Personal Development Plan
Introduction
I feel very fortunate to undertake this assignment. A Personal Development Plan (PDP) is a great tool that puts into context the things that I have to plan for to reach my goals in life. The internet resource Self Development Mentor (2012) explains that the PDP is a static document in that there will be things that would change for me that would shape my career beyond my current vision.
According to the internet resource Effective Positive Thinking (2012), a PDP forces one to examine the goals and aspirations in a systematic, logical and realistic manner. With the PDP, I am gauging my future by examining what resources I have and the progress that I have made. I am forced to look at my skills and see where I feel to be adequate on and where I feel more skills development is needed. The PDP is truly an invaluable tool for personal success.
My initial PDP showed which areas are critical for me to develop. These areas are summarized using a standard Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, as shown below. I looked for guidance from online materials and I found an excellent example of a SWOT analysis for a PDP at Sports Coach (2012).
Ability to get along with people and team work
Gain experience working with people
Need to gain experience from in job trainings
Requirement for inclusion in many preparatory work may hamper time for studying
Diligent
Gain experience in school
Difficulty in techniques for numerical analysis
Limitation of exposure to other relevant aspects of school work
Hungry for learning
Gain experience in extracurricular organizations
Difficulty in techniques for data handling
Language difficulty
Gain International exposure
Difficulty in understanding different cultures
Excellent time management
According to my initial PDP, I am a very diligent person with the thirst for learning that exemplifies the general characteristics of students. I work well with others and have the capability to manage my time well. Given my many opportunities for learning in school, I am in the best position to harness these and benefit from them.
However I have difficulties in certain aspects such as some techniques for handling numerical analysis and data handling. I am also slowed down by difficulties in understanding cultures, being a foreign student. These threaten my success somewhat. I am also limited by my finances and exposure other aspects of school work. I understand that these will have to be resolved but the opportunities that are available to me are also might not fully resolve these requirements. Nevertheless, I am happy to have opportunities and will make the best out of everything that comes my way.
Where do I want to be?
The most exciting part of the PDP according to Lewis (2011) is the formulation of the goals and aspirations of the individuals and the development of these goals into something that is practicable, implementable, realistic and logical. I came here on to the United Kingdom to get a degree in accounting and I am halfway reaching my first objective of the goal.
Personally I am a very driven person. I like to find new challenges to work on and continue finding out about myself. As a hobby I like reading and writing, as well as listening to new music. I think my desire to learn more has made me more appreciative of the value of education. On top of that, I am motivated to learn to help my family and contribute positively to society. I know that these are lofty statements but the ideology in me remains to be selfless and patriotic. I believe that I have a higher purpose in life and this is a small but important step to take to reach that dream. Learning now, getting a good job and becoming a positive force in the world to other people motivate me to do the best that I can be.
Currently I am just a student and have very little by way of professional qualifications to work as an accountant. I have however, gained a job in just 4 months from being in the United Kingdom. The job has helped me finance a share of my living expenses but also has given me valuable work insights. For example, managing my time in both my job and school, dealing with the practical objectives and cross-learning from both makes it easier to accomplish school or work tasks. I have learned a lot from reading online resources for international students such as myself, from articles from the University of South Hampton (2012), Roberts (2012) for students of Catholic faith, from Martynes (2011), and from the Education Portal (2012).
The learning style that works best for me is full-time learning. While full time learning would be great to finish my degree at the soonest possible time, I believe that I need to find a work that helps me to strike a balance, ensuring that both my schooling and my living are balanced. Many students are capable of doing this and I am one of them.
I need to finish my learning in two years. I believe that this would be enough time to complete my education. This would also balance the social aspect of my life. As a well-rounded person, I need to interact with other persons as well as do well in school. An article from Mayo Clinic 2(012) says that this would be the most effective since I would be able to balance my commitments effectively. I do not foresee any imminent changes in my life. Marriage is far from my mind but I would like to find for a stable employment as soon as possible. Before that happens though, I think I would be able to complete my education.
Ultimate Goals in Life
My ultimate goal in life is become an accountant, to work in a consulting firm and contribute to the economic development of my country or whatever country I would be working in. I believe in mobility and I would seek this opportunity wherever it may lead me. I will be able to say I am successful if I am able to accomplish these goals in the time that I set them in. That means that must finish my degree in two years, find meaningful employment, possible take up graduate school etc.
Reflection
I think my performance this semester is characterized by hard work and perseverance. I believe that I was able to accomplish a lot and will continue doing so. I intend to be better as a student and as a person, and the experience I am picking up are helping me achieve that goal. In the next coming semesters, work will be more challenging academically but I intend to maximize my learning’s with each and every new course that I would accomplish. I will keep a record of what I will be doing to continue with my habit of doing self-assessments and will make new plans when the need arises.
I think that my learning’s habits, because they are part of me have been instrumental in my reaching this level of academic acumen. I am a diligent student, I enjoy research, I enjoy learning new insights and feedback and I think that it is important that these are incorporated into my education. Employers would find this very appropriate as well since I will be trainable and will be able to take on challenges that will be assigned to me.
Ultimately I wish to gain financial independence. My financial standing is currently weak because of my status in life but I believe that I am going towards being financially independent soon. As a student I am working and studying and balancing my time well enough to be able to pursue my goals. When I am finished with my education, I envision getting hired and working hard to achieve my professional goals through recognition of my professionalism and inventiveness.
References
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