Self-Awareness and Opportunity Awareness Assessment - Essay Example

Personal Career Research Project and Action Plan + CV/Letter Pack Name Institution Professor Subject Date Assignment 1: Self -Awareness and Opportunity Awareness Assessment Introduction Everyone who goes through any education system and training would one day want to pursue a certain career. The readiness to pursue career from any perspective is varied depending the personality one has (Crites, 1978, Holland et al, 1980 & Peterson et al, 1991). This then calls for one to adequately develop awareness of his skills, attitudes and abilities that he may have to manage their career effectively. This would require one to answer questions in a career-planning questionnaire based on DOTS model. The DOTS model is a model of career management that helps one to approach career planning in a systematic and objective way (Law & Watts, 2003). The model proves useful for people who are not sure about the careers to pursue after their years of education. The first D stands for decision learning, which involves that act of recognising and applying the appropriate decision-making and action planning skills (Law& Watts, 2003). O stands for opportunity awareness, which gets basis on one's ability to identify appropriate sources of information and opportunity in training, education, jobs and even entrepreneurship (Law& Watts, 2003). Transition learning (T) is next in the model, requires one to put into action career decisions, and plans through attending interviews and applying for jobs (Law& Watts, 2003). The last bit of the model is self-awareness, which involves knowing, identifying and recognising one's career-related interests, skills, goals and preferences. The model therefore is a way of looking at career planning and the decisions about one's life and career and therefore one is required to take note of his/her limitations and opportunities when going through the model (Law & Watts, 2003). This report is a reflection of my personality, work values, goals, occupational interest, skill and employment opportunities that exist after answering questions in the career planning preparation questionnaire. Other than presenting on my reflections on personality, work values and occupational interests, the report is also based on my Employability Development Profile. Personality In a review of my personality, it would be good to first give a little history of myself. My name is Mohammed Alshoraimi. I grew up in Ryadh, in Saudi Arabia. When I was young, I was able to speak English thus went to England to complete my education in business and management course. I am currently a student at the UCLAN University of Central Lancashire. Currently, am feeling contented with the level of education as I am pursuing a bachelor degree and hopes to graduate from UCLAN University. So far, I had gone through the career planning preparation and questionnaire and realised a few things about myself. At first, my dream was to work as a pilot that was when I was young. Since the time I joined school until now, my dreams have changed and so far being a pilot is not my priority. I have developed new goals and aims in my life. Through studies in personality and self-awareness, I have come to realise more about these concepts. Personality is actually made up of those features of thoughts, feelings and behaviour that make someone different from every other person (Burger, 2010, p. 06). As a trait that emerges from inside an individual, it remains a lifetime thing. As much as personality is influenced by biological aspects and needs, it is sometimes affected by one's psychological needs (Ryckman, 2007, p. 05). A display goes beyond one's behaviour and runs consistently through out one's life. By answering questions in the questionnaire, I have effective ways to fulfil the needs of my goals and make sure that I give it my best when it comes to finding a job within the area that I grew up in. In the responses that I gave in the questionnaire, it came out clear that I have developed confidence in myself. I have been able to establish who I am. I have managed to realise what interest me, it no longer the piloting issue, but literacy in the business sector; the real corporate world. I have come to realise what really motivates me other than money and what aims I have to achieve. Still after this, I have not emerged as on with a perfect personality since there are a few areas I need to work on and as I grow up, there are more issues that I will come to discover about myself. What is needed is for me to continue the process of establishing self-awareness. Work Values Throughout my life I have acquired a set of values, beliefs and ideas like honesty, hard work and loyalty and I have gone further to learn that I need to live life according to my set values (Reamer, 2006, p. 11). These values need to be acted upon both in one's personal life and at work. This involves considering one’s values when choosing a career because it will determine whether one will reach a point of self-actualization or not (Reamer, 2006, p.12). This proves the fact that a good clarification of one's values that relate to his career is very vital (Reamer, 2006, p. 13). Going through the questionnaire has made me to realise more of these work values; things that really matter to that and me have so far influenced my career choice. For example, I have always wanted to feel confident about my life and career job in the future. I came to realise after a feedback from the questionnaire that feeling confident would place at a better position in life, in addition to opening doors to more chances in the working industry that I will be in the most parts of my life. From the report, I have come to further realise that I exhibit a strong work ethic. This is to say that I am vey sure about my employment possibilities and I know the kind of jobs that if I did I could feel positive. I have the ability to convince my employer why I am good at a job. This is because most employees who understand and possess a willingness to work hard are loved by their employers (Reamer, 2006, p. 12). On the other hand, I have come to realise that I need to start working on my level of responsibility and dependability as this are core work values that employers need(Reamer, 2006, p. 12). In improving my work values, I have realised that I also need to keep up the level of flexibility because being open to change and improvements provides an opportunity to complete assignments. The possession of a positive has as well been a discovery in this assessment; employers seek employees who take initiative and have the motivation to get a job done. Honesty and integrity are values not left out. Career Drivers One motivational factor that drives me closer to my career is the satisfaction I have as far as I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree hopefully to finish and graduate in 2014. The fact that I was able to speak English and furthermore attend an English proficiency course at English language school in Oxfordshire and emerge with an overall mark of 5.0. This guarantee to me that I have good socialization skills in the corporate world through my language skills. The fact that my goals and aims in life has changed from being a pilot to pursue business management is a highly motivational factor to me. Furthermore, the fact that I am pursuing this degree from an internationally recognised university in the UK drives me closer to my career as I have the confidence that I will quickly fit in the job market back in Saudi Arabia. Degrees from such universities are highly recommended in my country. More driving factors are accrued to my course leader who so far has given me confidence to proceed on with my degree. In general, I have so far realised that am driven by the need to achieve more other than just money. I have known what to do with my life and what kind of jobs really suit my personality. Occupational Interests The concept of occupational interests is closely tied to opportunity awareness. Opportunity awareness helps students to gain experience and gains some understanding of the structure of the working world they are going into; the range of opportunities that exist in it; the demands that it will put upon them; together with the rewards and satisfaction that these different parts can offer (Law & Witts, 1977, p.01). The concepts extend to exploration of doors that are open to individuals for joining these opportunities. At individual level, it reaches out to one's demand and strategies, which match particular characteristics of an individual. Extended to my experience, it has made me to realise some occupational interests. I have confirmed that I am sure about my employment possibilities and already have established the jobs I could do to feel positive. No worry on whether am overlooking potential job areas have gripped me after the assessment. However, I need to establish more about the kind of work that I want to do. This would include looking into what training is needed for me to pursue the job that interests me. Furthermore, there is need to know more about the jobs that interest me. The assessment has also helped to realise that I need to boost my occupational interests by sparing time to find out more about other possibilities open to me; what might be involved in various occupations; and information on where to get adverts on vacancies. Generally, the concept behind a reflection on occupational interest involves ensuring that students pursue educational options that best rhymes with who they are and what they want (Brown & Lent, 2012). This would be done best if students know the range of options they have and if they expand to explore those options (Brown & Lent, 2012). Skills As much as I have not had the opportunity to gain some work experience I am still optimistic that I will get a chance. However, in case of any opportunity that comes my way, I am confident that I will qualify. As a confident person, I have realised from the reflections of the questionnaire that I have the skills that are vital for the career I want to pursue. I am also confident that with the skills, I can make my employer see how my work experience is relevant to them and move further to convince them on why I am the best candidate. I know my ability to apply for a job I want and therefore can perform better at interviews. Professionally, I am equipped with skills for any job I would like to pursue. I started by a foundation course the upgraded to a diploma at the University of Central Lancashire UCLAN. I have also pursued an English proficiency course in English Language School in Oxfordshire. Currently, I am pursuing a three-year degree course at UCLAN but am done with two years. The skills, I will get from UCLAN are those that really fits me into the job market back in Saudi Arabia as they are highly recognized. Potential Employment Opportunities So far, I have been able to identify an employment of opportunity at M&S, which involves getting the right products to the right places at the right time (sorting). The departments are two: Food Logistics & General Merchandise Logistics. The job is either in the development area or in the operational area. I believe I am fit for this job because of my ability to walk through challenges and my hobby in facing challenging tasks. This is because back in England, I have faced a couple of obstacles in my degree life, but I have fixed the mistakes that I have done and learned from them. In addition, my professional skills speak for themselves. Decision Learning and Action Planning Assessment One great challenging task was finding a true dream in my life as when I was a child, I dreamt of being a pilot. However, after going to school and joining tertiary I rediscovered myself. This course as well has enabled to further be confident that I am doing the right course that is business and management. Since I came to England, I have gained confidence after fulfilling the gaps in the past. After facing obstacles as a second year student at the university, I have come to fix the mistakes that I had done and learned from them. I am now happy with the career course I am pursuing. The cognitive information processing models does require one to have content in order to determine career decision-making and problem solving process effectively (Patton & McMahon, 2006). As an individual, I have discovered that my degree course has all I need to know in order to make a good decision in terms of career choice. The awareness has extended to the values, interests, skills and employment references. The knowledge I have about the options open to me is also another very important factor in the decision-making process. All these involve self-awareness and opportunity awareness. The model has made me to learn that all these are required for me to make effective decisions. It has helped me to define the gap between where I am going and where I want to be; and have a better understanding of myself and my options (Patton & McMahon, 2006). The best decision making tool I have learnt is having the pros and cons of on what one wants to decide on. It has been helpful because as I explore the options that come before me, I use it to see both sides by listing what is good and what is bad about them (Paul, 2010). At an advanced stage, I ad what is interesting about them and this helps give more weight to what will emerge the best at the end (Paul, 2010). This model has improved my decision making style so far. Therefore, I would like to work as a manager in a multinational corporation that involves staffs from all over the world. The career is specifically related to my course in business and management. I would fit more into this level then I later do my masters. I feel this goal is achievable because already, I have skills and am in the right track towards it. My interest in getting involved in challenging goes in managerial positions that really involve making tough decisions to propel an organisation to its greatest heights. The dream is achievable in less than ten years to come and my confident nature will enable me reach that position in a good time from now. I am appreciative of my current position now and am looking forward to achieving the new status. Assignment 2: Covering Letter and CV Covering Letter Mohammed Alshoraimi, 30 Grimmshaw Street, PR1, Preston, UK. E-mail: Malshoraimi@uclan.ac.uk Tel: 07980346340 The Personnel Manager, M& S Logistics Graduate Scheme. Dear Sir/ Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR A JOB AS A LOGISTICIAN Following an advertisement by M&S on 3 October 2011, I hereby humbly place my application for a job as a logistician in either the Food Logistics or General Merchandising Logistics. I am a male Saudi Arabian citizen aged 23 years and single. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree course (Honorary) at UCLAN University in the UK. I have before done a Diploma course in Business and Management as well as a Certificate graduation course in higher education in English for Business. I have an experience of working with others to achieve goals and therefore believe that I can be very useful in the process of achieving goals in your organisation. Being that I have good knowledge in management, organization and strategic management theory I am able to withstand the complicated logistic work at any department I will be placed in. My proficiency in English language is an added advantage as I can communicate with customers from all over the world. To this letter, I have attached my CV to support the details I have provided for this job. As a confident and positive man always, I believe that you will see me fit for the job. I therefore look forward to receiving your job offer letter soon. Thank you. Mohammed Alshoraimi Curriculum Vitae Personal Details (BIO-DATA) Name : Mohammed Alshoraimi D.O.B : 17th September 1989 Place of Birth : Saudi Arabia-Riyadh Gender : Male Nationality : Saudi Arabia Contacts : 07980346340 E-mail : Malshraimi@uclan.ac.uk Marital Status : Single Health Status : Satisfactory Language : Arabic (native) & English Objectives Being the best in everything I do Giving solutions to challenging situations and puzzles Educational and Professional Background September 2010-2010 UCLAN University of Central Lancashire, UK Diploma in, BA/Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business and Management Managing Information Business Relationships Introduction to Business Finance PDP!: Academic and Professional Skills Management and Society Research Methods Global Environment of Business Management, Organisation and Strategy Management of Operations Marketing Principles for Business January 2010-August 2010, UCLAN-University of Central Lancashire, UK Certificate of graduation in Higher Education in English for Business, Undergraduate foundation Programme: - English for Academic Purposes ICT Psychology Business and Economics 2008-2009 Kings School Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK IELTS 5.0 Language and Skills Experience of working with others to achieve goals A good knowledge of management, organization and strategic management theory A good knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft Office Not afraid to ask questions English Language skills Arabic Language (Native) Hobbies and Interests Playing table tennis, football, snooker, chess and videogames Being aware of technology market. I am a fan of developed technology (Computers & Mobile Phones) I like participating in challenging activities such as learning how to scuba dive. Strengths I am a confident man I am excited about learning from others' experiences I am a good team player and communicator Referees Chrsitine Ann McCarthy Course Leader, Combined Honours Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lanchire, PR1 2HE References Brown, Steven & Lent, Robert. (2012). Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work. John Wiley & Sons. Burger, Jerry. (2010). Personality. Cengage Learning. Crities, J. O. (1975). Administartion and Use Manual for the Career Maturity Inventory, CTB/ McGraw-Hill, Monterey. Holland, J,,Diager, D., Power, P. (1980). My Vocational Situation: Description of an experimental diagnostic form for the selection of vocational assistance. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc. Law, Bill & Watts, A.G. (2003). The DOTS Model: Original Version. The Career Learning Network. National institute for Careers Education and Counselling. Law,B & Watts, A.G. (1977). Schools, Career and community. London: Church Information Office. Patton, Wendy & McMahon, M. (2006). Career Development and Systems Theory: Connecting Theory and Practice. Sense Publishers. Paul, Williams. (2010). Three Simple Decision-making Tools. Web, September 1, 2010 Accessed on 11th December, 2012. Peterson, G. W., Sampson, J.P., & Reardon, R.C. (1991) Career Development and Service: A Cognitive Approach. Belmont. Reamer, Frederic. (2006). Social Work Values and Ethics. Columbia University Press. Ryckman, Richard. (2007). Theories of Personality. Engage Learning. Read More