On my teamwork good attribute, I have continued to be a vital component in all group work. I continually motivate fellow group members, and ensure that all deadlines are met regardless. In many group work projects my fellow group members have all commented on how important my contribution has been. I still enjoy taking leadership of the group, as this is my “comfort blanket” in knowing that every task will be completed, either by delegation or by taking on the added responsibility, and doing outstanding tasks myself.
*****
NOT SO GOOD ATTRIBUTES
Presentation skills – Still the thought of giving presentation fills me with dread. I feel I do not possess the necessary oral communication skills required. I talk too quickly and combining this with the Irish accent does not seem to make understanding me any easier. I do not convey confidence in what I present, and feel this is easily picked up on by my audience. However, I do feel my presentation skills have improved slightly.
IT skills – I am competent in basic IT skills, i.e. word processing and using the Internet, but when it comes to spreadsheets, databases and Power Point I have limited or no experience at all. These are skills that I feel are vital in today’s modern working environment. Even during my studies I have come across times when I needed to use these programmes, but have always managed to off-load the responsibility to someone else. I don’t feel as my IT skills have improved dramatically, but luckily I have not been presented with a situation in which expert IT skills have been needed. With my increased workload I have not been able to devote adequate time to self-study. As for Power Point, I have also made some progress in my understanding of this application.
Module knowledge – As I wish to have a career in marketing I need to develop my knowledge and understanding of marketing practices. In the course of achieving my degree in marketing, I must partake in other modules that are of no interest to me. However, I do understand other skills learned in these modules will make me a more rounded potential employee and enhance my employability. As I have progressed throughout the year naturally my knowledge of modules currently studied has improved immensely, and I now feel more confident about my work and am fully aware of what workload is expected.
Impatient – I tend to be very impatient. When I want something done, I want it done right away, with no excuse important enough as to why something was not done. I also feel my tolerance levels have been pushed to the limits, hence not much improvement here. However, in my defence this problem has been made worse by some group members I feel deliberately not pulling their weight in the hope, or rather the knowledge, that I will do any outstanding work. Maybe by taking on the extra work is another not so good attribute but this is something I have to overcome as I am not prepared to fail a module by some other group members laziness.
Beginning new tasks and projects – Whenever I begin a new subject I become very overwhelmed with the information and cannot clearly see the goals or objectives. It takes me quite a long time to comprehend what exactly is required from me. Throughout college and so far in university, whenever I start a module I am very apprehensive and nervous and not exactly sure what I am supposed to be doing. To this end I still panic when given a new project but thankfully I have always managed to eventually understand what is required from me.
*****
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT PLANS
My presentation skills I feel will improve with practise, and fortunately my academic studies will give me ample opportunities for this practise. I need to ensure my speech is audible, and I keep the pace at which I talk that little bit slower. I will ensure I contribute well to presentations and treat each one as a learning experience.
Already I have bought a few textbooks to help me in spreadsheet and database applications. Whenever the need to use these applications occurs I will now be able to attempt and complete these tasks myself, using the books to help me. I will also ensure I set time aside to boost my IT skills. I hope to devote time over the summer break to this activity.
As for Power Point, members of groups in which I am involved academically have knowledge of this application, and over this last semester I have picked up a basic understanding of Power Point from them. I hope also over the summer months to explore Power Point further.
To achieve my degree I must motivate myself to put in the necessary study to pass modules in which I have little or no interest. By ensuring study time is set aside which I can effectively do with time management, I am positive all criteria can be met.
I feel that my other not so good attributes will take longer for me to develop these attributes to a satisfactory level for myself. With being very impatient, I need to step back and realise that people have other things going on in their lives and may not see things as such a priority as I do. I also feel that my studies and interaction with my peers will improve my ability to deal with issues that may arise in a more productive, professional manner, without any ill feeling being felt.
I feel my good attributes, ability to work to deadlines, being an effective time manager, and effective team member have all improved during my studies. I will still have to work to deadlines. As many of the modules at university require teamwork projects, I will be able to enhance my team working skills further. However, I do feel I get over involved in projects and perhaps I should take a more following role and let others within the team develop their leadership skills as well.
As for not clearly seeing goals and objectives I feel this will improve as my education level improves. I need to communicate effectively what difficulties I am having to lecturers, and also I have to concentrate on breaking information down into manageable chunks for me to understand.
CONCLUSION
This third PDP has reflected over my previous two, and I have discussed how I feel I have developed and what else I have to do to develop my skills further. Simply by highlighting my not so good attributes this has made me fully aware of them, and this has enable me to deal with these problem areas. I can only hope that by the end of this year at university my peers and team members can see changes in me for the better and some development has actually occurred.
