Professional and Personal Practice: Reflections and SMART Goals

This report discusses the importance of personal and professional practices in academic life and provides reflections on their development. It also covers the significance of academic development and how to set SMART goals for professional development. The report includes four SMART goals for developing communication and leadership skills.

Personal and
professional practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................4
Reflection on professional development ...............................................................................4
Reflection on personal development......................................................................................5
Reflection of Academic development....................................................................................7
Write your 4 Professional Development Episodes as SMART goals....................................9
Appendix 1- Copies of weekly learning logs.......................................................................12
Appendix 2 PDP Development Episodes.............................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
The personal and professional practices are considered as two major crucial aspects of
business development which helps an individual to develop effective knowledge (Bossio, and
Sacco, 2017). All major individuals in the development of academic life should focus on
development of personal and professional practices for gaining growth. It is also the major
responsibility of major individuals to focus on development of different skills in the academic
life in order to lead the competition. The professional practice includes various tools and
techniques that are to be followed by an individual in order to lead the competition. It is one of
the major responsibility of a person in academic life to focus on personal and professional
practice for developing effectiveness in the career related life. All major plans associated with
personal development take into consideration effective strategies and planning frameworks
which are important for overall development. The professional practices and its development
also makes a person more dynamic in the career related life and supports him to develop a
dynamic personality. There are various approaches which helps in facilitating professional
practice in order to achieve desired results. This project includes a brief description and
reflection on professional development and personal development. The report also covers various
dimensions of academic development in order to make student more competitive at the
marketplace. This report also includes effectiveness and importance of professional practices in
order to develop competitive advantage in the life of an individual.

MAIN BODY
Reflection on professional development
I consider that professional development plan is considered as a major approach which is
essential for developing opportunities in the career related life. The professional development of
an individual is essential in order to prepare himself for career development. I also understand
that it is necessary for a candidate in academic life to focus on development plan and approach.
The planning and strategic framework should be developed by an individual in order to eliminate
risk associated with development (Boyle, 2020). I am having different set of skills which will be
helpful in development of my professional career based practices. In order to lead the
marketplace, it is essential for me to focus on development of more skills and techniques. I am
also actively involved in developing learning and knowledge related to professional career in
order to gain competency edge. According to me, there are different opportunities which are
available in the career field of management. I have selected business management as my career
option which will help me to manage a large organisation. According to me, professional
development based practices will also help me in increasing systematic approach in my career. I
will also help myself to overcome different issues and challenges that are arising in my career
related life. In order to deal with the challenges, it is essential for me to focus on my current
mental strength and learning power. In order to develop effectiveness in different tasks and
activities in personal life, it is important for an individual to follow focused approach.
I am also passionate and enthusiastic in personal life, this will help me increasing
competitive strength of myself. In the week 1 have learnt about development of occupational
choices which are essential in career based life. In the week 2, I have learned most crucial skills,
which are related to CV writing. In 2nd week, I also developed my interview skills which will
increase my interview based strengths. The crucial function of a person is to develop systematic
skills which are important for overall growth of a person. It is crucial for an individual to develop
learning skills for management of major practices related to growth and development. The
interview based learning skills developed a great enthusiasm and confidence in me which will
help me in professional life. In order to gain in career related life, I will use various tools and
techniques that will increase my potential. In 9th week, I learned knowledge related to work
context analysis for overall development of my intelligence. The 10th week was very important

for me, as I learned negotiation skills which are important for me in order to negotiate related to
different career based perspectives (Carr, 2018). The negotiation skills which learned during the
10th week will help me in increasing my core competitiveness. In the current scenario importance
of professional and personal practices is increasing in this academic world. The individual should
also develop effectiveness in different approaches in personal life to achieve different goals and
objectives.
Reflection on personal development
In my opinion personal development based plans and strategies helps an individual in
achievement of academic goals and objectives. It is also necessary for me to focus on personal
development and practices to grow myself in a specified manner. I am also dedicated and
passionate about my career planning, which is demanding for personal development based
approach (Casinader, 2018). All major academic institutions, teach the students related to
personal development plan for developing future strategic actions. This is also one of the major
role of an individual to follow rules and regulations developed by teachers for individual growth.
The personal development plan is also considered as a major approach which is helpful and
suitable in order to develop a focused approach for the future. Personal development plan is also
helpful in increasing the overall value of a candidate in academic life. I am dedicated to develop
and evaluate personal development plan based practices for strategic actions. I am also taking
help of personal development plan in order to develop social and ethical values. This is the
ethical duty of a student in academic life to focus on achievement of plans and policies with
support of teachers and professors. The main focus of development of different skills is helpful
in increasing the value of a candidate in academic life. This is the major role of a candidate to
also examine and test knowledge from time to time with the help of different tools and
techniques. In 11th week, I gained knowledge related to development of coaching skills which
will make me more competent. The coaching skills will also support me to develop mentor based
qualities in me for management and leadership related to others. I will take help from different
professors to increase my competitive strength in a set period of time.
In the personal development, I developed different skills which will be helpful in
increasing my competitive strength. The week 3 was related to teach us leadership skills in order
to develop self-focused approach. Self-leadership is also important for me to manage day to day
tasks and functions in academic life. In the learning related to leadership, I basically gained

knowledge related to management of major practices which are focused on increasing decision
making strength. I will also use these skills in my project work as this will help me development
of focused business approaches (Creaton, and Anderson, 2021). All major institutions focus on
development of self-leadership skills in order to make students more efficient. The week 1 was
related to development of assessment of skills which will be beneficial in increasing my
competitive strength. The week 4th was related to development of emotional intelligence which
was helpful in increasing mental strength. Emotional stability is the major requirement of a
student which is helpful in development of will power in the student. I will take advantage of
developing emotional stability in myself for growth and development of major objectives. Focus
and action are two major pillars which helps a person to achieve personal development based
practices in a set period of time. The different institutions also design and formulate key plans
and policies to facilitate personal development in the students (Brooks, 2020). The professional
development of effective skills helps an individual to remain more focused and competitive in
the organisational life for achievement of different milestones.

Reflection of Academic development
The academic development is considered as a major approach which is helpful for a
person to lead in academic life. This development based approach is helpful in increasing
potential of an individual to lead and develop at the marketplace in a short period of time.
Academic integrity is considered as a major concept which is helpful in increasing the overall
potential of a candidate. The academic development is major practice which is also supportive
for a student to overcome various issues and challenges. In the recent times due to increased
competition, the importance of academic development is increasing at a rapid pace. All major
academic institutions should focus on creating a value based development plan which is helpful
in development of systematic growth of the person (Dames, 2019). Discipline is considered as a
major approach which is essential in the academic life in order to maintain academic integrity.
The discipline is also considered as key approach which is beneficial for increasing the value of a
candidate. In the academic life, many individuals focus on development of principles and beliefs
which are ethical in nature. The strategic and planning framework is also essential in the
academic life for overall development of a student. It is also majorly important for an individual
to focus on implementation of a strategy with effective monitoring and supervision to lead the
marketplace (Downer, and Slade, 2019). This is the essential requirement of an institution to
develop different parameters of academic development in order to gain competitive advantage.
In order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a person in the academic life, it is crucial
for a person to focus on formulating personal development plan. Academic discipline is also
necessary for an individual in life as it creates ethical development. The academic integrity and
discipline must be maintained by different academic institutions to focus more on development
of short, medium and long term goals.
The learning which was gained by me during week 1 to week 7 helped me in increasing
my competitive value. Academic development is also one of the major area which is important to
be developed by an individual in order to develop systematic approach in institutional life. The
following weeks were also helpful in increasing my overall knowledge and experience related to
career based life. All weeks were supportive in development of crucial experience and discipline
related to academic life. I will also apply the knowledge gained during 1 to 7 weeks in my
professional and career related life. Learning and development based practices will also help me
in increasing the value of myself in academic life. Academic development is also compulsory for

a person in order to achieve various goals and targets related to institutional life. This is major
role of a candidate to also focus on development of academic integrity in order to facilitate all
round academic development. In the recent times, importance of academic development is also
increasing because of developing value of studies in institutional life. In the recent times, it is
important role of a person to focus on academic discipline for maintaining a clean image in front
of professors and teachers.

Write your 4 Professional Development Episodes as SMART goals
The SMART goals based approach helps an individual to develop systematic goals and
policies which are essential for future growth. The SMART goals are specific, measurable,
achievable, realistic and time bounded. In order to develop a major approach in SMART goals, it
is important for a student to set a specific time frame work (Hildebrand, 2018). All major
institutions should facilitate students in achievement of SMART goals for overall development
of a candidate. In the current scenario, many academic institutions focus on development of
SMART goals for long term growth of an individual. The SMART goals which are to be
developed by me are mentioned below:
 Communication skills- The communication skills are important part of development of a
dynamic personality of an individual. It is compulsory for a student in the academic life
to focus on development of communication skills for achievement of targets and
objectives. Communication skills are important for a person in order to develop effective
objectives. The communication skills are also supportive for a person in order to increase
coordination between different individuals. The communication skills are helpful in
development of an individual by increasing personality strength of the person. In order to
develop effective communication skills, it is major role of an individual to perform self
assessment (Ibieta, Hinostroza, Labbé, and Claro, 2017). Communication skills
development also includes different tools and techniques which are important for self
developed techniques and tools. To develop communication skills in an advanced
manner, it is very much important for an individual to focus on assessment from time to
time. Professional communication skills will also help an me to develop and achieve
future objectives and goals in a well defined manner. Digital technology tools are
considered as a major communication tools which are helpful in development of
communication in a short span of time. The effectiveness of communication is also
increased with the help of information and technology. Many individuals focus on
development of communication skills in order to lead the competition. In the recent
times, it is major role and responsibility of an individual to focus on developing
communication skills to also develop coordination.
 Leadership skills- Leadership skills are also important for a person in order to manage
large number of workforce. In the professional and personal development based

practices, it is important for a person to develop systematic leadership (Mertova, and
Webster, 2019). The leadership based operations and approaches are helpful in
increasing ruling power of a person. Leadership based democratic style is useful in
decision making in the professional career field. The democratic style of leadership is
also beneficial in increasing participation of team members. It is also a major role and
responsibility of a person to also develop operations based on situational leadership. All
major companies in the international and national marketplace should implement
situational leadership also for focused development based approach. In the development
of an individual, leadership skills are important for a person to make different judgement
based decisions on regular basis (Vanairsdale, 2017). The leadership skills are important
for an individual to focus more on management of team members. In situational
leadership, it is important for a person to lead other people using precise tools and
techniques that are developed. Choosing the appropriate leadership style is one of the
major responsibility of a person. The person or individual can choose from autocratic,
democratic and situational leadership in order to perform effectiveness in different
operations. The democratic leadership style is considered as best leadership approach
which is helpful in making decisions related to a specific problem. It is also essential for
an individual to focus on development of democratic leadership style in order to perform
key operations. The democratic leadership style majorly includes application of effective
approach in decision-making as it includes participation of subordinate team members.
 Getting good grades- It is my important aim in life to achieve good grades in my
academic assignment. I am also dedicated to perform well in my semester exams in order
to gain effectiveness. I will work hard and prepare myself for the competitive exams also
to enter the corporate world. I will take help from my seniors and respected professors to
overcome different weaknesses. In order to develop great mental ability, I will perform
assessment of my performance with the help of focused performance management
techniques (Molla, and Nolan, 2020). Getting good grades in my examinations in one of
the major SMART goal of mine. In order to achieve effectiveness in different operations
related to academics, I will also focus on management of studies with a fixed time table.
Time management is also my major priority which will help me to develop effective
approach related to upcoming examinations. It will help me in order to top different

competition based examinations, I will work very hard. This is one of my major SMART
goal, which will help me to develop sustainable practices related to preparation for an
examination. In the recent times, it is major role and responsibility of a candidate to focus
on development of key approaches which are desirable to fight a competitive exam.
Getting good grades is also one of my major goals as it will help me in making myself
more dynamic and competitive. It is also one of the key role of an individual to take into
consideration application of good grades in order to perform well in the examinations.
The primary objective of getting good grades is related to development of key approach
in professional life. It is also one of the major role and responsibility of an individual to
focus on developing major goals and objectives with help of professors and seniors.
 Decision making- In the academic life of an individual, decision making is considered as
a major technique to take main judgements. I will develop my leadership skills in a
precise manner for overall growth of self in order to gain effective growth. All the
decisions related to academic and professional life should be taken in a serious manner
for long term development of an individual. It is one of major duty of an individual to
focus on decision-making for overall development of the company (Ponikvar-Svet, and
Liebman, 2019). It is essential to develop focus on decision-making in order to evaluate
various measures for self growth. The development of decision-making is essential for
increasing managing power of an individual to focus on different practices. Decisions of
the self are also effective in order to develop focused growth and expansion of an
individual. In the decision-making of an individual, it is crucial to focus on strategic
actions that are helpful in increasing effectiveness of a person (Pugh, and Broome,
2020). In the academic life also, decision-making is considered as a major tool which is
helpful in increasing the management power of an individual. Decision-making is also
beneficial for an individual in order to lead the competition with primary focus on
problems. It is also essential for an individual to focus on development of major goals
and policies which are helping and supportive in decision-making. In the academic and
social life, decision-making plays an important role by developing key approaches related
to academics. It is major role and responsibility of an individual to develop focus on key
parameters of decision-making by taking support of colleagues and seniors.

Appendix 1- Copies of weekly learning logs
Weeks Learnings Application and Usage
Week 1 Decision-making The development of decision-
making skills will help me to
increase chances of making
crucial decisions in tough
times.
Week 2 Managerial skills Managerial skills will support
me to manage employees of an
organisation in a precise and
systematic manner.
Week 3 Time management The time management skills
will help me to perform key
tasks and functions on time.
Week 4 Leadership skills Leadership skills will help me
to improve my managing
approach to different
employees of an organisation.
Week 5 Critical thinking Increasing the critical thinking
skills will help me to improve
my ideology and provide
logical solutions to key
problems.
Week 6 Knowledge of information and
technology.
This will help me to improve
my competitive strength by
increasing chances of stability
and growth.
Week 7 Routine management Management of routine will
help me allocating time to my

day to day tasks.
Week 8 Communication skills This will support me in
improving my personality and
also establish well maintained
approach in making a
conversation.
Week 9 Coordination skills The coordination skills will
increase participation of
employees in the organisation
I am working for.
Week 10 Straight Talking The straight talking will make
my approach better in handling
key operations.
Week 11 Discipline and patience The application of discipline
and patience will help me to be
calm in crucial situations and
not to panic.
Week 12 Knowledge related to
academics
The development of
knowledge related to
academics will support me to
gain good grades in the
competition exams, that will
help in development of career.

Appendix 2 PDP Development Episodes
The personal development plan is considered as a major approach which is helpful in
development of an individual. In the development of an individual it is important to focus on key
growth and expansion approaches using a personal development plan (Goh, 2019). All major
aspects and dimensions of personal development plan are essential for a candidate to develop
desired personality. In the recent times, most of the academic institutions also focus on
development of a strategic framework which is essential for planning and growth. The main
focus of an individual should be on planning a major approach which is beneficial for growth of
academic endeavours. The planning related to personal development should be assisted by the
help and support of professors in order to lead the competition. All the major institutions focus
on development of a plan which is helpful in increasing the competitive strength. The planning
related to personal development should be systematic and precise in order to achieve desired
results in a set period of time (Hilary, and Trudi, 2017). Personal development plan is also
helpful in increasing the competitive value of a student by focusing on different skills. The
personal development plan is mentioned below:
Skills Time period Way of learning Advantages
Information and
technology skills
2 Months Watching online
videos
It will help in
increasing knowledge
related IT.
Coordination skills 4 Months Taking help and
support of seniors
This will improve my
team management
based approaches.
Routine management 3 Months Learning from Books
and Journals
The time management
skills will help me to
manage day to day
tasks with more
efficiency (Zwozdiak-
Myers, 2018).

Fund and money
Saving skills
6 Months Help and support of
professors and parents
This will help in
saving funds for future
Decision making 8 Months Guidance from
professionals.
It will increase my
decision making
ability.

CONCLUSION
From the above stated report it can be concluded that it is essential for a candidate in the
academic life to focus on personal and professional development. This project concludes role
played by personal development plan in order to make an individual self-effective in the
academic life. This report also concludes various methods which are developed by academic
institutions to support focused development of an individual. The above analysis concludes
effectiveness of strategic actions which are taken by a student to develop academic approach in a
set period of time. This report also concludes importance of developing major skills which are
helpful in overall development of an individual.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bossio, D. and Sacco, V., 2017. From “selfies” to breaking tweets: How journalists negotiate
personal and professional identity on social media. Journalism practice, 11(5), pp.527-543.
Boyle, K., 2020. Autonomy and the instrumental music teacher: negotiating culture in
professional practice. PRACTICE, 2(1), pp.50-67.
Brooks, C., 2020. Teacher identity professional practice and online social spaces. Geography
Education in the Digital World: Linking Theory and Practice, p.2.
Carr, D. ed., 2018. Cultivating moral character and virtue in professional practice. London:
Routledge.
Casinader, N., 2018. Transnational learning experiences and teacher transcultural capacity: The
impact on professional practice–a comparative study of three Australian schools. Intercultural
Education, 29(2), pp.258-280.
Creaton, J. and Anderson, V., 2021. The impact of the professional doctorate on managers’
professional practice. The International Journal of Management Education, 19(1), p.100461.
Dames, S., 2019. The interplay of developmental factors that impact congruence and the ability
to thrive among new graduate nurses: A qualitative study of the interplay as students transition to
professional practice. Nurse education in practice, 36, pp.47-53.
Downer, T. and Slade, C., 2019. Starting early: Using ePortfolios to prepare first year midwifery
students for professional practice. In Ensuring quality in professional education volume I (pp.
73-98). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Goh, A.Y.S., 2019. Rethinking reflective practice in professional lifelong learning using learning
metaphors. Studies in Continuing Education, 41(1), pp.1-16.
Hilary, C. and Trudi, N., 2017. Supervision and coaching: Growth and learning in professional
practice. Routledge.
Hildebrand, J., 2018. Bridging the gap: A training module in personal and professional
development. Routledge.
Ibieta, A., Hinostroza, J.E., Labbé, C. and Claro, M., 2017. The role of the Internet in teachers’
professional practice: Activities and factors associated with teacher use of ICT inside and outside
the classroom. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 26(4), pp.425-438.
Mertova, P. and Webster, L., 2019. Using narrative inquiry as a research method: An
introduction to critical event narrative analysis in research, teaching and professional practice.
Routledge.
Molla, T. and Nolan, A., 2020. Teacher agency and professional practice. Teachers and
Teaching, 26(1), pp.67-87.
Ponikvar-Svet, M. and Liebman, J.F., 2019. Structural Chemistry, the journal, the discipline,
bridge building, and our personal and professional practice. Structural Chemistry, 30(5),
pp.1549-1556.
Pugh, M. and Broome, N., 2020. Dialogical coaching: An experiential approach to personal and
professional development. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 72(3), p.223.
Vanairsdale, S., 2017. How specialty certification influences professional practice. JONA: The
Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(3), pp.129-130.
Zwozdiak-Myers, P., 2018. The teacher's reflective practice handbook: Becoming an extended
professional through capturing evidence-informed practice. Routledge.