MOD006960 Skills for Higher Education

In order to achieve full marks, you must submit your work before the deadline. Work that is submitted late – up to five working days after the published submission deadline - will be  accepted and marked. However, the element of the module’s assessment to which the work contributes will be capped with a maximum mark of 40%.

Work cannot be submitted if the period of 5 working days after the deadline has passed (unless there is an approved extension). Failure to submit within the relevant period will mean that you have failed the assessment.

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

Task

Write a Personal Development Plan (maximum 1500 words). The assignment will be structured as follows:

Part 1: Career Goal

Identify three possible career choices, and select your preferred option. Explain the reason for your choice. (Approx. 300 words) (20 Marks)

Part 2: Current Reality

Identify and explain your strengths (skills, experience and personal qualities) and weaknesses, using the Personal SWOT completed in class, and feedback from 5  contacts using the “Ask 5 People” exercise. (Approx. 450 words) (30 Marks)

Part 3: Options for Progression

Identify and explain any gaps in your skills, experience or knowledge that you would need to address to successfully achieve your career goal.

Identify and explain options that might help you bridge the gap between your current situation and your career aspirations.

You may include making the most of opportunities and managing threats to your progression (from your Personal SWOT), engaging your current network, and  putting a plan in place to develop it. Consider how you might use the professional profile you developed in class.

Part 4: Way Forward

Identify three “next steps” that are SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, RELEVANT and TIME BASED

You must include the following to support your discussion:

• Your Personal SWOT

• 5 completed feedback questionnaires (“Ask 5 People”)

• Your professional profile, completed as part of your course work.

Use the resources listed to support your decision making. Acknowledge the source of your information (for example, “According to Rook, the opportunities for  this profession are…)  State the career option that you prefer. Explain the reason for your choice.  Factors to consider include the opportunities for future development, the  physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional characteristics and demands of the role, geographical location, remuneration and benefits. This part of the plan should be approximately 300 words and is worth 20 marks.

Part 2: Current Reality

Identify and explain your strengths (skills, experience and personal qualities) and weaknesses, using the Personal SWOT completed in class, and feedback  from 5 contacts using the “Ask 5 People” exercise.

Factors to consider include: contacting professionals already in your network, opportunities created through your degree, using your professional profile to develop your network and conferences or events you could attend. Ensure you explain how these options might help you achieve your career goals.

Discuss how you would overcome any threats identified in your Personal SWOT.  This part of the plan should be approximately 600 words and is worth 40 marks.

Part 4: Way Forward

Identify three “next steps” that are SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, RELEVANT and TIME BASED.

1. I will contact… University by 10/10/19 and apply for a place at their next Open Day in November. I will prepare some questions to ask to make the  most of the opportunity…

2. I will send an email to… within the next two weeks, and confirm… I hope to  find out much more about…

3. I will refine my profile and create... by…with the aim of…