[SOLVED] Analysis of Professional Development in Higher Education

The provided assignment is a compilation of various studies and research papers on professional development in higher education. It includes a list of references to articles, journals, and books that explore different aspects of professional development, such as its impact on organizational performance outcomes, cultural differences in online learning, and the use of self in social educator training. The assignment also includes online resources related to personal development planning and study abroad programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, making it a useful resource for students and researchers interested in professional development in higher education.

PORTFOLIO

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Critique of recruitment processes in your discipline..............................................................3
Reflective Report on your course Interview experience........................................................1
Critique own MBTI personality type & working style..........................................................3
Appraisal of the value added to a career in your discipline area of:......................................5
Why ethics are important for professionals ...........................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

Critique of recruitment processes in your discipline
In competitive environment, the business firms operating in various fields require
professional and qualified personnel at the job. For the screening of individuals, they will apply
an appropriate recruitment process to get all valuable information about the employees and
source in an appropriate candidate matching up job qualifications for the position (Mitchell,
2013). In this context, analysis of recruitment process is done for the post of software developer
in the field of information technology (IT). Basically, there are two forms of recruitment, which
are applied by every organization, which are internal and external (Gilardi and Guglielmetti,
2011). In this, I have also applied for the post of software developer in an international IT firm.
Generally, IT firms follow a recruitment mapping in which they will decide the mode of
recruitment through which they will influence the candidate to apply for the job. Concerning this,
when I came across this – I applied through the online portal of the company and was asked to
submit the resume therein. Further, the competencies were analysed and matched as per the job
specifications. To enumerate few, technical skills, proficiency in software development, various
programming languages etc were mapped. I cleared this stage as my inventory of skills was
matching this. Moving ahead, after sourcing of resumes, those who qualified the former stage
were called up for interview.
Various types of interviews were taken in consideration. Firstly, Panel Interview forms
the most common approach in which the firm will select a panel of two or more interviewer from
the organization itself, which are usually employees from different area of company. Second is
Group Interviews which involves several candidates who will be asked various questions
(Pallisera and et.al., 2013) . It is also considered as group discussion in which interviewer will
evaluate the performance of every candidate. Next is Telephonic Interview, in which firms will
take the interview of employees on telephone and ask questions from candidates in concern to
their academic and professional qualification. Last is Video Conferencing, which is the most
opted option by the organizations for hiring of candidate. Continuous increase in technology has
made this option easy for organization as well candidates to save the time and money.
The main process of interview, which is followed by IT industry firms is video
conferencing or online interview etc. It is common and easy process that saves time and efforts
of individuals (King, 2014). In experience, I have also faced this type of interview and selected
for the post of software developer, in an international software developing company.

The psychometric tests are also conducted which help to identify a candidate's skills,
knowledge and personality. IT firms often use them during the preliminary screening stage or as
a part of an assessment centre (Potter and Rockinson Szapkiw, 2012). With my experience, this
step is to identify key competencies and analyse the personality through online questionnaire
method.
Before facing an interview, candidate should be well prepared with its skills, as this will
be reflected well in interview. A candidate should be equipped with good communication skill,
conceptual knowledge about the needs of job, necessities of job or job description. Knowledge of
company, its business operations and its spectrum – all should be analysed and candidate should
be aware of them before appearing. It is essential for candidate to analyse other information
related to development in IT field etc.

Reflective Report on your course Interview experience
In order to get a professional work experience in every field there are various challenges
have to be faced by individual that provides them experience and analysis of development needs
in knowledge, skills and abilities. Getting an international exposure is not considered as an easy
task as it requires a lot of efforts to gain such capabilities and experience that influence the
employers of multinational organization. For the development of career a software developer, I
have also applied in various international or small business enterprises where I have identified
various opportunities of growth and exploring my career as well development of professional.
Gaining an international academic experience has provided various benefits in
development of career as it has increased my competencies , skills and capabilities to perform the
job. In academic career, I have gained theoretical as well as practical experience of work which
has provided a confidence and motivation to face the interviews. As per above discussion. I have
also faced various types of interviews in my academic career through which I have identified
various needs of development in personality as well as knowledge and with self managed
learning I have accomplished all the requirements.
In previous job profile, It was a good experience as I was selective on the basis my skills
which has differentiated my personality from other candidate and influenced interviewers for
selection. At first stage, I have applied for job profile on the company's website and got selected
on basis of international experience of the job. Then I have faced a panel interview in which
there was a group interviewer who have asked questions to analyse my strengths and weaknesses
towards accomplishment of job successfully. They were also influenced with my skills like
effective communication, confidence, eye contact and good conceptual knowledge about the
field of IT.
Apart from this, this interview experience as provided a professional experience and
provided an analysis of weaknesses like leadership skill, problems solving and presentation
skills which I have to develop through learning. It also provides various strategies which have to
improve the skills in future and development of career aspirations. Self managed learning is
appropriate strategy through which I have an enhanced my learning and developed various skills
that is required to get the job in the future. These interviews have also provided an assumption
about the challenges and accomplishment of task within the organization. It was better
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experience which has benefited in development personal branding between various
organizations.
Other than this, there are also some issues which I have faced during the interview
sessions such as like low experience of working under pressure, lack other knowledge about the
industry, weak leadership qualities etc. These weaknesses has also provided an impact on the
views of interviewers but they provided an opportunity to get training in organization by which I
have overcome all those weaknesses and resolved the problems. Thus, it considered as great
experience for every individuals to achieve the experience and development of competencies to
face the challenges in professional life.
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Critique own MBTI personality type & working style
Myers and Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type clearly describes the sixteen
personality types, which are considered as the combination of four basic preferences like
extraversion (E), sensing (S), thinking (T) and judgement (J). For each pair, you prefer one style
more than the other. Jung also allowed a middle group where you like an equal balance of the
two (personal development planning, 2017). You combine the letters associated with your
preferences to get your Myers Briggs personality type. For example, having preferences for E, S,
T and J gives a personality type of ESTJ. In this, the two personalities have been analysed in
concern with past 2 years experience of working as software developer such as ISTJ which
reflects that the quiet, serious, earn by success by thoroughness and dependability (Richter and
et.al, 2011). Also, practical, matter of fact, realistic and potential are required to perform the job
in an IT industry. Apart from this, another personal type is ISFJ, which reflects the process of
recruitment such as Quiet, friendly, responsible, and conscientious, committed and steady in
meeting their obligations, thorough, painstaking, and accurate, loyal, considerate, notice and
remember specifies about people who are important to them, concerned with how others feel.
Individual with this type of personality will provide benefits in achievement of key position
within the organization.
In this analysis, there are several areas in which I agree with this type of personality and
working style are the functional areas, operational work of development of software solution for
the organization. The personality type of ISTJ has increased the potential of the achievement of
competencies and accomplishment of task, which is done freely without any support. STJ types
like to have clear goals and realistic deadlines and to work with factual data to solve problems
and monitor progress ( DeGraaf and et.al., 2013). They prefer to work in traditional
organisational environments, with people who take their responsibilities seriously. Attractive
occupations for ISTJs tend to be within management or administrative positions, with law-
enforcement and accounting also holding appeal. This personality types also helps every
individuals to achieve experience in life and enables him to develop career in the field of
Information technology (Sales, Traver, and García, 2011). Apart from this, another personality
type has provided a disagreement related to work as the extraversion is not appropriate in the
organization as it create problems to attain the practical experience from the superiors. In the
previous organization, I have got a better experience of work as well as the technical skills,
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which are required to accomplish the work at operational level. Overall, it was good experience
as my skill set like communication, technical knowledge, various software programmings were
enhanced which helped in carrying the work perfectly (Cohen, Ornoy and Keren, 2013). Thus,
this theory provides a clear understanding about the personality of individual which is developed
by taking a work experience of international organization. It also provides an opportunity to gain
an international experience and development professional life as it creates a understanding of
needs of improvement in skills to achieve the career objectives.
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Appraisal of the value added to a career in your discipline area of:
Various courses of post-graduates are there currently for a student in order to pursue a
career in the field of Information Technology (Passmore, Holloway and Rawle-Cope, 2010). All
the courses have their specialized curriculums focusing on specific area of Information
Technology. Degree and diploma courses hold different weightage; Few courses are enumerated
below:
Master in digital technology management which provides both degree and diploma course by
using a two stage approach: during the first year, classic management courses and specialized
courses for managing the digital transformation are taught to all the students, while in the second
one specific technical formation for the specialization in Cyber Security are provided (Trorey,
2017). This is one of the most effective courses in this field as it open the career path to be a
software developer. There are various preferences that an organization has to follow in
accordance with the completion of this master degree.
Master of engineering in information Technology is taught by the Faculty of Information
Technologies, that trains specialists for practical and scientific work in the field of IT. Up-to-date
computer rooms with the latest equipment are used for the studies, that are practice-oriented and
in close connection to the needs of industry and labour market. This is also most significant
course in the field of information technology that creates values of individuals in market, which
helps in grabbing a job easily. I have completed post graduation in the year 2014 and also
accomplished training in the international IT firms and achieved all the skills and competencies
for the achievement of job in specific field.
Apart from this, there are various advantages and disadvantages in the areas of discipline.
Lower Tuition Cost Many people assume that “graduate study abroad” is similar with “heavy
financial burden.” For UK students, however, tuition fees at international universities are often
significantly lower than at American colleges, even when the cost of room and board is included
(5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Graduate Study Abroad, 2017). These courses are short
than other programs and are also beneficial for me to have an international experience (Hamza,
2010). Along with this, international experience also involves knowledge and awareness of
technological advancement, issues and events. International experience also provided various
other benefits like improving interpersonal communication skills, expand knowledge about
various development in information technology, increase competencies, creates value etc. I have
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analysed that studying abroad provides a major support in building career and develops
competencies to work in multinational organization. Its provides opportunities to work to get an
experience which helps in development of career and increases learning experience. It is
beneficial for personal development as it gives an opportunity of gaining an understanding of
different culture.
Apart from this, getting an international experience also creates problems for individuals
to get the job in home country as the companies are able to provide such pay scale as per the
demand of individual (Liu and et.al., 2010). It also creates problems in time management
between personal as well as professional life. Survival in different cultural environment is also
difficult and creates dissatisfaction among dissatisfaction in individual towards learning.
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Why ethics are important for professionals
Ethics holds importance for professionals as it lets you know what is right to do.
Overlooking the same, may lead to contradictory situations ( Marginson and et.al., 2010). Since,
I am working as a developer in Information Technology field, it is crucial that I abide by ethical
norms while fulfilling my duties. In general reference, ethics are moral principles that must be
followed by person while conducting any activity. In my profession, ethics comes on high
preference, as we possess varied set of confidential data about our clients. It is my moral duty to
safeguard those data and should not leak the same for my economic benefits. As a developer, we
can control the websites of our clients but it is an unethical and illegal practice as well. Also,
taking undue preference from client such as accepting gift and monetary benefit apart from our
set norms may result into unethical act. Additionally, I have ethical duties towards my job as
well and cannot overlook the same. I should not make direct contact with clients outside office
for my personal benefits. This can affect my image and also create a negative effect my career.
Moral values hold significance in professional life, to summarise firstly, it aids in
developing positive image through which I can look ahead and have growth in my career. A
positive image will gradually lead to trust which will be beneficial as will help in gaining support
of clients. Secondly, the brand image will be formed if the employees follow ethical and moral
values. This will certainly increase the reputation of client and it will help me in gaining high
position within organisation. Clients provide us information with trust and same can be retained
by employing ethical practices.
Adopting unethical behaviour into the organisation is highly questionable in nature. As a
software developer, we need to maintain the confidentiality of client’s personal information.
Software that is developed through creativity of human mind requires lot of information to be
entered (Crossman and Clarke, 2010). We need to ensure that no personal information of our
clientele is disclosed. At work place, we need to behave ethically to satisfy both personal and
professional interest. I have seen that unethical behaviour on part of employees hampers their
personal growth. Every business unit do trust its employees while disclosing & providing access
to various databases. Confidentiality of information is a critical concern for the software
developer (Jin and Drozdenko, 2010). We need to provide distinct set of solutions to clients
while protecting all information related to the enterprise & customers. It is through ethical
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behaviour that we are able to serve our company in long run with high level of efficiency. As a
developer, we do face various ethical and moral dilemmas at work place. We have to decide may
times the extent to which coding needs to be done for security & protection purpose. Besides, the
level of protection is to be kept strong; we are also concerned about fixing or not fixing the bugs
into system.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Cohen, Y., Ornoy, H. and Keren, B., 2013. MBTI personality types of project managers and their
success: A field survey. Project Management Journal. 44(3). pp.78-87.
Crossman, J.E. and Clarke, M., 2010. International experience and graduate employability:
Stakeholder perceptions on the connection. Higher education. 59(5). pp.599-613.
DeGraaf and et.al., 2013. The long-term personal and professional impacts of participating in a
study abroad program. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad. 23.
pp.42-59.
Gilardi, S. and Guglielmetti, C., 2011. University life of non-traditional students: Engagement
styles and impact on attrition. The Journal of Higher Education. 82(1). pp.33-53.
Hamza, A., 2010. International experience: An opportunity for professional development in
higher education. Journal of Studies in International Education. 14(1). pp.50-69.
Jin, K.G. and Drozdenko, R.G., 2010. Relationships among perceived organizational core
values, corporate social responsibility, ethics, and organizational performance
outcomes: An empirical study of information technology professionals. Journal of
Business Ethics. 92(3). pp.341-359.
King, F., 2014. Evaluating the impact of teacher professional development: an evidence-based
framework. Professional development in education. 40(1). pp.89-111.
Liu and et.al ., 2010. Cultural differences in online learning: International student perceptions.
Educational Technology & Society. 13(3). pp.177-188.
Marginson and et.al., 2010. International student security. Cambridge University Press.
Mitchell, R., 2013. What is professional development, how does it occur in individuals, and how
may it be used by educational leaders and managers for the purpose of school
improvement?. Professional development in education, 39(3), pp.387-400.
Pallisera, M., Fullana, J., Palaudarias, J.M. and Badosa, M., 2013. Personal and professional
development (or use of self) in social educator training. An experience based on
reflective learning. Social Work Education, 32(5), pp.576-589.
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Passmore, J., Holloway, M. and Rawle-Cope, M., 2010. Using MBTI type to explore differences
and the implications for practice for therapists and coaches: Are executive coaches
really like counsellors?. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. 23(1). pp.1-16.
Potter, S.L. and Rockinson‐Szapkiw, A.J., 2012. Technology integration for instructional
improvement: The impact of professional development. Performance Improvement,
51(2), pp.22-27.
Richter, D., Kunter, M., Klusmann, U., Lüdtke, O. and Baumert, J., 2011. Professional
development across the teaching career: Teachers’ uptake of formal and informal
learning opportunities. Teaching and teacher education, 27(1), pp.116-126.
Sales, A., Traver, J.A. and García, R., 2011. Action research as a school-based strategy in
intercultural professional development for teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education,
27(5), pp.911-919.
Trorey, G., 2017. Professional development and institutional needs. Taylor & Francis.
Online
Personal development planning, 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.managers.org.uk/knowledge-bank/personal-development-
planning.>[Accessed on6 October 2017].
5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Graduate Study Abroad, 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.hccmis.com/blog/study-abroad/5-advantages-and-disadvantages-
of-graduate-study-abroad/. >[Accessed on 6 October 2017].
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