1. YYYeeeaaarrr 111
Richard Stevens
KHC - sSTE14005189
ARU - 1415868
BSc Accounting & Finance
MMMyyy EEEmmmpppllloooyyyaaabbbiiillliiitttyyy PPPooorrrtttfffooollliiiooo

2. Welcome to My Employability Portfolio
I am currently embarkingonaBSc AccountingandFinance degree withAngliaRuskin Universityand
KaplanHolbornCollege. Iam lookingtoobtainmydegree andthencomplete the ACCA inorderto
begina successful careerasan accountant. I have chosento studythissubjectasI believethis
industryhasthe bestopportunitiesforme to have a flourishingandrewardingcareer.AsI enjoy
numeracyand problemsolvingI feel thisisthe perfectpathtofollow if younaturallyexcel inthese
areas. I thrive incompetitiveenvironmentsasIhave a passionto succeedandchallenge myself to
reach mygoals.I have a mathematical mindandenjoyworkingwithnumbers.
One of mykeystrengthsisteamworkandI am able to use thisskill inmyhobbieswhichinclude
playingandsupportingavarietyof sports,especiallyfootball.Mydedicationtofootball isclearasI
have played withinthe same amateurfive-a-side footballteamforthe majorityof mylife.Overthe
years,I have improvedmylevelof skill inthissportandconsequentlymyassertivenessandabilityto
leada team.Team sportsrequire goodcommunicationskillsandthisissomethingIhave become
advancedat. I am able to react to changingsituationsefficientlyandeffectively,analysingeach
game outcome inorder to improve teamperformance.
As well asthis,I have a keeninterestinfilmsandhave accrueda substantial movie collection. I
attemptto strike a balance inmylife betweenworkandplayandcinemaallowsme toexplore my
creative side.Ilike toappreciate howdirectorsandproducerscandelivermessageswhilstadding
theirpersonal creative touch.Ibelieve thisisauseful skill tolearninordertoboostmy ownability
to communicate.

3. My career objective
I wouldlike toenjoyacareerwitha well
respected accounting company using
the skills and knowledge I have gained
from my degree and what I have
learned from previous jobs and
activities.Ihope that using these skills,
along with my determination to
succeed and my passion for my work, I
will achieve a long and stimulating
profession as an accountant.

4. Setting Career Goals
The followingchartrepresentsmycareergoalswhichare targetsthat will enable me toachieve my
overall careerobjective.Thesegoalsare SMART+ goals.Thismeansthey;
 Specific
 Measurable
 Achivable
 Realistic
 Timed
 + meanstheyare positive

5. 1
•Earning my degree is the highestpriority for me as this will
be crucial in starting my desired career
•Achieve by 2017
2
•Start my career with an accounting firm is importantfor
me as this is the industry I wish to work in
•Achieve by 2018
3
•Passing theACCA is also important as I will need to stand
out fromother candidates in order to progress and having
more certificates will aid this.
•Achieve by 2019
4
•Earning a promotion within a company is key for me
becauseI am aiming to work my way up to a high level and
so will need to earn numerous promtions
•Achieve by 2020
5
•Becoming part of the management team is important for
me as I wantto challenge myself with more
responsibilities.
•Achieve by 2025
6
•Becoming a senior manager is another aspiration as it will
give me recognition excelling within my chosen industry.
•Achieve by 2035

6. General Employability Skills Audit
What followsisageneral employabilityskillsauditof myunderstandingof the keyskills
employersrequire.Ihave scoredmyself outof 3 with1 beinganarea I feel Ineedto significantly
improve mylevel of skilland3 beinganarea I am confidentmeetsthe requirementforemployers.In
additiontothisI have providedabrief rationale formyscore usingmyownexperiencestojustify
them.Relevantsupportingdocumentationcanbe foundinthe appendix
Teamwork
Score = 3
Workingat AlliedBakerieswasverymuchaboutworkingwell inateam.Asthe plantwas splitinto4
areas,each teammemberwasreliantonthe previouspersonrunningtheirsectionefficiently,asany
stopsthroughoutthe plantwouldbackup ina matterof secondstothe previoussection.If the
stoppage wasnot resolvedwithinminutes,thiscouldmeanbreadbeingbakedfortoolongandso
becomingunsellable,ordoughprovingtoolongandso becomingtoobigto getinthe bags.On some
occasions,noticeableworkcouldresultincompanyrecognitionandarewardfor those involved(See
appendix 1,2,3)
AlsoI have workedintwopresentationteamssincestartingmydegree whichhasallowed
me to take charge of a group anddelegate varioustasks.Itencouraged me todevelopself belief
and,withthat, myconfidence improved.Mygrouppresentationsalsoshowedme how
unpredictablethingsandpeoplecanbe,whichgave me the opportunitytoexercise myproblem
solvingandquickthinking(Seeappendix 4)
Oral communication and listening
Score = 2
Duringmy time at AlliedBakeriesIwasoftenrequiredtotrainnew membersof staff and
due to the varietyof culturesandnationalitiesof the employees, instructionshadto be clear and
concise.Itwas a loudworkingenvironmentandstaff were requiredtoweareardefenders.This
hinderedcommunication andemphasisedthe needforittobe effective.
However,Ifeel myperformance duringmygrouppresentationswasnotto mybestability
and can be improvedupon.Thiswill improve asIencountermore opportunitiestospeakinfrontof
an audience andas myself confidencegrows.ThiswassomethingIidentifiedinayear0 skillsaudit
(Seeappendix 6).
Havingworkedfordifferentmanagersandindifferentteams,Ihave a broad experience of
how people communicate.Thishasgivenme alot of experience of understandingaboutthe range
and varietyof oral communicationandlisteningskillsIcouldpossessinthe future.
Presentation skills
Score = 2
As previouslymentioned,Ihave academicexperience of group oral presentations forwhichI
gaineda respectable mark andpositivefeedback.Asuniversitymarkedthe firsttime Ihadto
performa presentationandspeakpublicly, Iwasnervousandapprehensive about the confidence
requiredtospeaktoan audience.Inthiscase,age was an advantage as I foundmyself automatically
assuminga positionof leadership amongstmypeers.Myteamworkskillsenabledme todelegate
rolesbasedonthe strengthsand weaknessesof myteamandultimatelythisencouragedme to
overcome mydoubtsandpush my self-confidence inordertodeliverresults.
I believethatmyexperience aspartof a football teamhelpedme todisseminate the attitudethat
each memberhadtheirowntasksto performinorderfor the groupto succeed. Thissimilarityalso
allowedme toprepare and supportweakermembersof the groupandalso to anticipate havingto
react to changingcircumstances(Seeappendix 4).Practisinginfrontof myfamilyandfriendshas
helpedme tospeakmore confidentlyoutloud.ThiswassomethingIidentifiedinareflectiveskills
auditI performedatthe endof myfirstsemesterinyear0 (See appendix 7)

7. Written Communication
Score = 2
As I have nothad much experience withwrittencommunicationpriortostartingmydegree,
I foundthisthe mostchallengingaspectof the course.Havingleftsixthformanddecidingtogo
straightintowork,specificallyretail,Ifoundmyselfperformingmore hands-onandverbal tasks
rather thanwritten.AsI stayedinretail formanyyears before progressing intofoodmanufacturing,
I was neverreallyfacedwith muchwrittencommunicationandsouponbeginningmydegree felt
inexperienced inskillsof essay writing. Incontrast,largelydue tothe developmentand
popularisationof the internet,myabilitytocommunicate viaemailwasmuchmore developed.
Since completingmyfoundation year,Ihave now gainedthe foundationsforeffectiveessay
writing.By focusingondevelopingthese skills, Ihave seenavast improvementin myessaywriting,
withboththe structure and language used,andalsomy understandingof reportwriting.This
improvementhasbeensupportedbypositivefeedbackfrommytutorsand reflectionof thisinmy
grades. (Seeappendix 8).
Time Management
Score = 3
My time managementhas alwaysbeenanatural strength.PersonallyIwasbroughtup
understandingthe importance of punctuality andmeetingdeadlinestoensure tasksare completed
on time.This wasemphasisedinthe variousrolesIhave beenemployedin,andmyattendance and
punctualityhascontinuallybeenpraised.However,workinginroleswhere there wasnopressure to
performundera time scale,effectivelyworkingtomyowndeadlines,hasprovedadifficultthingto
adapt outof. Upon rejoiningthe educationsystemwithAngliaRuskinUniversity(ARU) Iwas
presentedwiththe challengeof homework deadlines andself discipline. Embracingthisnew chapter
of mylife,Isetmyself aweeklytimetable whichallowedme tospreadmyworkloadevenly
throughoutthe weekaroundmystudiesandwork,whilststillallowingme apersonal life.This
balance isimportantandwithoutitI feel Imay have workedata level thatwas notsustainable. (See
appendix 9).
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Score = 3
Duringmy time workingata bakery,I wasconstantlyfacingproblemswhichneededfastand
effectivedecisionstobe made by myself.Asthisrole wasbakingbread,productiontimingwasvery
specificandsothere waslittle roomforerror or delay.Thistaughtme to analyse situationsfrom
differentpointsof view soIcouldprepare forpotential problems andalsotobe confidentwithmy
decisionmaking.
On one of my nightshifts,the areaI was controllingwasrunningsmoothlyandsoI was
observingthe otherplantsandhowtheywere running.DuringthisInoticedthe plantnexttomine
had a problembetweenthe ovenandthe coolerwhichmeantthe breadexitingthe ovenhad
nowhere togo.In orderto keepthe breadmovingthroughthe oven,the managementdecidedto
unloadthe breadtinsby handand stack themnearbywhile the engineersfixedthe problem. This
wouldmeanlosingall the breadinthese tinsasitcould notfinishthe bakingprocessproperly.AsI
had previouslyworkedonthatplantIknew how it performedandsosuggestedtheyletthe bread
continue itsnormal processupto the error,thendirectbread tinsontoa table inorder to by-pass
the problemarea,directingbreadonwards intothe cooler.Thisavoidedstackingthe breadtins and
hence ruininghundredsof loavesthatwere insidethem.
My suggestionresultinginreductionsinthe subsequentlossof productassociatedwiththe
machine error.I receivedthe 'Make the Difference award'formypart insolvingthisproblem. (See
appendix 1,2,3)

8. Using IT
Score = 2
Havinghad a computerfroman earlyage,technology hasalwaysbeensomethingIhave felt
confidentwith using.DuringsixthformIenjoyedmyICTclassesanddevelopedmyknowledge of
basicMicrosoft Office programsandthisallowedme toimprove onthose skillsduringmytime
workinginretail.Havingconstantlyusedcomputersinmyworklife andmyhome life Iwaslooking
forwardto improvingmy skillsevenfurtherwhenbeginningmydegree.SofarIhave increasedmy
knowledge of the basicMicrosoftprograms suchas MicrosoftExcel, andalthoughI had a basicidea
of howto use it,I have since learnedhow touse formulasandotherkeyfunctionstoimprove
efficiency(Seeappendix 10).Ihave also vastlyimprove myknowledge of PowerPoint,something
that I had notused much previously,butfeelwillbe akeyprogram to use forpursuingmycareer
and withdeliveringpresentations. (Seeappendix 11)
In additiontothisI have soughtpart-time workthathas allowedme topractice myuse of
programssuch as Excel by performingdataentryjobswithATGMediaand inmy role as Student
AmbassadorforKaplanHolbornCollege (Seeappendix 11)
Numeracy
Score = 3
Althoughmybreakfromeducationhasdelayed me obtainingadegree andstartingmy
career,it gave me the chance to experience everydayissues andgainlife experiencethatIwas not
exposedto duringmyschool days.Taxes, interestandfinance managementare all partsof everyday
life and workingandexperiencingthese formyself allowedme torealise the importanceof money
and gettingagood career. Life experience hasenabled me tomanage mymoneyaccordingto my
income,myoutgoingsandpotential futureexpenditures includingbuildingsavings.
Analysis & Research
Score = 2
Withmy workin retail,more specificallyinmymerchandisingroles, itwasimportantforme
to maintainawarenessof the storesperformance inordertomaximise sales.Thisrequiredme to
regularlychecksalesfiguresforthe store tosee whatwasselling,whatwasnotsellingandwhy.If a
particularitemhadsolda lot the previousday,itwasmy jobto determine why.Thiscouldbe
because the itemwas on trend or because of itslocationinthe store.My job as a merchandiserwas
to use windowdisplays,displaymannequinsandpositionproductsinordertoboostadvertisement
of specificproducts.Byresearching fashiontrends,marketsandsales,Iwasable tomake decisions
abouthow to move otherstockaroundthe store inorderto control and potentiallyincrease the
salesof selecteditems.
ResearchinghasalwaysbeensomethingIhave done aspart of my owndecisionmaking
process,whetheritbe formy nextphone upgrade,the best time tobookholidaysorrelatedto
fashion formyjob inretail.Since startingmydegree Ihave hadto improve myresearchtechniques
and focusthemtowardsacademicprojects.Withmy firstgroup presentationwe were giventhe
chance to choose what topicto discussandas we all had to agree on the topic,the chosensubject
was somethingeverybodyknew somethingaboutbutnobodyhadsuperiorknowledge of.Inorderto
give ourpresentationagoodfoundation,varioustypesof researchwere usedinordertogainthe
informationrequired. Thisincludedusingthe internet,readingarticlesandbooks,questioning
lecturersandmakingnotesinour owntime.

9. Commercial Awareness
Score = 2
I have workedina wide range of industries andIhave developedanunderstandingof how
differentfirmsanddifferentmanagement teamsfunction.Thishasgivenme the insighttobe
preparedfordifferentsituationsandtoadapt quicklytonew cultures. Mytime inretail gave me the
opportunitytoimprove myawarenessof the changingfashionsandthe spendinghabitsof different
areas.My time inmanufacturingofferedme the chance tosee differentculturesandbackgrounds,
and alsoto learnthe importance of achievingtargets.The time Ihave spent workingatuniversityas
a student, workingforthe college asastudentrepand as a studentambassador,andinan office
environmenthasshownme the importance of deadlines,beingavoice forthose whodon’tget
heardand approachingthose inhigherauthoritywithissues.

10. Workingat SquiresMenswearwasmyintroductiontothe workingenvironmentandshowedme
howit can be laidback at timesbutalso to take on responsibilitiesandshowinginitiative.AsIwas
workingcloselywiththe ownerIquicklylearnedtodiscipline myself andincrease myworkrate.
Takingthese attributesintomynextrole ata biggerstore encouragedme toimprove myworkrate
considerablyandeventuallyearned me apromotiontoassistantvisual merchandiser.Thischanged
my taskprioritieswhichenabledme toexperience new challengesandadaptmyapproachto
overcome them.Establishingmyselfasa competentandhardworkingteammember,Imovedto
Armani where Itookon the role of store visual merchandiserwhich,althoughaslightlysmaller
store,presentedme withthe challenge of beingthe onlyvisual merchandiserforthe store.This
furtherimprovedmylevelof self disciplineandawarenessforthe jobrequirementswhichgave me
the opportunitytoprove myself.
Afterthe start of the recession,workloaddecreasedandsoItook a breakto travel to
Americawhere I volunteeredmyservicestoa small independentclothingbrandwhichshowedme
howthe productionandinternetside of aclothingbrandwas run.AfterthisbreakI returnedhome
and landedajob inAlliedBakeriesmanufacturingbreadfora leadingcompany.Asthiswasa very
differentindustryandenvironment,Ihadto adaptfast and learna new setof skills.Asthiswasa
veryisolatedrole self discipline,the abilitytoremainfocusedandthe abilitytoworkunderpressure
was a crucial demandand soI appliedmyselfandworkedmywaythroughthe plant.

11. Personal Attributes Audit
My personal attributesauditusesthe same scale of scoringasthe previousauditbutconcentrates
on mypersonal skillsandqualities.
Positive Attitude & Self Motivation
Score = 3
Knowingthatmostgoalsare metoutside of the comfortzone,I have alwaystriedtotake on
newchallenges. Thisisalsothe case withmy hobbies; Ihave alwaysenjoyedplayingfootball and
have rarelyturneddownan opportunitytoplayorbe involved withit.This,Ifeel,isalwaysagood
wayto socialise andmeetnewpeopleandbecause of this,Ifinditeasyto meetandbondwithnew
people.Ihave beentaughtfroma youngage that there isa positive angleoneverythingand
therefore Iama naturallyoptimisticpersonandhave apositive attitudetowardstakingonnew
challengesandchanges.Since beginningmydegree Ihave volunteeredtobe astudentrepevery
semesterandhave enjoyeddoingit.Thisgivesme the chance tospeakto otherstudents abouttheir
issuesandvoice these issuesat meetingswithstaff (Seeappendix 12).Since takingonthisrole Ifeel
otherstudentshave establishedatrustwithme andsee me as approachable andresponsiblewith
handlingtheirpersonal issues.Ihave since appliedandbeenappointedas studentambassadorfor
the college (Seeappendix 13).Thisadditional role hasenabledme tohelpoutwith the recruitment
of newstudents tothe university,representingthe universityonvisitdays(opendays),providing
campustours to newstudentsandattendingUCASeventstotell potential studentsaboutKHCand
whatit offers(Seeappendix 14).I have alsohelpedtoadd potential students'informationtothe
database whichrequiredme touse myIT skillsandbe aware of confidentialityand dataprotection.
As a student, Ihave attendedKHCphotoshootswhich gave me the opportunitytomeetother
studentswhoare at differentlevelsanddoingdifferentcourses.Myphotoswere thenselectedtobe
usedon the prospectus, onlineonthe universitywebsite andinthe studenthandbook(Seeappendix
13,14).
Self Awareness
Score = 2
I like tothinkI am aware of mostof my strengthsandweaknesses asIperformself-
evaluationasa wayof boostingmyself-confidence.Ididfindthathaving appraisals withmytutors
at universityandwithmymanagersinthe workplace has helpedtoclarifythemevenmore and
indeedstrike abalance betweenthem.Anexamplefrommytime workinginretail ismyabilityto
socialise.Itwasa strengththatI appearedfriendlyandapproachable tomycolleaguesand
maintainedagoodlevel of communication,howeverfromamanagerspointof view itcouldhave
appeareda weaknessasitmeantI wasoftentalkingtocolleaguesduringthe workingday. Overthe
years,eachappraisal has taughtme to regulate mystrengthsandweaknessesandbalance themout,
inthiscase improvingmyapproachto workwithoutcompromising myteambuildingskills.

12. Flexibility & Adaptability
Score = 3
As I have workedindifferentindustriesoverthe years,Ihave learnedtoadaptto new
environmentsquicklyandsmoothlyinordertomaintainahighstandardand workrate. The biggest
change I have had to adapt to hasbeenreturningto educationwhenIenrolledat universityasthis
meanttakinga reductioninincome asI would nolongerbe able to workfull-time,preparingmyself
for more mental challengesandessaywriting,andalsohavingtouse my owntime to doacademic
study.Althoughadjustingtothiswasa big challenge,Ihave lookedatthischange as an opportunity
to bettermycareer andbettermyself andmyskills overall. The course itself hasbeenthroughan
elementof change asthe universitybroughtinthe ideaof condensinglecturesintotwodaysper
week.Inadditiontheyintroducedvideolecturesthatwere tobe watchedinstudentsowntime.Asa
positive,thischange allowedme flexibilityinmy personal lifeandtherefore the time togainpart-
time work.It alsocarriedwithitthe responsibilityof managingmytime soIcouldwatch the video
lectures outside of scheduledclasses.Iadaptedtothisquicklybycreatingpersonal timetablessoI
couldallocate mytime effectivelyandbyapplyingtonew part-time jobsthatcouldfitintomynew
workingweek.
Personal Responsibility & Accountability
Score = 3
On several occasionsduringmytime workingatthe bakeryIfoundmyself beingofferedthe
chance to train newmembersof staff. Thisrequiredgoodcommunicationskillsandsound
knowledge of the implementationof companypolicies.Myperformance asa trainerprogressedand
I was promotedtoteamleaderandgivenmore responsibilities. Asteamleader,Ilearnttobe
disciplinedaboutmywork, toimprove mycommunication towardsmyteamandto manage
workloadsasI workedina divisionof the bakeryplantthat wasaccountable forthe qualityof the
productat eachstage of production.
Choosingtofurthermyeducationthroughstudyingfora degree hasinstantlygivenme more
responsibilitiesasI nowin control of achievingagood grade inmy degree andultimatelythe
responsibilityof startingmycareer. AsI have improvedmytime management skills,sohave Ibeen
able to take on more responsibility withrolessuchas becomingastudentrepand a student
ambassador.
Resilience
Score = 3
I have an innate determinationtosucceed andtherefore Irarelygive uponmy goals,no
matterhow challenging the journeymaybe.Whilstworkingatthe bakery,Iwas confrontedwith
regularproblemswithmachinerywhichneededfast resolution topreventproductdamage and
ultimate losstothe company.Duringmyfirstyear,part of the mainplantbroke downat the oven
exit.Thismeantwe hadto pull hotand heavytinsoutby handfor overan hour inorder to keepthe
plantrunningwithoutdestroyingthe product.Asrecognitionforthis,the people involvedwonthe
company's 'Make the Difference Award'forperseverance andresponseto thatproblem(See
appendix 1,2,3).
In thislastyear at KHC I have joinedthe investmentclub.Havingalimitedknowledgeof the
investmentworldandhowtoread the charts, I feltlostatthe beginning.Asthe course wentonI
usedthe informationIwastaughtand applieditwiththe aimof beingthe bestinvestorforthe year.
AlthoughIstill onlyhave abasiclevel of knowledge aboutthe stockmarkets,Ihave overcome stocks
fallinginprice tostill make asubstantial profitbybeingresilient andputtingwhatIhave learnedinto
practice. My resilienceinthisarearesultedinme gainingsecondplace inthe race for'investorof the
year' whichIam proudof (See appendix 16).

13. Self confidence
Score = 2
WhenI leftsixthformI lackedself confidence,butduringmyworkinretail myconfidence
grewdramaticallyasI gainedthe skillsrequiredforsalesandadvertising. AlthoughIwasmore self
confidentatthispoint,enrollingatKHCmade me lose some self confidence asIwas surroundedby
people whohadmore recentexperience witheducationandIwas notsure if andhow the education
systemhadchanged.Asmy first termwenton I discoveredthatI wasmore preparedforthis
challenge thanIhad anticipatedandthus andmy confidence begantogrow again.Overcomingthe
apprehension of doingmyfirstgrouppresentation,increasedmyself confidence hugelyand Ihave
since done anothergrouppresentation,anindividual presentationforthe studentambassador
interview (Seeappendix 11) andhave spokeninfrontof many potential studentsonvisitdays. Ihave
alsoreceivedincreasinglypositivefeedbackfrommypeersandtutorsaboutmy assertivenessand
demeanourwhenpubliclyspeaking.

14. Specific key skills audit for my chosen career
Skill/attribute Rationale & practical example
UsingIT  The accountancy industryisveryreliantoncomputerliteracy.A
standardjob descriptionforanentrylevel accountantlistsITskillsas
a necessity.
 The worldusesemail asa validmethodof communication.
 The foundationyearof my degree includedanITmodule and
therefore Iwantto developthese skills.
 Accountancyfirmsuse computerbasedsoftware suchas Sage.
Oral Communication  In orderto be employed,oral communicationiskeyforthe interview
process.
 Workingwithinacompanyit islikelythatoral presentationswillbe a
regularoccurrence.
 Generallyinthe workplace colleagueswill needtocommunicate with
each otherandwithclients.
 Good oral communicationskillsare requiredfordeliveryof aclear
spokenmessage.
 Oral communicationhelpstomake people appearmore
approachable.
 Good oral communicationcanalsominimise the riskof errors.
Written
Communication
 Writtencommunicationisrequiredtopassexamsandcoursework.
 Formal communicationisofteninawrittenforme.g.Letters,emails.
 Legally,writtencommunication isoftenusedtodemonstrateapaper
trail.
 The standard of writtencommunicationcansupportalevel of
education.
 Good writtencommunicationcanalsominimisethe riskof
misunderstandinganderrors.
Teamwork  Accountancyfirmshave a teambasis.
 Good teamworkskillsoftencome fromgoodpersonal traitssuchas
positivity,loyalty,reliability,honestyandfriendliness.
 Workingina teamoffersthe opportunitytobecome ateamleader
whichisa positionof responsibility.
Analysis&Research  There are manydifferentbranchesof accountancythatIcould follow
such as forensicaccountancy,managementaccountancy,chartered
accountancy.Researchintoeachof these isnecessaryinorderto
selectthe correctcareer path.
 Accountancyrequiresanalysisof numbersanddata.
 Finance requiresresearchof the businessworld.
 There are multipleaccountancyfirmsandcompaniestherefore
researchand analysisof eachone isrequiredinordertoselectone
whichbestsuitsmypersonality.
Time management  Effective time managementdemonstratesalevelof organisation.
 There are legal deadlinesforthingssuchas tax whichrequire
accountantsto work todeadlines.
 Punctualityisimportantinthe professionalworld.
 My chosencareerwill requireme tomultitaskandgoodtime
managementwill make thiseasier.
 In orderto have a good balance of workand social time,
managementof time isessential.

15. Action Plan
Whenconsideringthe specifickeyskillsrequiredtoperuse a careerin accountancy,itis necessaryto
produce an actionplanand considerhow todevelopthese specificareas.
Skill for development:
Using IT - I wantto improvemy MicrosoftOfficeskills and familiarise myself with accounting
software
Action steps:
1. Practice usingMicrosoftExcel to domy accountinghomework
2. Practice usingMicrosoftPowerPointtocreate slideshows
3. Use formulastospeedupworkingoutwhendoingaccountingwork
4. Familiarisemyself withdifferentgraphsandfunctions
5. Checkresultsby handand usinga calculator
6. Use the Microsofthelpassistant
7. Researchthe internetandspeaktolecturersfortips
Reviewof progress:
 Testif I am able torecall Excel formulaswithouthavingtolookthemup
 Compare IT workfrom previoussemesters/academicyearandlookforimprovements
Skill for development:
Oral communication - Iwantto improvemy knowledgeof thelexicon of accountancy and business
Action steps:
1. Write downany newwordsI come across and lookupthe meanings
2. Use relative applicationstoget'wordof the days'
3. Readnewspapersthatare relevanttomychosencareer to broadenmyexposure tonew
words
4. Try to use newwordsin myeverydaylife toassimilate mynew range of vocabulary
Reviewof progress:
 Testmyself onpreviously learntwordstosee if Ican recall the meaningcorrectly
 Requestfeedbackaboutmyuse of language inassignments

16. Skill for development:
Written communication - I wantto improvemy spelling and handwriting
Action steps:
1. Practice writingoutworkbefore typing
2. Try to rememberhowtospell wordsIstruggle withregularly
3. Use ergonomicstationarytoaidmyhandwriting
4. Use spell-checkbefore submittingwork
Reviewof progress:
 Requestfeedbackonessays
 Testmyself onwordswhichhave proveddifficulttospell
 Requestfeedbackonhandwrittenwork
Skill for development:
Teamwork - I wantto increasemy confidencein being a leader
Action steps:
1. Try to nominate myself asthe leaderingroupprojects
2. Analyse previousleaderswhohave show goodleadershipcharacteristicsinordertoimprove
my ownability
Reviewof progress:
 Reviewthe successof projectsthatI have led
 Requestfeedbackfromothergroupmembersaboutmyleadership
Skill for development:
Analysis& Research - I wantto bemore awareof the career pathsavailableto me
Action steps:
1. Speakto a careeradvisor
2. Dedicate partof myday to readingbusinessnewspaperse.g.Financial Times,CityAM
EveningStandard
3. Attendcareersessionsatuniversitywhenguestspeakers talk(Seeappendix 15)
4. Readrelevantjobdescriptions
Reviewof progress:
 Maintainself evaluationof possible careerpaths
 Seekinternships/workexperience inareasthatappeal tome

17. Skill for development:
Time management- Iwantto improvemy task organisation
Action steps:
1. List myweeklytasks
2. Prioritise thembydeadline
3. Integrate themintomyalreadyexistingtimetable
4. Checkdailythattasks are gettingcompletedandare meetingdeadlines
5. Setreminders forimportanttasksordeadlines
Reviewof progress:
 Use timetable toreviewitseffectiveness
 Reflectonanytasks that were missedandhow toavoidthat happeningagain

18. Feedback Assessment
Feedback Evaluation of
feedback
Conclusion/
changes?
Career Objective
 I couldalsowork as an
independent
accountantand be self
employed
 I wouldprefertoat
leastbeginmycareer
workingwithina
companyas thisgives
me more jobsecurity
and I can easilyseek
furthertrainingand
guidance
 ThisconfirmedthatI
wantto start my career
withinacompany
Career Goals
 Do youhave a specific
accountancyfirmin
mind?
 Withregards to earning
a promotion - do you
have a salary related
careergoal?
 Yes,I aspire to workfor
one of the big4 firms
because of their
reputationandgood
employmentmodels
 By promotionIwould
aspire to be promoted
to a positionof more
responsibilityandalso
be paidincrementally
 Addedtomy career
goals,I wouldconsider
applyingforwork
experience/internships
withone of the big4
 Thisis a goodquestion
to ask whenapplying
for jobs
Action Plan
Teamwork
 Suggestiontojoin
debate clubto boost
confidence inleading
debates
 Continue with
investmentclub - group
workwouldhelp
communicationskills
 Joiningextraclubsmay
jeopardise mytime
management
 Alreadyfactoredinto
my weeklytimetable
 I do nothave time this
yearto joinanother
clubbut may consider
thisif debate clubwas
on the same day as
otherclasses
 I will continue with
investmentclub

19. Managing my time
Duringseminar3, time managementwasdiscussedandwhatI hadbeentoldinmy
foundationyearwasrepeated.Havingalreadydrawnupa roughtimetable formyclassesand
homeworktouse inyear 0, I justhad to adjustit slightlytoaccommodate time towatchthe video
lectures,mylongercommute asI hadmovedhouse andmy part time workhours.AsI now had
more tasks to fitin,mytimetable became more important.Inolongerhadas much free time asI
had inyear 0 and didnot wantto increase mystresslevelsbypoortime management.Allocating
time duringthe eveningsinthe weekgave me more time atthe weekendstorelax knowingmy
videoswere watchedandmyhomeworkwascompleted.Thisalsohelpedwhenadvancedplans
were approachingasI couldplanwhere I couldmove mytime allocatedforhomeworktoinorderto
fitthese plansin.AsI have got oldermypersonal responsibilitieshave changedandrestrictedthe
time available todohomework.Duringmysecondsemesterinyear1,as I had some time free andit
was an areaI had an interestin,Ijoinedthe investmentclub.Due tohow I managedmy time,this
extraactivitydidnotdisruptmylearningormy personal time andallowedme toperformwell and
achieve the secondhighestearningportfoliointhe class(Seeappendix 16).Before startinguniversity
I managedto fitintrainingfora 5K run arounda full time job.Partof the organisationof this
involvedhavingastrict'to-do' list(Seeappendix 17).I have usedthisas a lessontoincorporate 'to-
do' listsintoroutine planmakingprocedures.

20. 8 Reasons why I think managing time is important to employers
1. It showsyou are organisedbyallocatingcertaintime fordifferenttasks.Organisingdifferenttasks
by deadlineshowsyouare able toaccomplishtaskswithinthe time frame available.
2. It showsyou are responsibleandable toprioritise.Arrangingtaskstobe done bycertaindeadlines
showsyouknowthingsneedtobe done and it isyourresponsibilitytogetthemdone.
3. It showsyou have initiative.Workwill not be brokendownintosmallertasksforyouso beingable
to do thisyourself inordertoaccomplishtasksshowsagood level of initiative andwillingnessto
overcome challenges.
4. Time managementisimportantbecause itcanvastlyimprove efficiency.Havingsmallertasks
organisedbypriorityandtime can preventanyrushingoroverworkingbutstill gettingtasksfinished
inplentyof time.
5.Havinggood time managementisimportantforemployersasitcan allow themmore time to focus
on managingthe teamand otherteammembers.Knowingyouare on track withyourtasks can
meanthe employershave more time toensure the teamisreachingitstargets.
6. Knowinghowmuchfree time youhave to do taskscan alsoclarifyif youare overworked.Inorder
to keepstresslevelsdown,avoidingbeingoverworkediscrucial andgoodtime managementcan
make thisclearer.
7. Good time managementcanalsoshow how the businessisperforming.If tasksare gettingdone
well withinthe time thenitmaysuggestthe companyisnotperformingtofull capacity.However,if
the tasks are gettingdone butpeople are still workingovertimethenitmayimplythatthe company
mightneedtoexpandtoaccommodate the work load.
8. Finally,goodtime managementcanimprove punctuality.If staff know how longittakestogetto
workand whetherornot theymayencounterdelays,theycanleave home withenoughtime toget
to workpromptly.

21. Monitoring time
1. On the followingpage isa recordof mystudytime createdusingthe time managementtool.
It identifieshowIhave sectionedmyworkingweekinordertouse time effectively.OriginallyI
createda time table whichonlyshowedmyscheduledcontacttime (i.e. lecturesandseminars).On
reflection,Ichangeditto include myfull weeksothatIcouldschedule inmyindependentstudytime
as well.
2. Belowismy courseworklogformy Critical Analysiscourseworkforthe module StudySkills.
ThisshowshowI managedmy time fromcourseworkissue date tocourseworkdeadline.Additional
informationcanbe foundinthe appendix.
Date Action How have I managed time appropriately
29/9/2014 Courseworkissued - Markedend date on mycalendar.
- Setout a to-dolistforeach section.
30/9/2014 Startedmakingnotes Initial highlightingof keyinformationon
the givendocuments.(Appendix 18)
14/10/2014 Start of the firstsection
(introduction)
Handwrittendraftcopythentypedonto
computer
4/11/2014 Introductionfinished Typedand savedontocomputer
11/11/2014 Start of mainbody Handwrittendraftcopy
2/12/2014 Finishedmainbody Typedand proof read,savedonto
computer
9/12/2014 Start of conclusion TypeddirectlyontoPCand saved
22/12/2014 Conclusionfinished Proof readby friendsandfamily.Done
withenoughtime tomake alterations.
27/12/2014 Finisheddocumentproof read.
Referencescompiled.
Proof readby friendsandfamily.
Referenceschecked.
5/1/2015 Documentprinted, coversheetfilled
in,self-evaluationlogcompleted.
Done the day before deadline incase of
printeror computerproblems (Appendix
20)
6/1/2015 Courseworkhandedin Handedinon time (Appendix 19)
6/1/2015 at
5pm
Courseworkdeadline Deadline met
Appendix 18- My note-takingforthe assignment.
Appendix 19- Turnitinreceipttoshowcourseworkwassubmittedontime.
Appendix 20- Actual assignmentwithpassmarkandself evaluationlogcompletedatthe time.
3. In appendix 21 I have includedacopyof my homeworkdiary.Iuse thisdiaryto ensure Iam aware
of deadlinesandwhatIhave leftto complete

22. Diary Evidence - researching my career choice
Usingthe website www.prospects.ac.uk ,Iperformedaquestionarie thatidentifiedjobsthatwould
suitme.Belowisa listof my top five matchedoccupations. Encouraginglytheseare all jobswhich
are relatedtomydegree.
Afterlookingthroughthislist,Ithendownloadedjobsummariesforeachoccupation.These
included;
o Jobdescription
o Typical workopportunities
o Salaryand conditions
o Entry requirements
o Trainingandcareer development
o Sourcesof employersandvacancies
o Relatedjobs
I readthrough eachof these andhighlightedpoints thatwere relevantorinterestingtome.These
can be foundinappendix 23.
My maincareerinterestsatthe moment,basedonthisresearchis;
 Tax advisor
 Investmentanalysis
 Charteredaccountant

23. Urgency and importance quadrants - performed based on current workload in early March
Seminar 4: communicating effectively
Urgent Not Urgent
Important
 Visitday - As a student ambassador
it was importantfor me to attend
these as I would be givingmy story
and doing campus tours
 Staff Student Liaison Committee
(SSLC) meetings - These were
important as itwas the opportunity
for student voices to be heard
among the board and also urgent
because they were held on specific
days/times
 Written homework - This was
important to do as it helped
understand the modules and urgent
because ithad to be done by the
followingseminars
 Video lectures - These were
important to watch as they were
about the upcoming topic and
urgent to do becausethey had to
be done by the followingseminar
 Renewing library books - This was
important to do as other people
may be waitingto use the books I
was borrowing, but also urgent as I
did not want to incur any latefees
 Revisingfor exam - This was important to do
as I needed to practicethe material but not
urgent as the exam will take placeafter my
semester finishes and my coursework is
handed in
 Coursework - This was important to do as it
had to be done in order to progress to the
next year but was not urgent as itwas due in
at the very end of the semester
NotImportant
 UCAS Fair - This was urgent as it
was the only one Kaplan would be
attending, but not importantas
there were many members of staff
working there
 Workingat ATG media - Part time
work was urgent as my job had
deadlines to be met, but not
important for achievingmy degree
as itwas irrelevant.
 Course Committee meetings -
These were urgent as they were
held on specific times/dates but
were not too importantas itwas
mainly aboutsenior decision
makingregardingthe courses
 Academic Board meetings - These
were urgent as they were also held
on specific times/dates but were
not very important as they were an
overall reviewof how the modules
were progressing
 Focus Group - This was not very important
as itwas a voluntary activity and so also
meant it was not urgent because it was not
necessary to attend this

24. Six reasonswhycommunicationisimportantinanorganisation:
1. Motivation - an employercantell employeesaboutthe tasktheywishthemtoperform,
whatexpectationstheyhave andgive themfeedbackabouttheirperformance atthistask.
Overall thisenablesemployeestobe focusedonthe task andunderstandwhatthey are
requiredtoachieve whichwouldenablethemtosucceed.
2. Feedbackof information - throughmethodsof communication,anorganisationcanget
feedbackaboutthingssuchas how happy/satisfiedthe employeesare andif there are
elementsof change required.Converselyemployerscanprovide theirteamwithfeedback
aboutperformance andtargetswhichallowsthe employee tounderstandhow well theyare
doingand if theyneedtoimprove.
3. Meetings - communicationduringmeetingsisagood wayto motivate peoplebychanging
theirattitude towardssomething.A companycandisseminatetheirpoliciesandmantras
throughmeetingswithdifferentteams. Employeesalsofeel valuedif theyare invitedto
meetingstodiscussaspectsof theirjoborof a project.
4. Socialising- generallyif peoplecommunicatetheycanformbondswitheachotherand this
improvesteamwork.Teammembersare able todiscusstheirproblemsandshare aspectsof
theirpersonalitywhichbuildsthe strengthof unitywithinateam.
5. Authority - the tone and language usedtocommunicate withpeople canoftendefine alevel
of authorityforexample betweenamanageranda lowerlevel of staff.Throughdifferent
methodsof communication,messagescanbe deliveredindifferentways.
6. Differentmethods of communicationreachdifferentpeople - there isavarietyof waysthat
messagescanbe communicatede.g.formal written,non-formal written,emails,text
messages,oral 1:1, oral in a meetingetc.Each of these methodsof communicationmay
reach andresoundwithdifferentpeople inadifferentway.Forexample,withinan
organisationthere wouldbe notpointemailingamessage tostaff if theydidnot have access
to a computer,howeverdoingastaff announcementoveraloudspeaker(tannoy) todeliver
a message mayreach those whoare illiterate orlesslikelytochecktheiremailsorwritten
memos.
Reflective statement on seminar 4

25. Thisseminaroneffective communicationtiedinwell withacritical analysisthatIperformed
on an article oncommunicationandleadershipbyDeVries.Thisciritical analysiscanbe foundin
appendix 20.The article coveredthe linksbetweencommunicationandleadership.Overall,the big
message isthatcommunicationiskeyinanyorganisationandthat the range of communicationis
wide.
From a personal pointof view,itisimportantforme to buildonmyrange of communication
skillsasthese are somethingthatIwill relyoninmy careerinorder forme to secure eachjobI apply
for.In an interview scenario,potential employerswill be assessingmycommunicationskills - amI
able to listenandrespondtoquestions?AmIverballycompetentandcanI use appropriate job-
relatedvocabulary?CanIcommunicate withinaformal andbusinessenvironment?These wouldbe
importantto assessbecause asan accountantI wouldbe communicatingwithpotential clientsina
numberof ways - viaemail,onthe phone,inpersonandin formal lettersanddocuments.Iwould
alsobe representingacompanyandtherefore myimage wouldneedtoreflectthe image the
companywishedtoportray.For example,if myemailswere veryshort,vague andincludedthe use
of slangwords, the clientmaylose trustinthe companyand my abilitytohandle theirbusiness
needs.However,if mycommunicationoverthe phone waspolite andeloquent withgood
pronunciation,thiswouldsuggesttothe listenerthatIwas well educatedandrespectful of them
overthe phone. I wouldthereforeneedtobe able tojudge eachscenarioandadapt my
communicationaccordingly.Furthermore,workinginateamwill require me tobondand
communicate ina slightlylessformal manner.Thiswouldbe necessaryfor everydaycommunication
and inorderto bond withteammates.
Portfolio requirement 15 - demonstration of accurate and concise writing in a
professional business format.
For thisI have usedthe example of areportI wrote for StudySkills.This report,entitled'public
transportusage by students',usedaquestionnaire formatfollowedbythe analysisof resultsin
graphical form.(Seeappendix 22)
Portfolio requirement 16 - demonstration of the appropriate use of verbal and non-
verbal language in building business rapport.
For thisI have provided acopy of the self-evaluationessayIwrote followinganoral group
presentationforStudySkills.Thispresentationwasabout'Performance basedpay'.(Seeappendix 5)
Portfolio requirement 17 - demonstration that I can adapt my communication for
diverse multicultural groups.
For thisI have providedacopy of the self-evaluationessayIwrote followinganoral group
presentationforStudySkillsinapersuasive tone.Thispresentationwasperformedaspartof a
multicultural groupandwasentitled'CapitalPunishmentshouldbe made legal inBritain'.(See
appendix 4).
Seminar 5: Building a positive self-image

26. Thisgroup exercise involvedusall havingtoreadthe phrase below inarange of differentemotions
and afterwardsthe groupmembershadtoguessthe emotionbeingportrayed.
" All the world'sastage, and all the men and womenmerely players:they have their exits and
their entrances; and one man in histime plays manyparts, hisacts beingseven ages. "
The emotionswe were givenwere
 Happy
 Hung over
 Angry
 Arrogant
 Sad
 Excited
1. Considerhoweasyitwasto work outthe emotionbeingcommunicated?
o It was easiertodistinguishpositiveemotionsfromnegative emotionsthanitwasto
identifyaspecificemotion.There were similaritiesingesturesforhappyandexcited
as there were forsad andhungover.
o The emotiontendedtotake overfromwhatwords were actuallybeingsaid
o Negative emotionstendedtoslow downthe speedatwhichthe sentencewassaid
whereaspositive emotionsspeditup.
o Arrogantwas the most difficultemotiontoportray
2. Explainhowyoutriedtocommunicate youremotiontothe group and workout the
emotionsof others.
o My emotionwasarrogance
o I triedto portraythisby physicallypuffingoutmychestandlookingdownmynose with
a highhead.My facial expressionwasthatof disgustandboredomtoportray the image
that I wasbetterthan them.Vocal Itriedto use a disinterestedtone andsoslurredalot
of the sentence andspoke veryquicklytosuggestIunderstoodthe sentencemore than
them.I alsodidn'tpause forany reactionor countercommunication.
o In orderto workout the emotionsof othersItriedto focuson the same thingsI had
adaptedto portraymy emotion;physical gestures,vocal tone,speedof talking,eye
contact and volume.
o For example;Happinesswasportrayedwithlotsof eye contact,afastand highpitched
voice withlotsof emphasisonwordsandlarge hand movementstowardsthe listener.
Sadnesswasportrayedwithsmall andslyeye movementsbutmostlylookingatthe
floor,slowandquiettalkingwithnogesturesandageneral slumpedandconcave body
posture.
3. What conclusionscanyoudraw on the importance of whatyouare sayingcomparedto how
yousay it?

27. o We all readthe same sentence butadifferentmessage wasdeliveredeachtime and
thisshowsthe importance of how thingsare said.
o Despite hearingthe same sentence repeatedbyeachperson,the message wasmore
memorable whendeliveredinapositive method.
o Positive emotionssuchashappinessandexcitementfeltmore engagingand
therefore felteasiertolistento
o Emotionaffectedlotsof things- bodyposture,tone of voice,speedof talking,eye
contact etc and therefore thisismore variablethanthe wordssomeone choosesto
use.
4. If you have a poor self image whentalkingtoothers,explainwhatyouunderstandthe effect
will be onotherpeople'sperceptionof youandwhatyouare saying?
o If,for example,Ifeltnervousbefore aninterview andbelievedthatIwouldn'tget
the job,my self-image wouldbe low.Thismaycome acrossas a lackof self
confidence andevenalackof ability.
o Notspeakingconfidently(speakingquietlyormumbling)mayresultinthe listener
missingwhatIhave saidor hasto concentrate hard to hearme andthismay
become tiringif Iam speakingfora longtime.
o Lack of eye contact may suggestIhave difficultysocialisingwithpeople orthatI feel
inferiorandthisisnotdesirable insomeonewhomaybe applyingforamanagement
positionandwouldtherefore needconfidenceinpartof theirjob.
o Slouchingorcrossingmyarms wouldsuggestIwas not botheredbythe opportunity
to interviewandwasnot able tobehave formallyandinabusinessenvironment
o SpeakingtoofastwouldalsosuggestthatI didnot have a cleartrain of thoughtor
that I wasin a hurry and hadotherthingsto do. Thisisnot the image of someone
whois calmand collectedandable toworkunderpressure.
Seminar 7: working in a team

28. 6 keyskillsforbeingagoodteammember:
1. Positive attitude- Be approachable andco-operate sopeoplewanttoworkwithyou
2. Encourage collaboration - encourage everyone toworktogether,eventhose thatare shyor
more reserved
3. Feedback - learnfromdisagreementsbetweenthe groupandtake note of the outcome and
the solution.Everyoneisentitledtoanopinionsodisagreementishealthybutasolution
mustbe soughtinthe end
4. Communicate - clearlycontribute myownideassothatI can playmy part withinthe team
and have myown ideasheard
5. Listen- respectotherpeople'sopinionsandsuggestionssotheyfeel heard
6. Reliability - doyourpart if it isdelegatedtoyou.Workhard and withintegrityforthe good
of the group
Reflective statement on seminar 7 - teamwork
Whenevaluatingmyeffectivenessasateam memberIfoundituseful toreflectonmyrole as a
memberof a football team.Thisteamhasa unitedtargetand that isto score more goalsthanthe
opposingteam.Thisalwaysservesasareminderthatwhateverscenarioateamisin,theymust have
a unitedtargetand all be aware of whattheyare workingtowards.Secondly,withinafootball team,
we each have our ownpositions.Ipersonallyplayasaforwardand I am aware thatmy role inthe
teamis to actuallyputthe ball inthe back of the net.This servesasanotherparallel asitisimportant
for eachteammemberto knowtheirplace andtheirjob.Asa forwardinfootball,itwouldnotwork
if I attemptedtocoverthe whole pitch,defendingandattackingsimultaneously.Similarly,if two
teammembersare tryingto do exactlythe same thingwhenone of themismeantto have a
differentrole,ultimatelyajobisvacant.The secondparallel thatcanbe drawnis thatthe teamis
workingtogetherandalthoughdoingdifferentjobs,theyall become anessential piece of the puzzle.
In football aforwardcannotget the ball and score a goal unlessadefenderhaddefendedourgoal
and got the ball fromthe otherteam.Finally,nomatterhow manymembersina team, everyneeds
to stay motivatedtoworktogether.If twoteamsare playingagainsteachother,eachteamneedsto
wantto winoverthe other,otherwisescoringagoal is an irrelevantbonus.Thismotivationcomes
fromthe personalitiesof the teammembersandthe communicationbetweenthemtoboostand
strive towin.
Reflective statement on participation in group work and the recognition of development
needs

29. Duringseminar7, teamworkwasdiscussedwithemphasisonself-evaluation.Havingthe
abilitytorecognise mystrengthsandweaknessesinordertoperformto mybestis importantasit
allowsme tofocus myeffortsonwhere mystrengthslie andreduce the chance of my weaknesses
causinga set-backinachievingthe teamgoals.Throughthe time spentpreparingforpresentations,
my knowledgeof PowerPointproveduseful whenfinishingthe slides.Although we all hadourown
slidestoprepare,whenwe all came togetheritwasdowntome to synchronise all of theminorder
to flowsmoothly.Whenaddressingmyweaknessinbeingmore of apassive presenter,arranging
withthe othergroup memberstohave numerouspractice sessionsbefore handallowedme towork
on myvoice projection,bodylanguage andconfidencewithmypresentation.AsIrecognisedthisas
my weaknessIknewtoact on itand workon practicingmore as I didnot want thisto negatively
impactthe groupperformance andbringdownthe othermembers'grades.Communicationproved
to be the mostuseful tool inthisteamasit was importanttocontinuallyassesshow eachmember
was gettingonandidentifyanyproblemsearly.Ialsofounditimportant tooffermoral supportto
othersinorder toboost theirattitude towardssucceedingasa team - to emphasisthe positivesin
workingasa teamand usingthe strengthsof eachindividual ratherthanseeingthe weaknessesof
othersas a drawback.
Six actions that would be helpful to team members:

30. 1. Takingminutesduringmeetingssoeveryone isaware of whatwassaidand done duringthe
meeting.These canalsobe referredbacktoafterthe event.
2. Arranging meetingsso people are aware of where andwhentheyare nextmeetingwith
otherteammembersandalsowhentheyhave deadlinestoperformtaskstoo.
3. Encouragingproductive debate ratherthanargumente.g.'Isee whatyou are sayingbut
someone else issuggestingthis…'.Beingdiplomatic.
4. Chairingthe meetingsothateachpersonhas a chance to speakandno one isleftout.This
alsoensuresthe meetingcarriesonsoall topicsonthe agendaare covered.
5. Delegatingtaskssothe projectissplitupbetweeneveryone
6. Gettingcontact detailsfromeachteammembersoitis easyforeveryone tocommunicate
outside of a teammeetingse.g.emailaddresses,phonenumbers,timestheyare available.
Six actions that would be unhelpful to teammembersand likelyoutcomesofthese actions;
1. Talkingoverotherpeople
 people maystopcontributingtheirideasasyouare notlisteningtothem
 people maybecome aggressive towardsyoufornotlettingthemspeak
 people wouldbe lesswillingtoco-operate withyou
 people wouldnotenjoy workingwiththe teamandthereforebecome disconnected
and depressed
 youwouldcome across as arrogant or big-headedandpeople maynotlike youfor
this
2. Designatingyourself easytasks
 Thissuggestsyouare superiortoothersandtheymay refuse todo theirtasks
 The overall taskmay notbe achievedif there hasnotbeenequal distributionof jobs
 You may come across as lazyor not willingtopull yourweightandpeople maydo
the same
 The nexttime someone elseisincharge theymaydo the same back to you andgive
youmore workthan othersor designate themselveslessworkthanyou
3. Non-attendance atteammeetings
 Thisshowspoor teamworkas the teamwouldfeel letdownbyyouandnottrust
youin the future
 You wouldmissouton the opportunitytobondwiththe teamand be part of team
decisions
 People mayfeel the teamisfallingapartanddo the same
4. Notcontributing
 Your ideaswouldnotbe heardand therefore the projectwouldnothave the benefit
of yourcontributions
 Otherswouldperceiveyouas shyor disinterested
 You wouldnothave the chance to voice anydisagreement
 People maystopinteractingwithyouif youare not involvedandthiswouldleave
youfeelingisolated
5. Excessive talkingaboutnon-relatedtopics
 Thiswouldwaste peoples timeasmeetingswouldnotbe efficient

31.  Othermembersmaylose patience withyouif yourtalkingisnotconstructive
 Othermembersmaynotfeel theycantalk aboutworkrelatedthingsbecause you
have changedthe focusof the meeting
 People maydoubtyourknowledgeaboutthe subjectif youcannotremainonthe
topic
6. Missinga deadline delegatedtoyou
 Overall the teamwouldfeelletdownbecause yourpersonal failure wouldreflecton
the group
 You wouldappearuntrustworthyanddishonest
 People wouldnottrustyouinthe future
 You wouldnotcome across as 'pullingyourweight'withinthe group

32. Appendix List
Appendix
Number
Document
1 Allied Bakeries Certificate 'Makethe difference'
2 Allied Bakeries award letter
3 Allied Bakeries nomination letter
4 Presentation reporton capitalpunishment - Year 0
5 Presentation reporton performancebased pay - Year1
6 Study Skills weaknessaudit
7 Study Skills reflective audit
8 Copy of Year 0 Semester1 grades
9 My weekly timetable
10 IT Excel exam
11 StudentAmbassadorinterview - PowerPointpresentation
12 Meeting minutes - SSLC,AcademicCommittee& CourseManagementCommittee
13 StudentAmbassadorHandbook
14 Kaplan Prospectus
15 EmployabilityWeek Schedule
16 InvestmentClub Certificate
17 Tunnel2TowersRun Checklist
18 Critical AnalysisNotes
19 Critical AnalysisTurnitin Receipt
20 Critical AnalysisAssignmentwith PassMark
21 HomeworkDiary
22 Public TransportReport
23 Job Descriptions - Chartered Accountant,InvestmentAnalyst& Tax Advisor