Personal Career Development

Last Name/Family NameFirst NameStudent NumberSubjectModule codeClass Professional Career DevelopmentHE 1,2,
H 1.SemesterDateDuration141Friday Week 16No time restraintLecturerProgramme LeaderLindsey ThomasLindsey Thomas
MARKING SCHEME
Nr. of QuestionsPoints per QuestionActual
PointsSection I810 Final MarkPass / Fail
Top of Form
SECTION I
Please read and attempt to answer the following questions. Each question is reflective, please think about each topic discussed during the course and give your own responses.I.1
What is critical analysis? When would you use critical thinking skills? In what ways has your learning style developed in the 3rd year programme? Do you consider yourself a critical thinker? Please justify your response.
 Critical analysis is the ability to evaluate and assess information in order to gain deeper understanding and make decision making. Critical analysis is essential when faced with numerous alternatives to choose. Critical analysis plays an important role in assessing the purpose and message of communication, and this helps to give a coherent response of written materials in view of the evidence provided.
Critical thinking skills are important when learning and especially when applied to case studies. One needs to use critical thinking skills by evaluating information from work experience, personal experience and knowledge. In essence, interpreting information in case studies calls for one to rely on knowledge from numerous sources, as differences in work differences typically result to difference in interpretation. Thus, critical thinking skills are vital in the hospitality courses and in the industry whereby open-mindedness and empathy facilitate use of these skills.
I have relied on intrapersonal and visual learning throughout college, but I am now comfortable learning in groups. Even though, I have relied on learning with other people, this has not been my preferred learning style. Learning in groups helps one to understand different perspectives and this reinforces and compliments intrapersonal learning. Case studies are interesting more than ever before as I am a better active listener and can look at problems from different angles.
I am a critical thinker as I am open minded, show concern for others both in and out of class. Unlike before I acknowledge when I do not have sufficient information and understanding, and this has been accompanied by willingness to ask more questions and assess arguments presented. Essentially, there are set standards for analyzing information and the need to seek solutions is accompanied by willingness to tolerate and examine assumptions.I.2Managing your career. In what way would an online platform such as MyCareer / Symplicity be helpful in your career.
Online platforms allow users to build positive online presence and this improves chances of knowing more people in the hospitality industry. Information sharing is a critical component of online platforms, and this would allow me to learn more about happenings on the hospitality industry. Hence, I would be better prepared to handle tasks through knowledge gained. In particular, career counselors play an important role in shaping one’s career, and I intend to evaluate options following advice from career counselors in planning my career path.
Online platforms are important tools when making informed decisions about careers in the hospitality industry. In other words, the platforms allow users to set their career paths, and this would be demonstrated ability to meet the demands of the hospitality industry. Since information can be matched with interest and education attainment, it is possible to explore more career options depending on personal qualities and suitability. It is the option of career exploration that highlights more on the possible career paths that one can pursue, and hence the platforms provide allow user to chart a path that fulfils their career goals.
Online platforms are also important in my career as it is easier to contact employers or potential employers while maintaining professional relationships. Hence, it is easier to schedule interviews with employers and connect with alumni who can offer advice. This extends to building relationships through the contact database facilitating outreach for career service. Additionally, using the filter search option has enabled me to prioritize and target contacts that I believe would facilitate achievement of my career goals. The online platforms also prioritize information based on preferences and as such help one to integrate the most up to date and relevant information on employers and what they look for in their workforce.
I.3How would you describe your self-motivation level? Explain and give concrete examples. I would say that my self- motivation level is high, and once I set goals I try to reach these goals, as there is a drive to achieve and move forward even if I fail. I am sure of my career goals, and that is my why I enrolled for the program, where I have interest in the hospitality industry and use maximum effort even after encountering challenges. My motivation to achieve my set goals is geared towards charting my career path in hospitality, and I set objectives to achieve my vision. Completing the program is my short- term goal, while my long-term career goal is to be a leader in the hospitality industry. Even though, I have faced financial difficulties, I have not let this derail my objective to complete the course. Even when I face obstacles while trying to achieve my goals, I do not set other different goals, but instead look for ways through which to achieve my goals. Hence, to keep myself focused I typically use rewards to remind myself that my goals are attainable. I applied for internships in my dream organizations just to get experience which was not part of evaluation, but failed to get any in my first year of study. However, I got replies and subsequently went for interviews for a summer internship during my second year as I had managed to get contacts from online platforms and this broadened my perspectives on the hospitality industry. Essentially, I have a positive view on my set goals, trying to achieve them as much as possible. I.4Imagine you have the perfect opportunity to speak to the person who can influence your position and standing within the company, how would you make the most of the situation? What is your elevator pitch? Communication is plays an important role when conveying messages, and people with different positions in an organization typically speak less often. Hence, after greeting the person with influence in the workplace, I would highlight on my job target and why I would be qualified for a specific position. However, the message needs to touch on what the person listening will gain if I got the position. Thus, I would briefly mention my track record which would benefit the organization and would add value to the listener’s professional life where possible. Delivery of the message is critical to building a rapport, and ...