Employment Portfolio Assessment Of Professional Attributes

Employment Portfolio Assessment Of Professional Attributes Assignment

Choose from the list of professional attributes provided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): decision making/problem solving, verbal communication with internal and external customers, obtaining and processing information, planning, organizing, and prioritizing work, analyzing quantitative data, technical knowledge, proficiency with career-related software, creating and/or editing written reports, and selling to or influencing others. In Part I, select three attributes you already possess and describe how you demonstrated each in a real-life school or work environment. In Part II, pick two attributes from the list that you want to improve upon, and outline specific steps you will take to develop these skills.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of professional attributes is crucial for career success and transferability across various roles and industries. Recognizing one’s current strengths and areas needing improvement allows for targeted personal and professional growth. This paper discusses three professional attributes I currently possess, illustrating how I demonstrated each in real-life situations, followed by an identification of two attributes I aim to enhance and the steps I plan to undertake for their improvement.

Part I: Demonstration of Existing Attributes

1. Decision Making and Problem Solving

During my internship at a marketing firm, I was tasked with developing a campaign strategy for a new product. Faced with tight deadlines and limited budget resources, I analyzed various marketing channels and identified the most cost-effective options. When a primary advertising platform suddenly became unavailable due to technical issues, I quickly evaluated alternative solutions, assessed their pros and cons, and made a prompt decision to shift focus to social media advertising. This experience showcased my ability to think critically, assess options rapidly, and implement effective solutions under pressure, demonstrating strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.

2. Verbal Communication with Internal and External Customers

While working part-time at a retail store, I regularly interacted with customers, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing product recommendations. Additionally, I communicated regularly with suppliers to monitor stock levels and coordinate deliveries. I demonstrated clear, respectful, and effective communication skills, ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining positive supplier relationships. My ability to articulate information clearly and listen actively helped to foster trust and understanding in both internal and external interactions.

3. Planning, Organizing, and Prioritizing Work

In my role as a project assistant for a university research project, I was responsible for coordinating tasks among team members. I developed detailed schedules, set deadlines, and delegated tasks based on team members’ strengths and availability. By consistently monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed, I ensured all project milestones were met efficiently. My strategic planning and organizational skills contributed to the successful and timely completion of the project, illustrating my capability to effectively prioritize and manage workload under tight schedules.

Part II: Attributes to Improve and Steps for Development

1. Technical Knowledge

To enhance my technical expertise, particularly in data analysis software such as SPSS and Excel advanced functions, I plan to enroll in online courses and participate in workshops. My steps include:

  1. Step 1: Research and select reputable online courses focused on data analysis tools relevant to my field.
  2. Step 2: Dedicate weekly time to complete modules and practical exercises to build hands-on skills.
  3. Step 3: Apply learned techniques to real or simulated datasets, seeking feedback from instructors or peers to refine my skills.

2. Selling to or Influencing Others

Improving my ability to influence and persuade others is essential for leadership roles. My action plan involves:

  1. Step 1: Study effective persuasion and negotiation techniques through books and online resources.
  2. Step 2: Participate in workshops or seminars that provide role-playing scenarios to practice influencing skills.
  3. Step 3: Seek opportunities in group projects or volunteering roles to practice influencing peers and decision-makers, and reflect on these experiences to improve further.

Conclusion

Awareness of professional attributes—both strengths and areas for growth—is vital for ongoing career development. Demonstrating existing skills has reinforced my confidence in decision-making, communication, and organization. Simultaneously, identifying strategies to improve technical knowledge and influencing abilities provides a clear path for continuous improvement. Through dedicated effort and targeted learning, I am committed to enhancing my professional toolkit to better meet workplace demands and achieve my career aspirations.

References

  • National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2020). Core competencies for college graduates. NACE. https://www.naceweb.org
  • Robinson, K. (2019). Critical thinking and decision making in the workplace. Journal of Management Development, 38(2), 110-122.
  • Schmidt, S., & Hunter, J. (2015). Creative communication skills. Journal of Business Communication, 52(3), 305-319.
  • Goleman, D. (2013). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
  • Thompson, L. (2018). The influence effect: Business success through influencing others. HarperBusiness.
  • Harvard Business Review. (2017). Developing your decision-making skills. Harvard Business School Publishing.
  • Fisher, R., & Ury, W. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin Books.
  • Colquitt, J., Lepine, J., & Wesson, M. (2016). Organizational Behavior: Improving Performance and Commitment in the Workplace. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1-28.
  • Argyris, C. (2017). Double Loop Learning in Organizations. Harvard Business Review, 65(5), 115-125.

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