Professional Identity and Practice: Development Plan and Review

This report delves into the realm of professional development, focusing on the acquisition and enhancement of skills and competencies within a service industry context, specifically using Hotel Crown Plaza as a case study. It begins by examining the benefits of continuous professional development for stakeholders, including employees, employers, and the organization itself. The report then investigates professional employer expectations regarding skills and competencies, followed by a self-assessment of the author's abilities for a marketing manager role. It reviews various learning theories and approaches applicable to personal and professional development, culminating in the construction of a development plan to improve chosen skills and competencies. The report concludes with a simulated job interview experience for a service industry role and a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the interview process.

Professional Identity
and Practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Examine the key
benefits of on going professional development for stakeholders...............................................1
P2 Investigate
about professional employer expectations of skills and competencies......................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P3 Assess own
abilities, skills and competencies for specific job role...............................................................4
P4 Review a range of
learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional development process.....5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P5 Construct a
development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies..................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
P6 Undertake a job
interview for service industry role.............................................................................................8
P7 Review key
strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process........................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Professional skills includes competencies which are required to be performed in order to
perform job responsibilities in best manner. These days, there are different skills which are
required to perform assigned job duties. When professional activities are performed in
appropriate manner, then this is beneficial for employee as well organisation. This helps to
improve performance of workers and efficiency of employees can be improved (Trede, Macklin
and Bridges, 2012). There is competition in external market, hence it is essential to work with
latest techniques which can be learned with the help of training programme. This report is based
on hospitality organisation i.e. Hotel Crown Plaza. This organisation was established in 1983
having head quarter in Denham U.K. This report covers importance of on going professional
development and self directed learning to improve professional identity and career opportunities,
evaluation of self skill and competencies, designing professional development plan, at last range
of service industry and transferable skills.
TASK 1
P1 Examine the key benefits of on going professional development for stakeholders
Definition of continuous professional development
Continuous professional development means procedure through which documentation of
skills, knowledge is done which are possess by individuals. The knowledge can be collected
formally or informally. When any new skill is learned by individual with training, then it is
included in continuous professional development. Hence proficiency of individual can be
understood with it.
Meaning of on going professional development
Ongoing professional development is other name of continuous professional
development. CPD is a process of analysing and recording skills, knowledge, experience at
professional and non professional backgrounds. In short it is recording of learning, experience of
employee and then implementation at work place.
On going process plays essential role in improving overall performance of association.
There are many changes which are taking place in industry, so with the help of continuous
process development it is easy to learn relevant techniques. Hotel Crown Plaza has good brand
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image in industry because they work according to latest technique and hence able to keep
employees and customers satisfied.
Importance of on-going professional development in an organisation
On- going professional development is the process through which current market trends
are known. This is beneficial for individual as well as organisation because this helps to improve
knowledge and perform commercial activities in appropriate manner (Johnson and et. al., 2012).
There is requirement of alteration in working style according to market trends. There are many
factors which has to take care by managers of Hotel Crown Plaza such as use of latest
techniques, regular training programme, etc. Role of on going professional development plan is
as under-
Retaining the best talent- With the help of on going professional development, it is easy
to maintain long term relations with employees. When managers of Hotel Crown Plaza plan
training programme and take measures to improve performance. This helps to retain best
employees at organisation. Hence good quality services and product can be provided to
customers (Cruess and et. al., 2014).
Boosting morale- There is difference in personal goals of employees and organisational
targets. Goals and targets of Hotel Crown Plaza is to maintain good brand image and enhance
business, while employees have different demands such as monetary requirement, good image in
organisation, etc. It is responsibility of managers of Hotel Crown Plaza to analyse demand and
then plan accordingly. For instance: if employees wants to earn name and fame in organisation,
then this can be done be performing up to the mark. This can be done with ongoing professional
development programme. Hence this approach is essential for boosting morale of workers.
Remains relevant- Hotel Crown Plaza is a hotel chain, there are many alterations taking
place. So it is essential for Hotel Crown Plaza to implement changes in their working style. This
can be done with the help of on going professional development. Continuous professional
development is the approach through which employees can learn about latest techniques which
are beneficial to perform operations at Hotel Crown Plaza.
Benefits to the employees, employers and other stakeholders
Hotel Crown Plaza works in hospitality sector. They have good brand image this is
because they implement new and innovative style at workplace, so employees are satisfied with
work place. With the help of on going professional development, new ideas are learned by
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employees and hence they perform according to customer demand, this results in customer
satisfaction (Xu, 2014).
For employees, continuous professional development is beneficial because they are able
to enhance knowledge. This makes them relevant to current market and they are able to work
with latest technology. When information is relevant to market, then for workforce it is easy to
get high salary and possibilities of promotion is more.
For organisation i.e. Hotel Crown Plaza, it is easy to implement changes in working style.
Business operations are performed with more flexibility and innovation. In hotel industry, there
is difference in demand of consumers, so this helps to provide up to the mark product and
services. These days, consumers wants innovation in beverages, so with the help of ongoing
professional development this can be done.
Apart from employee and employers, there are some stakeholders which are associated
with Hotel Crown Plaza. Stakeholders are the individuals, group of individuals which have
interest in organisation (Pillen, Beijaard and Brok, 2013). Creditors, debtors, owners, managers,
directors, government, consumer, society, etc. are examples of stakeholders. There are some
benefits of ongoing professional development to stakeholders are good quality product and
services, personal satisfaction, brand consciousness, one place solution, etc. When Hotel Crown
Plaza is following concept of continuous professional development then they can provide good
quality services to consumers. This helps to satisfy consumers and maintain familiar relations
with Hotel Crown Plaza.
P2 Investigate about professional employer expectations of skills and competencies
Hotel Crown Plaza is a big hotel chain which has outlets in different parts of country. So
there is requirement of some skills which helps to perform business operations in relevant
manner. Manager of Hotel Crown Plaza has some expectations with employees which helps to
provide good quality services to consumers. Some expectation of managers from employees
regarding professional skills are discussed as under-
Positive mental attitude- Positive attitude is essential in business organisation. There are
different job responsibilities hence there is requirement of positive zeal to accomplish it. This
skill is lacking in individual working at Hotel Crown Plaza. According to Pillen, Den Brok, and
Beijaard, 2013 if person thinks e can then possibilities of positive results are brighter and vice
versa.
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Communication skill- Hotel Crown Plaza has different departments such as production,
purchasing, sales, house keeping. Room service, etc. These departments works in order to
provide best services. In individual, this skill is good so he can communicate with concern
department. For instance, if new product is launched, then being marketing manager it is
essential to collect information from production department and convey to consumers.
Leadership skill- Leadership skill is essential being supervisor in marketing department.
Marketing is directly related with enhancement of sales. Being marketing manager, individual
has to make lead team in order to get positive impact on sales.
Problem solving skill- There are different problems arise while working with
components of external market, hence employees has good knowledge regarding how to deal
with it. Being professional, this skill is present in individual and he deals with adverse situation
up to the mark (Hallam, 2012).
Soft and hard skill
Soft skills means skills with which individual communicate with society. This skill
includes communication, presentation, negotiation, creativity skills, etc. part of soft skill.
Hard skill can be measured because they are specific. Typing, reading, use of software
skill, etc. are part of hard skill.
TASK 2
P3 Assess own abilities, skills and competencies for specific job role
Being marketing manager in Hotel Crown Plaza, there is requirement of different skills,
competencies. Marketing department plays vital role in enhancing profits and sales through
communicating with society. Marketing includes promotional activities of product and services.
In this method efforts are made to sale to insist consumers through advertisement to purchase.
IT skills- I have good IT skills which helps to communicate with internal as well external
parties of Hotel Crown Plaza. I have to communicate with accounts department related to setting
budget for marketing of product and services. For instance I have to share marketing expense,
then this can be shared with the help of e- mail. I have good command on social media sites
through which I can advertise organisation. There are different discounts such as seasonal offers,
happy hours, combo packs, etc. which displayed on social media applications such as Instagram,
Facebook, etc.
4

Budget and project management skill- These days, there is much competition in
hospitality industry such as Hotel Hilton. Hence there is requirement of promotion of brand
image of Hotel Crown Plaza. There is use of different techniques of advertisement such as
television, hoarding, etc. being marketing manager, accounts department set some limit of
expense, so I have to work within specific limit. Marketing requires proper planning so
advertisement can be done in effective manner (Trede and McEwen, 2012). This skill is lacking
in me because sometimes I am not able to launch advertisement on time and task are performed
exceeding budgeting. So this affects points and revenue of Hotel Crown Plaza.
Inter- personal skill- Being marketing manager I have good inter-personnel skills which
helps me to communicate with people and make them convince to avail services from Hotel
Crown Plaza. I have to communicate with consumers for feedback who availed services. But
there is scope of improvement in my interpersonal skills, so I can accomplish my target within
specific time.
Sr. No. Skills and Competencies Self-assessed
Score
Score from others Variances
1 Coordination 7 8 -1
2 Budget and project management
skill
8 7 1
3 Active listening 7 9 -2
4 Money Management Ability 9 8 1
6 Information Technology Skills 9 7 2
7 Interpersonal skills 8 7 1
8 Leadership 6 8 -2
Above table shows different skills, knowledge, behaviour. In this table, there are some
negative and positive figures. This table shows self assessment and rating from others. There are
possibilities of positive as well as negative figures. Positive digits shows weak skill i.e. budget
and project management, money management, IT and lastly interpersonal skill. There are some
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skills in which other gave me more as compared to myself i.e. coordination, active listening,
leadership. Hence these are my positive skills.
P4 Review a range of
learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional development process
Learning is a process through which individual can acquire knowledge. This is the way
which helps to enhance knowledge related to current environment (Crigger and Godfrey, 2014).
There are different sources through which individual can learn and enhance knowledge. This
includes training programme, conferences, seminars, etc.
There are some theories which shows set of principles which helps to acquire, retain and
implement knowledge at work place. Theories of learning can be used in order to perform work
according to appropriate guidance related to promote learning. Hotel Crown Plaza is nbig brand
in industry, this is because they provide training to their workforce which helps to keep their
knowledge relevant according to current market. Theories of learning implemented by managers
of Hotel Crown Plaza are discussed as under-
(Source: Theories of Learning, 2017)
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Illustration 1: Theories of Learning

Behaviorist theory- As per this theory learning can be provided according to behaviour
of individual. Through this theory, learner can grab information according to behaviour. In this
theory there is provision of reward as well as punishment according to outcome after learning.
Rote work, repetitive practice, bonus points, establishing rules, etc. Are some ways
through which behaviorist theory can implemented. These are the methods through which
information of employees working at Hotel Crown Plaza can be updated (Ruohotie-Lyhty,
2013).
Cognitive theory - This theory was developed by Jean Piaget. This theory is based on
perception of employees. This theory shows the behaviour which is perceived by individual
according to observation. As per this theory employees of Hotel Crown Plaza plays essential role
in actively grabbing information which is relevant for enhancing knowledge.
Chunking of information, real world examples, analogies, discussions, linking concepts,
etc. are some examples of cognitive learning theory. When there is some issue arise at work
place, then managers of Hotel Crown Plaza discus it so in-depth analysis can be achieved.
Constructivist theory - As per this theory, there is requirement of different aspects such
as previous experience which enhance knowledge of employees. A per this theory employees of
Hotel Crown Plaza use their previous experience to enhance knowledge (Clark, 2014).
Case study, research project, brain storming, problem based learning, etc. are example of
constructivist theory.
Kolb's learning theory
In this theory, there are four stages of learning which is combination of experience,
perception, cognition and behaviour. Four stages of this theory are discussed as under-
Concrete experience- This is the first stage in which learner experience new things with
the help of live session. In case of Hotel Crown Plaza, there is training of program in kitchen
where chef provide information in relation to making new dishes.
Reflective observation- This is the stage in which employee reflect back to what learning
is provided. As there is difference in perception of employees, so there are possibilities that
subordinates learn in different manner.
Abstract conceptualization- This is the stage where subordinates perform what they have
learned. This is the stage where chef can understood stage of learning by his subordinates in
training programmes.
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(Source: Kolb Learning Theory, 2018)
Active experimentation- This is the last stage of learning theory. In this stage, learner
tries to get new experience with past learning and implement it for betterment. This helps to
improves results of subordinates at Hotel Crown Plaza.
TASK 3
P5 Construct a
development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies
Definition of professional development plan
The professional development plan (PDP) is a formal means by which an individual fixes
the goals, strategies and outcomes of learning and training. This is the plan which helps top
bridges gap between current skills and required skills. There is requirement of different skills
which are required to enhance performance at Hotel Crown Plaza. This gap can be bridge with
help of continuous professional development. Managers of Hotel Crown Plaza must use different
approaches which helps to enhance knowledge (Morgan and et. al., 2013).
Being marketing manager at Hotel Crown Plaza I am lacking in budget and project
management skill and inter personal skills. So with the help of professional development plan, it
is easy to know measures through which skills can be polished.
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Illustration 2: Kolb Learning Theory

Professional Development Plan
S.no Learning
target
Present
proficiency
Target
proficiency
Development
opportunities
Judging Time
1 Budget and
project
management
skill
Being
marketing
manager at
Hotel
Crown
Plaza I am
not able to
perform
marketing
function
within
specified
time and
budget.
I want to
manage all
marketing
functions in
appropriate
manner, so
project can
be done
within
specified
deadline.
I can enhance
this skill with
proper
planning. This
can be done by
acquiring
knowledge
from seminars,
conferences,
etc.
Top level
managers of
Hotel
Crown
Plaza.
2 months.
2 Interpersona
l skills
I am little
weak in
interpersona
l skills. I
feel shy in
communicat
ing and
interaction
with others.
I want to
improve this
because this
helps to
interact with
other
parties. This
helps in
marketing
product and
services and
solve query
of
Online Classes,
motivational
speeches
Subordinate
s and team
mates
2 months.
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consumers.
3 Money
Managemen
t Ability
I am not
able to
manage
financial
expenses
which are
specified by
finance and
accounts
department.
To maintain
revenues of
association I
want to
make
maintain
financial
remuneratio
ns for
growth and
developmen
t of
association.
This skill can
be
development
by proper
maintaining
expense and
expenditure
must be done
with proper
planning.
Superiors. 5 months
4 Information
Technology
Skills
I am weak
in IT skills.
So I can not
enter data
and share
with
concern
department
in
appropriate
manner.
I want to
improve this
skill which
assist me in
sharing
information
by recording
in
appropriate
manner.
Class room
learning,
certificate
course.
Peer
members
and
subordinate
s
6 months.
TASK 4
P6 Undertake a job interview for service industry role
There is requirement of various employees ion order to work according to provide best
services to consumers. Hence there is a selection process i.e. interview. Interview is a way in
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which there is interaction between HR manager and candidate. In personal interview, CV is the
document which is carried by candidate (Oliver, C., 2013).
Interview is set of questions which is asked by employer with candidate related to
personal, educational, professional background. In this there is also discussion about working
experience also.
Curriculum Vitae is a official document which candidate carries themselves at the time of
personal interview. This document contains information related to career objectives, educational
qualification, certification course, etc. This is briefing about candidate and then interview
questions are asked by HR manager (Hensel and Laux, 2014).
Hotel Crown Plaza has collaboration with Thomas Cook. This is the company having
good brand image in travel and tourism sector. This is the organisation which offers travel
packages to consumers with accommodation facilities. There is requirement of marketing
manager at Thomas Cook.
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Jack Watson
Address: P enclaves, BP street, England, UK.
Contact Number: 2564154
Date of Birth: 06/02/1991
Email ID: [e-mail]
Career objectives: Searching for a profile in an organization that gives a chance to
development and picking up accomplishment in my occupation.
Academic Qualification:
 Secondary- 10th
 Senior secondary- 12th
 Graduation- BA
 Post Graduation- MBA (Sales and marketing)
Experience: 2 years experience as Assistant Marketing Manager in Hotel Hilton.
Personal Skills:
 Ability to lead team and attain goals.
 Adaptable and positive attitude
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 Good interpersonal skills.
Declaration: I hear by announce that the above informations is true to my cognition and
expectations.
Cover letter
Jack Watson
P enclaves, BP street, England, UK.
2564154
[e-mail]
Henry
I have experience of 2 years in sales and marketing field. Hence I want to join your organisation
to improve my knowledge experience in big organisation. As I had completed my MBA in
marketing field, so I have good interpersonal skills which makes me easy to approach new
customers.
I assure you that I bring new leads for the organisation because I have good links with people.
In previous organisation I have good record with them. I achieve set sales targets every quarter
hence I was nominated for employees of the year many times. I get appreciation certificate from
head office.
I would be happy if you gave me opportunity for being part of your association. This brings
new energy and zeal with me which assist me to perform well.
Thank You
Jack Watson
There are some set of questions which are asked by HR managers to select candidate at
the post of marketing manager.
 Tell me something about yourself?
 What did you know about our organisation?
 Which social media tools you prefer to promote brand and services of organisation?
 Do you prefer to work with innovative approaches? If yes, then how?
 Who do you think is our biggest competitor? What differentiates our companies?
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 Why should we hire you?
 Why you want to join us as marketing manager?
P7 Review key strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process
Interview is a formal process in which personal interaction between employer and
candidate for the desired post is at final round of selection. Prior to interview there are some
level which has to be cleared to face personal interview (Xu, H., 2013). There are some positive
as well as negative points which I had recognised. This is discussed as under-
Strengths Weakness
 I was confident while interacting with
interviewer.
 I am able to interact with asker in
comfortable manner because I was
calm and smiling with gives positive
impact to him.
 I do not have two copies of Curriculum
Vitae, which gives negative impression
in front of interviewer.
 At some points I was over confident
which sounds to be arrogant and affects
image in front of questioner.
There is professional aura in interview room which attracts me to be part of organisation.
I was little nervous before starting of interview, then interviewer react in familiar way so I can
answer comfortably. After interview I was little confuse regarding going outside, in this case
existing workers help me to deal with it.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion importance of on going learning process can be known. With
the help of continuous professional development, knowledge and skills of individuals can be
polished. Retaining the best talent, boosting morale, remains relevant are some benefits which
can be attained with continuous development. At workplace, there is requirement of some skills
such as leadership, decision making, problem solving, etc. which are essential to perform job
responsibilities in effective manner. Learning is a process under which relevant information may
be learned. Behavioural theory of learning best because it helps to enhance knowledge according
to inner feeling of individual. Professional development plan is a way through which helps to
cover gap between current knowledge and skills required for job performance. At the time of
13

hiring individual, there are some set of questions which are asked by HR with candidate on the
basis of curriculum Vitae. Curriculum Vitae is a document which contains information related to
candidate such as professional, personal, qualification, etc.
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REFERENCES
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Cruess, R. L. and et. al., 2014. Reframing medical education to support professional identity
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Hallam, J., 2012. Nursing the image: media, culture and professional identity. Routledge.
Hensel, D. and Laux, M., 2014. Longitudinal study of stress, self-care, and professional identity
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Johnson, M. and et. al., 2012. Professional identity and nursing: contemporary theoretical
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Morgan, A. and et. al., 2013. Professional identity pathways of educators in alternative schools:
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Oliver, C., 2013. Social workers as boundary spanners: Reframing our professional identity for
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Pillen, M., Beijaard, D. and Brok, P. D., 2013. Tensions in beginning teachers’ professional
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Pillen, M.T., Den Brok, P.J. and Beijaard, D., 2013. Profiles and change in beginning teachers'
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Ruohotie-Lyhty, M., 2013. Struggling for a professional identity: Two newly qualified language
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Trede, F. and McEwen, C., 2012. Developing a critical professional identity. In Practice-based
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Trede, F., Macklin, R. and Bridges, D., 2012. Professional identity development: a review of the
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Xu, H., 2013. From the imagined to the practiced: A case study on novice EFL teachers'
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Xu, Y., 2014. Becoming researchers: A narrative study of Chinese university EFL teachers’
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Online
Benefits of On-Going Learning and Professional Development. 2018. [Online]. Available
through: <http://www.lsda.org.uk/importance-of-on-going-learning-and-professional-
development.html>.
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