Assignment Brief: Reflection and Action Plan for Placement and Career Development

Successful students will typically:

Successful  students will typically:

1. Identify the range of opportunities available to apply for

2. Examine recruitment and selection processes  used by employers

Learning Outcomes: Skills and Attributes tested in this assignment:

Successful  students will typically:

3. Assess  their own strengths and development areas in relation to placement applications

4. Prepare an action plan to succeed in securing a placement and performing professionally in the workplace

Transformational Opportunities

·Opportunity to identify suitable goals for future success both in relation to placement opportunities and being professional in the workplace.

·Create a vision for themselves progressing from student to graduate at PG level

Description of the assignment:

Steps to follow

1.Introduction – start your report with a very brief introduction to tell your reader what the report includes (maximum of 100 words).  This should outline the TWO sections, and talk about the module and the aim of your reflection and action plan. You should also inform the reader of what is included in the appendices. You are not required to provide references for this piece of work.  

2.Section 1 – Reflection – a reflection based on your SWOT analysis in relation to: 1) Securing a placement or future graduate level role and 2) How prepared you feel about being a professional in the workplace. This should highlight what you have to offer on a placement, and areas where you need to take action to be successful.  

3.Section 2 - Career and Personal Development Plan – a detailed plan using the “Career and Personal Development Plan” template provided with this assignment briefing on the module site. This must follow SMART guidelines,and show actions to prepare you for securing a placement and for being professional in the workplace. This should show a minimum of 5 goals and related actions. Where you have already made progress with an action you should show this on the final column. There is no maximum word count, however please be concise with your writing).     

4.Appendices – you must include Your Personal SWOT analysis. This allows the reader to see what you are aiming to achieve overall and where you are currently. You may also include the written feedback from the Practice Assessment Centre sessions in March and any other written feedback you reflect on in section 1.

Any specific instructions:

1.Your work should be presented in the 1st person.  CASE can provide support with reflective writing and with presenting your work effectively.

2.You must use the SWOT analysis document and the Action Plan template to complete the work as outlined.  

3.If you attended the Practice Assessment Centres, please scan in copies of the feedback so that the reader can see what you are referring to in your writing.    

4.A cover sheet should be used showing:

·Module Code & title

·Word count of introduction and reflection in part 1 – shown separately

5.Filename – please save your file as your full name and programme abbreviation i.e. FIB, IB or ITHEM.  

Mark scheme (see over the page)

This piece of work is pass / fail – this is the criteria that will be used assess the work Weighting

Presentation : Well-structured with a clear introduction (see guidance in earlier section), accurate use of academic English, and effective use of appendices i.e. those outlined on the guidance in earlier section

Reflection – effective use of 1st person writing that demonstrates self-awareness in relation to workplace expectations including the selection process, and the ability to identify your strengths and weaknesses

Career and Personal Development Plan  – a clear action plan that follows the SMART guidelines, and effectively captures updates of actions taken to date, as well as those to work on moving forward. This should contain a minimum of 5 goals with related actions.