Professional Development Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Professional Development Analysis - Assignment Example It may range from designing, manufacturing and testing of mechanical engines, turbines or other devices to their maintenance and overhaul. The choice of professional development pathway is crucial because the choices in this regard are often irreversible. It is a make or break decision which may pave the way of all future successes or may cause irreparable loses. An early and correct decision is therefore of core importance for all engineering student. They have to weigh various aspects of their personal tendencies and professional trends to strike a balance somewhere which can prove fruitful in the long run. As discussed above the variety of mechanical engineering branches and fast pace advancements in the field can make the choice of a professional track quite difficult and it may require extra bit of knowledge and a methodical approach to arrive at a correct decision. Various techniques and methods that I have employed to make it a correct decision include SWOT analysis, Time Mana gement skills, and use of Spider diagram. It is important to understand that all these methods are simply a way to provide a big and clear picture of main objective and how to approach it. 2. SWOT Analysis SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The term was first introduced by Albert Humphrey at Stanford University in 1960s and 1970s. (Marquis, 2009, p. 143). SWOT analysis is the a common tool used in strategic planning, specially it is a preferred professional development planning tool because it takes care of both, the internal and external factors that may affect a strategic plan. Strengths and Weaknesses are personal or internal characteristics that may hamper or assist the final outcome of strategic goal whereas opportunities and threats are the external factors accountable for the success or failure of a strategic plan. In SWOT analysis these factors are analyzed to determine the probability of success for a specific achievement. SWOT analysis can impact the strategic plan for the professional development if personal strengths and weaknesses are analyzed realistically and rationally. The individual has to be honest in assessing his own weakness because a wrong assessment would result in future failure. This might also provide a chance to correct the personal shortcomings and to overcome the weaknesses overlook in past. However, it is important to understand that SWOT is a subjective analysis and everybody has different strengths and weakness moreover, everybody does not come across same opportunities and threats. a) Goal Definition The selection of an ultimate objective as the purpose of strategic plan is the first step in SWOT analysis. This defines the final goal to be achieved using the strengths and opportunities while avoiding the threats and weaknesses. In mechanical engineering defining this final state is a bit difficult due to versatility of the subject and branches it assumes. I have a determined objective of b ecoming an aeronautical engineer, a branch of mechanical engineering deals with designs, simulations, manufacturing and maintenance of flying machines which may include airships and fighter plans. I have planned to do masters in aerospace engineering on completion of graduation and later on a doctorate in the same discipline will further bring me nearer to my professional career. b)