Self Reflection on Professional Identity Free Essay Example

Professional Identity

My name is Deepak Gaba. I am in my last semester of my general studies degree, I first started as a business student but when I got to know about general studies and got to know I can integrate different disciplines in one degree I switched to this program however I finished my business administration diploma first. The general studies degree has opened my mind in terms of information and reasoning in various ways since I started exploring different disciplines.

I integrated business courses with adult learning courses because I believe in a business as a leader you have to educate your team and the customers in order to be successful and it has been a great journey for me so far. My primary short term goal is to complete the general studies degree this semester and secure a job as a management trainee position in a reputed firm. So far according to my knowledge companies like Cintas, uni first, Sherwin-williams, etc offer entry level management positions to degree holders so my priority will be to apply for companies like these rather than starting from the bottom.

My main long-term goal is to open my own business in the future. I hope that what I have learned from the course work of the general studies degree and the business administration diploma, and the experience I will gain from my job will help me establish a successful business. Challenges in the business line of work are expected, such as competition in the industry, but I hope hard work and application of the right skills will help me overcome them.

The immediate and long-term goals are related because they are progression goals in the same industry. For instance, I believe that my educational background has provided me with the right tools and skills to qualify for a management trainee position as well as tackle the responsibilities that are required to carry out the job as required. After working in the area for a few years, I believe that I will gain the experience that I need to open my business and ensure it excels to its potential. Manager is a profession that entails many roles that help business owners to overcome challenges and improve the efficiency and proceeds of the business. Therefore, gaining experience as a management trainee is significant to achieve my goal of starting a business.

A professional identity refers to the perception or description that an individual identifies within a professional context. The identity is shaped by the individual’s beliefs, attitudes, values, motives, and experiences associated with his or her current or anticipated professional life (Costello, 2005). Currently, I do not have a well-established professional identity because I have not yet completed my studies. Also, I have not secured an employment position in my target industry which is business. However, I am very hopeful that I will manage to have an established professional identity once I secure a job in the business management field and identify as a manager and in the long run, an accomplished business owner. Developing a professional identity is an important step to excelling in the professional world. There are various ways that I would like to develop my professional identity, which is a manager in a reputed company and a business person at a later time.

The first step is to excel in all the responsibilities that I take on. For instance, I have to excel in my studies and duties or roles that I take on after employment. The next step is to engage with professional organizations that help build my credibility in the business management field. The third step is having consistency and staying committed to my work that leads to excellence. Following these steps to build a strong professional identity is important because it establishes a strong reputation that ensures the flow of business and relevancy in the industry.

After developing a strong professional identity, there are several actions that I need to take to improve or update the identity. The first action is to develop a professional personal brand. A personal brand is important in any industry or field as it adds weight to a resume or portfolio that simply lists previous job duties and the education background. The second action would be engaging in programs and events that help expand my networking opportunities. Finally, I need to surround myself with individuals that are positive-minded and knowledgeable colleagues and individuals in the business or industry. Keeping such companies is important because they will keep me grounded as well as offer advice, mentorship, and direction as I am growing in my career.

Career Research

There are several types of career or professional opportunities that are available to graduates of my field, and they include business management consultants, accountants, commercial loan officers, city managers, sales managers, human resource managers, financial officers, and market research analysts. However, with all these career opportunities, most graduates are not able to attain employment opportunities in firms that specialize in the mentioned fields.

Competition is an aspect that is universal in all dimensions of life, and it is critical when it involves careers and employment opportunities. Overcoming competition requires having all the requirements needed in order to stand out from the crowd. I can overcome the challenge of competition by ensuring that I have all the necessary elements required to attain an advertised position, for example, a management trainee during an interview, one of these requirements entails an excellent educational background hence graduating with exceptional honors after I finish university. This will enable me stay on top of the competition at the education level. Another requirement is having experience in the given position hence engaging in various volunteer works intending to stay on top of the competition.

Career planning is significant because it allows an individual to investigate and attain information that enables him or her to make decisions, achieve competencies, set goals, and work towards them. There are various places that one can find information regarding career planning. One of the universal areas is the internet. In the world today, the internet has become an essential tool where one can find information on anything at any given time. The internet contains all the information that I need to understand my immediate and future career needs and the steps to plan for them. Exhibitions and seminars are places where I can also find information on career planning (Lock, 2004). Institutions, companies, and organizations attend these seminars and exhibitions to aid graduates and young people with information and advice on their target career choices.

I believe that I can expand my knowledge of the resources available to me by participating in the available programs that are available for young people such as mentorship and leadership programs. These programs are frequent in schools where speakers are invited to talk to the students on various aspects of career choices and planning. I can also expand my knowledge by reading influential books on career planning. There are many books available in books stores and online that give guidance to the steps one is supposed to take when making decisions concerning career choices and planning for the career after making the decision. Finally, it is important that to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself that is aimed at improving my career path and expanding my knowledge of the resources that are available.

In conclusion, I need to stay motivated, search for a good mentor, and take advantage of the experiences that will help achieve me attain my immediate and future goals. If I could get help with my professional career, I would appreciate a chance to work in entertainment industry, on a permanent contract. This is because this opportunity would help me gain the needed experience that I need to grow in the career path.

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