It is often believed that a lot of people have a preference in relation to interacting with, taking in and processing information so they can learn (Smith, 2003). Different people choose different learning styles where an perfect style allows the given individual to learn best. The idea of individualised learning styles has gained a great deal of popularity lately ever since the idea was proposed in the 1970s. Thus far, there has been a massive plethora of tests that may be performed to determine a person's learning style (Sprenger, 2003).
The task is divided into two parts:
Part A: To identify and analyze my learning style tastes through various questionnaires; the VARK test, Honey and Mumford learning style, Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Belbin's team inventory. Prem and Phil stated that "Learning influences performance because all performance can be increased through learning. " (Prem & Phil, 2008). Thus, this allows me to gain an understanding of who I am as a learner and how this knowledge may have an effect on my performances, both separately or in just a team environment.
Part B: To discuss my personality type and how my learning style may influence my career options. However, it is worth noting that although "personality is a possible contributor to learning, it is difficult to establish" (Davies, 2008). Sigmund Freud used the analogy of any iceberg to explain the intricacy of individual personality by recommending that almost all of the personality is covered out of view under drinking water (Freud, 2003). Hence, determining one's personality is not an easy task, and lab tests should only be used as a 'starting point' alternatively than as a way to make distinct judgements (Bayne, 1997). Nonetheless, my results will give a general notion of a career field that most carefully match my personality and strengths.
Part 1: Who I am as a learner?
1. 1 VARK Test
The VARK test is one of the very most frequently used models to help identify a person's preference for receiving and analysing information in relation to learning. It can help people to develop additional learning strategies. A couple of four modes for folks to use, such as aesthetic, aural, read/write and kinaesthetic (VARK, 2009). It is a platform to assess a person's learning style.
The results of the VARK test (Appendix A) claim that my talents in a learning framework snooze on my aural skills. I have a strong choice for aural based mostly learning since I love to pay attention to others during discourse to gain an alternative perspective which allows me to comprehend more of this issue being mentioned. My group partner agrees with this by stating ''Although Yin Sung is generally tranquil during group activities, she actually is an active listener of other people's views and cares about other people's thoughts, '' (Vicky, 2010).
Another area of the test results that we particularly trust is that my written/reading skills quite vulnerable and isn't my preferred method of learning. Having only just lately moved to review in the UK, British is not my first dialect which could discuss why this type of learning is not one of my main talents, although my proficiency is enhancing a whole lot. Since, the traditional western educational system places a whole lot of focus on reading and writing, I think that I will gain a lot of improvement in this learning aspect as time goes on with added practice.
However, I am a lttle bit surprised by my low report on my kinesthetic skills. I've always thought that I am someone that learns well when given the possibility to experience something via a 'hands on strategy'. For instance, I find that I am able to pick up new skills easily (i. e. badminton) whenever i am in a position to physically try it out rather than just reading from a book on how to play.
1. 2 Honey and Mumford Learning Style
The Honey and Mumford's (1992) Learning Style identifies and categorises a person's learning style. You will discover four possible styles; an activist, reflector, theorist and pragmatist, with a complete of eighty questions in the test (Honey and Mumford, 1992).
According to the results of the Honey and Mumford learning style questionnaire (Appendix B) I choose a high reflector mentality. I buy into the majority of the description of the reflector that i believe fully identifies me. A Reflector is a careful person who prefers to take a back chair in group conversations (Honey and Mumford, 1992). I love to listen to other people's views before I come to conclusions and take my time prior to making any decisions. Being less assertive and maintaining hold back from participation, I believe I will work well and find out more efficiently if located around an activist, as you can encourage me to deal with situations via a more 'brain on' approach. This would enhance my involvement in group activities and discussions.
In arrangement with my VARK results, the Honey and Mumford test suggests that I am a good listener which is one of the strengths of any reflector. I totally trust this since I've been someone that loves to listen to everyone in the group thoughtfully. This gives me an chance to gain different perspectives from different sides before I come to conclusions.
However, a possible weakness i see in myself by being a reflector is the fact that I spend quite a while when performing established tasks. For example, during my last assignment, it got me in excess of 8 weeks to complete it as I was dwelling too much on the planning stage. I spent too long researching information before I finally commenced writing my project which is because of my cautiousness in relation to deciding how to write it.
Although I really do show a mindful mentality, I don't totally buy into the description that a person with reflector behavior never likes to take risks. I occasionally prefer to step out of my 'comfort area' to experience things that I've never experienced before to broaden my own knowledge. For instance, I chose to leave my home and familiar environment in Hong Kong to study in the UK. I also like to take up activities and interests that I have never tried out before.
1. 3 Myers Briggs Type Indicator
The Myer Briggs type Indicator (MBTI) is a questionnaire used to identify an individual's personality type predicated on Carl Jung ideas. MBTI categorises individuals into two functions, such as extraversion or introversion which is the desire in which an individual prefers to direct their energy (Madeline & Rebecca, 1988). For example, one that loves to steer their energy to cope with outer things, situations or other folks is deemed to truly have a preference for extraversion. Conversely, a person that likes to package with ideas, information, explanations or the 'interior world', then their desire is introversion.
The results of the MBTI (Appendix C) claim that I've a dominating introverted function, with a higher preference for introverted sensing as exhibited by my high report in ISFJ. These results show that I like to listen to others also to absorb as much information as it can be in a specific situation, to develop my knowledge and to achieve a clear understanding of a topic. These compliment well with my results from the Honey and Mumford test mentioned previously.
The results also suggest that I am a hard working individual, which I feel describes me well. I like to start early and ensure that we perform jobs to the best of my potential. Regarding my academics life, I tend to examine at least five time every day. I also commence my research for assignments a long time before the deadline. For example, although this professional project arrives for submission in April 2010, I have been preparing and doing the necessary reading since Oct 2009.
The MBTI results also suggest that I have an important inclination for extraverted sense, as confirmed by my high ESFJ score. I am someone that likes to focus on building harmony on the globe around me and build positive interactions. Also, I usually value other's efforts during work or alternative activities. My previous company said "Sung Yin is an extremely personable individual that is popular with the customers and personnel which creates an extremely positive atmosphere around the area, '' (Mrs Poon, 2008).
I will usually try to persuade visitors to trust my views if their thoughts will vary to mine. However, I usually have to be careful never to offend those around me while striving to take action. Briggs Myers stated that although 'ESFJ's' are "friendly and sympathetic, they are extremely persevering and insist that others talk about the same views as them. " (Myers, 1995).
1. 4 Belbin Team Inventory
The Belbin Team Inventory is a test used to determine insight into someone's behavioural trend in a team environment (Furnham, Steele & Pendleton, 1993). The test allows us the chance to determine not only our individual aptitude talents, but also offers an awareness in our position in a team and how exactly we are anticipated to add. It "scores people based on how firmly they express traits from nine different team roles. " (Belbin, 1981).
According to my Belbin test outcomes (Appendix D), I have a major inclination for a role as a 'shaper' within the team. A 'shaper' contains behavioural attributes that match my results from the MBTI. For instance, a 'shaper' shows a drive to succeed and to triumph over obstacles which complements my prefer to fulfil my ambitions and follow my clear goals. Although I screen 'reflector' characteristics, I also see myself as a competitive man or woman who thrives on pressure and difficulties, which forms the basis of the 'shaper' role. My high school P. E educator wrote on my school article "Sung Yin has exhibited her competitive part during badminton course and has the necessary personality and desire to become good player in the sport in future, '' (Mr. Yeung, 2001).
The results also show that we am a 'keep an eye on evaluator' suggesting i am an individual that likes to assess all options before coming to a finish, which allows me to make accurate judgements. This agrees with my Honey and Mumford test outcomes which say that I am one who loves to gain different perspectives in discourse prior to making decisions (being truly a reflector).
Finally, the test results also consider me to have a preference for a 'specialist' role that displays solitary mindedness and determination. These are traits that I trust since I am a fairly stubborn person that doesn't prefer to change my brain once I have my mind set on something. Mr Robinson, my earlier employer said ''Sung Yin is an extremely driven person with a clear course with where she desires to be and it is unlikely that she'll be swayed from it, '' (Mr. Robinson, 2007). I am always focused on my tasks at hand and always give my best to do them as well as I could. It has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge to an even that means I can provide a useful contribution in a team.
Despite what I feel is a fairly accurate evaluation of my preferential functions within a team, I really do not fully agree with a 'learning resource investigator' being my least preferred role. It is because I believe I am a communicative person which is a key trait of the tool 'source investigator'. As showed by previous test outcomes, I am somebody who possesses strong aural skills. Despite regularly implementing a cautious method of group dialogue activities (consistent with my reflector personality), I like to ask questions and take part in activities once I feel comfortable enough to express my views once I have gauged other individuals' viewpoints.
Part 2: Implications for job choice
2. 1 Lifelong Learning
Even from a age, I have always been alert to the value of learning new what to broaden my very own knowledge bottom part having been constantly reminded by my parents to "work hard till old, and learn till old. '' With an ever before changing population and increasing demand for 'talent' in virtually any professional profession, it is mandatory that an person should not only acquire new skills, but to also constantly upgrade these skills to meet troubles set by the changing work environment. This is actually the take action of life-long learning which is the deliberate development throughout life of an individual, where our knowledge is continually being expanded which allows us to effectively 'survive' in culture (Peter, Jenny and Shelagh, 1998). The essentiality of life-long learning has been well recorded even as early on as the 17th century where Comenius had written that "no era is too past due to get started learning. '' And this you need to never make the mistake of 'ranking still' in terms of skill acquisition (Comenius, 1996). Through my working experience and life in general, I have come to the realization that constant learning is a necessity to keep up a competitive advantage over the countless individuals that seek the same profession opportunities as me. Hence, I seek out any opportunities to boost myself through life-long learning.
With my desire to improve, I have recently resigned from my job to study my bachelor's level in Northumbria University. Ahead of my resignation and subsequent move to partake in full time studies, I proved helpful 3 years in the lender of China as a Customer Service Officer (Appendix E). During that time, I used to be working full-time, while learning part-time during evenings by going to studying classes. The part-time review has allowed me to build up many key skills to heighten my proficiency in doing my job in little time. That is important as a result of current unstable and competitive job market. It has become a requirement of me to identify a clear job path for me to go after and then to develop my knowledge towards the relevant areas to fulfil the needs of my future employers. I am now studying an 'International Business Management' degree course with the aspiration to accomplish a future job in the business sector.
Life-long learning can help me give a solid platform for the development of essential transferable skills (as talked about later) that could stick to me throughout life also to help me in the development towards my profession goals. It is also very important to making me a 'better' person. After all "it's the underlying part rung of the ladder of personal development. " (Peter, Jenny and Shelagh, 1998).
2. 2 Profession Choice
Having conducted various learning style checks on myself, I have been in a position to gain a better knowledge of my learning choices, personality and environments where I am more likely to thrive upon. It is expected that knowing an individual's learning style desire may help see your face to delineate a possible career path that is most effective for them, or even influence that person towards certain career choices. Indeed, it is common for managers to use questionnaires to identify ideal personality qualities in their individuals that would most likely be suited to their jobs which would aid them in the choice process. However, it is worth noting that individuals behaviour is highly complex, and such lab tests may not necessarily give an accurate or thorough examination of an individual's personality (Freud, 2001). Hence, results of the tests shouldn't be held absolute and really should only be utilized as a guideline to assist a person with regards to making key decisions such as you can career paths to use. Despite obvious drawbacks with using these assessments, I agree with most of the suggestions created by them regarding my learning choices and some aspects of my personality.
In conditions of occupation, through my practical experiences, I've developed a solid desire to pursue a job in Marketing. The abilities I have obtained to date have largely inspired my interest towards this job path which, as well as my personality, has made me consider that I have the 'natural' foundations to succeed in the marketing sector. Within a survey completed by Honey and Mumford, it was found that nearly all managers preferred employees that are 'reflectors' for Marketing jobs; a trait that they believe would bring the largest success to their company. Having completed a Honey and Mumford test on myself, it was figured I am a solid 'reflector', making me aptly suited to Marketing.
'Reflectors' such as myself likes to adopt a mindful procedure during group activities. Which means that I have a tendency to take an initial back seating in group conversations, preferring to obtain different viewpoints prior to making key decisions. Being mindful, can also involve thinking forward in expectation of possible road blocks. With marketing jobs, it is important not to rush into decisions without first thinking and preparing in advance. This is because, with the nature of the sort of work, it is unavoidable that there will be 'lean' times so hence, it is particularly wise to be prepared for such periods and also to have a plan to act consequently. For example, a part of preparing in advance is expectation of changes in the market segments and finding services to promote. It is important to keep yourself updated that "the best marketing enterprisers are always looking for the next big money marker. '' They may be always planning ahead (Scott Brooks, 2004). Hence, having a cautious approach to things can be a good characteristic as it means that we am less likely to make incorrect decisions credited to hurrying into things and take necessary safeguards. My Belbin results that conclude that I've a strong inclination towards a 'Monitor evaluator' who likes to examine all options before approaching to conclusions gives further support of my suitability for a Marketing job.
"The capability to remain calm is one of the very most popular personality qualities in the Retail vocation, '' (John, 2007). Pressure can come in various ways, for example, when interacting with unhappy customers who are dissatisfied with the products sold to the; It is the job of the internet entrepreneur to deal with the problem also to rebuild the customer's opinion of the company. Hence, to do this, it is essential to remain quiet under pressure when coping with these situations. With marketing jobs, it is also important to have the ability to act in response well and appropriately to strict goals and deadlines that are establish and to work towards them, which can also lead to pressure accumulating. My Belbin test outcomes suggest that I am appropriate towards a 'shaper' role which is another reason I feel that a Marketing career is well suited for me. 'Shapers' are adept at executing under pressurising situations and with the added drive to succeed. This is important since there's a whole lot of competition within the market.
"Only once you have your consumer on your side, are you able to effectively get what you would like. '' (John, 2007). I believe this price highlights just what a career in Marketing is essentially about. Success within the field of Marketing and Retail is highly dependent on your clients or customers which means that good 'people skills' letting you connect effectively with both fellow workers and customers is essential. On a personality level, it is advantageous to certainly be a 'likeable' person which can require being a pleasant person with a 'cheery' disposition. "You will be able to negotiate better if your consumer loves you, '' (Scott Brooks, 2004). My MBTI results have described me as having a solid inclination towards extroverted feeling meaning I love to build positive romantic relationships with people around me and to create tranquility around me. This, in my own opinion has contributed largely to me being truly a personable person. The great things about this personality trait are two-fold. Firstly, I would have the ability to sell my products to customers more easily since they are likely to find me a pleasant person. Second, I am much more likely to be on the 'right side' of my work colleagues and they also may be more likely to offer me their help.
Having identified a job field that best suit my personality as predicated on my personality testing, I seek to accomplish a future profession as a Marketing administrator. A job of the kind allows me the duty to make key decisions that will impact the success of the company. I desire the chance to take care of a team, also to provide a major contribution to the business that I work for.
A successful profession as a Marketing director requires certain personality qualities in addition to those mentioned above. For example, it's important that a Marketing Manager (Appendix F) is one that, not only is able to make accurate judgement, but must also stand by these judgements rather than be too easily inspired by other's words. In other words, they have to be prepared to "ignore naysayers, even whether it's the ones that are closest to them. '' (Scott Brooks, 2004). Hence, being brave and also solo minded can be seen as a need in this sense. The Belbin test outcomes have discovered me to be a 'specialist' where in fact the key characteristic of the role is solitary mindedness. With me at night being a by natural means stubborn one who doesn't usually change my mind having made my decisions, I really believe I am ideal for this particular career choice.
2. 3 Transferable skills
In addition to the right personality and job specific skills, a smart workplace will also turn to see what transferable skills a perspective employee can provide. The term transferable skills simply refers to a set of generic skills where an individual needs to become effective members of your flexible, flexible and competitive work force and then for life-long learning. "In the centre of everything, most employers want for individuals with common skills and characteristics. '' (Phil O'Reilly, 2009). Unlike job specific skills, transferable skills can be utilized in many ways, gained through earlier experiences. They may be skills you can use in a variety of jobs and situations. In order to be successful in Marketing, there is a repertoire of skills that are necessary for me to effectively do my job such as time management, people skills, authority, teamwork and good organisational skills, among others.
Marketing careers rely on the capability to sell products through conversation with a number of different customers. Hence, good communication skills are crucial. As recognized by my VARK test outcomes, I have strong aural skills that might be especially useful in Marketing since the job wants that I have a good understanding of customers' needs. Being truly a good listener, and also someone that loves to see things from different perspectives, this might let me converse effectively with my clients. My potential to connect well has been greatly developed through my past employment as a Customer Service Representative at the Bank of China and private tutor, teaching Maths and various dialects to children. Therefore, good communication now represents one of my key advantages. I am tri-lingual providing me versatility in my own communication skills allowing me to talk to a wider customer range. Good presentation skills is also an important aspect of communication skill that is required in my future profession since it is likely that It might be needed when promoting new products for instance. Fortunately, my presentational skills have been greatly improved over time through previous experience in providing presentations during my past career and current studies.
Having a good knowledge of the products that we am promoting and any services on the marketplace is also very important in Marketing. Hence, it is necessary to obtain good research skills and also to have an open mind with regards to learning new materials. Being truly a 'reflector' means that we happy to absorb information from many different angles and make use of it to make my decisions, while being truly a 'specialist' as recognized by my Belbin test results suggests that I've a natural eagerness to learn and extend my knowledge in matters accessible.
As I am apt to be working inside a team in my own workforce with similar focuses on, there is absolutely no question that good teamwork skills are a need. I think that I own good teamwork features having recently been in occupation where good teamwork is crucial, such as working with my co-workers in the advertising and deriving of extensive financial plans during my previous job. I also positively partake in various teamwork sports that contain allowed me to effectively build on my teamwork skills.
It is my target to achieve a job as a Marketing manager in future, that will demand additional skills to become successful such as management and ability to encourage myself and more within my team. Being truly a Marketing manager means that I am going to receive higher responsibility, managing a team or making key decisions that will have an effect on company success. Although I believe that I possess an excellent personality to undertake such a role in a corporation, I feel that I am going to need to improve myself further before I am ready. With regards to transferable skills, I really believe my biggest weakness is based on my leadership characteristics, being a less assertive man or woman who likes to restrain from participation in group activities. I understand that easily am to be a good leader, I will need to boost this aspect by playing a more dominant role in group activities and essentially 'stamping my expert'. I do not fully buy into the notion that command is an excellent that can't be taught, and some individuals are just given birth to leaders. Personally i think that command is an art that may be improved upon through life-long learning and experience; hence I'll thrive to boost myself in this value. "Much like all skills, they have to be learnt and no-one is born with them. '' (Phil O'Reilly, 2009).
Conclusion
Life-long learning is an essential process for me personally to learn new skills and to improve existing ones. It is also very important for my personal development towards being truly a 'better' person, and one which can adjust to an ever before changing world. The continuous acquirement of new transferable skills is also essential for career development and to give myself a competitive benefits over those flourishing for the same opportunities as myself. By utilizing a variety of different checks, I have gained an gratitude of my very own personality, learning choices and strengths. This information, as well as my hobbies makes me preferably suited for a future job in the Marketing field.
