Career aspirations as stock broker

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Chosen occupation/role
I would like to pursue a career as Stock Broker. A stock broker is commonly
characterised as any competent and regulated professional who is involved in the
buying and selling (trading) of shares or stocks. Also, a stock broker is an individual
responsible for a business deal on a stock exchange. Usually, a negotiation is made
between two authorised members of the exchange. For the purposes of convenience,
an ordinary person is no longer needed to walk into the premises of any institution,
for instance, the New York Stock Exchange, to enquire on the trade stock. This
exchange is done through a broker. However, a stock broker is not just confined in
such plain participation in a transaction as there are other stock broking
opportunities such as execution-only, advisory dealing, and discretionary dealing,
and other related services. Execution-only stock broker involves the implementation
of the client's instructions to buy or sell. A stock broker who focuses on advisory
dealing informs and gives important information to the client on which shares to buy
and sell, but leaves the task of final decision-making to the jurisdiction of the
investor. Meanwhile, a stock broker who is in-charge with discretionary dealing
determines the client's investment intentions and serves as the mainly involved
person in all transactions and decision-making functions done on the client's behalf.
In general, stock brokers provide relevant and useful information on trading stocks,
for instance on the cases of which stocks or mutual funds to be bought.

In order for me to be a full-pledged stock broker, I must be involved in activities and

related opportunities that will increase my competencies, particularly those that I
need to be a successful stock broker. Of course, it is necessary to finish my studies
first. I will begin by providing assistance to a certified stock broker. This is my short
term aspiration. By being an associate, I will have direct exposure to the business
transactions that my employer deals with. Gaining experience is my key motivation.
My medium aspiration is to get promoted or trusted with bigger responsibilities. For

example, my employer will ask me to do things that are similar to his/her functions,
allow me to decide on important things, expect me to be reliant to classified tasks,
and the likes. After staying on this position for a significant period of time, I will try
to evaluate myself if I am already capable of entering my long term aspiration - that
is - being a stock broker. I will immediately take up the needed examinations and
eligibility requirements

Skills/competences required/demanded for the chosen

occupation/role
The chosen occupation entails the management functions including planning,
organizing, directing/leading, coordinating and controlling. These functions are goaldirected, interrelated, and interdependent with each other. These are also needed in
dealing with all elements of business - people, jobs or positions, technology, facilities
and equipment, materials and supplies, information, and financial resources.
Planning is very important. It is the most primary and basic process of formulating
courses of action or organised behaviour ahead of particular time (Hitt, Ireland, and
Hoskisson 2003; David 2002). It appears to be foundational aspect to effective
career management (Blustein 1997; De Voe 1998; Kaye 1997; Moses 1995; Orpen
1994; Shahnasarian 1994). While it is true that many people do not always plan their
actions, it is important for an aspiring stock broker - like me, to plan. Organisations
pay particular importance to the planning ability of every employee. However,
whether dealing with the context by which planning is occurring or whether on the
individual or organisational level, the process takes place according to the prevailing
attitudes, beliefs, and goals that are involved. On this case, the presence of definite
course of actions and organised behaviour is important in stock broking. Brokers
have deliberate goals that needed immediate response in the most time- and costeffective ways possible. When a stock broker is affiliated to any stock broker firm, the
firm's objectives should reflect standards of success in financial and competitive
performance, as well as acceptable levels of risk and rates of long-term growth
(Roney 2004). The broker then is expected to present plans and interventions on the
tasks and the resources to be utilised in achieving the predetermined goals. The lack
of formal planning or poor planning process and ability can decrease individual as
well as organisational performance (Baird et al. 1993). According to most authors
(Roney 2004; Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson 2003; David 2002; Matthews and Scott
1995), managerial strategic planning minimises the potential negative consequences
of lack of formal planning or poor planning (i.e. uncertainty). The success of several

organisations and people rely on the outstanding ability to plan, evaluate and
materialise arrangement in connection to the achievement of goals.
Organising is the ability of putting similar elements following one or more rules
(Morgenstern 1998). Generally, it includes the specification and distribution of tasks
to appropriate components (e.g. people, departments, etc). It is also the assignment
of authority and allocation of resources. The practice of organising is crucial in
developing inputs to planning, making planning decisions, and implementing
strategy. To be effective, however, comprehensive management function in the
business must be done in a continuous pattern (Hornsby and Kuratko 2005; Roney
2004). Yet, it is argued that the organising process that is to be conducted within the
firm or among the individual is dependent on the plans that must be implemented.
On the case of a stock broker, organising includes the development of coordinated
efforts and interventions especially in the performance of prescribed duties and
eventual achievement of deliberate goals set ahead of time. This is highly needed to
cope up with the soaring demand of clients and the industry itself.
Directing or leading involves the execution of planned and organised activities and
interventions for the achievement of predetermined goals (Hitt, Ireland, and
Hoskisson 2003; David 2002). The task of directing or leading is also connected to
other organisational factors such as the clients, the firm's budget and assets, and all
other firm's resources (Roney 2004). Furthermore, it is encouraged to adapt
participative approaches to directing/leading in order to elicit useful characteristics
and elements that are useful for the individual's and firm's success level. Also, the
development and execution of appropriate leadership style is a vital determinant of
effective directing or leading process. In the stock broking industry, it is still
fundamental to study the practicable directing or leading applications to be
implemented in accordance to the achievement of individual's and organisation's
most important motives.

Coordinating is the regulation of all the various elements needed in the achievement
of set goals. It is the integrating and establishing of linkages to diverse elements in
order to accomplish harmonious operations and execution of plans (Hitt, Ireland,
and Hoskisson 2003; David 2002). Coordinating includes the effective flow of
communication. Communication is the link to successful execution of plans and
achievement of objectives because it serves a number of fundamental functions
(Brown 2001). Among these functions include the management of data and

information, its flow, and so on. Surveys focusing on areas of improvement among
corporations state that communication usually ranked as key element within the
organization (Harris 1993). Eckhouse (1994) suggested that communication serves
four major functions within a group or organization including control, motivation,
emotional expression, and information. Communication is needed in a stock broker
career because of the presence of constant meetings and appointments with different
groups and types of people.
Controlling is the task of management in the course of providing positive controls on
the efforts of various elements of the organisation such as people and financial
resources (Witzel 2003). It has been demonstrated that the emphasis in successful
management lies on the man, not on the work (Gilbreth 1914 cited in Witzel 2003).
According to Gilbreth, the man's mind is a controlling factor in efficiency, and has, by
teaching, enabled the man to make the most of his powers. A stock broker must be
able to control the future of every transaction so as to uphold the premeditated
individual as well as organisational goals. Every action is planned, organised,
directed, and coordinated towards a general consensus. The future of every business
deal is reliant on the ability of the stock broker to minimise potential hazards and
increase productivity. Thus, controlling and all the other management functions
mentioned above are relatively important.
All in all, the management functions discussed above are perceived to be the most
important skills/competences required/demanded for the chosen occupation/role.
Aside from outstanding scholastic record and personal virtues, these
skills/competencies must be cultivated and maintained throughout the period and
position as stock broker.

Self Analysis
Strength
I recognised myself as someone who possesses the strength of the task of
coordinating particularly on the case of communication. Petit, Goris and Vaught
(1997) noted communication's function is essential for cases like allowing employees
to conduct meetings, make memos, provide feedback and share corporate-wide
information. I believed that the previous exposures and experiences that I gained
help me acquired this core competency. Good communication skill was gained from
giving presentations at seminars, supplier and customer service transactions (e.g.
issuing clear and concise instructions, advising and assisting customers, etc). I am
also used at working on team projects particularly during my course. This involved

different roles, which have developed my impeccable negotiation and persuasion

skills. Considering the significant role of communication in stock broking,
coordinating is among the basic ingredients of my professional success. I also
believed to the spill over effects of effective coordinating function like the
development of teamwork and successful working relationship. Teamwork is also
attributed to the positive effects upon the psychological health and well-being of
organisations member (Carter and West 1999). Through effective communication,
people are motivated to work in unity and towards the achievement of individual and
organisational goals alike.

Weakness
I tend to be autocratic. This kind of attitude reflects as my weakness in terms of
directing or leading. I consider this as my leadership style. Leadership is an
important aspect of management. As stated by a few authors (e.g. Cohen and Brand
1993; Hyde 1992), management requires leader's full participation and involvement
instead of designating individual groups who will shoulder all the responsibilities.
Furthermore, this also helps in creating a sense of commitment and loyalty (Hill
1991). In the business point of view, good leadership proves to be quite beneficial as
aids in effectively meeting job-related demands, creating higher-performing teams,
fostering renewed loyalty and commitment, increasing motivational level, and
reducing absenteeism and turnover of employees (Drucker 1995). I presumed that I
am the opposite of a favoured leader. I am autocratic which means I tend to be overly
manipulative and domineering. I was engaged in an argument in my previous job
placement out of my domineering attitude. This attitude hinders the development of
harmonious relationship or esprit de corps among colleagues and most importantly
on the part of potential clients. I recognised the need to learn a leadership style that
will be instrumental on the achievement of my intended career role as well as the
development of other important values useful in my future as stock broker and
person as whole.

Reflection On My Skills Development

While I recognise my limitation of being an autocratic leader, I learned to lessen my
domineering attitude and improved my leadership style. I had a petty fight with a
colleague in my previous employment. I was asked to lead a team of three (3) in
assisting customers on the shop floor. It was during the Holidays where there are a
lot of people in the mall. I delegated their specific functions. I asked the one to guide

the customers in the places they need to go and the other one on showing some
sample of our products being offered. I do the talking all throughout the period. The
one whom I instructed to serve as the guide do not know what are the areas to be
visited. I scolded him without asking why. We had an exchange of words. After that, I
was informed that he was just a new employee and do not actually have sufficient
idea to serve as guide provided that it is not a part of his job description. On this
incident, I realised that I am wrong. Due to my domineering attitude, I did not ask
the side or explanation of the new employee. I immediately scolded him and when he
answered back, trying to explain his side, I butted in and prevented him from
speaking. From that incident, I considered having a reality check on my leadership
skills - from autocratic to democratic or being friendlier. I gradually changed from
domineering to accommodating leader. By doing so, I am able to listen on other
people's voices and study the situation before giving my personal judgments. I should
have been more lenient to the new employee. With this experience, I learned that
autocratic attitude is not actually relevant particularly in working with teams because
it hinders the development of teamwork among team mates. Thus, I needed to
reconsider other leadership style as option. Now, I am on the process of becoming an
advocate of democratic or participative leadership. This is an important event
particularly on my future profession because it allows me to think before acting every
situation that I am into. Also, the shift from autocratic to democratic or participative
leadership will eventually add up to my effectiveness in dealing with different people
in the business as it allows me to listen and recognise the importance of every person
I deal with.
Also, I also increased my ability to communicate to people in all walks of life. My
previous work experience as Sales Advisor/Supervisor entails daily interaction on
people. My work includes advising them on mobile phone contracts, meeting and
greeting them, assisting them on the shop floor, convincing them to buy our
products, and at time supervising employees and assisting management. These
responsibilities enhanced my interpersonal communication skills. Of course, it is
expected that a person will get used to the things he/she does regularly. On my part, I
am not just used to it; instead I am becoming a better communicator. I believed this
is important to my future career as stock broker because these daily work experiences
armed me with the needed confidence and competence in dealing with people
particularly on oral communication. Being a good communicator is a plus factor on
clients because it portrays an idea of quality job performance. This enhanced skill
will be used in persuasion and closing deals to potential clients.

The importance of achieving balance between work and other life roles has also
become an emerging topic in the career management literature (DeVoe 1998; Moses
1995, 1999; Shahnasarian1994). This aids the people to focus on the achievement of
the goals imposed by the organisation and by his/her self. I developed a strong
conviction on the protection of my body. Most likely, I can say that I am a workaholic
person. I do not know how to balance my personal life and personal life especially my
work. I am always on the go. Sometimes, I skip my meals and do not exercise. This
lifestyle that I have is a contributory element to my overall outlook in life. The
incident that happened in my previous employment was triggered by my bodily
mechanism. That day, I was in a hurry and forgot to eat my meal. I only had coffee as
breakfast. I felt irritable maybe because of the fact that I did not actually eat my
meal. With this incident and other body signals that I felt, I decided to take care of
my body. I went to a gym and registered as member. In this gym, I had regular
exercise routine and recommended diet. The development of a strong conviction to
the protection of my body illuminates my future ability to effectively balance
personal life and work. If I will not take care of my body and maintain a balance on
work and life, I will not be very much contented. I might have all the wealth and
success in the world but my body suffers, it is useless. This new knowledge will be
useful in my future career as a stock broker because it will reflect on my expected
performance in the job. If I am healthy, I will be able to meet the demands of the
work as well as my clients. I will deliver their needs properly and satisfactory. This
will also have an effect on my ability to establish and maintain outstanding business
relationships between me and my clients.

Career Management Action Plan

The following are the three (3) SMART and main objectives related to my career
development over the next twelve (12) months.

Objective 1

To be able to pass my current education that will serve as my primary

foundation in learning the theories and concept of finance and economics.

Specific Actions Associated With the Achievement of the Above Objective

Spend more time on academically related activities such as additional

readings, researching, and others.

Engage and join in group studies and discussions about world economy,
finance, marketing or management and business issues.

Maintain good study habits and predetermined courses of action.

Seek professional opinions on things that I needed to know more.

Explore other opportunities for outside learning and study regularly.

Time Frame for Achievement of the Above Objective

For the period of the next twelve (12) months, the time frame of all the activities is
singularly divided into increased efforts of studying. Aside from the regular class
sessions, there will be 1-2 hours of extra research and doing of assignments. On free
days or schedules, I will be seeking for potential venue for related learning. I intend
to sacrifice few hours for other educational purposes.

Objective 2

To be able to seek for other opportunities for applied learning or part time
employment on vacations (e.g. spring or Semester Break, etc.) that will serve
as avenue for the execution of the theories and concepts that I learned at the
university.

Specific Actions Associated With the Achievement of the Above Objective

Look for internships or residencies and potential job postings that is suitable
on my academic qualifications.

Ask relevant sources, read newspapers or classified ads.

Evaluate the possibility of applied learning.

Time Frame for Achievement of the Above Objective

Approximately two (2) weeks before the scheduled university vacation, I will look for
firms or organisations that need interns or part time workers. Upon waiting for
results, I will have to plan for my future courses of action. I will also engage myself to
other things that make me more productive. I will take each day one at a time.

Objective 3

To be able to establish linkage or connections to people who will be

instrumental to my future professional career. Networking is an effective
strategy used more consistently by individuals who actively engaged in either
job search (as promoted in such programs as job clubs) or in building their
careers in the organisation where they belong.

Specific Actions Associated With the Achievement of the Above Objective

Attend legitimate events such as forums and discussions involving credible

speakers talking about my field of interest.

Begin establishing social relationship with professors, experts, and good

students.

Create an updated business card.

Socialise and be friendly.

Time Frame for Achievement of the Above Objective

Every day is an opportunity to learn, to meet other people, and to improve myself.
Every week, I will see to it that I am well informed on the upcoming activities of my
university as well as the community I belong. Each month, I will try to make a record
of the activities that I had attended and the people I met. I will reconnect with them
and try to spend some amount of time for socialisation.

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