Personal SWOT Analysis

Appendix 1

Strengths
What are the positive aspects of myself and my present position?
What qualifications have I got? What kind of work have I done, and for how long? What specialist knowledge have I got? What skills do I possess? What resources do I have? What are the strong points of my character and personality? Who are my influential contacts? Have I any strong, specific interests or beliefs, at work or outside? Do I possess patents, copyrights or other intellectual property? What are the sources of my motivation and drive? Under what circumstances have I felt happiest and most fulfilled? Under what circumstances have I made the most valuable contribution? Have I any other strengths that I have not listed?

Weaknesses
What are the negative aspects of myself and my present position?
What limits me? Are there important gaps in my qualification, experience or knowledge? Have I financial difficulties or pressures? What are the weak points of my character and personality? In so far as I have done less well than I would have liked, what has held me back? Under what circumstances have I felt most frustrated and unhappy? Am I vulnerable in any way; financially, legally, physically etc? Have I any other limitations that I have not listed?

Opportunities
What aspects of the present or foreseeable future situation could I use to my advantage?
Are there any suitable job vacancies available or coming up? Are reorganisations being planned that might offer openings? What are the strengths and weaknesses of my rivals? Are there any gaps or niches in the marketplace I could exploit? Are there any opportunities for consultancy? What writing, speaking or media opportunities are open? Are any prizes, scholarships or bursaries available? Are there sponsorship opportunities? Do changes in local conditions or gaps in service exist? Are there inventions or ideas or new ways of working I could put to use?

Threats
What aspects of the present or foreseeable future may operate to my disadvantage?
Potential financial problems. Rivalry or opposition from others. Changes in the marketplace for what I or my organisation offer. Legal proceedings. Physical deterioration of property or assets. Taxation or benefit changes. Forthcoming legislation or regulations. Unfavourable changes in national or local economic conditions. Inflation. Loss of image or reputation. Obsolescence of my skills, knowledge or products.

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Strengths
What are the positive aspects of myself and my present position?
I have completed my A-Levels, journalism diploma and on the way to complete creative media diploma. I have plenty of experience, and have worked for reputable companies with extensive contacts. I have established a media base for myself. I am multi-lingual, specialist knowledge of politics, as well as web media. I have won an award for my gender campaigns, and have been long/ short-listed for journalism awards. I have got ambition, dedication and drive to succeed. I enjoyed working in broadcasting as well as charity work and would like to combine both.

Weaknesses
What are the negative aspects of myself and my present position?
My lack of qualifications limits me to certain job roles. Without a degree and formal journalism qualification, I cannot get many roles in the media. I have financial issues, which also limits me in gaining qualifications. Sometimes my health also makes it difficult to work continuously. This has held me back considerably.

Personal SWOT Analysis

Appendix 1

Opportunities
What aspects of the present or foreseeable future situation could I use to my advantage?
At the moment, working at ITN has helped me gain experience, as well as a standing within the media industry. I hope to freelance there after. I have a chance to complete an NCTJ diploma, but need to win a bursary to undertake it by end of this year. I am also aware of an internship at Reuters during summer, which I need to apply for this September, with my current experience, I hope to get it. I hope to complete my degree, and have a chance to go back this year. I want to apply for the Guardian competition this year. Using my web experience, I would like to take the opportunity to use this to my advantage.

Threats
What aspects of the present or foreseeable future may operate to my disadvantage?
I have potential financial problems emerging with tuition fees, and if I can't get a bursary I can't afford to do the course. Also being older than my peers, it will affect my chances with entrylevel jobs. And it will be difficult to get onto the property ladder at such a late stage.

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Personal Development Plan

Appendix 2

A personal development plan (PDP) can be useful in helping you realise career aspirations. The PDP can also help you to identify learning needs and goals for the: Short term to meet the immediate needs of your role Medium term to meet the changing needs of your role and to equip you for the future Long term to meet your career objectives

This checklist is a good starting point for identifying your learning needs. 1. What are my work objectives for myself and my team for the short and medium term?

I will continue trying to perform well at work as well as contributing new ideas to the team. In this way, I hope that my performance can lead to at least a freelance position, with a higher wage as well as a formal role as a digital producer.
2. How might my work change in the next few years?

I hope by studying and gaining the appropriate skills and qualifications, I can work up to senior positions and be able to handle a more pressurised work load.

3. What are my long term career goals?

I plan to complete my degree in Mandarin & Politics, as well as further studies in media. I want to start in an entry-level training position and work up to become a senior journalist or editor, writing about politics and human rights.

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In answering these questions you can start to focus on where you want to go in your job / role and what you need to do to get there. Ask yourself what knowledge/skills you will need to develop in order to meet these objectives and add them to the table below under the appropriate timescale. What knowledge or core skills do I need to develop?

Personal Development Plan

Appendix 2

Timescale Short term - to meet the immediate needs of your role

Medium term to meet the changing needs of your role and to equip you for the future

Complete Apprenticeship Study and apply for potential internships Write blog Apply for writing competition Apply for journalism funding Do NCTJ Diploma in 2013 Complete degree and MA Apply for training

Long term to meet your career objectives

You have identified your learning needs. You will now need to think about some of the ways you might meet the needs you have identified see the section on planning (page 8).

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