Description: MP_SNHU_withQuill_Horizstack
OL 125: Personal Development Plan – SWOT Analysis (Milestone Two)
Student Name: Karen Keiper Date: 9/18/16
Strengths (What do I do well?)
Weaknesses (Where can I make improvements?)
· I have great organizational skills. I am able to take something that is in complete disarray, whether it be a messy desk or a disorganized department, and get to where it is in a state of complete efficiency and order.
· I am able to problem solve with ease by looking at the problem from all sides and finding the best solution.
· I am a good team member, whether I am the leader or part of the support team. I am able to adapt to whatever role I am needed to play.
· I am a great listener. I try to really listen to what people are saying to understand what they are truly tying to convey.
· I am a very fast learner. I tend to pick up on new information/procedures/systems very quickly.
· I am a good researcher and am able to utilize many tools to find information needed.
· When I find a task boring, I tend to procrastinate in completing it.
· I doubt myself a lot. Even though I know I am capable of many things, I sometimes let my fears hold me back.
· I tend to stay within my comfort zone too long, instead of taking risks.
· I get nervous when having to talk in front of new people, whether it be in an interview or some sort of presentation.
· Since I am a fast learner, my patience wears thin for those who don’t.
Opportunities (What kinds of things could I be doing based on my strengths?)
Threats (Where could I be using my strengths and talents more productively?)
· I would like to utilize my organizational and problem solving skills to create a more streamlined purchasing process at my current job.
· My research, organizational, and problem solving skills would be good for a career in criminal justice.
· I would like to organize a team building event for my job in which different departments could learn to work together better.
· Most of my strengths would be beneficial in a Human Resources environment.
· I would like to be able to take one more class per term in order to achieve my Bachelor’s Degree faster.
· If I don’t start taking risks and trusting in my strengths, I will be stuck in the same unrewarding job.
· I will have a lot of competition in the job market from the younger generation when I finally receive my Bachelor’s Degree.
· Current family obligations may prevent me for giving 100%, or above, of my attention and/or time in order to prove myself as a valuable employee/manager.
· If I don’t overcome my nervousness in public speaking, future employers may perceive that as not being a strong leader.
Reflection: Write a one-paragraph reflection on what was most interesting to you in the SWOT analysis.
Doing this SWOT Analysis was harder than I perceived. Although listing my strengths and opportunities came easy, the other areas were harder to put into words. I think it is hard for most people to list their weaknesses, even though we all know we have them. It is hard to acknowledge/admit the weaknesses. To be honest, there probably are a few more weaknesses that I have that I did not list, because I have a hard time admitting they are weaknesses. I also found the threats hard to list. Knowing there are obstacles that are not within your control is very scary. I think this is a very good tool to use in order to better myself- by admitting my weaknesses and then be able to take the proper steps in changing them into strengths.