My View of Success in the Workplace, Career Goals - Essay Example

name of the university CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN Personal Career Plan NAME OF THE STUDENT: ADMIN. NO: COURSE NAME: COURSE CODE: LECTURER NAME: DATE OF SUBMISSION REPORT Five-Year Career Development Plan Introduction Many people have talked about the phrase, “a journey without a destination leads nowhere”. This proclamation rings in the minds of many people with a focus in life endeavours and it is remarkably true in the present growing workforce. The growth and development of corporations present several employment opportunities that calls for a specific skills, thus need to pursue a career course and plan is increasingly becoming essential nowadays (Billet & Henderson, 2011, p.45). By determining career goals and objectives, one is capable of assessing what current skills and abilities are necessary in attaining that position, and the training and education needed before any advancement is possible. My five-year development plan will encompass the changing environment of workforce in regard to my career, desired field of work, level and type of responsibility, capabilities to be used and how they relate to my desired field of work, values aligned to my desired field of work, view of success in the workplace, goals and objectives. Changes in the workforce The key to a successful career plan and development revolves around the periodic evaluation and review of the five year plan in relation to changes in individual’s interests, the industry, the course being studied for and field of employment (Wigfield & Eccles, 2002, p.21). Reaching the point where you know what you want to achieve in your career can take time so your initial plans will probably be reworked several times. The important thing is to take your strategy as far as you can by comprehending your aptitude for certain jobs and gain an understanding of what employers in your chosen field are looking for. The issue of competition on global market will more often than not force firms to adjust their operation to operate effectively. As such, human resource managers will also change their style of recruiting and concentrate to workforce that poses relevant skills and talents that are pertinent to the organisation needs. The changes in the workforce pose a potential impact on the changes in career trainings and education system, which is supposed to fit into the present job market. In life, one has to strategically plan everything he or she does to keep abreast with the daily demands result from work or family. Even though, the sporadic changes in spheres of life do affect our plans, we should take a leap of faith and not give up in planning our undertakings. Thinking of where we are in career path today, we have to plan constantly everything we do, for example, plans for dinner, weekends, vacation, desired position of responsibility and organisation to work for. Proper planning yield success in life when reality dawns and we appreciate our best decision we have made regarding our career, business, family and future (Billet & Henderson, 2011, p.69). Desired field of work My desired field of work is in transport and logistics. This is an ideal career for logical thinkers. Logistics pertains to the efficient and effective flow and storage of goods and services. It is part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the flow of goods and services. The best thing about this field of work is that it is a well kept secret. Presently, it has a deficiency of necessary skills in this new era of technology. As such, call for young recruits, which are capable of taking up the challenge of change in its systems and processes, thus, formulating a definite career path. There is potential for growth and development in this career, as one may start from the lower position and rise to the top faster. Desired level and type of responsibility Given the chance I would love to work as a transport/logistic manager with United Logistics Company (ULC). This position is critical for smooth running of the company’s operation. The holder of this office is charged with overseeing operations, direction, and coordination of all transportation matters within the organization and the logistical functions entails purchasing, supplier management, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, transportation, and customer service. According to the Company website, ULC was established with a purpose of offering efficient and quality service to customers in handling shipments (ULC. 2001). To achieve this, the company employs experienced shipping and freight forwarding professionals with extensive experience and is able to meet all requirements of shippers, consignees and comply with rules and regulations of all concerned authorities. The alignment of my values and desired field of work Logistics requires a strong understanding of the transportation industry, which encompasses purchasing, financial management, stock control, storage and transportation. Before deciding on a reasonable career choice, many people find it necessary to take stock of their current capabilities. During my personal skill assessment, I found out that I have ability to manage employees, evaluate the SWOT analysis of the business and formulate course of action to correct problem areas. My key values are team player skills, good analytical and problem solving skills, time management, ease of adaptability to new systems, thinking logically, making effective presentations and mathematical technical skills. I am a competent technological savvy with immense knowledge in computer operations. All these values are fundamental in logistics thus align with my desired field of work. Additionally, best logistics managers have good communication skills and have a well-developed sense of managerial responsibility, with an aptitude for time and project management, capabilities that I have developed and demonstrated in my college life (Gerhart et al, 2007). My motivation prowess will also be important when dealing with suppliers and customers, by motivating and encouraging them to be flexible, analytical and adaptable to new systems. My view of success in the workplace Many people view success at workplace differently, when I get employed I intend to view success based on how much money I earn as salary, participation in contributing to the attainment of organisational goals and objectives, and promotion to the next level as an acknowledgement of work well-done. I also expect to evaluate success by ensuring happiness and a balance life-style between work, school, and family time. Career goals and objectives My goals and objectives are based on my zeal for success and fits within the timeline of Five Year Strategic Career Plan where I see myself in the future. Career goals consist of passing exams, applying for a job, securing employment and so on. According to Wigfield and Eccles (2002, p.33) career goals are indispensable for climbing the employment ladder in life. Conversely, the career goals are partitioned into two types, long-term and short-term. Short-term goals relates to 1-2 years in advance and are believed to open ways for the long-term goals to be attained, whereas long-term relates to 5-10 years in advance; when we tend to triumph in the short-term goals we are only preparing for what is ahead, that is, long-term goals. My short-term career goals are to pass my examination, graduate and get a job with a logistics company, preferably ULC. The long-term career goal is to climb the employment to managerial position and pursue my further education in line with my career. This will help to grow my career and present me with an opportunity to learn and understand the profession inside out. My objective is to continue to grow and develop in the logistics field so I can start my own Logistics Company or work for a renowned and respected logistics company in the world as I get promotions and other work related incentives (Billet & Henderson, 2011, p.69). Summary of career goals, objectives and strategies to be used Goals Time-frame Objectives Strategies Short-term 1-2 years Pass examination Reading hard and smart Graduate Complete the course & pass Secure a job Apply for job opportunities Long-term 5-10 years Promotional opportunities Deliver satisfactory work Keeping a positive attitude Managerial responsibility Problem solver Knowledgeable on management issues Strong service ethics Start a company Familiarise with logistics issues Attain extensive experience Save cash for start up capital Conclusion In the present world, individuals who are not committed to lifelong learning and change are perceived to be in serious danger of being left behind .This five year strategic career plan is designed to help me in develop the fundamental skills and prepare me take on a logistics position anytime. Moreover, the plan will not only help me in career growth and development, but also in advancement as a person. The highlights of my personal career plan have helped me to become a responsible person in life and stay humbled. It has also helped to grow and recognise the necessary steps to undertake to become a successful person. Bibliography Billet, S., & Henderson, A. 2011. Developing Learning Professionals: Integrating Experiences in University and practice settings. New York: Springer, pp.46-71. Gradireland.com. (2012). Transport/logistics manager. Retrieved Aug 2012, from http://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions/transportlogistics-manager http://www.ulckuwait.com/index.php. 2011. Home. Retrieved Aug 2012, from http://www.ulckuwait.com/index.php Gerhart, B., Hollenbeck, J., Noe, R. & Wright, P. 2007. Fundamentals of human resource Management. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Gooby, P. T., 2000. Motivation and human behaviour. New York: St. Martin’s Press. Latham, G. P., 2007. Work motivation: history, theory, research and practice. California: Sage Publications ULC. (2001). aboutus. Retrieved August 2012, from http://www.ulckuwait.com/aboutus.php www.taawzeef.com. (2012). Branch Manager (Freight & Logistics) | Logistics Executive. Retrieved Aug 2012, from http://www.taawzeef.com/post125894-1/ Wigfield, A. & Eccles, J. S., 2002. Development of achievement motivation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp.21-33. Read More