Personal and Professional Development Report for HND Business Students

This report delves into the critical aspects of personal and professional development, encompassing self-managed learning, skill evaluation, and the creation of comprehensive development plans. It begins by exploring various approaches to self-managed learning, such as social networks, seminars, and the internet, and analyzes how these methods can enhance lifelong learning in both personal and professional contexts. The report then evaluates the benefits of self-managed learning, including increased confidence, motivation, and improved decision-making skills. Furthermore, it assesses individual skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational objectives, identifying specific development needs and opportunities. The report culminates in the formulation of a personal and professional development plan, outlining the processes, activities, and strategies required for implementation, along with the evaluation and updating of the plan to address work-based problems and improve communication. The report also includes a detailed reflection on the learning experience against the original aims. This report is an exploration of how individuals can enhance their professional and personal growth through strategic planning, self-assessment, and continuous improvement.

Personal and Professional development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1..........................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning..................................................................................................3
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning can be encouraged...........................................................................4
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning.......................................................................................................4
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluation of own skills and competencies against the standard objectives.......................................5
2.2 Identification of own development needs............................................................................................5
2.3 Identification of development opportunities .......................................................................................6
2.4 Personal and professional development plan.......................................................................................6
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Processes and activities required for implementation..........................................................................6
3.2 Undertaking and documenting the development activities..................................................................7
3.3 Reflect on own learning against original aims.....................................................................................7
3.4 Updation of the development plan.......................................................................................................7
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Solutions to work based problems.......................................................................................................7
4.2 Communication in a variety of styles..................................................................................................8
4.3 Evaluation of time management strategies..........................................................................................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
The professional and personal development are considered as two main aspects of life
which helps the person in setting the goals, methods and the outcomes of the learning and
training process (Moon, 2013). The plans of each individual may vary from one another but it
leads to the lifetime learning of an individual. The personal and professional development of a
person is essential because it helps in the inner development of a person and their profession as
well. The report is about understanding how important personal and professional development is
in the growth of an individual.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning can be considered as a process in which people can gain a huge
amount of information by using some means themselves. Self managed learning can help in
enhancing the lifelong development of a person which can help the individual in professional
a well as in their personal life. These can be used for shaping culture, communication,
behavior as a person can learn a lot of things which can help in shaping their life n a very
positive direction. Some self managed learning factors are discussed as following :
Social networks
There is a very wide range of social networking option by which people can interact with
each other and also, it can be used to gain information. Major part of the population spend
most of their time on these social networking websites such as face book, twitter. By these
means, they can interact with various people and along with it, they can also gain a he
amount of information (Lester and Costley, 2010). So, social networking media can act as a
very helpful and efficient tool for gaining the information and with interacting with people as
well.
Seminars and Conferences

One can participate in various seminars and conferences for gaining a good and quality
information. Many people feel shy in the starting but participating in such gives a lot more
confidence to the people. Seminars act as a very effective tool as it gives the person, an
opportunity in presenting their knowledge in front of people and it also helps in boosting the
confidence of the person. So, seminars and conferences are also a very effective tool for
gaining information and along with this, it also helps in presenting the person in front of a he
amount of people, which further is useful for boosting the confidence of the person.
Internet
Another important and most common tool is internet which most of the generation is
using these days. The world has been indirectly got dependent on it because whether one can
see in terms of booking a flight or booking a cab, internet is required. Many people spend a
huge amount of time on internet such as on social networking sites, but people can also use it
for collecting the efficient data and information about specific facts. It is a very well known
tool and all the information is present in it. One can search anything on the internet and the
person can have various links as well for gaining as well as for increasing the knowledge.
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning can be encouraged
There can be various ways by which people can stay engaged in the lifelong learning. It
can be classified by using the SWOT analysis here and it is discussed as under :
Through an evaluation of the strengths and weakness, one can evaluate the
personal strengths. This can also make the person able to use professional learning tools
and continuous learning as well. Self reflective learning helps in maintaining the learning
of new information and skills and in the workplace, it can be done by doing the roles and
responsibilities more effectively (Gibson, Dollarhide and Moss, 2010). It is because after
learning something by some specific mean, it is very important to practice it themselves
because if it will be done in routine, then the person can increase their self managed
learning skills, but if it is not, then in that case, the person will forget doing all these
activities because continuity is must, whether it will be any work, but continuity is must
to keep the whole practice maintained. The workplace wants the employees to have
proper time skills, leadership skills and communication skills as well. Communication

skills is also vry must because in a workplace, it is very important to interact with each
other and also, the person should be a good listener because no one wants to have a talk
with someone who does not listens and keeps speaking. So managing proper
communication skills is very important in person as well a in professional development.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning
Self managed learning has enormous benefits as hen the person will be able to participate
in seminars and conferences, they will help in giving the person an opportunity to present
their own selves in front of people which will give him enough confidence. In the
starting, the person may feel shy but after a few times, the person feels confident enough
in speaking in front of others. So, self managed learning skills can help in gaining a huge
amount of confidence which can last for the lifelong of the person. Also, when the person
is confident enough, it acts as a tool for motivation as well. It helps in keeping the person
motivated towards life and by this way, the person can achieve various targets and goals
in their life and that too at a very faster rate. The process of self managed learning also
helps in improving the decision making process as the person starts taking their own
decisions, rather than staying dependent on others, so self managed learning can also help
in increasing the thinking of making better and efficient decisions. Along with these, self
managed learning also helps in a faster collaboration, it may be within the family and
friends or may be outside as well. So, it can help in collaboration.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluation of own skills and competencies against the standard objectives
There can be various ways by which a person can evaluate their own skills against the
professional ones. While working in a company, a person can be able to understand the
difference between them and the other professionals working there. It may be regarding
communication skills or the leadership skills or any such other skills that are required and
are essential to work in a company. The person should have efficient leadership skills
because a good leader can control any situation whether it may be much complex and

complicated also. A good leader should understand what employees want from the
organization. It is not just following the instructions of the leader but the leader must
ensure that all the activities and processes are being done in a very efficient manner so
that the employees also consider that there is someone who is keeping an eye on them.
By this way, the employees can stay focused towards the work. Along with it, it is very
important to provide employees some sort of incentives and increments on a regular basis
because by these ways, they also consider that they are important for the company and
this helps in motivating them and staying more focused towards the work. But a leader
that has not such efficient skills may not be able to manage the complexities of the
employees and organization. So, these factors can make a difference.
2.2 Identification of own development needs
It is very important that the person must be knowing where they lack, means in
which part, they need some improvisation. It is because when the person must be
knowing where they are lacking, they can keep their focus on it only. Practicing on the
previous skills is better but it is also important to involve some in which the person is
lacking, and for that person should be able to make an analysis so that they can stay clear
with what skills they have and what not. The skills in which they lack, for them they can
involve some methods in their life by which they can learn them as well (Pedler,
Burgoyne and Boydell, 2013). Such as if the person knows that they lack somewhere in
the communication skills, for that the person can join any personal development classes
where they will guide the person about development as well as help them in improving
the communication skills. The person can also participate in various seminars and
conferences which will help in boosting their confidence to speak in front of people. So,
this factor can be used for identification of own needs and this can help the person in
understanding the importance of those factors in which they lack.
2.3 Identification of development opportunities
The development opportunities can be classified by evaluating the current and
future needs and it is represented as under :
Current needs

This covers the fact that the person knows in which they are perfect and are
confident as well but along with it, they also know that they have to develop their skills in
various other activities such as strategic planning, participative management etc. For that
the person needs to make use of some opportunities which can help the person in
understanding these factors.
Future needs
There are various opportunities in life which can help in developing a personal
attitude towards things. Every opportunity helps the person in such a way that the person
can be able to achieve targets at faster rates. For this, the person needs to re innovate the
skills and also, increase the level of thinking as well regarding the personal as well as
professional life
2.4 Personal and professional development plan
For becoming successful in life, people must ensure a proper plan which they can
follow in achieving all the opportunities and factors. Although self monitoring can help
but a proper personal and professional plan can help in making the person efficient
enough about choosing the decisions they have to so that they can be able to achieve the
targets at faster rates. Time framing is also a very important concept because by this way,
one can set deadlines for completing the specific work in a specific deadline. This will
help in achieving the targets at more faster rates (Boud, 2013.). Along with these
activities, the person can also join various activities in which the person thinks that they
lack in it such as for developing the leadership skills, the person can read various books
on leadership to get the self motivation. By going through these books, the person can be
able to be aware of some strategies that can be used by them in making of an efficient
leader. After analyzing these skills, the person can also use that skills in the work place
and after a few time, the person will be capable enough to be an efficient leader.

TASK 3
3.1 Processes and activities required for implementation
There can be various activities that the person can go for for the implementation
of all the activities in which they lack in. Such as in case the person lacks in
communication skills, then in that case, the person can join various seminars and
conferences so that it can help in boosting the confidence of the person. In the starting
phases, the person may feel shy but after participating in various seminars, the person
will be capable enough to speak in front of others without any hesitation. So, these
processes can be done in order to implement the planned activities.
3.2 Undertaking and documenting the development activities
For a proper undertaking, there are various activities that the person can do. Some
key factors are required for preparing the documentation such as collection of the initial
thoughts and information regarding the specific skill and then documenting it. It may
also include meeting notes and decisions also which are also noted down in the
document. Then after the whole involvement of the processes in the document, the person
can take a review of the whole document and check for anything that is lacking in the
document. If anything is lacking, then the person can make modifications to that
document and after that, can again make a check of all the processes and procedures of
the documentation.
3.3 Reflect on own learning against original aims
It may include initial meeting preparation as it is very important in every level of
learning and implementing new skills that can help in the lifelong development. It helps
in balancing the expectations among the team members as well. To know the proper level
of anticipation is also must. If I will be having previous knowledge about the skills and
factors, the process of developing and implementing new will become more easy.
3.4 Updation of the development plan
After the updation of the plan, the person was able to become able of the
communication skills but still if they lack in leadership skills, then in that case, the person
can take some more time in the development of the leadership skills that can help in an

more effective development (McNiff, 2010). For this the person may have to put some
more time in the development of the leadership skills such as for about 1-2 months more
for a proper development of these skills. Then, the person can be able to learn proper
skills which will help in developing the personal and professional development .
TASK 4
4.1 Solutions to work based problems
There are a few steps that can act as problem solving ones and these are discussed as
under :
Identification of the issues
It is very important that the issues are clarified first because on the basis of that only,
proper solutions can be taken out of the same. One should stay clear of the issue that what is the
actual problem and what are the causes of that problem. If the issues are known before, then the
company can work in keeping those factor in mind so that they cannot involve any of such
factor.
Understanding everyone's interest
While working in an organization, it is important to get an overview of everyone's
interest because it helps in a better analysis as well. One should understand that everyone has
their own interest. So, they can be applied as well and it also can be beneficial for the company
(Archer, 2010).
Listing the possible solutions
It is another important factor that a company can do. It is because if all the possible
solutions to the issues will be prepared, so at the time of occurrence of the issues, the company
do not have to waste their time in making solutions and they can make use of these solutions.
4.2 Communication in a variety of styles
At various levels, the employees and the members can communicate in a variety of styles
which are discussed as under :
Assertive style

Assertive style is associated with the high self esteem. It is considered as the healthiest
and one of the most effective style that a company can use and it can further help in getting
efficient results.
Aggressive style
This style is considered about the winning. The behavioral characteristics of this person
involves threatening, frightening and is loud as well. So, all these characteristics can come in
aggressive style (McNair and et.al., 2011).
Submissive style
This style focuses on pleasing other people so that they can avoid conflicts. This is
considered as even a better style because it focuses on avoiding the conflicts.
4.3 Evaluation of time management strategies
The effectiveness of time management strategies is that using these strategies can help in
running the whole process more smoothly and efficiently. Also, by using these strategies, it can
help in doing a pre planning that can further help in completing the work efficiently and within
the deadline as well. So, the time management strategies have their own effectiveness and can
help the organization in achieving targets.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the report that the person requires various skills or the
personal and professional development. A proper development plan can be prepared as
well which will be requiring proper plans and activities that needs to be improvised,
whether it can be done by any means by joining some sessions or participating in some
activities. So, it can help the person in a lifelong personal and professional development.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
McNair, L. D. and et.al., 2011. Student and faculty interdisciplinary identities in self‐managed
teams. Journal of Engineering Education. 100(2). pp.374-396.
McNiff, J., 2010. Action research for professional development: Concise advice for new action
researchers. Dorset: September books.
Moon, J. A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Lester, S. and Costley, C., 2010. Work‐based learning at higher education level: Value, practice
and critique. Studies in Higher Education. 35(5). pp.561-575.
Dabbagh, N. and Kitsantas, A., 2012. Personal Learning Environments, social media, and self-
regulated learning: A natural formula for connecting formal and informal learning. The
Internet and higher education. 15(1). pp.3-8.
Archer, J. C., 2010. State of the science in health professional education: effective
feedback. Medical education. 44(1). pp.101-108.
Lester, S. and Costley, C., 2010. Work‐based learning at higher education level: Value, practice
and critique. Studies in Higher Education. 35(5). pp.561-575.
Boud, D., 2013. Enhancing learning through self-assessment. Routledge.
Gibson, D. M., Dollarhide, C. T. and Moss, J. M., 2010. Professional identity development: A
grounded theory of transformational tasks of new counselors. Counselor Education and
Supervision. 50(1). pp.21-38.
Pedler, M., Burgoyne, J. and Boydell, T., 2013. A Manager's Guide to Self-development.
McGraw-Hill Education (UK).