UNIT: BUSINESS CAREER DEVELOPMENT UNIT CODE: BES 3100 LECTURER: MR.

SAM MURIITHI TOPIC: CAREER PLAN PREPARED BY: RICHA PATEL (PARIC71 OR 10287777)

Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................................2 Introduction............................................................................................................................................3 Personal insight through BES3100.......................................................................................................3 Career objective.....................................................................................................................................3 Force Field Analysis..............................................................................................................................4 The current job market..........................................................................................................................5 Expectations from employers on graduates..........................................................................................5 Practical strategies for progressing my career......................................................................................6 Cover letter............................................................................................................................................7 Selection criteria..................................................................................................................................10 References............................................................................................................................................12

Introduction
A career plan is described as the process of establishing career objectives and determining appropriate educational and developmental programs to further develop the skills required to achieve short- or long-term career objectives. (Human Resources IQ, 2011)

Personal insight through BES3100

This Career Plan will help me in understanding the job market and identify my current situation and desired situation (through the force field analysis). I am currently studying Bachelors of Marketing and International Business at Edith Cowan University, courses taken at Australian Studies Institute (AUSI) Nairobi, Kenya. BES3100, at an individual level, has helped me develop my employability skills and personal skills to prepare me for future employment. BES3100 has also helped me in writing this career plan, gaining experience in writing cover letters, showed me how to adapt my resume to work environments, how to address different criterias and how to present myself well in interviews. Furthermore, at an organizational level, I am able to understand the global business environment, as well as the role of ethics, social responsibility, accountability and culture; and my role as an individual in that environment. I will also focus on Myers Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), the selection criteria and the current job market situation. Furthermore, I will explain what employers expect in a graduate.

Career objective
According to Domkowsky & Saunders (2011), a career objective is a personal statement defining the specifics you wish to attain through work. As soon as I graduate I want a job, where I intend to achieve my objectives, gain experience, and continuously learn. I would like to obtain a job in a well established multinational organization to practice the knowledge, skills and ability that I have attained throughout these years as a graduate. In the long term my objective is to climb the corporate ladder while doing my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from an internationally recognised university, preferably Edith Cowan 3

University. I want to end my professional career as a Chief Executive Officer of a well established multinational organization. By achieving these goals, I wish to be able to have ample skills so as to pass them on to my employees and to continue this cycle of education.

Force Field Analysis

Force Field Analysis is a method of examining the forces for and against a decision. It weighs the pros against the cons, the driving forces against the restraining forces, thus coming to a conclusion. Driving forces are those which push one towards the direction that one intends to go. On the other hand, restraining forces are those that hold back the driving forces. (Field Force Analysis, 2011) CURRENT SITUATION DESIRED SITUATION

I am currently doing my Degrees in Marketing I want to be the CEO of a well known and International Business multinational organisation. DRIVING FORCES Confidence Dedicated and hard working. Focused Ambitious Self motivated RESTRAINING FORCES Lack of practical training

After the analysis I realised that the major restraining force from the desired situation is lack of practical training. To overcome this restraining force I am going to work as an intern for a few months in order to gain experience.

The current job market

The current job market is very competitive and highly expectant of graduates. Graduates do not get the jobs that they are qualified for since those jobs are limited. Furthermore, most graduates are underpaid due to the countrys economic conditions. (C.I.A., 2011) The Kenyan job market is more network based then merit based. This means that majority of the graduates get jobs through contacts. For a graduate entering the market, the best approach would be to enter as a management trainee in an organization and then progress thereafter upwards in the hierarchy.

Expectations from employers on graduates

Employer expectations may differ from employer to employer. However, according to Hakket (n.d) all employers expect atleast a few basic qualities from employees, namely: Skills - An employee needs to have relevant experience and ability to carry out the required tasks and the potential to learn new skills. Dependability - Employers need employees to attend work regularly, be punctual, complete work duties by their deadlines, accept responsibilities and follow the companys rules and guidelines. Positive attitude and a strong work ethic Employees should show colleagues and superiors that they have a good mind frame towards their work and are willing to work diligently and ethically. This can help one build a good reputation. High integrity and honesty Employee must maintain confidentiality and privacy. They should also be committed and dedicated to their work. Loyalty An employee must work in the interest of the employer and not for personal benefit.

Practical strategies for progressing my career

The strategies that I will use to progress in my career is: i. ii. iii. iv. Devoting my time and effort in completing my bachelor degree in Marketing and International Business. Thereafter, doing my MBA. Attending business talks and workshops to multiply my business skills Pursue a position as a manager.

Career plan timeline

DATE September 2012 October 2012- 2013 November 2013 January 2017 ACTIVITY Complete Bachelor of Marketing & International Business Master of Business Administration Manager CEO of a multinational company

Cover letter
Richa Patel P.O. Box 17773-00500 Nairobi, Kenya 11th April 2012 North American Marketing Department Hoffman Estates USA, IL Dear Sir/Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR POSITION AS A MARKETING INTERN (REF#DSMR45094) I wish to apply for the position as a marketing intern that was advertised on ADP-JOBS.COM on the 10th of April 2012. I am currently enrolled in a double degree in Marketing and International Business at Edith Cowan University, which are courses taken at Australian Studies Institute (AUSI) Nairobi, Kenya, which I will complete in September 2012. I have undertaken courses that will help me for this job; these include Marketing Strategy, Marketing intelligence, Customer Relationship management and Integrated Marketing Communications. Together with this I have enclosed a copy of my resume. Realising that this and my resume cannot say all, I am looking forward to meet you in the interview. You can contact me anytime on 0734726009 or by email richapp9@gmail.com. Yours sincerely, Richa Patel

RICHA PRAVINKUMAR PATEL

P.O BOX 17773-00500 Mobile number: 0734726009 Email: richapp9@gmail.com
Career objective: I want to achieve my goal as an effective Chief Executive Officer in a well established international organization, with the ability to plan, evaluate, implement and monitor 7

events that span across commercials and to further develop my skill and gain experience within these fields. Education: 2012 to date Edith Cowan University Bachelors Degree in Business (Marketing and International Business) Units done: Marketing Strategies, Consumer Relationship Management, New Product Development, International Marketing, International business project, International management, Organization Strategies, and Business Career Development.

2010-2011

Australian Studies Institute

Diploma of Business Stage II Units done: Foundation of Business Leadership, Integrated Marketing Communications, Cultural Framework of Business II, Marketing Intelligence II, Human Resource Management, International Business, Organizational Behaviour and Foundations of Business Knowledge.

2009.2010 Australian Studies Institute Diploma of Business Stage I Units done: Marketing Principles and Practices, Management, Management information systems, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Finance and Legal Framework.

2004-2009

Premier Academy O Level and A Level Certificate

Units done: Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Business studies, Geography and Computer Studies.

PERSONAL INTERESTS: 8

Travelling Making friends and socializing Music

KEY INVOLVEMENT: High School activities: Member of the Computer Club Participated in The Presidents Award Challenge- Kenya 2005 Participated in Model United Nations as a delegate in 2006 SOCIAL SERVICE: Volunteered for: The Property Exhibition at Oshwal Center on 14th January 2012 OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS: Microsoft Office 2007 SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Dedicated and Hardworking Self motivated Enjoy working with people Good communication skills Honest and loyal Team player Responsible and reliable Willing to learn

REFERENCES: Mr. Sam Muriithi Lecturer of Marketing and Management Australian Studies Institute (AUSI) Tel: 020-4441110 Email: Smuriithi@ausied.com Mr. Harrison Ndigwa 9

Head of Business and Communications Australian Studies Institute (AUSI) Tel: 020-4441110 Email: Harrison@ausied.com

Selection criteria
The selection criteria describe my skills, knowledge and abilities for the position as a marketing intern in a North American Marketing Department. Possession of appropriate academic qualifications I hold degrees in Marketing and International Business from Edith Cowan University, Australia. Every organisation needs a marketer, without this professional the organisation will not have the best possible personnel and thus, may not achieve its full potential. Demonstrated knowledge in Marketing and International Business

The various marketing units that I have already undertaken have given me knowledge in marketing. These include principles of marketing, consumer behaviour, market intelligence, international marketing, new product development and customer relationship management. While studying, I was required to do many assignments which had to be done in groups. This experience not only cleared any confusion about the co-dependence that exists in a team, but also taught me co-operation, appreciation and delegation. Besides that, working in groups also improved my communication and leadership skills. It is important to be a team player in any organisation; this will reduce political and personal barriers. Teamwork teaches us that while everyone has strengths and weaknesses, when those strengths are brought together, wondrous results are realised. Demonstrated Excellent verbal and written communication skills Individual and group presentations in class have helped me acquire good verbal communication skills. Industry projects for most of the units that have been ongoing throughout the semester, on the other hand, have assisted me in good written communication. 10

Proven ability to organise, schedule, prioritise and complete assigned tasks As a student, I had to plan my semester for the upcoming assignments, tests and exams for me to give my best in all, complete them on time and make sure there is no last minute work pending. I had to also make time for myself, my friends and family. Therefore, I had to plan accordingly. For example, in Marketing Intelligence, we had to show the lecturer our work every week and this really helped us to make an effort to organise ourselves. There was no time to say we will do it next week because the more we procrastinate, the more work would pile on.

High level of analytical, research and evaluation skills Through marketing intelligence and business edge, I have acquired skills in developing a proposal and a project. I learnt a variety of techniques used in data collection and how to analyse data through SPSS. I have also learnt different research techniques and how to interpret the findings.

A proven ability to contribute ideas and demonstrate initiative and the flexibility During the business edge assignment we had to come up with a recreational business, and every group member had to input their ideas. Each of us had to come up with at least five ideas, and then we agreed on one. We later planned on how we are going to divide the workload and had a schedule to do it. However, we were flexible and if one group member was unable to do their part because of a genuine reason, we would help them out.

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References
Business Dictionary (2011). Career planning. Retrieved April, 17, 2012 from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/career-planning.html Central Intelligence (2011). Kenya. Retrieved on April.17, 2012 from http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook. Hakket, (n.d). Employers & Employees Expectation. Retrieved on April. 18, 2012 from http://www.eventrecruitment.com.au/articles.htm Productivity Improvement (2011). Field Force Analysis. Retrieved on April. 17, 2012 from http://www.accel-team.com/techniques/force_field_analysis.html

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