Professional Development for Career Success

The given study focuses on the effectiveness of professional development in shaping professional identities and career prospects. It highlights the need for assessing individual skills and competencies to encourage development approaches. The report also emphasizes the significance of reflective analysis during interview processes and other challenges, helping individuals improve their attributes and achieve professional goals.

PROFESSIONAL
IDENTITY AND
PRACTICE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LO1..................................................................................................................................................1
Ongoing professional development benefit to both employees and employer in company........1
Employer expectations of professional standards and skills........................................................2
Importance of ongoing professional development and professional skills requirements in TUI-
......................................................................................................................................................3
LO2..................................................................................................................................................4
SWOT analysis as evaluation methods-......................................................................................4
Appropriate development approaches to develop professional and personal skills ...................5
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................1
Professional development plan ...................................................................................................1
LO 4 ................................................................................................................................................6
Job interview process ..................................................................................................................6
Challenges faced during interview ..............................................................................................9
Reflection ....................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Individual development is one of the most important action that develop person's skills
and knowledge. It refers to those activities that develop or improve person’s potential, talents,
consciousness and employability to create wealth and realize dreams (Bayar, 2014). In short, it
is what that individual do to improve for themself and prospects in life. The present report is
based on TUI which is a travel and tourism company. This report explain role of ongoing
professional development and its benefits to workers and employer. It justifies importance of
ongoing professional development and professional skills required in company. This study
clarifies appropriate methods for assessing person skills, competence and abilities and also
explain range of learning theories and approaches to explain professional and personal
development process. Furthermore, it explains development approach, professional development
plan and also include job interview process.
LO1
Ongoing professional development benefit to both employees and employer in company
One going professional play important role in TUI organization, with the help of this
development staff consistently develop their skills and knowledge more than now
Continued professional development is essential because it assures a person continue to
be competent in their profession. Ongoing professional development play important role for
individual development and career growth in any company. TUI is a British leisure travel group
in West Sussex which provide its best service to customer and work effectively in Travel and
tourism industry. Ongoing professional development and learning attract a lot of attention of
both employees and employer as well as job seekers. It is very beneficial to workers and
employer in organization, ongoing person's continuous development have many benefits such
as-
 Continue professional development give benefit to employer in context of hiring new
talents. It allows managers or leaders of TUI to get the better sense of each workers'
weakness and talent. But is also been very beneficial to employees, it will help staff to
develop new skills and improve the existing ones.
 With the help of ongoing professional development, employee maintain engagement and
staff performance as well. It provides many benefits to workers who are seeking for skills
and knowledge, it significantly maximises one's employment opportunities. It also offers
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the best career opportunity to workers and give chance for higher salary and promotion in
TUI.
 Providing professional development plan shows company's employees that employer or
authority care about their career growth and they are interested in retaining them at
organization for longer term.
 Ongoing professional development give individual a personal satisfaction, in which they
feel good to learn more or something new that helps to grow their professional and
personal career more and more, it is very beneficial for them.
 Ongoing professional development helps employer to attract people and retain the most
talented staff members with them for long term period in TUI. With the help of this
process, employees can improve their performance which is beneficial for business.
Manager or leaders of company encourage staff members to take part in professional
development because it helps to improve their skills and working styles more than now.
Well developed skills and knowledge of workers make them more productive at
workplace where they will be able to help their company to increase both
competitiveness and profit.
Employer expectations of professional standards and skills
Organization employer want workers should have good communication skills as they
expected. Communication is one the best employee skill that make them able to communicate
with other effectively. Nonverbal, verbal, written and oral communication are the types of
communication which is very beneficial and useful in person growth.
Team work is one the professional skills which employers expected among all the staff
members. Worker need to work in team, they have to play their role as team player and highlight
their own success as well as encourage other group members for doing good job. These workers
recognize that growth and success is better achieved by team work as always in organization.
Decision making is one of the another professional skills which is required for employee
according to employer expectations. It is core skill that all workers will need to used at some
level in their career. In some positions such as management decision making ability bring the
better outcomes which is beneficial for business growth as well as person development.
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Importance of ongoing professional development and professional skills requirements in TUI-
Ongoing professional development is a current procedure and continues end-to-end a
professionals career. It is very important in career growth and personal or professional
development. By seminars, conferences and meeting employer provide the better professional
development training to their workers in TUI which help to improve their skills and creates new
ones that they will use for accomplishing work effectively. PD raise the level of productivity,
every employer needs high rate of productivity from their staff members. TUI company conduct
ongoing professional development plan to their workers that offer the best opportunities to them
for improving their skills more and more. It helps to encourage staff and make employees able to
gain more knowledge that ultimately lead to maximize stage of productivity for company.
Ongoing Professional development and improvement in TUI boost up the morale of staff more
than the other companies does.
Employer expects that workers have the best professional skills such as, good
communication, decision making, team work, collaboration, team building, problem solving etc.
which is important and essential for career growth. All the above professional skills make
person able to work effectively in TUI and perform well in workplace that helps to increase
profitability and generate revenue more than another in industry.
Skills and competencies of manager to meet employer expectations-
Manager is a person who is accountable for organizing and managing company's business
functions and activities.
I have been working as manager in TUI company within having all the professional skills
and competencies to meet the employer expectations. I will be able to communicate with my
team members effectively which helps in building good relationship and strong connection .
Communication skills is important for me because it helps a lot when I need to communicate
with staff and customers.
I will be able to motivate others at workplace by offering good pay wages, rewards,
appraisal based on their performance. Motivation is one of the most important things which I
need to do in context of business growth and success.
Managing is one of the most difficult thing to do when person does not have
management skills. I will be able to manage each task and accomplish it on time which out any
difficulty.
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Employer expectations of professional standards is higher, employer wants that workers
has good collaboration skills that helps to collaborate with other members. But employees in
workplace will not been able to collaborate or work together which show gap between employer
expectations.
LO2
Skills High Medium Low
Communication skill My communication
skills are good, but I
feel nervous while
interacting with other.
Team work I worked in team but
some extent I will not
be able to express my
ideas or thought in
team.
Decision making I feel that I am good at
making decision on
the basis of present
situation.
Creativity I need to improve my
creativity skills.
SWOT analysis as evaluation methods-
I play job role as HR Manager in TUI company, where I need to develop my skills or knowledge
more and more than now.
SWOT analysis is one of the best technique or tool that helps to evaluate person skills,
competence and abilities.
Strength-
 I will be able to handle large number of customers in TUI.
 I can get the better ideas through communicating with other.
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 I will be able to take good decision and make judgements on current situation.
Weakness-
 In some extent, I feel lack of creativity in my work.
 Lack of confidence during sharing my experiences.
Opportunities-
 I can make effective plans or strategies for business growth.
Threats-
 New entrance in business world create competitive environment that required a lot of
hard work and good skills to manage it.
Learning model and approach
Kolb' learning model-
Kolb' learning is one of the best learning model that help to develop professional and
personal career development by learning some new things.
Diverging- I like to learn something new or different through watching other's activities
(Andreou, Papastavrou and Merkouris, 2014). With the help of diverging I learn different skills
which is very beneficial for my professional development and growth.
Assimilating- These types of person learn different style and less focusing on another
ideas and abstracts. With assimilating learning style I prefer reading books, novels, attend
conferences meeting and make my thought after it. As me working as Human resource manager
in TUI company, I prefer to learn various style of work by reading books and through out
conference meeting.
Converging- I like to do some experiments at workplace within various ideas.
Accommodating- person with this learning style tend to relay on another for work than
bring out its own analysis.
VARK approach-
Visual- I like to learn new things by watching other activities through video chatting,
diagrams, PPT in meeting rooms etc (Wright and Stokes, 2015). That help to develop my skills
and knowledge.
Aural- I learn or develop my skills through listening. With the help of aural learning
style I develop my professional career by understand and listening other.
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Read- Some people prefer to understand or develop professional and personal career by
reading books.
Kinesthetic- Individual with this mode like to learn something new from personal
experience and value their work experiences.
Appropriate development approaches to develop professional and personal skills
I am the manager in TUI company, I will be able to communicate, but feel nervous while
interacting with others in workplace. I feel that I can make good decision based on current
situations.
Case study reading- Case study reading is one of the best and appropriate development
approach in which manager of TUI can learn how to manage work in any complex situation at
workplace. I can improve my communication skills via reading books and understand how
people can communicate with others effectively.
Attend seminars- Attending seminars is the best approach that help to develop or
improve skills. I need to improve my skill as creativity which is very essential for professional
and personal career. Via attending seminars I meet with many people who show their creativity
through work. It is one of the better way to learn something more about it.
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LO 3
Professional development plan
On the basis of self evaluation following professional development plan can be used to
enhance the professional skills. By enhancing these skills I will be able to excel in my job role of
manager in the organisation.
Skill Current
evaluation
Target Improveme
nt strategy
Expected
outcome
Time
frame
Communicat
ion skill
At present
my
communic
ation skills
are good.
However,
while
interacting
with
experience
d
profession
als I feel
nervous
and thus
often fails
to
communic
ate
properly.
My target is
to enhance
my
communicat
ion abilities
in a way
that I must
be able to
interact
with
confidence
in any
situation. It
will assist
me in
managing
my
subordinate
s.
I can enhance
my
communicati
on skills by
increasing
interaction
with other
team
members.
With this
interaction
my
confidence
will boost up
With the
development
of this skill, I
will be able
to express my
views
effectively.
As a manager
it will help
me to have
better
discussion
with others
and thus I
will be able
to make good
professional
relations.
1 month
Creativity Creativity
is one of
the most
Within 6
months I
want to find
For
enhancing my
creativity
I want to
bring
excellence in
6 month

important
aspect in
the
profession
al
expertise
of
managerial
job role
especially
when
leading
teams. At
present
due to
time
limitations
I always
try to
follow the
same
working
methods
without
exploring
innovative
ways to
accomplis
h tasks.
out the
areas in
which I can
use
creativity so
that better
professional
outcomes
can be
achieved.
According
to observed
areas I can
explore
different
innovative
methods.
skills, I must
explore my
knowledge
resources. For
this purpose I
can attend
training
sessions so
that my
knowledge of
innovative
ideas and
skills can be
improved.
my
managerial
efficiencies.
The use of
creative
approaches in
professional
task will save
my time and
enhance
productivity
in my
functional
activities.
2

Decision
making
In order to
make the
better
decisions it
is required
to have
appropriate
judgement
capabilities
as well as
ability to
analyse the
risk factors.
Currently I
feel though
I am good
at making
judgement
on the basis
of present
situation
but
sometimes
I fail to
analyse the
future
risks.
To improve
my decision
making
ability as
improved
decision
making will
help me to
resolve
number of
conflicts
and
professional
issues in my
work. The
better
decision
leads to
better
outcomes.
To increase
my decision
making skills,
I can use
reflective
practices. The
reflective
approach will
help me to
analyse my
own mistakes
and then to
apply the
learnings in
future actions
as a manager.
I expect that
with the use
of suggested
strategies I
will be able
to analyse the
effectiveness
of a particular
decision
taken by me
in my job role
of manager.
Thus, within
4 months I
will be
capable to
make better
judgements
about the
selection
between
various
choices.
4 month
Team work I have
worked in
teams but I
feel that in
Within 3
months, I
want to
develop
To improve
my team
work skills I
must try to
With the
discussed
strategies my
team work
3 month

teams, I am
not able to
express my
opinion
strongly. I
also feel
difficulty
in
resolving
situations
when I
have
conflicts
with other
team
members.
skills so that
I can avoid
conflicts
while
working in
teams I
want to be
capable
enough so
that I can
work in
coordinatio
n with
diverse
people and
to achieve
goals
without
getting
affected by
personal
differences.
build
emotional
and social
relations with
other team
members.
Communicati
on and
informal
gathering will
help me to
achieve my
goals.
skills will be
improved and
my work
efficiency
will not
degrade due
to lack of
coordination
with other
team
members.
Improvement
in this skill
will help to
work
comfortably
with different
types of
people and in
different
cultures.
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Leadership It is
expected
that with
the
improve
ment in
this skill,
I will be
able to
explore
and lead
the teams
effectivel
y. It will
also help
me to
overcome
the
challenge
s which I
may face
during
team
work
(Lee and
et.al.,
2016).
My long
term goal is
to become a
good leader.
I want to
explore my
leadership
skills in a
way such
that it
contributes
to my
confidence
and goal
achievemen
t.
For
improving
leadership
skills, I must
try different
types of
leadership
styles. I can
also motivate
and
communicate
with my team
members so
that as a
leader I can
understand
their issues
and team
outputs can
be improved.
In context
with my
future goals, I
want to
improve my
leadership
skills so that I
can become
good leader. I
have lead
small teams
but it seems
very complex
to manage
diverse
people as
well as to
maintain the
integrity
among team
members.
1 month
Time
management
Efficienc
y in time
managem
ent skills
In 2
months, I
can learn to
identify the
For achieving
time
management
skill I must
Accomplishin
g tasks on
time is
important in
2 month
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ensure
the work
excellenc
y. In
certain
decisions
also time
plays
crucial
role.
Thus,
with the
improve
ment in
this skill I
will be
able to
minimise
the risk
factors
and to
grab
better
growth
opportuni
ties.
activities or
projects
which
consumes
unnecessary
time. Then I
will try to
figure out
the methods
through
which I can
save and
manage my
time in a
more
productive
manner. It
will help me
to achieve
my targets
of meeting
project
deadline
and to take
better
decision as
successful
manager.
learn to
prioritize to
different
tasks. With
accurate
prioritisation
of tasks I
must manage
work and
assign
suitable time
frame for
each activity.
It will help
me to execute
the plan
without
wasting time
on omitting
errors
(Berman and
et.al., 2019).
profession
(Bowman and
et.al., 2016).
Though I
always try to
meet
deadlines of
project but I
face difficulty
in prioritising
tasks and to
complete
them in short
period.
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LO 4
Job interview process
The interview was conducted for the designation of the manager in travel and tourism
organisation. The interview process involved following stages:
Job posting:
At first a job description was prepared and advertised so that suitable candidates can
know and apply for the interview.
Interview scheduling
When several numbers of applications were received, screening was done on the basis of
primary requirements and then interview was scheduled for the selected candidates. The
candidates were informed via mails and mobile conversations.
Preliminary interview
In this part of the interview basic skills of candidates were tested through various tasks
such as group discussion, presentations and debates. The candidates who performed well were
followed up by authorities and were called for the next phase.
In-person interview
In this phase final in-personal interview of the candidate was taken so that managerial
skills and their suitability for the organisation can be evaluated.
Follow up and hiring:
Later on after few hours candidates were informed regarding their application status and
hiring process was followed for the finalised candidates.
CV
Mr. David Smithson
62 My street, UK
[e-mail]
1111222333
An experienced graduate with business improvement skills such as leadership, communication
and team work.
Education:
Graduate in hotel management
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ABC school (2015-2017)
Skills
 Working in teams as project manager at XYZ hotel.
 Good at analytical skills
 Written communication: Report writing for the projects at organisation
 Verbal communication: Dealing with clients from different countries and coordinating
with other staff members of the organisation
 Leadership: Leading project team from last 6 months
 Competent user of statistical analysis tools, Microsoft office applications and bespoke
packages.
Employment:
 Project leaders: Working as team leaders for proejects from last 6 months at XYZ hotel..
 Project assistance: As part-time job worked at uvw corporation in the duration 2016-
2017 and served responsibilities of preparing project strategies and implementing them
to achieve project targets.
Interview questions
For the designation of the manager post in a travel and tourism organisation following
interview questions can be asked:
 Describe yourself and why do you think we must hire you for our organisation?
 How much experience do you have in working as manager in tour and travel industry?
 Which factor do you think is the most challenging for the managers in tourism
industries?
 As a manager which managerial style would you like to prefer in our organisation and
why?
 Travel and tourism is rapidly changing organisation and what attempts have been taken
by you in your professional development in the same context?
Strength and weakness of interview process
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The interview process for the designation of manger post was very challenging and good
experience providing. The interview process was very organised and there was regular follow up
from the concerned authorities. Prior to in person interview, the interview panel discussed some
critical terms and conditions related to job so that only desired and most appropriate candidates
can undergo into process of final selection. However, I feel that the interview schedule and job
positive was not effective. The job description lacks several aspects. For instance in the job
description and requirements it was not mentioned that 5 years experience was a must. Due to
this many candidates were not included in the process at the last moment. The interview timings
were also not mentioned properly that approximately how long it will take so many candidates
were facing issues as they were supposed to fulfil their other personal commitments.
Challenges faced during interview
Due to interview fatigue and nervousness, I was not able to quickly understand the
questions and needs of interviewer. On the other hand, interview panel was making snap
judgements for each of the candidate. Thus, it was very challenging for me to have full faith and
confidence on my knowledge and to give answers appropriately. At some instances, my lack
experience also created barriers to understand the questions of authorities. To overcome these
challenges I can rehearse the interview sessions with my friends or family members. I can also
go through the possible interview questions so that I can become familiar with the possible type
of questions. It will help me to boost my confidence and to give answers confidently.
Reflection
The interview has given me great knowledge. There were huge number of candidates and
thus I learned that I must regularly focus on my professional development for leading ahead.
Interview process was completely unbiased and transparent. With this experience, I came to
know some real situations managers have to face and how such interview process analyse the
response of candidate by giving such practical case scenarios. Despite job description of the
interview lacks the details and proper structure of the interview process but follow up was very
effective. During the interview process I also come to know that how I analyse the situations and
my response during critical conditions.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above study that for enhancing the professional identity and
good career opportunities, professional development is the most effective tool. It has been
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analysed from the above discussion that assessment of individual's skills and various
competencies encourages the development approaches. Thus, it is very essential that professional
development plan must be prepared with in depth analysis and evaluation. It is also observed that
with the evaluation of personal skills individuals can excel in the interviews and other
professional aspects. It can also be concluded from the report that the reflective analysis of the
interview processes and other professional challenges helps individuals to analyse the various
obstacles and skills. It helps to improve the attributes which influence professional goals and
achievement.
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