Evaluate skills needed for chosen field

Starting with a Skills Audit (appendix 1) and SWOT analysis I thought this would be a good starting point to ascertain current skills levels also set up a continuous personal development (CPD) plan.

Skill audits are used to measure the level of ability across a range of skills and highlight which skills need attention for development.

Skill audits are a process and are intended to be an initial start to ascertain any skills or knowledge gaps that need to be filled and planning for future development.

It lets you understand where your current strengths and weaknesses stand and areas for further improvements (Bitesize, 2021).

Reaching an overall score of 73% suggests an above-average rating obviously being a mature student I have had a lifetime of experience of transferable skills.

Fig 1

SWOT Analysis can be used not just for the identification of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, it can also be used for business situations (Interpersonal Skills Self-Assessment, 2021).

Firstly, it is used as a personal gap analysis to identify current skill levels and skills gaps acting on this information to identify external opportunities and strengths that will help to achieve the goal of becoming a successful designer, also it identifies personal weaknesses in skills needed to become a designer craft person and to be aware of the threats that could hinder progress.

The job description can be used to set criteria

Assessing job description advertisements is a good way to see what prospective employers are looking for, and to use it to compare and contrast with your qualifications and skills. This method highlights strengths and weaknesses in regard to productivity.

Skills development from a personal and professional opinion can have a positive effect on self-improvement. Set objectives can develop new technical skills such as advanced computer certificates contributing to continuous personal development and increase one’s value to the organisation and self-esteem leading to a sense of self-achievement (Small business.chron.com 2020).

Self-evaluation with regards to technical skills

Measuring creativity can be quite difficult to measure and score as creative work can take time as usually there are processes involved when creating a specific piece of artwork, website, animation, photography or ceramic art.

According to David Megginson (2017) for these sorts of activities using journal-keeping is a good way to log reflections (Megginson, 2017).

Fig 3

Writing one’s thoughts down, keep a day-to-day diary of what you have done, when you did it and documenting processes is useful as evidence for continuous personal development (CPD), for example for a ceramic glazing recipe keep a record of your process also with photographs, it can also be used for personal reflection as a personal journal.

Useful for reviewing or refining processes on what went well? what didn’t go so well? and how you can improve this in the future.

Fig 4

It is also useful for making records of how time was spent on a certain project what techniques were involved and can identify skill development as a result. This document of experiences is a powerful tool for reflection and goes forward as evidence to support a portfolio of work (Megginson, 2017).

Using varied measurements of criteria of evaluation can work well together interlink supplementing and complement each other to build an effective range of measurements.

These can ascertain the employer’s attributes, attitude to work also both employee-employer gets a picture of where the worker is in relation to their skills knowledge development and attitude, this will highlight strengths and weaknesses and opportunities for growth.

The skill assessment suggests a good understanding of the emotional intelligence of myself and others. It also recommended the continued practice of soft skills and resilience to deal with stress, improve my understanding of myself and others.

Scale can be used to identify the level of skills that I have and assist to set out goals to increase skills and knowledge

On reflection, the skill analysis and SWOT has provided clarity and realistic opportunity to develop skills needed to proceed on the path to the position of Craft designer. It is extremely important to create and review the skills on a regular basis to keep focused on providing a self-evaluation, this gives oneself a clear awareness of your position and improving possible development areas (MindTools.com 2021).

Short term objective

• Research the employees

• Start planning and implement a portfolio of work

• Review and adjust accordingly

Medium-term objectives

• Complete a degree in design craft BA

• Technical skills

• Refine and adjust the portfolio of work

Long-term objectives

• Achieve employment/self-employment in the creative industry by 2025 preferably designer.

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Appendices

Appendix 1 Interpersonal Skills Self-Assessment Results

Interpersonal Skills Self-Assessment Results

Assessment carried out on 05/03/2021

Michael Brown

Thanks for completing the SkillsYouNeed Interpersonal Skills Self-Assessment.

Your overall score was: 76%

Based on the answers you provided you have above average interpersonal skills. Although your interpersonal skills are good, they can always be improved further, helping you to enjoy even more successful relationships with others, at home, socially and at work or school. Continue to practise your interpersonal skills and improve your understanding of yourself and others.

Listening Skills

Your score: 79% (Above Average)

(You rated your listening skills as: Above Average)

Based on the answers you provided your listening skills are classed as good, you are an above average listener. You are more likely to enjoy more meaningful relationships and are less likely to misunderstand what others are communicating – you don’t just hear what is being said, bring together the verbal and non-verbal signals to gain an accurate interpretation of other people’s views and opinions. You should continue to practise your listening skills and try to avoid picking up any bad listening habits.

Emotional Intelligence

Your score: 81% (Above Average)

Your score for the emotional intelligence part of the assessment was above average. Emotional intelligence is a measure of how well you understand and deal with your emotions and the emotions of others. As you have scored well in this section it is likely that you usually understand your emotions and those of others quite well. A higher emotional intelligence means that you are more likely to enjoy a more satisfying and successful career and better relationships with others. You may be more suited than most to counsel people when they are experiencing problems.

Verbal Communication

Your score: 68% (Average)

(You rated your verbal communication skills as: Above Average)

Your verbal or spoken communication is average, most people fall into this category. As with all elements of interpersonal skills you should aim to work on improving your ability to communicate effectively using your voice – saying the right things at the right times to enhance the communication process. When you speak to others take time to think about what you are saying and how you are saying it – remember that understanding is the goal of successful communication, how could you improve your message?

Communicating in Groups

Your score: 73% (Above Average)

You usually communicate well in a group situation and your skills in this area are above average. You are probably quite a confident person who feels comfortable making appropriate contributions in group settings. Although how you behave in a group situation is linked to your self-esteem, your ability to listen and process information and speak effectively are also important. You may find it useful to watch others the next time you are in a group situation for ideas on how you can improve your communication skills further.

Appendix 1. 2021. Interpersonal Skills Self-Assessment. Available at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/quiz/343479.

References

Fig 1 2021. 14 Free SWOT Analysis Templates. Available

at: https://www.smartsheet.com/14-free-swot-analysis-templates [Accessed: 6 March 2021].

Fig 2. 2019. job-descriptions template. Available at: https://builtin.com/job-descriptions [Accessed: 13 March 2021].

Fig 3. Ruiz, J. 2019. The Value Of Self Evaluation. Available at: https://medium.com/@josekinesio23/the-value-of-self-evaluation-e2a1a3cd81b8 [Accessed: 6 March 2021].

Fig 4. [no date]. How to write the perfect job description. Available at: https://www.adamsrecruitment.com/blog/2020/10/how-to-write-the-perfect-job-description.

Fig 5. 2020. Beyondblue - Healthy Families. Available at: https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/healthy-homes/building-resilience?utm_source=facebook.

Bitesize 2021. Skills Audits - Personal Effectiveness - WBQ National: Foundation KS4 Revision - BBC Bitesize. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z9qc9qt/revision/2 [Accessed: 6 March 2021].

Eiche, J. et al. 2009. //lvdm.ru/IMG/CLIPART/istock/ISTOCK_INDEX_Flowers_and_leaves.jpg. Available at: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/young-oak-tree-sapling-in-the-wood-gm93300086-10913318 [Accessed: 13 March 2021].

Interpersonal Skills Self-Assessment. [no date]. Available at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/quiz/343479.

Megginson, D. 2017. Continuing Professional Development. Lodon: Kogan Page Publishers., pp. 92–94.

MindTools.com 2021. Personal development plan. Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/courses/lnV924x0/PersonalDevelopmentPlanning.pdf.

Small business.chron.com 2020. Employee Performance Measurement Tools. Available at: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/employee-performance-measurement-tools-1952.html [Accessed: 6 March 2021].