Holly Devitt

1. Be self-aware 

What actions can you take to really understand your interests, values, skills, personality and strengths? 

​

Personally, I believe that continual self-reflection and evaluation are key to getting to know and understand myself. Self-reflection allows me to identify areas for self-improvement and personal growth. When I evaluate my previous experiences, choices and actions it allows me to learn from the successes and failures making me become the best version of myself. 

Resources such as personality tests and skills audits have given me a clearer insight into my personality and what makes me feel fulfilled in life. Completing the business plus my skills audit highlighted two main strengths I already have which include: Collaboration and Teamwork (this is demonstrated in my ability to be a leader within my current workplace and to help guide other employees). The other strength I have been able to develop is problem-solving skills (being in a leader role employees often come forward and ask how to manage certain challenges within the workplace and I have gained the skills to guide them when making these decisions. 

To expand on my current self-awareness I will continue to do self-reflection by journaling. I also believe creating a SWOT analysis to help me understand deeper what my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are will enhance my self-awareness. 

​

2: Explore your options
What do you need to research to be clear about your options? What could you do to learn more about career options in your areas of interest? 
​
I currently have a strong passion and desire to become a Human Resource Manager. Ways I am able to explore my options is to research the key components in the role including responsibilities of HR employees, skills I need to further develop and qualifications or work experiences that can help my employability. Ways I can gain a greater understanding of the roles and requirements to becoming a Human Resource Manager include networking via LinkedIn which will help me stay informed about job openings or possible internships. 
Conducting research via the Griffith University site which dives into each major subject in depth also allows me to explore my options in potential job outcomes including workplace planning advisor, business development manager and training facilitators to also give me insight into jobs of a similar nature. 

​

3. Gain experience and insight

What actions could you take to help you learn more about your industry or find opportunities to develop your skills or find work experience opportunities? 
​
For me to gain experience and insight into becoming a Human Resource Manager I feel it would be immensely beneficial for me to apply for an internship. This would give me a broad range of experience and skills to enhance my employability at the conclusion of my degree. These experiences and skills will include: hands-on practical experiences, opportunities for skill development, industry insight, networking with colleagues and allow opportunities for resume building. Resources I have access to find and apply for internships include Griffith University Career Hub and LinkedIn. 
Gaining further insight into Human Resource Management can also be developed by networking this could include meeting with students who have completed a degree majoring in HR and getting to understand the key roles that come with the title. 

​

4. Evidence your skills (knowledge, skills and attributes)

What action can you take to find out more about what skills you might need to develop in your future career? How might you document/record these? 

​

Human resource management requires a diverse range of skills to effectively manage a workplace. These skills include communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, adaptability and a wide range of other attributes. As mentioned above I am able to access resources such as skills audits and knowledge tests to help me identify my current skill set and where I am able to improve my skill set. Ways I will be able to record & document my knowledge, skills and attributes can include results from surveys, skills audits and tests that I can upload to my portfolio for potential employees to view. References and testimonials are also a valuable piece of evidence to showcase my abilities. 
 

5. Develop networks

List three things you could do to start building your professional networks. 

​

I believe developing professional networks will have a significant impact on my progress toward becoming a Human Resource Manager. I will develop my professional networks by:
1- Creating a professional and appealing LinkedIn account - I will do this by interacting with other connections who are interested in working in the Human Resource Management field or are already in the role of a HR and keeping my page current. 
2- Industry exposure - this will allow me to access valuable insights into the Human Resource industry giving me inspiration. Exposure to this industry can include workshops, conferences, seeking mentorships and internships. 
3- Informational interviews - this would allow me to contact professionals in the Human Resources industry and give me the opportunity to ask for a scheduled informational interview. From this, I would be able to learn more about the industry in-depth and gain deeper insights into the scope of the industry.