Analyzing Self for Strategic Career Development

Part 1: Critical Review of Academic and Professional Literature

Career advancement is essential to human life as it allows individuals to enhance their skills and abilities to achieve their goals. Every individual’s dream is to experience progress in the various aspects they are undertaking as it gives them a level of satisfaction in their lives. While human needs change with time and every achievement they get in life, they need to set goals that enable them to achieve their lifetime goals, making them feel a sense of accomplishment. Human goals call for continuous improvement in skills and experience, allowing them to meet their objectives. In the process of achieving one’s personal and career goals, there is the need for the individual to assess their capabilities, enhance their critical thinking skills, and undertake continuous learning to be able to optimize their capabilities and skills in the sector they desire to launch a profession. As part of the self-assessment of an individual’s ability to pursue a specific field, this review will explore the importance of self-awareness, critical thinking, and continuous learning as essential elements in strategic career development prospects. 

Self-awareness is essential in career development, enabling individuals to understand their capabilities in a specific professional field. Self-aware people can recognize areas where they are best and emphasize the activities promoting their strengths. In this case, individuals can focus their efforts on activities and job positions that match their expertise and areas in which they can quickly and effortlessly excel as they have a clear cognizance of the various activities that are undertaken within their field of interest (Hambly & Bomford, 2018). Studies on self-awareness show that individuals who are aware of their capability are likely to experience improved performance, increased productivity, and job satisfaction. Such elements are attributed to the fact that people who are aware of what they are capable of can easily distinguish themselves from their colleagues in the workplace or in institutions they are affiliated with, making it easy for them to create a lasting impression in their professions through the optimization of their skills and expertise (Greenhaus et al., 2018). Such differentiation is likely to develop from individual aspects such as their aptitude, talents in undertaking specific tasks, observation skills that enable them to perceive things that their colleagues cannot see, and abilities to turn challenges into opportunities. 

In addition, self-awareness also plays an essential role in enabling individuals to identify their weaknesses, develop strategies to overcome them and use them to build on their capabilities. This aspect is vital in personal and career development since no one is perfect, as all individuals have shortcomings (Verbruggen, 2020). Due to this reason, identifying one’s weaknesses provides a significant opportunity for improvement in the future. Nevertheless, being fully conscious of one’s inadequacies can inspire one to work out through them and use one’s talents to reach greater heights (Hambly & Bomford, 2018). This process could involve embracing activities such as seeking more instructions on working through a given issue or challenge, mentoring, or teaming up with individuals with expertise in their fields of interest who have exceptional abilities. In career development, People can advance their professional aptitude and become experts in their unique fields by actively participating in activities that eliminate their weaknesses, increasing their value as individuals and as staff in their occupations (Greenhaus et al., 2018). while an individual must match their strengths to their weakness to obtain a balance in their skills and expertise, research shows that enhancing one’s strength give room to the experience of higher returns in their investment.

Exploring the impacts of self-awareness shows that individuals who are aware of their capabilities are great decision-makers. Studies in career development and professional advancement shows how that individual decision-making decision-making requires a boundless deal of self-awareness. Individuals with a higher level of emotional intelligence can make viable decisions when developing their personal and professional goals (Greenhaus et al., 2018). Such levels of consciousness about what individuals want to pursue in the future are attributed to enhanced individual awareness about their personal beliefs, aspirations, and long-term career or processional objectives (McCash, 2020). Self-awareness allows individuals to evaluate the available possibilities, weigh the existing risks, and make reasonable decisions consistent with their talents and capabilities. Studies show that individuals who make decisions based on their interests and fundamental values are more likely to experience increased satisfaction in their careers and personal goals (Hambly & Bomford, 2018). Self-awareness is also essential in making decisions about their anticipated career path. It also serves as a crucial factor of tactical thinking that cannot be discounted in an individual’s capacity to make decisions speedily and assertively by evaluating challenging issues and resolving them.

Self-awareness is also essential in developing an individual’s interests and ability to interact with others. Studies on self-awareness indicate that an individual’s improvement in emotional self-awareness leads to the development of improved interpersonal skills (Hambly & Bomford, 2018). Examining the creation of an effective work environment in the workplace shows that aspects such as collaboration, empathy, and effective communication are essential. Studies on emotional intelligence show that people are better able to control their emotions when they are aware of them and the extent to which they influence their behavior (Greenhaus et al., 2018). Self-awareness is an essential aspect of emotional intelligence as it enables and individual to achieve self-regulation, which is attained though gaining the ability to control one’s feelings at their highs and lows, being empathetic, comprehending diverse individual viewpoints, and cultivating communication skills (Verbruggen, 2020). These capabilities enable the creation of strong interpersonal connections and trust. By cultivating positive relationships, one can efficiently negotiate workplace dynamics and develop collaboration, teamwork, and career progression chances.

Critical thinking is also essential in career development as it plays a vital role in decision-making. Critical thinking is the capacity of individuals to consider and assess the reliability of information to make judgments. Individuals who understand the world and base their judgments on it are considered to have standard thinking capabilities (Kozak, 2018). This aspect is articulated by the fact that individuals can comprehend and evaluate events from diverse perspectives. Studies show that critical thinkers are more likely to succeed in life than familiar thinkers since they are more adept in problem-solving problem-solving, interpersonal relationships relationships, and decision-making decision-making processes. Such skills are essential in everyday human life as they enable them to examine the various things around them and make informed decisions based on their situation assessment (McCash, 2020). Critical thinking skills enable individuals to take time before taking any action as they can think in a manner that makes them keen on the details, enabling them to obtain the best outcomes in any situation. 

In the modern corporate environment, critical thinking skills are essential as they enable individuals to acquire problem-solving skills that are critical in career development. Individuals with such skills can identify the risks associated with different opportunities and their benefits, making them develop effective strategies to handle the situations that arise (McCash, 2020). In this case, such individuals can examine a situation objectively without making any assumptions, making it easy to propose practical solutions to the various issues they experience (Kozak, 2018). Critical thinkers are also prone to developing a systemic mindset, making it easy for them to approach challenges logically, leading to positive outcomes. Studies on critical thinking show that individuals with such skills take challenges as opportunities for innovative ventures where they use their mental capabilities to provide logical solutions that are long-lasting to the issue (McCash, 2020). in the process, the individuals create innovative ideas that make life easier and save the individual and the organization they are working for a lot of resources, which would be used to provide short-term fixes for different issues. Critical thinkers make it easy for organizations to provide lasting solutions to recurrent issues enhancing organizational productivity. 

In addition, critical thinking enhances interpersonal communication and collaboration among individuals. This aspect is articulated by the fact that individuals with such skills can avert different interpersonal conflicts that may develop in their work environment, promoting good relationships (Kozak, 2018). In addition, critical thinkers can focus on aspects that promote effective relationships as they do not have ulterior motives as they only lead constructive discussions, which enhance the productivity of all the team members (McCash, 2020). Such individuals can provide innovative solutions to the work teams and provide information that would lead to the success of the team, leading to improved interpersonal relationships. Critical thinkers can acquire advanced decision-making skills, question assumptions, and create open feedback mechanisms and strong analytical skills (Kozak, 2018). These skills give no room for confusion or the creation of unnecessary arguments, which result in the development of misunderstanding in the various routine activities. Therefore, in career advancement, critical thinking is an essential tool as it makes individuals acquire skills that make it easy for them to analyze the benefits of any given career, evaluate their interests in the field, and enable them to make informed decisions on the best career path to pursue. 

Continuous learning is also an essential tool in career development as it makes individuals gain advanced professional skills in their field of interest. This aspect is articulated by the fact that individuals who pursuepursue advanced education in their specific field of study enableenable them to gain additional skills that make it easy to achieve their career goals and objectives. According to Greenhaus et al.’s (2018) career stages development and management theories, individuals undertaking career development plans are likely to experience a series of stages that are characterized by unique issues, roles, and tasks that require continuous knowledge acquisition to overcome. In this case, Individuals who pursue further education can learn new skills, which are essential in updating their skills and expertise in their specific field of interest, which will enable them to to confront the various issues they experience during their career development process (Bassot, 2020). The process allows them to acquire updated certifications and licenses in their profession. These certifications allow them to get new perspectives on a given situation,,unlocking different opportunities that make them more successful. In this case, individuals who pursue continuous learning can achieve both professional and personal development since they have the capabilities and advanced skills (Bassot, 2020). Due to this reason, individuals are also to experience enhanced personal and professional satisfaction, which is an essential aspect of individual development. In addition, the process gives the individual advanced confidence in their various activities. 

In addition, continuous learning is an essential element in careers as it keeps individuals ahead in their profession. Studies in business environments show that society experiences many transformations over time, which makes some skills and technologies outdated (Kozak, 2018). This situation calls for continuous learning as individuals with a passion for different fields must be updated on the current information and technologies that enable them to enhance their productivity. This situation makes the individuals remain competitive in their professional field. Individuals with the current skills and technologies can overcome the various challenges that develop in their work or profession (Bassot, 2020). The continuous update in skills and expertise makes the individuals quickly adapt to the ever-changing corporate environment, making them versatile. This situation helps individuals avoid frustrations in their professional field as they can seamlessly confront the challenges that come their way in their personal or professional lives. Such situations are achieved through the fact that well-informed individuals can evaluate the various situations that confront them in their careers and lives (Bassot, 2020). The existence of advanced skills and expertise makes them highly innovative as they can make informed decisions, increasing their level of productivity. 

In conclusion, self-awareness, critical thinking, and continuous learning are essential to the strategic career development. Self-awareness makes individuals learn about their strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for making informed decisions on the various aspects of life. In addition, self-awareness allows individuals explore the various opportunities they can pursue based on their strengths and weaknesses, making it easy for them to optimize on theirresources.se. Of critical thinking, individuals who possess such skills can analyze the various issues they face, making it easy for them to make informed decisions. In addition, critical thinking promotes effective interpersonal skills, innovation, and the development of perfect strategies that eliminate the various challenges they experience. In career development, critical thinking skills are essential as they enable individuals to evaluate situations, opportunities, and risks,, making it easy for them to invest in courses thatthat will bring more rewards. Continuous learning is also an essential tool in career development as it enables individuals to gain advanced skills and expertise in their professional field, making it easy to tap into new opportunities. Also, the process makes individuals more adaptive to changing situations, gain more confidence, promote innovation, gain more certification and licensing, and promote individual development and satisfaction. 

Part 2: Self and Environmental Analysis

Self-assessment 

Based on the outcomes obtained from the self-assessment tests, I have a high potential for becoming an entrepreneur due to my various emotional and psychological abilities. This aspect is attributed to the fact that I am open-minded and ready to learn different things from the environment. The test explored various individual aspects ranging from emotional stability, human relations, and the perception of the environment, which are essential for examining an individual’s mental capability. The test was essential as it provided significant information on my ability to handle the situations that may arise while interacting with other people or the environment. In entrepreneurship, a self-assessment test is critical as it enables individuals to explore their mental capacity and ability to juggle life and work. This aspect is attributed to the various questions the individuals have to answer, reflecting on different daily aspects. Through such an assessment, I explored my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to understand the areas I should work on to become mentally and emotionally stable enough to undertake specific career paths. 

Analyzing the self-assessment test provided positive information on my ability to undertake career progress in entrepreneurship. This aspect was articulated in my ability to maintain my emotions in different situations when confronted. Emotional stability was essential aspect I realized I had which will enable me to undertake the facility management role as I interact with individuals from different backgrounds, behaviors, and beliefs. Such a diversity in traits poses a significant challenge among individual relationships, increasing the potential for conflict development. In addition, creativity was another essential aspect I identified through the text, which is critical in entrepreneurship and facility management. A facility manager is expected to have the skills to think critically and quickly since they may experience situations that require fast actions to salvage not only people but also the property. These individual skills are critical as they make it easy for individuals handling such positions to manage any situation that may develop while the individual is undertaking their roles and responsibilities. Therefore, the test provided positive information about my individual abilities that are essential in executing diverse roles in facility management. 

PESTEL Analysis 

Political 

The country’s politics play an essential role in the execution of services in every profession within the country. This aspect is attributed to the country’s politics directly impacting the peace and stability maintained, which influences the success of all the businesses operating within the country’s jurisdiction. Politics are essential as they also influence the legal aspects of all businesses or organizations. In the case of the development of a facility management company, the legal requirements are similar to the development of any other business, making it easy to start and operate the company. I will embrace such stability to implement my goal of starting my Facility management company. 

Economic factors 

The American economy is one of the most successful economies across the globe. This situation is attributed to the low influence of demand and supply forces, which influence the demand for different services. In addition, the facility management industry is experiencing significant growth, as projected in the various industry analyses, indicating the economic potential of success for individuals who venture into the industry. The economic stability in the country also enables free and fair competition, which promotes the growth and development of a free market economy where the buyers and sellers are free to enter or exit the market without the influence of external factors. This information is essential as I will use it as guide when implementing my plan

Social 

 American society is developing rapidly, creating diverse opportunities, especially in the service industry. The existence of diverse infrastructure in the country and improved lifestyles make it easy for the service industry to thrive. This aspect significantly impacts the emergence of different players in the service industry, increasing the likelihood of growth in the future. This information is essential as it enhances my understanding of the opportunities that exist in the field.

Technology 

Technology has advanced individuals’ quality of life in the past few years. This transformation is also experienced in the economic sector, where professionals embrace technology to make work easier and promote health and well-being. Improved technology has increased human satisfaction and exposed them to dangers if now well managed. In facility management, technology has benefits and shortcomings, especially regarding security issues, and the industry has to embrace modern technology in building structures to enhance the safety of property users. I will undertake a course in computer science to keep up with the trends in current technology.

Environment 

Environmental factors have influenced human life depending on the different changes experienced. In the case of pollution, the country has put significant measures in place to ensure that waste management is highly emphasized. Facility managers must ensure that the waste produced in their structures is effectively managed to prevent environmental pollution. My company will implement modern technologies to ensure that the environment within the facilities is favorable, considering that aspects such as global warming have increased atmospheric temperatures.

Legal 

The country’s laws are highly lenient regarding establishing new companies. I will ensure that my company meets the specific legal requirements and ensure that all the processes run smoothly as long as the business works within the law. 

SWOT Analysis 

Strengths

Among the strengths I have identified from the self-assessment tool is my level of creativity, which I will use to develop and run the facility management company. The creativity and entrepreneurial skills I have will enable me to embrace the projected industry growth, which shows the potential for success for the business. This aspect increased my confidence in taking up a career in the field as the decision is viable and profitable. My background knowledge in business management is also another individual strength as it provides me with management skills. 

Weaknesses 

Lack of adequate skills and experience in the field is among the weaknesses I am likely to experience. This aspect will pose a significant challenge during the start of the project but I will undertake a background research on the industry to get awareness of the various issues that am likely to experience in the field. Inadequate resources will also be a weakness in my implementation of the project, as incorporating a company requires a lot of resources. 

Opportunities

 Critical thinking skills provide me with a lot of opportunities to pursue in the field. These skills will enable me to analyze the facility management industry and develop strategies that will make the company successful. In addition, my level of creativity and continuous learning will enhance my potential in the industry as I will be able to tap into the various opportunities in the industry and make my company unique from the existing companies enhancing the quality of services offered to the clients.  

Threat

Competition from established companies in the industry poses a significant threat to new ventures in the market. Adaptability to the changing corporate environment is likely to pose a significant threat to the implementation and operation of my career development plan. This process will require me to undertake continuous learning as tool to cushion me on the threats that am likely to experience in the process. 

Reflective Analysis Statement

Self-assessment for strategic career development is an essential practice as it enables an individual to be able to identify the various opportunities and challenges that they are likely to experience during the implementation of their career development plan. The practice provides a diversity of tools which enable an individual to be able to access their strengths and weaknesses which provide them with significant information on their areas that they have to work on to enhance their potential in achieving their personal and career goals. The practice was essential as it provided vital information of the various aspects that influence their success in the different field of study. In this case, one is able to understand the various factors that promote an individual’s ability to make informed decisions on aspects that they want to pursue in the future.

The study on aspects such as self-awareness, critical thinking and continuous learning provides valuable information on the impacts that they have on individual and professional growth. For example, the study of the importance of self-awareness in professional and career development displays the various roles that the aspect has on an individual. In this case, the tool enables individuals to be knowledgeable of their strengths and weakness, and their ability to interact with other people around them. The study of the impacts of critical thinking was also an essential aspect in the assessment of an individual’s ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and evaluate the situations that they face to develop effective success strategies. In this case, the exercise was essential as it created the need for an individual to develop critical thinking skills, which are essential in the achievement of personal and professional advancement. In the case of continuous learning, the process indicated the importance of learning and gaining advanced skills in the different professional fields. 

The executions of a self-assessment tool provided and essential tool that enables individuals to understand their skills and capabilities which enhance their career development plan. This aspect is articulated to the fact that the tool provides information about the individual strengths and talents which are essential in the selection of an effective career development path. Through such an assessment the individual is able to analyze the internal and external environment affecting their career plans making it easy for them to develop effective strategies to work out their weaknesses and promote their strengths in ensuring that they become successful in the implementation of their future goals and career development plans. 

Part 3: 5-year career path plan

References

Bassot, B. (2020). Client-centred Career Development Practice: A critical review. The Oxford Handbook of Career Development, 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190069704.013.24 

Greenhaus, J. H., Callanan, G. A., & Godshalk, V. M. (2018). Career contexts and stages. Career Management for Life, 24–51. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315205991-2 

Hambly, L., & Bomford, C. (2018). Self-awareness. Creative Career Coaching, 147–162. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351006422-12 

Kozak, A. (2018). Understanding pseudoscience vulnerability through epistemological development, critical thinking, and science literacy. Pseudoscience. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9780262037426.003.0009 

McCash, P. (2020). Cultural learning theory and career development. The Oxford Handbook of Career Development, 193–212. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190069704.013.15 

Verbruggen, M. (2020). Self-awareness in career development: Meaning, importance and malleability. Career Dynamics in a Global World. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789901504.00011