Professional Development and Career Growth

This assignment provides a comprehensive examination of professional development in the workplace. It discusses the benefits of ongoing learning and self-improvement, as well as the tools and strategies available to support career growth. The analysis also includes a personal SWOT assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and a development plan for improvement.

Professional Identity and Practice

Table of Contents
.....................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................3
Importance of ongoing professional development and self guidance learning ...........................3
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................5
Assessing own skills, abilities and competencies and different range of learning and
development approaches..............................................................................................................5
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................8
Designing a personal development plan for improving the required skills.................................8
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................10
Demonstrating a range of service industry and transferable skills for a job application...........10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Professional development can be defined as professional training, up-gradation of
professional knowledge and formal education programs provided to the employees for
improving their existing knowledge and skills. This is beneficial for both employees as their
personality gets groom while on the other hand employers gains more efficiency in its operations
(Megginson and Whitaker, 2017). The present report will highlight the importance of personal
development for enhancing the career opportunities and expectations of Expat Explore Travel, a
tour operator in UK, have from its employers for the job of marketing executive. The study will
also cover the self-assessment of own skills by using techniques such as SWOT and preparing a
professional development plan. The assignment will outline job interview process and the
different obstacles in the process.
LO 1
Role of on-going professional development in Expat Explore Travel
The role of marketing executive in Expat Explore is planning, organising effective
marketing campaigns for selling the products of the company, handling customers, preparing
budgets and building marketing strategies for enhancing brand image of Expat Explore Travels.
Personal development and an act of self-improvisation helps significantly in shaping one's career
and provides with career opportunities. Personal development includes involvement of individual
in training, coaching, expertise knowledge, education all these things adds to the CV of a person.
Continuous development helps an individual to add more things in the career development plan
and analysing owns strengths and weakness(Professionalism and professional identity: what are
they, and what are they to you ,2018).
Continuous professional development leads to increase in self-esteem among the
employees of the organisation due to regular learning about new things and creating expertise
knowledge about a particular field (Stewart, 2014). This increase of self-confidence and great
knowledge about the related aspects of jobs. This makes the employees more competent which
opens many doors for career growth.
Benefits of on professional development to employers and employees in Expat Explore Travel
The various benefits of on professional development programs to employees are given
below:

 Increases competency: Continuous professional development helps in increasing
competency of the employees in the organisation. Rigorous training programs, updated
learning skills ensures development of individuals in Expat Explore which makes them
competent workforce. This ensures the efficiency of the employees as well as the
company (Nicholls, 2014).
 Motivates staff: Giving career growth and development motivates the employees in the
Expat Explore company. This motivates the staff of the organisation to work more
diligently and precisely and it acts as a self-motivator factor for the employees.
The various benefits of on professional development programs to employer are given below:
 Decreases employee turnover: Grooming individuals within the organisation by
providing them essential trainings and education ensures their growth in the company.
This leads in building loyalty factor in the minds of the employees of Expat Explore
Travels. Providing professional development and promotions helps the employer in
retaining its skilled and competent workforce(5 benefits of professional development,
2018).
 Rise in efficiency level: Professional development tools and promotions offerings
increases the efficiency level of the employees in Expat Explore Travel. Improved
performances of the individuals within the organisation gets improved by continuous
training, coaching and education regarding their respective jobs which all together
increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the travel company in terms of sales and
profitability (Dhar, 2015).
Expat Explore Travels ongoing professional development includes a training session for
its employees for building and improving their leadership skills for efficiently leading a tour.
(Moon, 2014).
Professional skills and competencies expected by the company and Evaluating self-skills
and competencies for the role of marketing executive in Expat Explore Travel:
Employer Expat Explore Travels expects several professional skills and competencies for
the job of marketing executive within the organisation which are given below:Problem solver:
Expat Explore Travels expects a marketing executive to be a well organiser of everything in the
company and applies different approaches of solving problems that arises at the workplace.

I am of the opinion that I am pretty good in solving problem efficiently and making it
looks easier. Making bookings of the meals for the clients, confirming with the tour inputs
suppliers etc., would not pose much problem for me while working as marketing executive of the
Expat Explore..Social media literacy: A marketing executive needs to be well aware of the
social media and its applications for effective marketing and promoting of the travel company
and for attracting target audience's attention on social media platforms such as Instagram,
Twitter etc.
I am adequately known to the applications of different social media platforms which
would be efficiently for use for marketing the products and services of Expat Explore.Good
business sense: A marketing executive must have good business sense for satisfying the optional
and dynamic demands of the Expat Explore for achieving its objectives(Marketing executive,
2019).
I could be an efficient facilitator and an executive with business sense because of my
good communication problem-solving and observation skills required for the job of marketing
executive.Resiliency: Expat Explore expects a marketing executive to be a peace maker and
resilient for creating and maintaining cordial and harmonious relationships with the different
stakeholders and for quickly arising from difficult situations in the organisation.
I can maintain healthy relationships with the staff and the clients of the company while
delivering my job as marketing executive.Willingness to learn: A marketing executive must
have the quality of continuous learning about the various aspects of business environment for
leading a tour and solving the emergency situations within the Expat Explore.
I have to furnish this skill for getting employed in the Expat Explore Travels by
continuously learning about the new and different aspects of the tourism.
Critically evaluating own skills and competencies for meeting Expat Explore requirements
The organisation requires a marketing executive to be good problem solver, must have
problem-solving skills, should have good business sense, must be aware of social media
platforms and its use and must have market research analysis skills for conducting surveys for
gathering data about the market such as tastes and preferences of target audiences, position of
competitors in the market etc.
In my opinion, I have pretty good sense of business for affecting the sales and
profitability of Expat Explore. My knowledge of social media and its use is quite sufficient for

conducting marketing campaign on different social sites for covering the masses. Ability of
continuous learning needs to be polished for developing a willingness of trying different things
as being a marketing executive in the company.
LO 2
Assessing own skills, abilities and competencies
Own skills are assessed by using the SWOT analysis model for identifying own strengths
and weaknesses and also for determining the opportunities and threats (Luft and Roughley,
2016). The analysis is given below:
Strengths:
 I have good oral and written communication skills which makes a desired candidate for
the role of marketing executive in Expat Explore.
 I am efficient at leading and managing people by providing guidance and suggesting
ways of making changes which makes me an efficient influencer.My interpersonal skills
are good which would help me in building cordial relationship with colleagues and
clients.
 I am a sort of creative person which would help me in designing marketing campaign
related materials such as preparing brochures, advertising through innovative ways etc.
Weaknesses:My time management skills are not that effective.
 Lack of understanding others perception is one of my weaknesses which makes me less
efficient while working in the team.
 Conflict resolution skills are not satisfactory.
Opportunities:
 There is scope of developing my career through this job role of marketing executive in
Expat Explore Travels.Opportunity of developing and grooming myself personally and
professionally in the company.
Threats:
 My lack of self-confidence during public speaking would be a major threat in my career
prospects.
 Stiff and intense competition from my peers is a matter of concern for me to think about
because I am scared of competing due to lack of self-confidence.

Different range of learning and development approaches
There are various learning and development approaches for understanding personal and
professional development process. The different theories are discussed below:
Kolb's experimental theory: This theory includes different stages in its learning cycle that are
learning, observing, conceptualization and active experimentation.
Illustration 1: Kolb's experimental learning cycle
(Source: Kolb's Learning Styles and Experiential Learning Cycle, 2017)
The first stage is of concrete learning which specifies an interaction with new situation or
interpretation of the existing experience in some different manner. Second stage emphasis on
reflective observation meaning self-observation by evaluating own performance. Third stage is
succeeded by abstract conceptualization which involve the conclusions drawn from the learning
or in simpler words, outcomes of the experience so interacted earlier. Last stage is implementing
the learning practically. This stage involves using the knowledge, skills and learning in real life
situations and see reactions of the applied learning in the situations.
Kolb's model also defines different learning styles such as accommodating, diverging,
converging and assimilating where learners either observes everything and then executes some
actions or they feel everything and then take actions.

Experimental learning: The learning theory is helpful in developing and improving the
weaknesses. This theory helps in building and polishing the critical thinking skills, quick and
analytical decision-making skills, etc. Experimental learning teaches applying the learning in the
outside world which provides more and deep insights of a particular situation. The other benefits
of this theory are that it improves the ability of indulging in lifelong observation and learning.
However, the Kolb's experimental learning theory is prone to some challenges which assist in
professional development. This is beneficial because practically involving in certain situation
helps in understanding strengths and weakness and boost individual personal as well as
professional development. The approach only considers fewer factors which affects the learning
behaviour of the people and it does not take into consideration wider aspects like social, mentally
dynamic aspects etc.
Other Approaches
Cognitive approach: This theory is about belief that people generally process the
information and tries to find the logic behind such information received. This theory can be seen
in problem solving, discussions etc. Cognitive theory enhances the level of knowledge within the
learner rather than just affecting the behaviour of the individual.
Constructive approach: This theory states that learners develops different perspectives
of all the things in its surroundings which are based on learners’ individuals encounter with
various circumstances (Overview of Learning Theories, 2018).
Importance of kolb's theory in personal and professional development My skills required for
the job role of marketing executive wants me to be a good communicator for effectively
promoting and marketing the products and services Expat Explore. Implication of Kolb's
experimental theory lets the learner to utilise the outcomes of the learning in the real-life
situations. Personal and professional development process involves planning, execution and
evaluation of professional development. This theory helps in learning about various things which
could be implied in the real circumstances. This becomes the implementation of learned skills
during the course of development process and lastly evaluating the skills so developed in me by
using this theory through asking recommendations and reviews from others about my change in
personality. Experimental learning would help in boosting my knowledge, confidence and better
understanding of the dynamic conditionals involved in the travel industry of UK.

LO 3
Designing a personal development plan for improving the required skills
There were some shortcomings I identified when applied SWOT technique for assessing
my strengths and weaknesses which were lack of time management inability of resolving
conflicting situations and team work.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Specific Areas to
be improved
Measurable attaining
objectives
Reliable
Strategies
Time
Time
management
skills
I found myself
short on some
time management
efficiency. I am
not able to
perform the given
task as per the
given deadlines.
Requires this
skill for
becoming an
efficient
marketing
executive in
Expat Explore
Travels which
specifically needs
these standard
skills and for
performing on
time and also
getting things
performed by
others in the
company on the
time.
I can achieve this
problem by taking
guidance from the
friends , peers and
family.
2 months
conflict resolution
skills
As it was seen in
the skills and
abilities required
by the company
Having this skill
would help in
becoming a
desired candidate
This shortcoming
can be achieved
by seeking
guidance from
2.5 months

for the role of
marketing
executive, a
leader must have
conflict resolving
skills for handling
different
conflicting
situations
peacefully and for
quickly settling
the disputes so
that my
performance do
not get hampered.
for the Expat
Explore Travels.
This
improvement in
my personality
would help in
making better
relationships with
the colleagues in
future by solving
their problems in
every scenario.
seniors, peers , by
evaluating the
performances of
the peers in the
industry and by
self-tutorial and
self-evaluation.
Public speaking I have several
issues regarding
public speaking
which I have
noticed since my
academic years. I
found it
challenging when
addressing some
point publicly.
Marketing
executive
requires this skill
essentially as a
leader have to
manage and
organise group of
people
This skill could be
achieved and
improved by
attending various
seminars relating
to this, attending
personality
development
courses which
helps in boosting
self-confidence,
self-learning and
experimenting this
skill in front of
my friends, family
1.5 months

and peers.
Team work Marketing
executives needs
to possess
management
skills like team
work in which
sometimes I fail
to understand the
perceptions of
other people
actually which
becomes a
hindrance for me
performing as
team member
effectively.
The company
looks for a
candidate who
understands
others and is
empathetic.
This will be
attained by
listening actively
and carefully what
the other person
wants to say. This
skill could also be
improved by
looking at the
seniors in the
company and
observing them in
the worst and best
situations.
2 months
LO 4
Demonstrating a range of service industry and transferable skills for a job application
Mock interview for the job role of Marketing executive
Interviewer: Tell me about yourself?
Me: I am Joseph Karl from London. I did my MBA in marketing from Greenwich University.
Interviewer: what do you know about this role and what is your understanding regarding this
profile?
Me: I understand that for being a marketing executive , a person needs to be very effective in
his communication , should be very creative in advertising the products and services of the
company and must posses quality of handling customers and attracting customers.
Interviewer: Why do you want this specific job?

Me : I think that I posses the qualities you are looking in a person for marketing executive role.
I also have done MBA in marketing because of which I am well aware of the theoretical aspects
of market and advertising concepts, techniques and practises.
Interviewer: What are the most significant skills you have learned in your college regarding
marketing profile?
Me: From my college leaning, I have known the importance of having effective communication
skills and which I have developed during my college days by actively participating in marketing
activities if the college.
Preparing and applying for a job of marketing executive in Expat Explore Travels
I am applying for the job of marketing executive in the Expat Explore Travels and
undertaking a job interview processed by the company. The of the organisation involves various
segments such as written test, vocal interview with the general manager of the company (Luft
and Roughley, 2016). The interview was conducted in the following manner:
 The manager started with the question asking about the background, education.
The interviewer went further asking about my knowledge regarding this sector.
 Why I wanted this job was interviewer's next question on the list.
 Management skills test were taken by providing a hypothetical situation.
Technical skills were tested through a test in which my accounting skills were
examined.
 Communication skills were then observed through a written test, and through
seminar-based activity.
 The interviewer then put his focus on my skills of handling pressure of
dissatisfied customers during the tour.
 There was a session where the interviewer asked questions very rapidly for
finding out my instincts and perceptions regarding different situations.
 Many general questions were also asked for checking out my general knowledge.
Reviewing the strengths and weakness of the interview process
From my encounter with the company's interview process, I found out some strengths
and shortcomings in their interview process which are discussed below:

Strengths:
 The general manager seemed very welcoming and undertook the whole interview process
with utmost generosity which helped me in getting comfortable in answering the
questions.
 The interview was more about the personality and not just about the degrees and
qualification.
 Whole process of the interview was very organised and the questions were well
structured.
 The interviewer was good in making me understanding the nature of the questions asked,
which showed that his communication skills were very sharp.
Weaknesses:
 I thought that the interviewer was not observant enough to gather additional information
about the interviewees.
 The interview process was more about the hypothetical situations and a lot of practical
questions were there. I think the information which is derived by such questions are not
very reliable because the person just imagines the scenario and answers it in the most
impressive way for getting the job, but in reality, if any such situations arises the
reactions of the people are different which they do not say when giving interview.
 Lots of unnecessary questions were asked which made the interview less effective, boring
and time consuming.
 Focussing too much on my weaknesses made me very nervous during the interview
process.
 There were disturbances from the staff of the company during the interview which made
me lose my concentration.
Evaluating the job interview process
The job interview was structured and organised but there were some difficulties that
needs to be worked upon for becoming efficient as a marketing executive (Megginson and
Whitaker,2017). Th major problem was during technical round which tested my academic skills
such as preparing expenditure plans for a tour, estimating costs of different component of a tour,
etc. I need to sharpen my accounting skills for making a tour expenses balances and well
managed which could be improved by taking accounting lessons and by thorough practise of it.

The interview was about the additional skills like knowledge of various languages which
helps in communicating with the different types of clients. My knowledge regarding different
languages needs to be more for furnished and which could be developed by attending different
language courses available. I became way too nervous during the hypothetical situations
questions and provided the vague and not very clear answers to the interviewer which was the
challenge I have to work on. This could be overcome by becoming more self-confident, reading
out more, knowing more about everything because having vast knowledge helps an individual to
feel self-confident and it enhances the self-esteem of the person.
Assessment of own abilities during the interview process
From my interview session with the Expat Explore Travels, I have identified several
strong and weak points which are given below:
 I was good in communication and my interactions with the manager and other
interviewers went well.
 To a large extent, I was able to provide the most realistic answers to the hypothetical
questions which showed that I have good situations handling skills and problem-solving
skills.
 My management skills are efficient for the role of marketing executive.
 I presented myself with good confidence during the interview process which helped me
in answering the questions appropriately.
However, I also identified my weak points during the interview sessions such as:
 My confidence level got shaken up when the unusual hypothetical questions were asked
by the interviewer.
 I found the technical round tough and my weakness in technical skills was highlighted.
 My time management skills were not satisfactory which also I discovered during my
interview session as I could not the written test on time.
 Lack of proper attention I noticed as my weakness during the interview process.
CONCLUSION
From the above project report, it has been summarised that personal and professional
development helps in the growth of the individuals and also proves beneficial for the employers.
The ongoing professional development and promotions tools and options opens various career
growth opportunities for the employees within an organisation and motivates them to work hard.

The project report also focussed on the assessment of my own skills through SWOT analysis
which showed that I have some strengths which could help me in future for my career
development and also some weaknesses which I need to overcome for becoming efficient and for
which a development plan was constructed in the report.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Luft, T. and Roughley, R., 2016. Engaging the Reflexive Self: The role of Reflective Practice for
Supporting Professional Identity Development in Graduate Students. In Supporting the
Success of Adult and Online Students. CreateSpace.
Stewart, C., 2014. Transforming professional development to professional learning. Journal of
Adult Education. 43(1). pp.28-33.
Nicholls, G., 2014. Professional development in higher education: New dimensions and
directions. Routledge.
Megginson, D. and Whitaker, V., 2017. Continuing professional development. Kogan Page
Publishers.
Moon, J., 2014. Short courses and workshops: Improving the impact of learning, teaching and
professional development. Routledge.
Dhar, R. L., 2015. Service quality and the training of employees: The mediating role of
organizational commitment. Tourism Management. 46. pp.419-430.
Online
5 benefits of professional development. 2018. [Online]. Available through
<https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/resources/pdc/5-benefits-of-professional-
development/>
Kolb's Learning Styles and Experiential Learning Cycle. 2017. [Online]. Available through
<https://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html>
Marketing executive. 2019. [Online]. Available through <https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-
profiles/marketing-executive>
Overview of Learning Theories. 2018. [Online]. Available through <https://gsi.berkeley.edu/gsi-
guide-contents/learning-theory-research/learning-overview/>
Professionalism and professional identity: what are they, and what are they to you. 2018.
[Online]. Available through <http://www.amsj.org/archives/6294>