Personal and Professional Development Plan
Personal and Professional Development Plan: The objective of this activity is to intentionally & personally reflect on one’s sense of calling or vocation and on how one develops over the life course in their chosen or given role. You are not required to conduct additional reading for this paper, but you can cite textbooks as sources for your paper. Also you must cite source(s) for the theories that are used in the discussion of your developmental process.
The paper must be 4-7 pages in length (not including the title and reference pages), in APA format. The paper should minimally include discussion of the following:
● What is a “calling or vocation?”
● How does one come to an understanding or awareness of their “calling or vocation?”
● In what ways does the profession of social work relate to your sense of “calling or vocation.”
● Where are you in your understanding of “calling or vocation”? Discuss the process of arriving at this developmental stage using developmental theories taught in the SW program (e.g. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, Marcia’s theory of identity formation, and/or Fowler’s theory of faith development).
● A “call or vocation,” as well as a professional identity, evolves across the life course. How do you imagine or hope your personal and professional identity will evolve? Include a discussion of personal and professional life-goals.
● In what ways will you intentionally plan or cultivate your “call or vocation,” i.e., what steps will you take or plans will you make to more fully develop your personal and professional sense of self?
● What are essential values, principles and/or commitments that you have and expect will continue to shape and guide your personal and professional formation? How will you continue to engage in career-long learning?
How does one come to an understanding or awareness of their “calling or vocation”? One's sense of calling varies depending on personal experience and development over time. For some people this is an innate feeling that they have had since childhood while for others it develops over time through experiences such as education, life events and personal relationships. Additionally , reflection contemplation can help uncover what drives person inwardly while engaging with external sources like books movies stories etc may also offer insight into one\'s true inner desires .
In what ways does the profession of social work relate to your sense of “calling or vocation”? As someone who is currently studying Social Work I feel strongly that my chosen profession is closely connected with my calling in life. Social Work as a field seeks not only to understand but also improve the well-being of individuals within their communities; it emphasizes empathy, compassion and advocacy for those who face challenges due to systemic issues such as poverty and injustice. This resonates deeply with me –– being able to make meaningful interventions which have lasting impacts on peoples' lives has always been something I have wanted out of my career.
Where are you in your understanding of “calling or vocation”? To explore where I am at currently regarding my own understanding I will use Marcia's theory identity formation which proposes there four stages exploration commitment moratorium foreclosure Exploration involves trying different roles activities gain better sense self find fits best Commitment when person starts focus energy goals invest them long term Moratorium individual actively works define values beliefs approach decisions Lastly foreclosure occurs when established commitments reinforced across multiple domains . In terms seeking vocational direction believe firmly stage two having already experimented variety internships jobs (both related unrelated field ) now dedicated specific path exploring possibilities within social work .
A “call or vocation," as well professional identity evolves across life course How imagine hope personal professional evolve ? Moving forward plan continue cultivate growth both areas creating balance between academic pursuits practical applications Using Erikson's psychosocial theory plan focus expanding knowledge base support clients growing autonomy setting obtaining realistic achievable goals along way Personal wise looking forward start family join volunteer organization become more involved locally On professional end strive reach point where able mentor new students current position continuing further education order remain current trends changes industry Additionally want make effort get published collaborate research colleagues Finally hope bring unique perspective global level advocating human rights serving marginalized groups throughout world .
To conclude , developing career lifelong process requires consistent dedication nourishment Willing accountable myself keeping track progress staying open learning new ideas allowing them shape future journeys integral part reaching desired destination Ultimately goal maintain healthy productive lifestyle incorporating above steps ensure smooth sailing journey ahead