Developing a Personal Action Plan for Professional Career Growth

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PROFESSIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Understanding the knowledge and skills that contributes for working in an effective manner......2
Understanding based on personal strengths and weaknesses along with the areas regarding
further development.........................................................................................................................4
Readiness of the skills for employment...........................................................................................5
Establishment of the employment goals..........................................................................................6
Professional Career Development...................................................................................................8
Development related to personal action plan.................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13
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Introduction
Professional career development can help an individual to enhance the skills and knowledge that
can be helpful for the person in self assessment and career exploration. It can help in fulfilling
the work life by gaining knowledge in various aspect of professional career. Professional career
development can help in long term goals in career with the help of anticipation and acquiring the
skill set that are necessary. Professional career development can also be obtained with the help of
experience that a person can gain in professional life. The study describes the skills and
knowledge that can help the person to strengthen the personal life and achieving the employment
goals. The study also highlights the action plan for an individual's development in professional
career.
Understanding the knowledge and skills that contributes for working in an effective
manner
There can be several skills and knowledge that contributes for a person to enhance the
professional career in an influential manner. In the modern world both the employees and
employers have realized that educational qualification is not sufficient for a person to succeed in
the professional career. I have observed that there are list of skills and knowledge this is essential
to acquire which can help me to be efficient in my professional development plan. The following
are the skills and knowledge:
Communicational Skills: According to Ahmad (2016), it is the most vital skill that a person
needs to acquire in the professional life. Efficient communication can help the person to be
eligible for various job roles like human resource managers and other such type of roles. In fact
communication can be useful in all the professional careers. According to me proper
communication can be helpful in interviews as it can help to express the ideas and manners in a
significant manner. I have also observed that communication skills is not only limited to
communicating verbally but also includes written communication. In professional life most of
the communication that is performed is with the help of written communication. Therefore,
communication skill is the most important skill that can help me to develop my professional
career.
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Analytic and Research Skills: Another most significant skill that is essential for a person is the
problem solving skills. These skills depend on both knowledge and experience. This skill can be
developed in person by dealing with issues that may come across the way of work life (Cegielski
and Jones-Farmer, 2016.). I have determined that this skill may differ from one person to
another. Gaining expertise in these skills is not very tough. These skills are generally present in
team leaders who lead the ways from the front. According to me these skill can help me to
flourish in being statistician, market researcher, operational researcher and other such jobs.
These skills can be helpful in dealing with several issues and resolving these issues in an
effective manner.
Flexibility and Adaptability: In professional career it may happen that a person has to deal with
multiple projects at the sometime or may have to work for more hours than usual. As opined by
Adams, (2015), employees need to be flexible with the services they perform or for the hours
they work for the organisation. According to me, being adaptable in the workplace has become
one of the rime duties for an employee. This can help the person to enhance the skills and also
earn good reputation. These skills can determine the commitment of an individual from the
company and can help to progress in the career in a more significant manner. I have learned that
these particular skills are the most essential for being the part of sales team or advertising team
of a company. These skills can also help me to acquire jobs in marketing or event management
where the skill of being flexible and adaptable is well appreciated.
Interpersonal abilities: In order to work in organisation it is very important to be a team player.
Able to work with others in a project and helping them to overcome the problems they are facing
is very critical in the modern world for career development (Tanyel et al., 2017). Building
relation with other employees and being friendly with the managers can leaders can help me to
enhance my career in the long run. Also working in a group and dealing with the client’s needs
effective interpersonal skills for a person. Interpersonal skills can help, me to acquire jobs as a
customer service representative, receptionist, teacher and other such jobs where these types of
skills are required in a person.
Leadership and management skills: This skills nowadays are not only limited to managers and
leaders. Managing people is a very critical skill which can be helpful to inspire other employees
in the workplace. Also leading the employees is not an easy task to perform as it involves in
making decision for the group (Bolden, 2016). I have observed that management and leadership
can provide advantage in the modern world. This skill are not usually required in the starting
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phase of the career but can be essential s person starts to grow in the professional career world.
These skills can help me to become a leader or manager in any organization in the future.
I have determined that limiting the knowledge only to educational qualification is not sufficient
in the modern world. Organisations have been innovating in its operation and services that
require them skilful employees who can help them to bring such transformation Also in this
highly competitive world it is very vital to acquire certain skill set that can help me to develop in
my personal career. The above mentioned skills can be developed or talent with the help of
several course that is available in the market. Some of the skills can be enhanced by experience
and knowledge that I get with passing of time. These skills can help me to develop my career so
that I can be eligible to get jobs in all industries. These skills can help me to build potential so
that I can get employed easily by any organization.
Understanding based on personal strengths and weaknesses along with the areas regarding
further development
As a graduated candidate I am in search of job. To get a job a person has to be diligent,
ambitious and attentive. Good communication skill, assertiveness and analytical research skill is
my strength which is not sufficient for getting a desirable job. To convey my thoughts and ideas
to my co-workers communication is most important by which the information about the task and
the methods can be cleared. Assertiveness is one of the most important characteristics an
employee can have. This is used to stand up for oneself or for other without being aggressive so,
this would have been proved as strength for me. To acquire the goal i have to be transparent to
my leader or to my co workers. In that case communication is the best way to do that thing in
order to achieve the goal. Assertiveness is another strength of mine which could have been
proved a benefit to be a good employee as well as it can help me to be a leader or manager in
future. One of the important skills an employee has that the skill of analytical research. This skill
means the person is skilled in problem solving. This skill is mainly based on experience and
knowledge. Whatever the situation arise in the workplace or in my individual work could have
been resolved by my knowledge. If I have experience in work then this would have been more
beneficial for my future.
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Besides all the strength I also have some weaknesses like time management, flexibility and
adaptability. To acquire a successful professional life a person needs to be flexible, adaptable and
can have a great time management power. In a working phase I have to be flexible according to
my work. In some places working hours can be fluctuated and we have to work for long hours. In
that case I would not be able to work like those places. Another important characteristic is to
have adaptability which helps a person to work in different environment from his own
environment. This can be easier for the people who go for work in a different place. In that case I
would not be able to adapt the working environment. The most important and effective quality of
an employee is the time management power. To work in a methodical way or to achieve a goal I
have to be cautious about my time management. I have to develop all the weakness o9f me to be
employed. Like if I want to learn about time management then i have to practice my work more.
To develop the problem of flexibility and adaptability I have to give some time and have
patience to be accustomed in the new environment. The weaknesses should not be an obstacle to
achieve the goal in our life. We have to develop our weakness and try to use our strength in
positive way.
Readiness of the skills for employment
Professional development helps to advance in career and comes in form of professional learning
that involves the internships and coursework or informal learning (Noe et al., 2017). Everyone
gets benefited from the development of such professional skills. As an employee most of the
professional development focuses on the setting of personal professional target and setting the
training given by organization to good use (Sabanci et al., 2016).
Suitable communication proficiency in the workplace is needed for me to express my will to get
the project, keep my team motivated and work well with my colleagues. It may also improve my
work productivity in workplace. Implementation of my communication skill may help to reach
people to me and also to point out my faults in workplace. In turn this may helps to dissolve my
own professional problems and also the problems of others. This can be a positive approach for
me regarding my employment. It could help me to provide stronger partnership, advanced team
morale. My analytical skill may be appreciated as it is high in demand in case of employment. It
is a commonly required skill of an organization. It may help me to analyze complex issue, make
fair decision, and also provide easy solutions. It may help me to quickly identify the relationship
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between cause-effect. So this skill of mine might be beneficial to understand what is happening
at the time of problem solving approach. It is a noticeable skill of mine that could position me in
an organization of a better position. The trial and error approach could allow me to find the way
towards solutions. It is a key skill of any position so I can cash this approach to get a respective
employment.
The culture of work is changing day by day so in this situation the employers seeking for
graduates who is quite adaptable to this changing environment and circumstances and embrace
new ideas. In this regard I am a suitable candidate due to my adaptability. I can thrive myself on
unexpected change and enjoy that change as normal routine task. Hence it cannot be a big deal
for me to cope with harsh environment of organization. My interpersonal skill can make the
difference among the competitors to provide me a desirable opportunity in an organization. This
is the sort of skill that comprises with the behaviour and qualities of me to exhibit while
interacting with the people. My attitude and body language towards recruiter may affect to get
chances of employment. My strategic thinking might help me to develop a vision where I wanted
to be. My future planning helps me to plan for the achievement of goal. These could be a very
positive approach in respect of section during a recruitment process. Finding proper people and
motivating them for work is also be included in my skill. My persuasion and influence may
encourage the people of a organization to reach the goal by depicting its advantages. These
attributes can make eligible to get a decent position in an organization.
Establishment of the employment goals
Development and career planning enable the people to choose their career and make conversion
between the career and the development of technical and professional skill and knowledge. By
analyzing personality, sustainability and aspiration anyone can start the process of establishing
the goals of employment and career development. By setting the employment goals it typically
includes deciding what kind of knowledge and skill we have to develop, setting salary objectives,
identifying the need for being stable.
Specific
Employment goals mainly describe the specific areas anyone want to chase. With the help of
using resources related with industrial organizations, we can achieve specific training,
certification of exams and education to complete to take. It is necessary to specify the goals and
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also ensure that strategic planning is done in order to establish the organisational goals in an
effective manner. This can help the organisation to synchronise their organisational proceedings.
Measurable
To get the desirable result of the career development measurable employment goals have been
implemented. For example, in a company getting feedback on the qualities of leader from the
manager, co-workers and customers will enable me to analyze my success and adjust my career
development way depending upon the outcomes. Additionally, it is also necessary for the
management of an organisation to ensure that the strategic planning done is beneficial towards
achievement of the organisational objectives. The employees might get motivated if their needs
and requirements are fulfilled by the management. This can also result in enhanced productivity
of the company.
Attainable and realistic
Employment goals should be realistic and attainable. By setting attainable primary goals, such as
finding job in a different country, editing in a magazine, getting a promotion in the work, we set
a direction which is clear. If the goals of achievement cannot be obtained because of the
circumstances which are not in our control, we might get abandoned and discouraged about our
career development.
Time-bound
It is necessary for the employees to ensure that the objectives that are set are achieved on time. It
is furthermore also necessary to be time-bound as this can help the organisation to achieve their
goals on time. As a successful employee, I can define the phases of my chosen career. For an
instance, I can enquire to my manager about the job responsibilities related to a fresher, after one
year and within five years, to ensure appropriate organisational culture and procedures. This can
also help an organisation to achieve their goals on time and thus, this can also help them to
synchronise their tasks and operations. Being time bound can prove effective for the
organisation. For instance, if management of XYZ organisation caters to set goal for future
aspects, this can help the management to develop their operations that are about to be conducted.
Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that the employees are engaged into regular activities that
can help them to enhance their organisational culture and also develop the workforce. As per my
opinion, it is necessary to set time limit through which I am able to achieve my organisational
goals in an effective way.
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Professional Career Development
Professional career development plan is a list of short-term and long-term goals that employees
set to their current and future jobs. These goals must be linked to each employee’s potential and
strength (Davis, 2015). Professional career development can help to progress in the professional
career. The purpose of professional career development is to help and assist employees in
achieving their goals. In this way, the organisation can help the employees to make a successful
professional career and as well as increases the possibilities of retaining the employees. Short-
term development and growth are supported by the supervisors and the managers of the
organisation. The professional career development plan also helps the employees to set realistic
expectations of career development and identify certain areas where the employees need to
improve and develop.
There are some steps to set a career development plan for the employees of an organisation.
Discussions and plans about the growth must focus on two dimensions. These are, specific
technical and functional expertise. The organisation provides formal training, local assignment,
mentoring, external education and many more. Organisations discuss with employee for any
relevant resources that may help to implement the plan in order to achieve defined goals. Other
people can be included who could supervise and monitor the progress.
Skills Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Time
bound
Communicati
onal Skills
As I lack in
confidence,
hence, I need
to improve
my
communicati
on skills
through
which I can
develop in
the
Yes, it is
measurable.
Communicati
on skill can
take into
account the
qualities of
listening and
can also
enhance the
non verbal
Yes, it is
achievable.
Enhancement
of this
respective
skill can be
done through
regular and
deliberate
practice
Yes, it is
realistic.
Communicatio
n is the vital
aspect for
development
of an
organisation. It
helps the
management to
perform in
This may
take around
6 months.
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professional
as well as
personal
areas. For this
reason, I have
enrolled in a
spoken
english
course that
can help me
with
improving the
particular
skill.
communicati
on. It can also
provide with
certain
amount of
confidence
for
communicati
ng with the
other people
in an
appropriate
manner.
organising,
planning,
controlling.
So, it is
essential to
have a good
communicatio
n skill.
Analytic and
Research
Skills
It is
necessary for
me to
understand
the necessity
of developing
analytical and
research
skills. This
can help me
enhance my
skills in terms
of research
and acquiring
appropriate
information
Yes, it is
measurable.
Analytic and
research skill
can help to
solve the
issues and it
can help to
flourish in
being market
researcher,
operational
researcher,
statistician.
Yes, it is
achievable.
This skills
can be
achieved
through
analytical
knowledge
and practice.
Yes, it is
realistic.
Analytical and
research skill
helps to
identify the
issues, gather
informational
resources,
evaluate the
resources for
quality and
finally come
up with an
effective
solution.
This may
take around
a month to
learn.
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and data
Flexibility
and
Adaptability
I feel that I
can prepare
my mind to
adjust in
every
situation.
Hence, I am
pretty flexible
and adaptable
in my
workplace
which is
important.
No, this skill
is not
measurable. It
is a mindset
that every
person should
have in their
respective
field. This
skill
determines
the
commitment
of an
employee in
the
organisation
which may
lead to their
progressive
professional
career.
Yes, it is
achievable.
Flexibility
and
adaptability is
a state of
mind. It
cannot be
learnt through
knowledge or
practice. It
can be gained
by being calm
and focused.
Yes, it is
realistic. As an
employee, it is
a duty for a
person to obey
the rules and
regulations of
the company.
The person
should be
flexible with
the time
because
sometimes that
person has to
stay more
hours in the
office due to
work pressure.
This cannot
be predicted.
Interpersonal
abilities
As I lack in
confidence in
communicati
ng with
others, I has
to face some
difficulties to
Yes, it is
measurable.
Interpersonal
abilities can
take into
account the
qualities of
It is
achievable.
Enhancement
of this skill
can be done
through
deliberate
It is realistic.
In order to
work in a
company, an
employee
needs to have
the ability of
It may take
around 6
months.
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deal with the
client or
business
personnel. I
need to
improve my
communicati
on skills to
enhance my
interpersonal
abilities.
dealing with
others
confidently
and this can
help to
acquire jobs
as customer
care
executive,
receptionist
and many
more.
practice. dealing with
the clients,
customers and
business
personnel. This
skill can also
help to work as
a team.
Leadership
and
management
skills
I feel that I
have the
leadership
quality. But,
there is
always room
for
improvement
and I need to
improve my
management
skill in order
to make
progress of
my
professional
career.
It is
measurable.
Leadership
and
management
skills can take
into account
of the
abilities of
leadership
which may
help to
acquire jobs
as manager,
team leader
and many
more.
Yes, it is
achievable.
Enhancement
of the skill
can be done
with the help
of skill
development
courses and
proper
grooming
classes.
Yes, it is
realistic. In
order to get the
managerial
post in a
company, it is
essential to
have
leadership and
management
skills and
abilities.
It may take
around 6
months
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