Development in Regard to Professionalism - Essay Example

Running Head: Hospitality Self-Appraisal Report Name Institution Course Date The development gained through work is great and invaluable as the different skills gained in terms of professionalism; technical and personal skills are of importance and may only be acquired by physical presence in the industry. Different individuals learn differently and hence on this report I will have the personal report on the various aspects experienced. Research has showed that students benefit a lot after they undertake work-based placement. There are several apparent benefits that students can gain after undergoing work-based placement as research has shown. Bullock et al. (2009) demonstrated the benefit of work-based placement after highlighting increased interpersonal skills, aptitude for learning and confidence by bioscience students after completion of their industrial placement. Little (2000) showed that placement help students in integrating theory with practice after returning to University. Rushton et al. (2005) and Gomez et al. (2004) in a cautious manner suggested that bioscience students achieve improved marks at the end of the year after they have completed an industrial placement. Bowes and Harvey (2000) in a broad way found out that graduates having significant work experience perform better immediately after graduation when they enter the labour market. Bullock et al. (2012) also suggested that work placement help bioscience students in learning transferable skills not inherent in other students. Development in Regard to professionalism One is given the chance to experience and observe the realities of life in an industry while working and hence enables you talk to people within the chosen industry and profession. Comparison of the job duties and delegations, working conditions and industry practices against your initial expectations, and use the insights you gain to reassess your career goals. It allows for measurement of the expectations previously held and the reality on the industry as at times I would learn of an aspect that was way beyond expectation and therefore having to cope with the challenges that come along with it. Affirmation of career goals previously held and the necessity to let go of some other expectations I order to fit into the industry itself too. Acting professionally entails doing everything possible in making others think of an individual as competent, reliable and respectful. This can take many different forms depending on the job a person has and place of work. Some common traits of professionalism would include the following as have learnt and researched over time: 1. Competence. Involve being good at what one does and having skills and knowledge that enables doing the job very well. 2. Reliability. Submission of work on time and showing up on time among others. 3. Honesty. Telling the truth and being upfront as far as where things stand is concern. 4. Integrity. Known for consistent principles. 5. Respect for Others. Part of the approach is treatment of all people like they matter. 6. . Self-Upgrading. Seeking ways of staying up to date instead of letting skills and knowledge become outdated. 7. . Being Positive. Having a positive attitude and being a problem solver is imperative as constant pessimist is disliked. 8. Supporting Others. Sharing spotlight with colleagues, taking time in showing others how things are done in a proper way, and listening when necessary. 9. Staying Work-Focused. Avoiding private life to have an impact on the job and spending no time at work to attend to personal matters. 10. Listening Carefully. Giving people an opportunity to explain and express their ideas properly as people want a listening ear. Technical Skills Some skills gained are broadly categorized into four major categories which are common universally. Future employers look for some skills in potential employees which can be demonstrated by the help of experience. Self-reliance skills: This demonstrates that an individual can work independently. Self-awareness, knowing one’s strengths also constitutes self-reliance skills. Organising oneself and prioritising activities through rearrangement of commitments in getting work done falls in self-reliance skills. People skills: This is the ability of an individual to demonstrate interpersonal skills. Communicating effectively in both writing and in person as well as participation in team activity and taking lead is what employers look for in this category. General skills: These are skills that can be used across all sectors and in any situation. This involves demonstration of flexibility, being a problem solver and not forgetting information technology skills Specialist skills: These skills are gained more often through studies such as technical skills or subject-specific knowledge. Specialist skills can pertain to facets such as having experience, understanding the structure of an organisation or its commercial survival strategies. Personal Skills Competitive edge Proactivity and taking of responsibility for developing your skills and attributes is highly required as chances only come once in a lifetime. This is because while working one is forced to compete with different people from many other different universities and colleges across the globe; and this necessitates one to set him or herself apart from others in the graduate market. Employers look for candidates having demonstrated general skills. The areas they look for these skills include teamwork, self-management, using technology, problem solving, ability to learn and adapt, planning and organising and communication. All these skills are important in the workplace and are referred to as ‘employability skills’. Developing a good relationship with your bosses has been vital as to how well to succeed and grow in career. He or she can give the exposure and guidance that is beneficial to both your career and personal development Some of the aspects learnt is that one needs to be professional & mature, respectful without being afraid, open communication in terms of feedback, support and direction on what it takes to be a great employee, showing interest in the work I would be doing and lastly not to show dislike to the employer or your boss to colleagues. Being able to please and win your customers over is critical to your career. Some of the clients would prove difficult and hence some ways of handling them would be appropriate and include: Some customers may vent their anger or unhappiness to you, but remember that it's not personal. They could just be having a bad day, so do not take it personally. Keep cool so that you can think carefully.  Remember not to say or do the first thing that comes to your head. Write down the complaint, talk to your supervisor and consider what you can do differently next time. References Barr, TF &McNeilly, (2002). 'The value of students’ classroom experiences from the eyes of the recruiter: information, implications, and recommendations for marketing educators', Journal of Marketing Education, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 168-73. Bridgstock, R. (2009). 'The graduate attributes we’ve overlooked: enhancing graduate employability through career management skills', Higher Education Research & Development, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 31-44 Cortini, M, Tanucci, G & Morin, E. (2010). Boundaryless careers and occupational wellbeing, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Gault, J, Leach, E &Duey, M. (2010). 'Effects of business internships on job marketability: the employers' perspective', Education+ Training, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 76-88. Gault, J, Redington, J &Schlager, T. (2000). 'Undergraduate business internships and career success: are they related?’ Journal of Marketing Education, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 45-53. http://career-advice.monster.ca/career-development/ Read More