James

Personal Development and Career Plan

Development is a lifelong of nurturing, shaping and improving an individual's skills, knowledge and interests to ensure maximum effectiveness and adaptability, and to minimize the obsolescence of skills and chances of redundancy. It does not necessarily imply upward movement; rather, it is about enabling individuals to improve and use full potential at each career stage.

Personal development for me is a chance to know myself better so I can realize what I want to achieve or where I want to go. Also, identifying the need for skills, knowledge or competence helps me to define the appropriate development to meet those perceived needs. Learning what my strengths and weaknesses are will enable me to use those strengths in the field in which I will work and allow me to develop my weaknesses into strengths as well.

Furthering my education is just another facet in my personal development and career plan. Because many careers that never before required degrees are now requiring at least an Bachelor’s Degree, it is difficult to obtain a decent job without continued education. I have experienced this first hand. After completing two BA degrees, one in marketing and another one in supply chain management I learnt it wasn’t so easy landing a job after college. I am hoping by continuing my education (gaining my MBA) it will lead me to more secure and marketable jobs. In addition I’m hoping by completing my MBA it will lead me to a higher salaries, more career advancement, and possibly a new career.

Continuing my education is important to me because although I feel that I currently possess the tools that will make me a benefit to my employer in the short term, I do not feel that I have all the skills that will be needed to position myself for a rewarding career in the long term. Nor do I feel I possess the skills that will provide financial support and personal fulfillment over the course of my professional life. I want to work in...