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Introduction
Personal development plan is a document of action plan that includes the process of establishing personal goals and objectives, reflection, personal awareness, and strategies in the context of self-improvement, education and career development. The document describes individual vision and mission in terms of career and education development.
There are three fundamental questions are important in developing my personal developing plan. They include:
- Where am I now?
- Where do I want to be in future?
- How do I get there?
- How do I measure my success?
The purpose of developing my personal development plan is to identify my goals for my career and the strategies to employ so as to achieve these goals in a competitive global environment. Other purposes will include:
- Review personal achievement and challenges
- Analyze personal weaknesses and strengths
- Personal mission and vision
- Assessing the personal attributes in achievement of set goals and objectives
The below model depicts a personal development plan dimensions.
Source: Emerald research 2009
Megatrends
Megatrends are global micro and macro environment factors that affect the economy, culture, society, and personal lives. I am a graduate student in GIS (geographical information systems) in the University of new south Wales in Australia. My carrier and life achievement is likely to be affected by the following mega-trends
Technology
Information technology plays a critical role in my personal carrier development. Internet and computer systems tools help in research and study. These systems have the capacity to provide information for decision-making. Computers through networking offer audio visual interface helpful in sharing of information.
Power point software enables better presentation of academic and professional work. Distance education and online learning have revolutionized traditional methods of learning. Moreover, technology has had its influence on career and job choice. Most jobs today are technology oriented.
Computer software have been developed to execute most functions in companies that were ideally done by people. Modern software used in carrying out duties in my career will include the following (Aubrey, 2010, p. 72-86).
- SAGA GIS-( system of automated geo-scientific analysis)
- ILWIS-(integrated land and water management systems)
- Falcon view
- Quantum GIS
- Capa ware
- GRASS GIS
Development of skills and competence in application of the above information technology systems is of paramount importance in pursuit of my carrier.
Global warming
Global warming is the rise in temperatures of the earth’s atmosphere and ocean. Global warming is triggered by human activities, which increase concentration of green house gases that trap heat from the sun in the lower parts of the atmosphere. My career will be influenced greatly by global warming phenomena as it seeks to provide information for effects of earths global warming.
Scientist to gather information on the rising levels of the sea and melt of polar ice uses GIS. This information analyzes the rate at which global warming is happening. My carrier provides information to such geographical phenomena and thus global warming provides areas of research as information in advance of my carrier (Bandura, 1998, p. 184).
Social network
Social network is interactive social structure made up of individuals who are connected. These individuals may be friends, associates or even workmates. Recent past social networks have taken a technological approach. Information technology plays a major part in advancement of social networks.
Social sites such as Facebook twitter and blogs have become arenas where information is shared with a group network. Social networks sources of information include; job advertisement and day-to-day update on current event that influence social life.
Personal goals statement
My goal is divided into two parts in terms of scope. Long-term objectives will be achieved in a period longer than five years and short-term objectives will be achieved within five years.
Short terms goals will be to apply for a PHD degree in one of geographical information options and later graduate. During my studies I will be able to acquire more knowledge on the area of my specialization and provide me with practical skills in geographical software application. I also attempt to acquire a good analytical and managerial skill in the course of my PHD studies.
My long-term objective is to be a professional and a consultant in geographical information systems. After my graduation, I intend to open my own consulting firm as I look for employment with the non-governmental organizations. Through my firm, I will be able to apply skills acquired during my studies.
I also intend to start a business in geographical information software development by 2035. In this business I will be able to apply my experience in geographical information software to develop other programs that will be used in geographical information analysis. My long-term life goal also involves starting my own family within five years of my graduation. This will dependent on the development in my career
Scenarios
Career building
After receiving my master’s degree, I intend to enroll in PHD program in geographical information systems. In my PHD program, I will major on Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences. I will study information technology as a minor course to sharpen my computing and analytical skills.
Upon Graduating, I want to search for employment with one of the leading environmental nongovernmental organization in the country with an average net salary of $ 140,000 to 160,000 per year. Here, I will be able to use my skills in the area of my specialization. I also wish to be a part time lecturer in the university of new south Wales teaching in the evening classes while working in daytime.
Own business
Upon my graduation, I intend to start a consulting firm in Geographical information systems. In my firm, I tend to employee twenty specialists who will assist in the consultancy and operations. The firm will specialize in
- Need analysis
- Topology construction
- Database design
- Database modeling
- Mapping
- Training
- Technical support
- Buffering
- Spatial analysis
I also plan to start a geographical software development business by 2035 where I will be majoring in geographical information software designing in collaboration with Microsoft Company.
Strategies
I intend to complete my PHD and my master’s degree within the first five years of this personal plan. The total education cost breakdown is as follows
The total remaining fee amount for master’s degree will be self-funded while the PHD program will be funded through government sponsored scholarship program. Starting of a business will require capital. I therefore plan to apply for a loan from a bank for the funding of the consulting firm. The five acre land I posses will stand as my security in obtaining the loan. I also need to develop a comprehensive business plan and profile report to acquire the loan for the business.
I intend to loan 100,000 dollars to initiate the business. To acquire analytical and computing, I will take a minor course in information technology offered by the university. I will specialize in SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) and STATA program for analysis of information.
I will develop communication and interpersonal skills to expand my network of contacts and acquaintances. This will be done through networking with friends and colleagues through social sites such as face book and twitter. To be proficient and acquire experience in my career, I plan to apply for an internship program in the leading geographical center in the country. This practical experience will be vital in operations in my consultancy firm.
Porter’s Five Forces Model
The Porter Five Forces Model is a framework used for the analysis of business strategies and development strategies.
Threat of new entrants
In career development, this will be entry to the job market after qualification. In initiating my consultancy firm, I will be a threat to other similar firms in the locality simply because my services may threaten to their market share. I should expect retaliations by these firms because of my entry.
Bargaining power of buyers
I should determine who my customers are and their needs so that I may develop my services to better suit their needs. Customers in this case may also apply to employers in the field that may want to use my skills and competences after I graduate.
Bargaining power of suppliers
Any business or career needs tools of trade to operate. Suppliers are very important part of the business. Choosing a supplier for my products needs careful consideration. Supplier in this case may be the provider of education at the university who will provide me with skills to operate my firm.
Threats of substitute products
Substitute products in this case means entry to the market by other professionals in the similar area of business. These professionals pose threat to my firm and therefore I will need to develop strategies to stay ahead of the competitors. My strategy for overcoming these threats will be to allocate resources within my company or outsource in order to do regular marketing analyses and monitoring of the market.
Rivalry
Rivalry exists in market because of competition of market shares by other firms. My strategy will be in product and service development that my firm becomes unique in the market.
Self-Assessment
My self-assessment will be divided into five major areas. These areas are
- Personality assessment
- Professional assessment
- Skills
- Values
- Interest
Personality assessment
I believe I am hardworking person who believes in excellence. My attitude towards life is liberal. I consider myself a visionary and optimistic about life. I am appreciative and always happy about whatever life offers. I take keen interest in science to understand how nature works. I am committed to what I do and I make efforts to see it done best.
I am systematic in my methods of handling things and loves order and consistency. I believe that I am an excellent team player and like associations with other people in my surrounding. I like being independent both financially and in ideology.
Professional assessment
I am a student pursuing a master’s degree in geographic information system in the University of new south Wales. I will be graduating by the end of the year and later enroll for PHD degree majoring in Earth Systems and Geo-information Sciences. I also intend to pursue information technology option as a minor course running concurrently with my PHD degree.
Skills: I have acquired several of skills helpful in achieving my dreams. I have strong leadership attributes. I lead three student organizations in the university. I have good communication and interpersonal skill. I need to acquire reporting, management and analytical skills by the end of my education.
Values: I value honesty and transparency as the leading virtues. I am keen in ensuring consistency and accountability in my in my actions.
Interest: I like travelling and watching movies and reading scientific journals. I also enjoy playing basketball during my free times.
Performance Evaluation
Adaptability and stress tolerance: I have been able to acclimatize to stressful conditions and in these conditions been able to meet my objective. I can adapt well in stressful conditions and still meet my goals. I can also work in different environments and adopt well.
Leadership: I engage in different coordinating and management of three different student organizations in the university. I need to develop management skills to be a better leader
Analytical skills: In my career, analytical skills will be needed to interpret data. My current performance on data analysis is not perfect. I will need some more training to sharpen my analytical skills.
Innovation: My current performance in innovation is better illustrated in my master’s research in fulfillment of my master’s degree. More innovation in my career will have to be worked on.
Teamwork: I have participated in class work that involves teamwork. I have also been involved in team building activities in student organizations within the university.
Goals
In 5 years
My goal for the next five years is to finish my masters and PHD degree in the University of new south Wales. By the end of these courses, I will acquire managerial and interpersonal skills. Vast knowledge in my career will depend on my education within this period.
My goal will need to identify the site to start my consultancy firm and estimate costs of initiating the business. I also need an NGO concerned with environment for my internship program. During the five years, I will invest in education. An evaluation of achievement will be carried out at the end of the five year.
In 10 years
My goals within ten years will be more of business oriented. I intend to initiate a consultancy firm on Geography information systems at a cost of 100-dollar capital. This capital will be provided as a bank loan payable within the next five years. I plan to have twenty competent personnel as my initial employees. Within the period, I also intend to market my firm through the media as internet to attract customers.
In 20 years
Currently I have the theoretical approach to geographical information systems but lack the practical part of the study in my education. This I hope to achieve after my graduation to the PHD program. In my study, I include general information systems that do not give me the value of being a specialist in a particular field of study.
I will need to identify an area in the course of my study and specialize in. This will be possible during my PHD program. Functionality: I believe that I am a hardworking and resilient person with good leadership and interpersonal skills. I can also work under pressure and in different environments. However, I lack the practical attributes to back up my education.
I also have limited management and analytical skills, which are vital in my area of career choice. Further training will be needed to enhance more knowledge and practical skills. Condition: My health condition is excellent. I believe I am fit in carrying out my everyday chores that include working and studying. My social condition is well above average.
I have networked with colleagues and friends. I have the social capacity to interact freely and make friends in a new environment. My personal and social status is good. Compliance: I need to graduate with my masters and PHD degrees to be able to operate fully. I also need to have practical skills in my career.
To achieve this I will need to register for an internship program with one of the leading environmental nongovernmental organization in the country. In starting my own consultancy firm, Legal and corporate requirements will need to be considered. Trade license and other professional requirements will have to be acquired in order to commence the firm.
Summary of Strategy
In ten years of my strategic period, five years will be dedicated to my education. One year to clear my masters, three years for my PHD program and one year internship in one of the leading nongovernmental organizations. The next five years will be spent in the development of my career. Initiation of consultancy firm and a search for employment will begin my development in my career.
On the first month of initiating my firm, I will conduct a feasibility study on the best location to establish my business. During this period, I will also develop business and business profile that will be helpful in acquiring the needed loan to act as capital for the business. Analysis of tools and instruments needed in the consultancy firm will then be budgeted for. My greatest challenge will be acquiring resources both material and financial.
Another challenge will be the management of the staff in my firm since I will be busy working and consulting at the same time. It is for this reason that I plan to employ competent group of professionals in my firm. My strengths are the skills I will acquire during my education and experience acquired during my intern program. I would asses myself as follows:
- I am able to contribute to the development geographical information systems. I am able to conceptualize the theory part of my study provide interrelationship between concepts in my area of study. I am also able to use and interpret geographical information and make decision.
- I am able to relate different provide explanations to different environmental phenomena happening around the world. This includes earthquakes, tsunami, global worming among others.
- I am able to identify and analyze environmental risks brought about by human social economic activities and develop a model to illustrate this phenomena
- I am well organized in terms of time management and keep a well-maintained documentation of all my academic work.
- I need to work on my ability to review the design outcome throughout the practical part of my career.
- Am able to contribute to research and development in the sphere of environmental and geographical science and offer new and improved approached in geographical information data, which I have done during my course.
- I have been able to manage teams during group work, thus will probably be able to manage a team of geographical scientist and lead in managing projects concerned with geographical information.
The plan proposed above will be delivered by closely following the schedule in 5, 10 and 20 years period as stipulated above. The first step is to complete my master’s degree, which I will graduate by the end of this year then apply for government scholar ship for my PHD program. My PHD program will be hopefully completed within three years.
After my graduation, I will apply for a job in the same university as a part time lecturer in the department of geographic information systems. During this period after completion of my education, I will formulate a CV to send out to the list of leading companies and organizations concerned with geographical information with an aim of get an internship with them.
After my internship is complete within a period of one year, will then apply for a loan from a financial institution to start my consultancy firm. Later I will use the proceeds from the firm’s revenues to start a geography information soft ware development firm in partnership with large soft ware companies such as micro soft. The risks involved in realization of this plan may include:
- Lack of finances will stop proceeds of my education then will opt to start my consultancy business. The bank may not consider my application for the loan. My option here is to seek other financial institutions that may consider my plan. For my education, I seek to apply for government scholarship, which I am certain to succeed in acquiring financial support.
- Another risk may be concerned with authority regulations when starting a business. The authority requirement will need to be considered when initiating the business. I will need to gather information on statutory requirements by the government when initiating a business.
- Economic risk: factors such as recession in the market will greatly affect the business. Measures such as diversification approach will be some strategies to be applied.
- Competitors: other players in the same line of business may pose threat to my firm. To counter this I need to develop my services in a unique way and advertise them extensively.
References
Aubrey, B. (2010) Managing Your Aspirations: Developing Personal Enterprise in the Global Workplace, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. p. 72-86
Bandura, A. (1998) Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company. pp. 184
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