Developing Academic Skills: A Personal and Professional Growth Plan

This report defines personal and professional development, emphasizing the value of short, medium, and long-term goals in both personal and professional contexts. It highlights how a Personal Development Plan (PDP) aids in self-reflection, skill enhancement, and career advancement. The report discusses the significance of academic skills, such as research and communication, for academic success and lifelong learning. It provides personal examples of goals and underscores the importance of PDP in achieving self-actualization, discovering purpose, and building confidence. Ultimately, the report concludes that personal and professional development are crucial for career growth and overall success, facilitated by goal setting and strategic planning.

Academic Skills and
PDP

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
Define the concept of personal and professional development.......................................................3
Describe and discuss the value of short term goals along with identifying three personal
examples..........................................................................................................................................4
Describe and discuss the value of medium term goals along with identifying three personal
examples .........................................................................................................................................5
Describe and discuss the value of long term goals along with identifying three personal examples
..........................................................................................................................................................6
Describe and discuss the value of a personal development plan.....................................................6
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................7
REFERNCES:..................................................................................................................................8
Books and Journals:....................................................................................................................8
Appendix : 1.....................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
The term PDP is an acronym for personal development plan which is concerned with the
process by which an individual reflect upon their skills, competencies, attributes and
achievements that help in planning for future with regards to the personal, academic and career
development. PDP helps students in several ways such as recognising one's strengths and
weakness, become more effective in monitoring and reviewing their progress and improve their
employability through self reflection. Academic skills or sometimes also referred to as study
skills or study strategies are those habits and talents that is beneficial for academic pursuit such
as research, report writing and presentations (Donaldson and et. al., 2020). Theses skills are
essential for the success in academics and considered significant for acquiring good grades and
beneficial for the learning through out the entire life. Some of these skills are analysis, social,
planning, test taking and technical and communication skills. The further report discuss the
concept of personal and professional development and value of short, medium and long term
goals in the personal and professional development of the students.
Define the concept of personal and professional development
The term personal development is applicable to the life of a person which encompasses
several activities which is aimed at developing or enhancing the potential and capabilities of a
person such as improving employment skills,increasing consciousness, and building wealth.
Personal development helps in facilitating employability, building human capital and enhancing
the quality of life along with realization of one's dreams and ambitions. Personal development is
associated with those skills which are essential in obtaining the desired results both in the job
role a person is performing and life in general. It helps in enhancing the abilities and capabilities
of a person both in and out of the working place (McMorran and Ragupathi, 2020). Personal
development may take place during the entire course of one's life span and is not limited to the
one stage of a person's life, thereby it is an ongoing process. It encompasses both formal and
informal actions intended for developing others in the role such as manager, mentor, guide,
counsellor, coach or teacher and therefore it is not restricted to self help. In the context of
workplace, personal development takes place via methods, programmes, tool and techniques
designed to provide support to the positive personal development at workplace. With the help of
through understanding of what are the desired and aspiration and ways to achieve them, best

suitable skills can be developed as a way of solution or the personal development. Some of the
examples of personal development are time management, complex problems solving, decision
making and communication skills.
On the other hand professional development only takes place in the context of working
life of a person as it is concerned with the developing one self entirely in the job role with the
aim for understanding the work profile and optimising productivity (Carlson, Hackathorn and
Parent, 2021). Professional development facilitates development or enhancing the necessary
skills and core competencies in order to work efficiently as much as possible. These skills will
add value to one's career development and will assist in getting future employment. It is the
process through which the employer provide necessary training and development to their
workforce so that they are competent and productive at the same time. It can take place within
the working place by observing other experts while performing their job role or by other outside
organisation. Professional development sometimes also referred to as staff development as it
helps in attracting higher quality and productive workforce and boost the employee's morale.
Examples of professional development are: Learning new HR policies and practices, financial
budgeting, marketing planning and ICT skills.
Describe and discuss the value of short term goals along with identifying three
personal examples
Short term goals provide the linkage between where we are now presently and where we
want to be in future as per the set vision (Fraiberg and Elazar, 2020). Short term goals are
specific, measurable, and attainable goals that helps the person in making progress towards the
long term goals in short span of time, with a series of steps such as within a week, month or a
couple of months. These goals are essential in pursuing long term goals as it keeps the person
focused, exited and motivated in present and builds confidence to move in the certain path.
Theses goals are defined as something that a person wants to achieve sooner and are measurable
in nature which assist in providing right direction, clarity and focus. Short term goals can be
achieved in a short span of time which help the individual in building capabilities and confidence
to realise their big dreams. It is one of the significant method to avoid procrastination, minimise
distractions and increasing commitment towards big goals.
My short term goals are mentioned below:

 Get enrolment in the fitness programmes to keep my body fit, healthy and well
maintained.
 I want to reduce the number of cigarettes consumed in a day.
 My another short term goals is to enhance writing and speaking skills so that I can
communicate well both in workplace and real life.
 Establish morning routine so that I feel organised, fresh and motivated for the entire day
(Estorilio and Bessa, 2020).
Describe and discuss the value of medium term goals along with identifying
three personal examples
Medium terms goals are define as the goals which are only attainable only after a
sequence of short term goals. Compound of medium term goals forms a long term goals which
act as a half way journey from where we started and where we need to end. Medium term goals
taken little much time as compared to short term goals and are attainable within a period of six
month or a year. Value of mid term goal is that it allow us to check the progress towards the long
term goals and identify whether the chosen path is still heading towards the long term goals or
they is need to make some necessary changes to the plan. Medium term goals are also essential
in building the confidence and boosting the self esteem of a person as it is like a rewarded
journey where a person feel motivated and confident with the journey covered. Medium term
goals helps the person in staying focused and motivated towards their to a long term vision and
helps in evaluating the progress made (Molope and Oduaran, 2020).
My personal medium term goals are:
 My first medium term goal is finish my driving test and obtain a certified driving license.
 I want to get enrolled in certified English Essay writing course in order to improve my
writing skills in nine months.
 I want to reach the house deposit target within two year.
 Another medium term goal is to attain my fitness goals prepared at initial level.
Describe and discuss the value of long term goals along with identifying three
personal examples
Long term goals are the something that are attainable in a future course of time and serve
as the vision or final destination of the journey chosen by the individual towards realization of

dreams, ambitions and desires. Long term goals are crucial for getting success in career and for
the improvement of self. Long term goals keeps the person motivated, committed and focused as
these goals serves as the reason to strive for (Arioglu, 2020). Long term goals requires extensive
amount of time and planning skills as these goals are not attainable in a short span of time but
they lasts for several years. Having these goals an individual can shape the direction of their
career and personal life. Sometimes these goals seems to be difficult to reach thereby these
goals can be attained with a series of small steps which are called as short term goals. By
converting long term goals into steps of small milestones, long term seems to be realistic and
easy to reach as these stepping stones serves as the medium to boost motivation and confident of
the individual.
My personal long term goals are:
 Over a period of five years I want to buy my own personal house.
 I want to complete my certified business management course for which I enrolled earlier
within three years.
 In future course of time I want to start a business venture.
 At the end of two years, I want to repay the loan amount due with complete interest
(Chang and Suparmi, 2020).
Describe and discuss the value of a personal development plan
A well written personal development plan is prepared by the learners or working
professional on account of improvement and self-reflection. Personal development plan is also a
detailed action plan prepared with the aim of attaining goals made for developing or enhancing
the skills of a person. This plan is made only after assessing one's strengths, core competencies
and areas of improvement that in turn helps in realising persona, career and academic goals. It
encompasses several activities that enhance learner's talents, employability, capabilities, skills
and ability to convert their dreams into reality and generation of wealth. There are several
benefits associate with the personal development which are aimed at providing overall
development into the life of person and enhance their way of living. Personal development plan
helps an individual in attaining self actualisation which is one of the significant attributes of
attaining personal growth through achievement of specific needs in one's life (Salgado-Cacho,
Moreno-Jiménez and de Diego-Otero, 2021). Another significant aspect of the personal
development plan is that it helps in discovering the intended purpose of life. Many people

struggle with searching for their meaningful purpose in life which can be clearly identified by
self reflection and identify the areas of improvements and take necessary steps to improve the
skills and ability. Personal development helps the person in visualising vividly the what he
actually wants from life or getting a clear idea of the vision and identify the
best suitable way to fulfil that vision. A clear vision provides the right direction and path to be
followed in order to make the dreams come true. Overall personality development is crucial for
achieving the success and goals in life and personal development plan contribute directly in
building effective and positive personality of a person by developing some of the most
significant skills. Some of the benefits which contribute towards overall personality development
through personality development plan are build confidence, communication skills, improved
overall demeanor and health brainstorming (Lakhal and Meyer, 2020).
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it has been analysed that overall personal and professional
development contribute directly towards the career growth and success in life. Personal and
professional development consists of several activities which are designed and aimed at
improving the skills and competencies of a persona which is beneficial throughout the entire life
span of one's life. Additionally, in the report it has also been revealed that making short term and
long term goals in life helps the person in identifying meaningful purpose of his life and helps in
creating path for the individual in order to generate desired results and outcome. Furthermore,
having a detailed personal development plan serves as the basis for completion of set goals and
objectives in timely manner with a desired way. These plans can be made within organisation or
in learning institutions by the learner in order to develop and enhance the required skills and
abilities.

REFERNCES:
Books and Journals:
Arioglu, E., 2020. Female board members: the effect of director affiliation. Gender in
Management: An International Journal.
Carlson, W., Hackathorn, R. and Parent, R., 2021. Computer Graphics and Animation at The
Ohio State University. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 41(3), pp.8-17.
Chang, A.N. and Suparmi, S., 2020. The Implementation of Communicative Language Teaching
(CLT) and Factors Hindering Teachers from Implementing it in High School. Al-
TA'DIB: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Kependidikan, 13(1), pp.46-56.
Donaldson, L.P., and et. al., 2020. The SOAR Model as an Effective Mechanism for University–
Community Partnerships to End Homelessness. Journal of Social Work
Education, 56(sup1), pp.S99-S110.
Estorilio, C.C. and Bessa, L.D.O.F., 2020. Relationship between food industries maturity and
quality certification. Independent Journal of Management & Production, 11(7),
pp.2827-2848.
Fraiberg, M. and Elazar, Z., 2020. Genetic defects of autophagy linked to disease. Progress in
Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 172, pp.293-323.
Lakhal, S. and Meyer, F., 2020. Blended learning. Encyclopedia of Education and Information
Technologies, pp.234-240.
McMorran, C. and Ragupathi, K., 2020. The promise and pitfalls of gradeless learning:
responses to an alternative approach to grading. Journal of Further and Higher
Education, 44(7), pp.925-938.
Molope, M. and Oduaran, A., 2020. Evaluation of the community development practitioners’
professional development programme: CIPP model application. Development in
Practice, 30(2), pp.194-206.
Salgado-Cacho, J.M., Moreno-Jiménez, M.D.P. and de Diego-Otero, Y., 2021. Detection of
Early Warning Signs in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic
Review. Children, 8(2), p.164.

Appendix : 1
Skills to be
developed
Development plan Resources Target Date
Writing and speaking
skills
I have realised that my
writing and speaking
skills are moderate and I
want to improve these
skills as it is equally
essential in my academics
and working place.
Writing skills will allow
me draft a formal mail or
letter at workplace and
giving exams in
academics. For improving
this skill I have to read as
much as texts possible and
practice writing in my
own language. Reading,
books, articles and
newspaper loudly will
allow me to develop
theses skills.
Carlson, W.,
Hackathor
n, R. and
Parent, R.,
2021.
Computer
Graphics
and
Animation
at The
Ohio State
University
. IEEE
Computer
Graphics
and
Applicatio
ns, 41(3),
pp.8-17.
15th August, 2021`
Fitness skills For getting fit body and
maintain healthy lifestyle,
I need to get enroll in
fitness courses which will
allow me to follow a
healthy lifestyle and focus
on my personal fitness and
McMorran, C. and
Ragupathi
, K., 2020.
The
promise
and
pitfalls of
gradeless
learning:
responses
3rd March 2022

wellness. Yoga sessions,
going for running and
joining a gym are some of
the efforts I need to make.
to an
alternative
approach
to
grading. J
ournal of
Further
and
Higher
Education
, 44(7),
pp.925-
938.
Business management
skills
In order to acquire this
skills I need to get my self
registered in one of the
prestigious institution.
Getting this skill will
increase my employability
skills and assist in my
career planning and
growth
Lakhal, S. and
Meyer, F.,
2020.
Blended
learning.
Encyclope
dia of
Education
and
Informatio
n
Technolog
ies,
pp.234-
240.
20th September 2023