For Your Final Paper You're Going To Build On Many Of The Fo

For Your Final Paper Youre Going To Build On Many Of The Foundationa

For your final paper, you're going to build on many of the foundational principles we've discussed over the course of the semester in 3 distinct phases. Read this webpage and watch the embedded video: SWOT ANALYSIS LINK: (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Phase 1 : Your culminating activity will involve determining your major goal(s) for the next 1, 5, and 10 years as they pertain to your career path. Obviously, your career path will impact and also be impacted by elements of your personal life, so it is permissible to bring personal circumstances into the discussion. However, make sure to keep the overall focus on how your career life path is a central component to your future aspirations.

You may choose 1 major goal to discuss for each year of your plan or several goals for each year--that decision is yours to make. Write your goal(s) with the S.M.A.R.T. goal method. Phase 2 : Once you determine your goal(s), you will then conduct a SWOT analysis (as we discussed in class) to determine the S trengths, W eaknesses, O pportunities, and T hreats you may experience as you work to achieve your goal(s). Strengths and Weaknesses are internal characteristics (think of family/friend support, skills and abilities, educational level, etc.) to consider, while Opportunities and Threats are external factors (think of changing technology, the economy, political influences, global security, etc.).

Please view the video in the link below and read the corresponding article, then use the attached document as a template for creating your own SWOT analysis worksheet (if it's easier, you can create your own SWOT table in the Word document for your paper by making a table with 4 boxes--2 rows, 2 columns). You will conduct 1 SWOT analysis for each year of the plan (1 ,5, and 10 years) for a total of 3 SWOT analysis worksheets. When filling out the worksheets, you do not need to write paragraphs and sentences. Simply describing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats as bullet points in each box will be sufficient. See the SWOT Worksheet here: SWOT Analysis Chart – Career Management.docx

Phase 3A : (1 single-spaced page for each year; 3 written pages total) In narrative form, describe each part of your SWOT analysis for the given year in more detail. You will do this for each year (1, 5, and 10) of the plan. For example, consider the following types of questions: How can you use the strengths/opportunities to overcome the weaknesses/threats? How can you maximize the strengths/opportunities and minimize the weaknesses/threats? Knowing your weaknesses/threats, what can you do to overcome these challenges? Which of these factors: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, or Threats will play the most significant role in the journey towards your goals...Why? Based on the results of your SWOT analysis, what action steps can you take to help you achieve your goals?

Phase 3B : (a couple of sentences at the end of the narrative for each year) Lastly, for each year describe one step you can take that may be daunting or scary, but you would be willing to attempt to help you achieve your larger goal(s). Think of it as a calculated risk. (Remember our discussion about not letting fear getting the better of you in your career decision making). This part only has to be a couple of sentences (what is the step you can take and how can it help you achieve your goal). Overall, the format of your paper should look like this: Year #1 1. S.M.A.R.T. Goal(s) : listed at top of the page (Phase 1) 2. Narrative : (Phases 3A & 3B, 1 single-spaced page long) 3. SWOT Analysis Worksheet (Phase 2) (separate page) Year #5 1. S.M.A.R.T. Goal(s) : listed at top of page (Phase 1) 2. Narrative : (Phases 3A & 3B, 1 single-spaced page) 3. SWOT Analysis Worksheet (Phase 2) (separate page) Year #10 1. S.M.A.R.T. Goal(s) : listed at top of page (Phase 1) 2. Narrative : (Phases 3A & 3B, 1 single-spaced page) 3. SWOT Analysis Worksheet (Phase 2) (separate page) Please include everything in one single Word or PDF document and upload it to Canvas. Your paper will consist of 3 written pages of narrative (1 single-spaced written page for each year) and 3 SWOT analyses (1 worksheet for each year). Please use the following format: 12 point font Single-spaced 1-inch margins If you have any questions, please make sure to ask ahead of time.

Paper For Above instruction

This final comprehensive project involves a strategic planning exercise centered on framing your career goals over the next decade, using the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework and SWOT analysis methodology. The process is divided into three distinct phases: goal setting, environmental assessment, and strategic narrative development. Each phase is crucial for building a detailed and actionable career development plan that considers both internal capabilities and external environmental factors.

Phase 1: Defining Your Future Goals

The first step requires identifying your primary career objectives for 1, 5, and 10 years into the future. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T.). While it is acceptable to incorporate personal circumstances, the central focus should remain on how your career aspirations shape your long-term trajectory. You may decide to articulate one major goal per year or multiple goals for each target year, depending on your strategic vision.

Phase 2: Conducting a SWOT Analysis

Once your goals are established, conduct a detailed SWOT analysis for each of the three target years. This involves listing internal strengths and weaknesses, such as skills, support systems, and educational background, as well as external opportunities and threats like technological trends, economic shifts, and political developments. The analysis should be explicitly organized into four quadrants: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, assembling one comprehensive SWOT worksheet per year. Bullet points are sufficient for this stage, focusing on clarity and relevance rather than narrative explanation.

Additionally, view the provided video and read accompanying materials to deepen your understanding of SWOT analysis. You can create your SWOT table in Word, adhering to a simple four-box format for clarity.

Phase 3: Developing a Strategic Narrative and Action Plan

In this final phase, craft a detailed, single-spaced narrative for each year that elaborates on the SWOT analysis insights. This narrative should explore how internal strengths and external opportunities can be leveraged to mitigate internal weaknesses and external threats. It should address strategic questions such as: How can strengths be utilized to capitalize on opportunities? What strategies can minimize weaknesses or counter threats? Among all factors, identify which will most significantly influence your progress toward your goals and justify why.

Furthermore, conclude each yearly narrative with a brief statement about a calculated risk or challenging step you are willing to undertake to reach your aspirations. This should be a couple of sentences describing the risk you’re prepared to take and how it might contribute to your success.

Formatting and Submission Guidelines

The entire project must be compiled into a single Word or PDF document, organized clearly with each yearly plan following the specified format. Each narrative should be approximately one single-spaced page, with 12-point font and 1-inch margins. Include the three SWOT analyses as separate pages. Submission is via Canvas, and clarification should be sought in advance if any uncertainty arises.

Conclusion

This strategic career planning exercise emphasizes thoughtful goal setting, environmental scanning, and strategic narrative development. The integration of S.M.A.R.T goals with SWOT analysis provides a structured approach to career growth, encouraging proactive thinking and calculated risk-taking to achieve long-term aspirations.

References

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