BUSS 1060 Assignment 2: Professional Development Portfolio - Finance

This portfolio assignment for BUSS 1060 focuses on professional development within the context of a finance broker role. It begins with a gap analysis, comparing the student's current competencies against those required in a job advertisement for a finance broker, and includes detailed eviden...Read More

Professional Development in Business - BUSS 1060 Assignment 2 Portfolio
Name:
Tutor:
60% of course grade.
Max 2500 words - Calculate word count by adding up individual word counts from assessable
documents (Portfolio template and resume), then subtracting 1600 words for those already in
template.
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The purpose of this assignment is for you to develop your career planning and management skills
and knowledge. You will:
• demonstrate your understanding of how to search for and win job opportunities
• recognise suitable graduate job opportunities
• identify the requirements of a specific job and organisation, and compare the requirements
against your current competencies (gap analysis),
• create job application documents that communicate your competencies in a targeted,
persuasive manner
• develop a plan to bridge competency gaps identified in a gap analysis.
You must:
• use this Portfolio Word template (provided in the Portfolio tab of the course page) to record
and submit your answers (only submit as Word document .doc or .docx – do not submit other file
types)
• follow the instructions in the Portfolio template to guide you.
When answering all questions, reflect upon self-knowledge you have gained and/or clarified, and
career development, planning and management information acquired, during this course so far.
Complete all answers in the white spaces provided. Do not combine question parts unless the
template instructs you to do so.

Question 1. (40/100)
a) Gap Analysis:
Upload a copy of a job advertisement (ad) for a position you could apply for when you graduate from
your current Program of study. Include the entire job ad from top to bottom and upload it as a separate
document. Do not include a link instead – the job ad could expire at any time, after which it will not be
accessible.
If there is a position description (PD) available, you must include it also (and ensure you address the
job requirements mentioned within it in your gap analysis).
Using Table 1a, and the instructions detailed below it, complete a gap analysis to compare your
current competencies against those required for the job you identified and uploaded.
Table 1a
Gap Analysis
Job title as per job ad: Finance Broker
Requirements for job as
stated in job ad / PD
Competency
rating (1 – 5)
Evidence of competency - achievement statements
Interacting with
borrowers over the phone
3 I am able to communicate well with people and this
skill will enable me to get this job
Complete assessment on
loan affordability
4 I am very knowledgeable regarding my financial
capability and skills. This skill I will use in calculating
loan affordability
Contacting lenders on
credit policy
3 I have communication skills and I can easily discuss
credit policy with lenders
Enter client information
into Broker system
4 I have good knowledge in information system. This
current system, I need to learn before applying
Track and follow up
outstanding loan
application items
1 I will have to develop capabilities in following up of
outstanding loan applications. I generally have a
tendency in forgetting tracking or following up
Prepare and distribute
EDM and other marketing
1 I do not possess marketing skills or knowledge, hence
I need to acquire the same before distributing EDM
and other marketing materials
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The purpose of this question is for you to:
- explore advertised job vacancies that are of interest to you
- identify job requirements from job advertisements and position descriptions
- find a job advertisement that is similar to a job you could apply for at the end of your current studies
- compare the job requirements for a job with your current knowledge, skills and abilities to rate your
current level of competency in the requirements, using appropriate evidence to support your ratings
- identify the gaps between your current competencies and the requirements of the job as a step
towards bridging the gaps
- develop a plan to maximise your alignment with the job (and, therefore, your likelihood of
employment in such a job)
- identify and plan out defined goals and actions to bridge the gaps identified in your gap analysis. By
following your plan, you will develop from your present self to a future version of yourself capable of
winning a job similar to the one identified.

Generate/populate
compliance document
templates
1 I do not possess much knowledge in compliance
document procedure. I will need to be guided to
undertake the same. I am hard working and will
easily be able to learn the complete procedure
regarding the same.
Follow application from
submission to approval
2 As I am not experienced, I do not possess skills
relative to following up on application regarding
submission. Gradually as I undertake experience in
the domain, I will be able to follow up regarding
application from clients for their approval.
Facilitate loan sign up
process
2 As I do not have experience in financial broking and
am only a fresher. I feel that I will need to learn
regarding the loan procedure before asking clients to
sing up for the same.
Liaise with other
stakeholders on behalf of
the principal
3 In order to facilitate with the loan processes and
procedure, I will act as a liaise for the principal to the
stakeholders. Though I have learnt regarding agent
and principal relationship in theory, I do not yet
possess the practical skills and competency related to
the same.
Instructions:
List the requirements for the job using the same words as in the job ad, but separate individual
requirements across new rows so you can rate your competency level for each requirement
individually.
Rate your level of competency for each job requirement using the following scale (include only the
corresponding number in Table 1a).
Support your competency rating with appropriate evidence as directed in the scale below.
If you run out of rows in Table 1a, add more as needed.
# Level Description Evidence required Weight of
work for Q1
1 Fundamental
awareness
You have common/general
knowledge or understanding of
basic concepts and techniques.
None Q1b
2 Novice
You have limited experience,
gained in a classroom or as a
trainee on-the-job. You need
help when performing skill.
Basic achievement statements
derived from classroom or on-
the-job scenarios.
Q1b
3 Intermediate
You have practical application.
You can successfully and
independently apply this skill in
work-like scenarios.
Achievement statements derived
from successful and
independent application in work-
like scenarios.
Balanced
4 Advanced
You do not need assistance to
apply this skill at a high level.
You can navigate difficulties
independently. You can coach
others in this skill.
Achievement statements derived
from high-level independent
application in work-like
scenarios with proven ability to
navigate difficulties.
Q1a
5 Expert
You are a recognised authority
in this skill. You are considered
the “go to” person in this area.
Strong achievement statements
derived from expert application
in work-like scenarios.
Q1a
b) Career Plan:
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Use Table 1b to create a detailed step-by-step career plan that bridges the gaps between your current
competencies and those required to win the job you have chosen. The career plan needs sufficient
detail so that a third party could use the plan to achieve the goals.
Goals need to be clear and concise. Goals must clearly address the requirements included in the job
ad that you lack competency in.
Actions need to be specific (defined and detailed, not ambiguous or general), measurable (when will
you know you have reached the goal?), achievable (realistic, possible) and relevant (aligned to
achieving the goal).
Dates need to be staggered appropriately with sufficient duration for goals and actions to be
achievable.
Add more rows to Table 1b as necessary.
Table 1b
Job
title Financial Broker
Step
# Goal Action Dates
1 Becoming an efficient
financial broker
I will undertake regular trading and learning
procedure for learning skills for becoming a
financial broker. I will have to undergo an
induction session, where I will be trained
regarding the necessary skills for
undertaking a complete broking task for
clients. This will however, require time and
effort to be undertaken.
31.12.2019
2
Attracting maximum
possible valuable clients
for the organization
Regularly through client interaction try and
acquire new portfolio of clients. As I am
tremendously hard working, I will aim at
over-exceeding my organization’s
expectations in terms of client acquisition.
30.06.2021
3
Convincing clients to take
services from the
organization
By means communicating continuously, I
will try and make customers take products
and services from the organization. I take
my tasks very seriously hence I will try to
convince my clients of the several benefits
that are being offered by my organization. I
will also highlight the several positive
aspects of the organization, which will help
in emphasizing the value added benefits.
To it I will add my efforts which the client
can avail.
30.09.2022
4
Completing loan
assessment and other
procedures in an effective
manner
Undertake the process of loan assessment
and procedures. This should be learnt well
and then processed for clients. Loan
procedure is a long process requiring
multiple staged option that needs to be
undertaken for the task. It will require time
and patience to learn regarding the same.
31.12.2021
5 Creating and Maintaining
client details
As I am well equipped in computer related
procedure, I learn the software of my
organization. The software will be used for
creation of and maintaining client details.
30.06.2020
6
Tracking and following up
submission on
compliance
I need to learn regarding compliance
procedure in the new organization and then
apply it for the same in tracking and
following up.
31.03.2021
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7 Liaison with stakeholders
An appropriate liaison with stakeholders
has to be followed such that proceedings
related to their work can be undertaken. I
will need to make clear to them the several
contracts and other features of the loan
such as to be able to fulfill the requirements
easily.
31.12.2020
8 Facilitation of loan sign up
processes
A loan sign up document is generally ready
with broking companies. Once I am
thorough with the loan procedure and have
gained competence then I will take the
responsibility for loan signing procedures as
well.
30.04.2020
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Question 2. (40/100)
The purpose of this question is to create a persuasive resume and video that reflects your key
competencies and selling points, aligned with your career ambitions and the knowledge taught in this
course.
Use Australian conventions as taught in this course to create a targeted resume and video that
persuasively communicate your key competencies / selling points that align with your career
ambitions, backed up with appropriate evidence. Do not create untrue information about yourself – the
aim is to sell the value you have to offer now.
Submit as separate documents (resume and video transcript contribute to Portfolio word count):
a) (25/100) your resume, and
b) (15/100) a “Me in a Minute” video that introduces yourself and communicates at least three key
selling points to a potential employer that reflect competencies from your resume. Aim for 1 minute
long. You must include a full and accurate transcript of your video dialogue.
Copy and paste your transcript of video dialogue here:
Transcript of Video Dialogue:
A hard-working fresh graduate, who is willing to extend capabilities and skills to achieve end goals,
seeking a finance broker’s position with an intention to building long-lasting relationships with clients
and seeking various growth and profitable avenues for the organization,. I possess excellent active
listening skills, which is necessary for customer handling. Ability to solve complex problems which is a
requirement in the financial brokerage industry.
I am very ambitious and aim to become and efficient person in the financial brokerage industry.
Through continuous hard work and I will become a manager within a very short time after my
employment. I have ability in social perceptiveness which can be used in attracting new clients
towards the organization. With outstanding oral communication and speaking skills, I can easily
convince new and potential customers. I am skilled in building network of money lenders and buyers.
I have persuasion skills, which can be used to convince customers. I have nil work experience. My
Education background includes Bachelor's Degree in Finance which I completed in the year 2018.
I am currently completing my bachelor’s but later I aim to take up higher studies as well. I will aim to
undertake finance with management education such that I can soar to higher position with
organization. My sole career focus is on meeting client’s satisfaction and in accomplishment of
organization’s objectives. Through careful planning and diligent work, I feel I can easily accomplish
the same. I possess leadership capabilities and able to work within teams as well. I aim to make great
career progress in my life. At any instance I feel that I am lacking in my career skills or achievements,
I will undertake a personal diary where I will record and mark my progress. through continuous self-
assessment and appraisal I will aim to achieve my life and career goals easily.
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Question 3. (20/100)
The purpose of this question is for you to:
- practice effective storytelling for interviews, and recognizing the key competencies demonstrated
within the stories,
- consider the implications of digital interviews (artificial intelligence assessed) for you as a candidate
in a recruitment process
- reflect on the different avenues that exist to find job vacancies in the visible and hidden job markets,
- identify strategies that will improve job search success in your career area of interest.
a) During an interview, demonstrating your skills through stories is one of the best ways you can
communicate your value to an employer.
i) Imagine you had a job interview tomorrow. Write about two stories (examples) you could use in that
interview. The stories could be from your work, sport, music, volunteering or leadership roles (if you
have never experienced these types of roles, use education-based stories). Use the
Challenge/Problem, Action, Result format as taught in this course.
ii) Identify the key competencies evidenced in each story.
During the job interview demonstration of skills through stories will be undertaken for my case to
communicate in the best ways regarding my value to the employer.
Assignment Related – Leadership Role
Challenge/Problem: We were assigned class project as a part of the course fulfillment during our
Bachelor’s course. There were 6 groups in total and each group was assigned a topic on which we
had to work on. In our group we faced tremendous challenge as all participants in our group was
confused as to what needed to be done. Though this cannot be termed as a challenge, but was
extremely problematic at that time. I voluntarily took up leadership roles and guided each one
regarding what needed to be done.
Action: At the first instance, I formed a WhatsApp group then added all participants to that group. I
searched extensively on the internet regarding the top and then drawn a plan where each group
member was assigned different sections. As one of the group member was assigned to write
regarding introduction, another regarding conclusion, another regarding literature reviews and another
was responsible for findings and I had taken responsibility for the Executive Summary. I took the role
to discuss regarding the assignment topic as well as regarding the ways that the assignment had to be
written. I prioritized deadline and set the time at a week before the submission time was due. Each
one of us was responsible for making references in their respective areas. Each team member was
extremely happy related to the task division and regarding my leadership role. They felt, I possessed
tremendous qualities to excel in my life and become a capable leader someday.
Result: The outcome from the activity that I had undertaken was completing the task before deadline
in an appropriate manner. Each one of us knew the topic in great detail and could defend it easily. The
result was tremendous success for our group.
Competency derived from the Story: The competency derived from the story reveals that I possess
excellent leadership skills. With the skill I was able to motivate my team members and undertake the
task accomplishment towards the common objective or goal.
Care Related – Voluntary Role
Challenge/ Problem: At another instance I took up volunteering role in Australia at a local healthcare
center. Though I took up the role during my Semester break, there was a problem as no one was
ready to define my role for me. I personally took up the initiative and decided that I will take my role in
the elderly ward and provide maximum possible care for patient’s facing end of life treatment. When I
started my role regarding the same, I saw that the primary concern was not providing medication to
the patients on the other hand it was to provide them with necessary psychological support as most of
them were totally devastated.
Action: I undertook a plan of action whereby I decided to care for patients receiving end of life care.
Regularly I used to join early and discuss with nurses as well as the GP regarding the status of each
patient and then interact with them regularly. Through regular interactions I was able to feel their pain
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and sorrow. They needed continuous psychological counseling and mental help as they were
experiencing pain from taking the medication as well. I stayed with 6 patients most of the time trying to
talk with them and spending time with them.
Result: The patients earlier felt lonely but post my intervention of voluntary service, they felt much
reassured. They shared their personal experiences and ways in which they were receiving treatment.
They were able to vent their feelings and I was able to provide mental assistance to them for which
they thanked me immensely. The GP and nurses also felt relieved as I had been able to share a
burden from their responsibilities.
Competency derived from the Story: I am able to provide voluntary service with commitment and I
do it with dedication. I can take up voluntary role and accomplish the same with great competency.
b) Digital interviews that are assessed by artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming more common. What
different factors will you need to consider when undertaking a digital AI-assessed interview, and what
can you do to maximise your success, compared to a face-to-face interview?
Digital interviews which are assessed by artificial intelligence (AI) now-a-days, therefore I need to add
different factors into consideration when maximizing my chances of success as compared to face-to-
face interviews. I would include more personal and relevant details highlighting my competencies
which are generally difficult to reflect in face-to-face interviews. I will also include details of my
professionalism and achievements which are easily reflected in AI reviews. I will undertake inclusion of
several human-led approaches which will enhance my chances of success.
c) Describe a personalised, multi-pronged job search strategy including specific examples of job
search actions you could undertake that are relevant to your career ambitions and unique
circumstances.
I will need to encompass a personalized, multi-prolonged job search strategy which will help me
accomplish my career ambition and face unique circumstances. This job search option will enable me
to attain best possible job in accordance to my Bachelor degree in Finance. I will continually undertake
online job searches and also coordinate with jobs posted in University sites such that I am able to
arrive at a job, specific to my capabilities.
Reference List:
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Assignment 2: Portfolio - 60% of course grade, word limit = 2,500 (equivalent)
Key components of assignment GQ %
Question 1a: Identifies appropriate job advertisement. Uploads it in entirety as separate document. Includes
PD if applicable.
Correctly identifies individual requirements for job as stated in job ad. Appropriately self-assesses current level
of competency for each requirement using instructions provided in Q1a. Supports competency rating with
appropriate evidence as directed in instructions provided in Q1a.
Question 1b: Creates a detailed step-by-step plan to bridge the gaps between current competencies and
those required to win the job identified in Q1a. The plan must provide a comprehensive path of transition from
current-self to future-self capable of winning job. Goals must be clear and concise. Actions need to be specific,
measurable, achievable and relevant. Timeframes must be staggered appropriately.
GQ1,
2, 3, 4
40
Question 2a: Uses Australian conventions as taught in this course to create a targeted resume that
persuasively communicates key competencies and selling points that align with career ambitions and are
backed up with appropriate evidence. Does not contain false information. Must submit as separate document.
GQ1,
2, 3,
4, 5, 6
25
Question 2b: Creates “Me in a Minute” video that introduces self and communicates at least three key selling
points to a potential employer that reflect competencies from your resume. Does not contain false information.
Must submit as separate document. Must be approx. 60 seconds’ duration. Full transcript required.
GQ1,
2, 3,
4, 5, 6
15
Question 3a: During an interview, demonstrating your skills through stories is one of the best ways you can
communicate your value to an employer.
i) Uses CAR format as taught in this course to communicate two stories from work, sport, music, volunteering
or leadership roles (or education-based stories).
ii) Identifies key competencies evidenced in each story.
Question 3b: Discusses factors to consider, and what can be done to maximise success, in digital AI-
assessed interview compared to face-to-face interview.
Question 3c: Describes personalised job search strategy including specific examples of actions that could be
taken, relevant to career ambitions and unique circumstances.
GQ1,
2, 3,
4, 5, 6
20
Late penalties (10% per day starting at due date/time):
Excessive word penalties (applied when 10% over, for each 10% over):
e.g. If word limit is 2500 words, 2750 - 3000 words will be penalised
10%, 3001 - 3250 words will be penalised 20%, and so on.
Summary comments: (see other comments in-line throughout assignment. Show comments pane via Review Tab in Word)
Assignment grade
Grade Notation Notational % Grade description
High distinction HD 85–100 An exceptional piece of work in every regard.
Distinction D 75–84 A very good attempt exhibiting high quality work in most areas.
Credit C 65–74 A sound attempt exhibiting high quality work in some areas.
Pass level 1 P1 55–64 A sound attempt.
Pass level 2 P2 50–54 Just passable.
Fail level 1 F1 40–49 Not passable - some areas requiring significant improvement.
Fail level 2 F2 below 40 Not passable - most areas requiring significant improvement.
The Graduate Qualities (GQ) being assessed by this assignment are:
GQ1 operates effectively with and upon a body of knowledge of sufficient depth to begin professional practice, GQ2 is
prepared for life-long learning in pursuit of personal development and excellence in professional practice, GQ3 is an effective
problem solver, capable of applying logical, critical, and creative thinking to a range of problems, GQ4 can work both
autonomously and collaboratively as a professional, GQ5 is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a
professional and citizen, and GQ6 communicates effectively in professional practice and as a member of the community.
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