read
books and will
attend seminars on
stress management
So, the updated personal and professional development plan being developed has supported
in developing various skills along with knowledge. I have identified that personal development plan
has supported me in acquiring range of skills but through updated PDP it has become possible to
know whether improvement is required in any other area or not (John and Robson, 2014). So, in this
way the learning along with knowledge acquired was fruitful for me in every possible manner.
CONCLUSION
From the entire study being carried out it has become easy to understand the significance of
preparing personal and professional development plan with the help of which career development is
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possible. Apart from this, the work based issue identified can be solved easily by considering
effective strategies and in turn enhances motivation level of an individual. Moreover, personal and
professional development plan prepared has assisted in knowing the range of skills along with
knowledge which needs improvement along with the ways through which knowledge level can be
enhanced easily. Therefore, in this way individual can easily work in favour of career development
by acquiring appropriate skills identified through personal analysis.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ebert-May, D. and et.al., 2011. What we say is not what we do: effective evaluation of faculty
professional development programs. BioScience. 61(7). pp. 550-558.
Glogowska, M. and et.al., 2011. How ‘blended’is blended learning?: Students' perceptions of issues
around the integration of online and face-to-face learning in a continuing professional
development (CPD) health care context. Nurse education today. 31(8). pp. 887-891.
Kao, C. P., Wu, Y. T. and Tsai, C. C., 2011. Elementary school teachers’ motivation toward web-
based professional development, and the relationship with Internet self-efficacy and belief
about web-based learning. Teaching and Teacher Education. 27(2). pp. 406-415.
McArdle, K. and Coutts, N., 2010. Taking teachers' continuous professional development (CPD)
beyond reflection: adding shared sense-making and collaborative engagement for
professional renewal. Studies in Continuing Education. 32(3). pp. 201-215.
Moon, J. A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Nutley,T., 2008. The Little Book of Personal Development. Lulu.com.
Palloff, R. M. and Pratt, K., 2011. The excellent online instructor: Strategies for professional
development. John Wiley & Sons.
Ricketts, C.J., 2006. Career Enrichment Through Leadership. Delmar Cengage Learning.
Rose, C., 2008. The Personal Development Group: The Students' Guide. Karnac Books.
Shagrir, L., 2010. Professional development of novice teacher educators: professional self,
interpersonal relations and teaching skills. Professional development in education. 36(1-2).
pp. 45-60.
Online
Cockerill, T., Hill, S. and Russell, A., 2006. Evaluating Professional Development Interventions
The DfES Economics of Education Programme. [Pdf]. Available through:
<http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151715/http://www.education.gov.uk/
publications/eOrderingDownload/RR722.pdf>. [Accessed on 26th November 2015].
John and Robson, P., 2014. Create your Own Personal Development Plan to Know, Heal and
Expand Yourself. [Online]. Available at: <http://www.higherawareness.com/personal-
development-plan.html>. [Accessed on 26th November 2015].
Marc, 2012. How to achieve your goals. [Online] Available through:
<http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/05/10/how-to-achieve-your-goals/>. [Accessed on 26th
November 2015].
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Waddell, G., 2009. A Guide for Writing a Professional Development Plan. [Pdf]. Available through:
<http://www.midsouthcc.org/documents/professional-development-planning-guide.pdf>.
[Accessed on 26th November 2015].
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