Employability Skills: Self-Assessment and Career Development Plan

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EMSK5012
Employability Skills
Summer 2019
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Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
1.0 Know your self.....................................................................................................................3
1.1 Overview of study and career aspirations are (using an elevator pitch to pitch to an
employer or for business)............................................................................................................3
1.2 Appraising the Clifton Gallup Strengths and Johari’s Window theories in relation to career
development.................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Identifying key strengths for the desired career choice based on these two theories............4
1.4 Applying elements of these theories to achieve career aspirations.......................................5
2.0 Know your sector..................................................................................................................5
2.1 Comparing and contrasting two companies in the sector – based on their history, values
and ethics?...................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Extent to which the elements of each company’s values and ethics align with mine...........6
2.3 Research.................................................................................................................................7
(A) A current job title of interest in sector..................................................................................7
(B) A job description for an entrepreneur and identifying from the job description and
specification of the key tasks and essential/desirable skills required..........................................7
2.4 Extent by which my CV and LinkedIn profile demonstrates that I have the essential and
desirable skills for this role which you have researched.............................................................7
2.5 Identifying and analysing a professional qualification that I could acquire alongside the
degree to increase the chances of being a credible professional in my sector.............................8
3.0 Let them know you....................................................................................................................8
3.1 How can networking help me in becoming more commercially aware of sector.................8
3.2 Choosing one of the networking events that I have attended and advising that would give
someone attending the same event to maximise their networking potential...............................9
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3.4 Reflecting learning’s about myself throughout the whole module and which skills I need to
further develop to be successful as an employer or an entrepreneur...........................................9
4.0 References................................................................................................................................11
5.0 Appendix..................................................................................................................................13
5.1 Screenshot of Gallup Strengths certificate with the top 5 strengths....................................13
5.2 Screenshot of evidence from attending two events (confirmation of attendance)...............14
5.3 Screenshot a current job description and specification........................................................14
5.4 Word document of a current professional CV.....................................................................20
5.5 Screenshot of current LinkedIn online profile.....................................................................21
5.6 Current Professional Development Plan..............................................................................22
5.7 Johari Window Model.........................................................................................................22
5.8 Vision & Values TUI Group................................................................................................23
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Introduction
This study will be going to focus on the subject of employability skills which itself suggests,
skills and talent which can help one in gaining employment. The assignment has been made after
gaining deep knowledge and understand about myself through the determination of my Gallup
strengths by a specific job role in the tourism industry. The assignment will also include a
description of the industry with examples, linkage of my current CV and profile with my desired
job and has also shown some benefiting areas like networking which is essential in hospitality.
1.0 Know your self
1.1 Overview of study and career aspirations are (using an elevator pitch to pitch to
an employer or for business)
I Ruth Mendez completed Diploma (BETECH, 2003) from Lewisham College England and also
completed my BSc (HONS, 2019) from Greenwich in Travel and tourism. In these two courses, I
have learnt about the National Services for women empowerment where I had also learnt how to
establish a new business entity in the travel and tourism sector respectively.
In regards to my career aspirations, I would like to get a suitable and valuable job in the same
sector may be as a ticketing agent, customer representative since I have experience of working in
the same. Moreover, I may also like to establish a new business that deals with overseas
customers rather as a hotel or motel. Additionally, I have a keen interest in travelling, handling
customers, lead a team and help people which facilitates my motivation for future growth and
success.
1.2 Appraising the Clifton Gallup Strengths and Johari’s Window theories in
relation to career development
Appraising oneself is a major necessity and for this, there are two widely used techniques or one
can say models to explore all the strengths and hence create a positive determination towards a
particular aim in the future. First, one is Gallup strengths created by Dr Donald O. Clifton after
so much hard work and is helpful for more than 10 million people worldwide in finding their
strengths. This is a powerful online assessment which helps to understand and maximize the
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strengths. These are determined by the combination of unique talents, knowledge, skills and
strengths which they use to achieve their goals and in conclusion, it was found that the people
who use their strengths are more likely to get better results in their life (Gallup Inc., 2019).
Secondly, there is another theory; Johari’s Window (ref Appendix 5.7) which can be utilised to
enhance the individual's perception of others. Here, there are four quadrants or windowpanes
which represent personal information, motivation, feelings and knowing or unknowing
information. In accordance with my career development, these two theories can be very helpful
in determining the strengths and then characterize them on the four basics defined by Johari.
1.3 Identifying key strengths for the desired career choice based on these two
theories
Career development needs a proper determination and evaluation of the key strengths and future
needs and I have determined the same with the help of the aforementioned two theories as
mentioned below:
Learner (strategic thinking) – this shows the inquisitiveness among the person and his/her
learning desires which I found as one of the strengths and in accordance to my career
development needs as a ticketing agent, it will help me in gaining a good knowledge and
experience for the role and responsibilities as it is my open area.
Positivity (relationship building) – enthusiasm towards the tasks and future needs with
contingency shows an upbeat talent for an individual which I possess and hence this can support
my a goal in terms of keeping myself motivated and dedicated towards the goal to achieve the
desired position in any large firm in the sector.
Achiever (executing) – as I have the talent to work hard and achieve great satisfaction from
being productive, it will help me in managing all the tasks with ease and maintain the flow in the
process to achieve my desired position of an agent. Being an achiever also helps in future tasks
with lots of motivation and enthusiasm which might be my blind spot till now.
Discipline (executing) – notion to follow a routine and conduct the tasks is another strength
which was determined with the help of Gallup’s assessment. This will enhance my other
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strengths without backing me in anything like people who try, always wins at some point. Being
a disciplined person, one can proceed on a path with a routine that leads to goals.
Responsibility (executing) – getting physiological ownership of something defines one’s stable
values like honesty and loyalty towards the aim. This strength will enhance my role to achieve
the aim and work responsibly towards my future success. Serving people is a tough task which
requires lots of responsibility and hence it is vital and also a closed area for me till now but I am
learning it.
1.4 Applying elements of these theories to achieve career aspirations
The Gallup’s strengths consist of my strengths and Johari’s Window defines the areas that help
people to understand the relationships better and understand themselves and others. This includes
four quadrants showing open, blind, hidden and unknown areas which are traits one possess,
characteristics other possess, unawareness and those which are completely ignored respectively.
These elements in both theories will help me in developing the best possible future development
plans for my anticipated goal to become a successful server in the hospitality industry. With the
help of my strengths, I can achieve benefits over others, reduce and modify my lacking’s and
work on my tasks while the areas covered under Johari’s window will initially help me in
acknowledging the needs for development and at the same time, help me in monitoring my
development phases.
2.0 Know your sector
2.1 Comparing and contrasting two companies in the sector – based on their history,
values and ethics?
The two companies selected here are: Thomas Cook and TUI Group
Aspect
History Thomas Cook Group is one of the
oldest and popular brands in the leisure
Started in 1997 and is a leading brand
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tourism industry started in 1841 in the global tourism industry
Values Dedication, wear the flip-flops
(understand customer needs), honesty
and integrity
Trustworthiness, uniqueness and
inspiration (ref appendix 5.8)
Ethics Sustainable tourism, plastic-free
environment, waste management and
complete care for the customers and
other stakeholders
Responsibility towards sustainability,
creating cost efficiencies, well-defined
code of conduct, quality improvements
etc.
Attractiveness Experience of over a century, wide
presence around the globe, popular
name, etc.
Variety of products and services,
financially strong reputation, in trend
business entity.
(Source: Thomas Cook, 2019; TUI Group, 2019)
2.2 Extent to which the elements of each company’s values and ethics align with
mine
The extent to which these value of both the companies match mine are great. The notion to work
sustainably is a necessity in the tourism industry and planning to be a ticketing agent enforces
some additional roles and responsibilities to avoid the concerns from their end and make better
results for the customers, local people and governments in terms of the living environment. TUI
group follow their ways to enhance their profits by taking care of the environment, social, ethical
and legal values and working on innovative ways to attain what they want. In terms of these, I
also prefer to work for the betterment of all and attain better results for myself at the end which
related me with them. At the same time, Thomas Cook has values and ethics in the same
direction of environmental sustainability with the waste management, pollution control,
reduction in the use of plastic and use of renewable sources of energy. So, with them, I can say
that these values and ethics also link with me at major extent for which I had plans for the future.
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2.3 Research
(A) A current job title of interest in the sector
Ticketing Agent
(B) A job description for an entrepreneur and identifying from the job description
and specification of the key tasks and essential/desirable skills required
I am searching a job for the role of ticketing agent in above mentioned or any other multinational
firm in the hospitality and tourism sector (evidence attached in appendix 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5). As
mentioned, the desired job, the skills required for this particular role are patience, fast decision
making, anticipation, working flexibility in terms of time, knowledge of the costs and trends in
the industry, knowledge of the competitors etc. While the key tasks that I have to perform are;
making bookings for the customers, handling queries, customer guidance, handle queries from
other departments, fare management, invoice generation, etc. are some of the most basic tasks
that I have to perform is a ticketing agent at any of the above mentioned or another popular firm.
2.4 Extent by which my CV and LinkedIn profile demonstrates that I have the
essential and desirable skills for this role which you have researched
As mentioned in my CV and LinkedIn profile, I possess sound experience of working in the
same industry for two years as a customer service representative, at the same time, my
educational qualifications support my aim with the degrees I acquire in the sector. I also possess
the strengths and motivation to work in this field and make myself and the organisation more
successful in future. These are all mentioned on my CV, Linked In profile and determined
Gallup Strengths. The job role of a ticketing agent may be an initial and small step in the
direction of my future learning’s while I am always aiming to grow high with keen
inquisitiveness nature, dedication and practical implementation of learnings. So, overall, it can be
said that the necessities and skills of the researched job are what I possess and I can easily
achieve my aim.
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2.5 Identifying and analysing a professional qualification that I could acquire
alongside the degree to increase the chances of being a credible professional in my
sector
In terms of getting an additional or an alternative degree for the betterment of my future, I would
like to pursue MSc International Hospitality Management as it will enhance my knowledge in
terms of international hospitality management in the whole industry and understand new field
along with my BSc (Hons). This can enhance my knowledge and skills in the field which I like
and working in. At the same time, it can be said that having a deep knowledge (different degrees)
can help in getting better jobs at high pay and hence enhance my success rate in future.
Moreover, this MSc course has all the necessary aspects and inhibits all characteristics to
develop my chances of being a credible professional in the sector and achieve better results for
me and related firm.
3.0 Let them know you
3.1 How can networking help me in becoming more commercially aware of the
sector
According to the studies and articles available on internet, commercial awareness is vital thing in
any business, so I can get better information from a variety of sources if I am capable of making
a strong commercial network with my colleagues, global businesses, commercial perspectives of
people to know the trends and interests, especially what they prefer in my industry like any
particular mode of booking, a brand, the services etc. (All About Careers, 2019; Mind Tools,
2019).
Bright Network (2019) defines some ways that can help in enhancing the commercial awareness
which is focusing on daily relations, listening to customers, getting feedback on sold services or
post-sale services etc. which are found to be most effective ways in enhancing the commercial
awareness towards my hospitality and tourism industry. Networking can help anyone in making
better results by getting informed about new products or services introduced in the industry,
challenges that people are facing, what is going on and new opportunities for the people who are
willing to learn and grow like me (Abintegro Ltd., 2019).
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3.2 Choosing one of the networking events that I have attended and advising that
would give someone attending the same event to maximise their networking
potential
Recently I have attended the London Career Fair, which was held a few weeks ago and I found
this as one of the best places to visit and attend by an aspirant for any kind of job in the tourism
industry. This event has all the necessary aspects that can help in enhancing motivation,
dedication and eventually facilitate a best possible opportunity to many people having the
suitable skill set for the different type of companies varying in size, working and fields in
hospitality and tourism sector. This event has helped me to develop some string networks in my
field with the top leaders, aspirants and businessmen in my industry which can enhance my
opportunities in future. The most important thing about this event is that it provides jobs to
people for which I also developing myself.
So, after getting this experience, I would like to suggest everyone who is willing and aiming
same for a better job or start in the industry as it will do the same for them also. The presence of
different businesses makes it a great opportunity for one to grab a good position by showing the
desired skills by them and grab a valuable position to start or grow. In addition to this, I would
also like to say that I will recommend one to attend this kind of events and fairs for enhancing
their networking and skills even if they get a good job or not but can get an assurance for next
time with lots of experience. More importantly, there are small as well as large firms which
needs all kind of people who may have missed their chances on other firms as numerous
companies are willing to hire people with the growing industry and customer needs. Gaining a
potent network from this kind of even can also make the future development needs easier and
better for people and hence it should be attended once before getting demotivated after not
getting a job or searching at different places to enhance core potentials.
3.4 Reflecting learning’s about myself throughout the whole module and which skills
I need to further develop to be successful as an employer or an entrepreneur
After completing this whole module, I had some lifelong learnings with me like how to get
prepared for a job and develop our-self in future according to the needs of the job roles and tasks.
I have learnt different areas of my industry, what I possess that can help me in gaining a
competitive advantage in the market and grab a job while this experience has also shown me how
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one can overcome from the challenges and develop oneself for the betterment in future. The
module has also helped me in gaining a deep insight into the two leading companies where I
wish to work with the ethics and values I have. Overall, this is a great experience for me which
has made me more dedicated and motivated towards my aim and desired in future with a potent
plan.
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4.0 References
Abintegro Ltd., 2019. How to be more commercially aware, (online) available at
https://www.abintegro.com/public/be-more-commercially-aware last accessed on 20th July 2019.
All About Careers, 2019. COMMERCIAL AWARENESS: UNDERSTAND IT, DEVELOP IT
& USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE, (online) available at
https://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers-advice/looking-for-a-job/commercial-awareness-
understand-it-develop-it-use-it-to-your-advantage last accessed on 20th July 2019.
Bright Network, 2019. Improve Your Commercial Awareness, (online) available at
https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-career-advice/commercial-awareness/four-ways-
improve/ last accessed on 20th July 2019.
Cottrell, S., 2015. Skills for success: Personal development and employability. Macmillan
International Higher Education.
Dr Prasad, N.G.S., 2013. The Johari Window Model, (online) available at
https://www.communicationtheory.org/the-johari-window-model/ last accessed on 20th July
2019.
Gallup Inc., 2019. Clifton StrengthsFinder, (online) available at
https://www.gallup.de/182696/clifton-strengthsfinder.aspx last accessed on 20th July 2019.
Lees, J., 2014. How To Get A Job You Love 2015-2016 Edition. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Maslow, A.H., Frager, R., Fadiman, J., McReynolds, C. and Cox, R., 1970. Motivation and
personality. Harper & Row New York. McClelland, DC, & Burnham, DH (1976). Power is the
great motivator. Harvard Business Review, 25, pp.159-166.
Mind Tools, 2019. Developing Commercial Awareness, (online) available at
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/developing-commercial-awareness.htm last accessed
on 20th July 2019.
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