FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PLANNING – 9799 (2017 FLX ONLINE SELF-PACED BRUCE)
ASSIGNMENT 2: INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
Length: 1000 words (+/- 10%)
Weight: 20%
CONTEXT:
This task involves looking objectively at the aspirations you have for your future career, by analysing an industry you may want to enter after you graduate. You might have a very clear idea of your intended industry or field, and can use this task to learn more about that industry or clarify assumptions you may have about it, or you might have several industries in mind and can use this task to examine one possible choice in detail. You will examine the skills, qualities and values that will be necessary to become a successful professional in this industry. This task also involves looking at how marking criteria are applied to the work of your peers.
WHAT IS REQUIRED AND WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?
This task should be written in an essay style, using full sentences. You should address each of the following 4 sections, and you may use sub-headings if you choose. Several guiding questions have been included below for each section. You do not need to address every single question – they are intended to give you a sense of what kind of information will help you address each section.
1. The Industry (~500 words) – Present an analysis of an industry you may work in when you graduate, giving a clear sense of its place in society and significant influences on the industry.
Which industry do you aspire to work in after you graduate?
What does this industry do? What kind of contribution does it make to society? Does it have specific aims involving the inclusion of Indigenous communities?
What associations or peak bodies represent or oversee this industry? How is it viewed by the broader public?
How many people are involved in the industry? What kinds of roles or professions do they have? How has this industry grown or changed since it was first established?
2. Professional Skills (~400 words) – Focus on a specific profession within the industry, and describe the skills, qualities, attitudes or knowledge that are valued in that profession and required to be successful in it.
What area or role might you aspire towards within this industry?
Are there requirements for professionals within this industry? (eg.) Competency standards, Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics, or Registration standards (see readings). What education or qualifications are necessary to enter this profession?
What do professionals within the field state are valued or necessary to be successful? Interviews with a variety of professionals have been recorded for this unit and are available on Moodle.
You might find it useful to look at current job advertisements for the field you aspire to, looking at the skills and qualifications that are desirable.
3. Personal Skills (~100 words) – Reflect briefly on both your strengths and weaknesses in relation to those you have identified as valued in your profession.
You might like to consider your personality and learning style, as well as skills gained through work experience, and co-curricular activities. Avoid focussing just on generic skills (eg. ‘teamwork’) – be specific to the profession you’ve discussed.
How do you know these are your strengths/weaknesses? What prior experiences have lead you to think
so?
4. References (not included in your word count)
Ensure information given or statements you’ve made are based on evidence from credible sources of
information and are clearly referenced.
You must include formal references for this task, both in-text and in a reference list at the end.
Consult a wide variety of sources of information. As a guide, use at least 6 different sources.