Developing Academic & Professional Skills: Challenges & Action Plan

This report provides an overview of professional and academic skills development, highlighting the challenges faced by students, the importance of these skills for career advancement, and a proposed action plan for improvement. The report emphasizes the development of critical thinking, data synthesis, self-awareness, communication, teamwork, and computer skills. Challenges discussed include adjusting to new environments, managing organizations, scheduling, conflict management, and balancing academics with training. The importance of these skills lies in increased retention, self-assurance, effectiveness, and succession planning. The action plan includes strategies for developing research and critical thinking skills with specific timelines. The report concludes that both academic and professional skills are essential for achieving superior results and managing stress, leading to increased productivity and control over one's academic and professional life. References to relevant academic literature are also included.

PROFESSIONAL AND
ACADEMIC SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
◦ Introduction
◦ Challenges
◦ Importance
◦ Action plan
◦ Conclusion
◦ References

Introduction
◦ Critical thinking, data synthesis, self-awareness and reflection, oral and written communication,
teamwork, use of computer programmes, occupational awareness, and networking are just a few of the
academic and employability abilities that students will be able to develop.

Challenges
 Finding new friends and adjusting to a new environment.
 Dealing with professional challenges.
 Managing the functioning of an organisation.
 Business management.
 Scheduling.
 Professional conflict management.
 Learning to operate in a team.
 Balancing academics with training.
 Expenses.

Importance
• Increase Retention
• Increase the self-assurance and believability
• Greater effectiveness
• Re-energizing the workforce
• Simplify succession planning

Action plan
Skills Summary Action Time period
Research skill It is required in academic
and professional career.
 Internet
 Talk to seniors
 Read books
3 months
Critical thinking It is required for critical
thinking process in order to
develop for professional
career skill.
 Make decisions
 Start reading
books
2 months

Conclusion
◦ The above-mentioned report leads to the conclusion that a person needs both academic and professional
talents in order to provide superior results. By developing all of one's study skills, one can feel more in
control of their academic work, be more organised, and be more equipped to handle new problems as
they progress through their degree. Stress is the largest enemy of effective study, yet it can be lessened by
feeling in control. People can improve their proficiency at what they do by focusing on their professional
skills. They have a clear, attainable goal to strive for. Productivity rises over time as professional skill
levels rise.

References
◦ Asonitou, S. and Hassall, T., 2019. Which skills and competences to develop in accountants in a
country in crisis?. The International Journal of Management Education, 17(3), p.100308.
◦ Blakemore, T. and Agllias, K., 2019. Student reflections on vulnerability and self-awareness in a
social work skills course. Australian Social Work, 72(1), pp.21-33.
◦ Majid, S., Eapen, C.M., Aung, E.M. and Oo, K.T., 2019. The Importance of Soft Skills for
Employability and Career Development: Students and Employers' Perspectives. IUP Journal of Soft
Skills, 13(4).

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