Personal Development Plan for Career and Skills Growth

Introduction: Careers, Ambition, and the Need for a Plan

Careers are sometimes as fleeting as the dreams that encompass them. Often, individuals in search of a career dream of financial security, the ability to purchase a home, or the acquisition of material possessions that may showcase their wealth or status. There is no lack of ambition and fortitude within individuals in this regard. We all want to achieve success in some form or another. We all aspire for greatness, albeit in varying degrees and capacities (Maslow, 1996). What is lacking, however, is a concrete method by which to achieve one's desired financial and career goals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated in a recent report that individuals change careers approximately eleven times during their lifetime. Many jobs are becoming obsolete as they are either replaced by technology or outsourced overseas. Many jobs are cyclical in nature and are therefore only needed during periods of economic growth. No matter what the theory, however, one constant will always remain: individuals need to utilize their talents and skill sets to maximize their earnings potential (Drucker, 1999).

In order to achieve this success, I believe it is prudent to develop a personal development plan outlining an individual's goals and objectives. This resource is very important as it provides the foundation for the individual's future objectives. Personal development is of particular interest in the midst of our current economic turmoil (Ibarra, 2003). Now, perhaps more than at any other period in history, the development of individual skills will determine financial success. As such, I have personally made significant strides in my development with respect to both my work and personal life.

The Flexibility and Value of a Personal Development Plan

Currently, as is the case during many recessions, companies have a tendency to lay off large numbers of workers. This has occurred throughout many developed nations, including, but not limited to, the United States, Europe, and Japan. This reality requires a renewed emphasis on skill development on the part of individuals. Mass layoffs create an environment of intense competition for skilled and highly qualified positions. To better position myself in this environment, I have adopted a renewed focus on developing attributes I believe will be highly desirable in the coming years. This transition has not been without its setbacks, however. As I will explain in the pages that follow, I have obtained a better understanding of the merits of my experience and how I can leverage those experiences to prosper in a more competitive environment.

What makes the personal development plan such a unique tool in the context of career searching is its flexibility (Ghoshal, 1997). A quick glance at a personal development table illustrates how adaptable the document is in terms of planning. This flexibility provides two key benefits for individual progression. First, it allows the individual to customize and tailor the document to their own specific needs. Individuals differ in their skills and abilities, and a flexible plan enables them to enhance strengths while mitigating weaknesses. Second, and more importantly, the plan provides a contingency framework in the event of change. What happens if the plan does not proceed as scheduled? What happens if an unexpected event occurs? The plan is flexible enough to be altered in response to change, allowing the individual to maintain focus throughout the job search process. This focus provides a means of accurately identifying a prospective candidate's goals and objectives (Hewlett, 2007).

Improving Written Communication in Travel and Tourism

To begin, I would like to address my opportunities with regard to the travel and tourism industry. This industry is predicated on communication, both written and oral. Written communication had been a particular weakness for me prior to my courses in the travel and tourism field. I subsequently focused the bulk of my efforts on this area, and my writing has improved considerably each day. I had particular difficulty with the various structures of memos, emails, and reports. These forms of communication are vital to the success of any business operation. A manager, especially one in the capacity that I occupy, should have a strong ability to communicate clearly with others.

My primary area of improvement was the ability to write both clearly and concisely. I also sought to develop my ability to summarize relevant information in a succinct manner. Through my personal and career development, I have made significant strides in many of these areas. I continue to make progress by utilizing various grammar and punctuation tools available both online and in person. The use of personal feedback has also proved invaluable in critiquing my written work. All of the above-mentioned techniques have aided immensely in my overall development as a communicator. Resources such as business communication guides have offered additional support in refining these skills.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Skills Development

When appraising my experience in undergoing the process of skills development, my opinion is quite favorable. Due primarily to this two-year academic course, I am much more proficient in many areas in which I once considered myself weak. I have developed a multitude of transferable skills, and I now have the ability to communicate effectively with my peers. All of these are welcomed additions to my skill set, with many serving as the catalyst for my continued growth in the future.