Assignment 2.1: Personal SWOT Analysis

List your STRENGTHS

Answer each of the questions below in complete sentences with a full explanation. For example, don’t simply answer a question with “yes” or “no.” As you answer the questions, think about how you might talk about your strengths in a job interview setting.

· Do you have professional qualifications/certifications or other experience that make you stand out from the rest?

· Can your expertise in some area make a difference to an organization that you would like to eventually work for OR gain a promotion in your current organization?

· What projects/campaigns/courses/academic programs have you completed successfully?

· Do you have influential contacts within a particular organization or as personal references?

· What other skills OR core values make you stand out from the rest? (i.e., leadership, dedication to work, passion for public health or helping people, etc.)

· What do others think as your strengths?

Recognize your WEAKNESSES

Answer each of the questions below in complete sentences with a full explanation. For example, don’t simply answer a question with “yes” or “no.” As you answer the questions, think about how you might talk about your growth or improvement in a job interview setting.

· Do you have the necessary skills/qualifications to be successful in your current or future roles?

· Do you have any bad habits, or areas you have identified for improvement? For example, frequently running late, poor communication skills, poor time management, etc.

· What other traits can you improve to be more efficient and/or more successful?

· What do others think as your weaknesses? Even if you don’t consider it as a weakness, what would your friends or coworkers say if they were asked this question?

REMINDER: Be honest in answering these questions. This is a self-assessment, which only you and your instructor or coach will see. Use it as a stepping-stone for future improvements!

Find your OPPORTUNITIES

Answer each of the questions below in complete sentences with a full explanation. For example, don’t simply answer a question with “yes” or “no.” As you answer the questions, think about how you might learn to recognize opportunities that match up well with your strengths!

Opportunities often come when we least expect them! The questions below will help you be on the lookout and be mindful that opportunities come in different shapes and forms. Don’t let opportunities pass by you without you even noticing them!

· Are there any significant changes/advancements in your community or place of employment that you can take advantage of?

· If you don’t work full-time, are there part-time (or other full-time) jobs you can apply for that are more directly related to your areas of passion in public health? Any jobs that might provide you with valuable experience in preparation for your next career steps, dream job or graduate school application?

· Has new technology emerged that you can make use of in the future? Have you identified opportunities or locations where training or entry-level experience is available, if even on a volunteer basis?

· Is a new position available where you work now that matches your skill set? Or did a position become vacant?

· Is there a new project in your organization that you can join which will benefit your career goals?

· Can acquiring new skills give you a competitive advantage? For example, in the broad field of public health, knowing a second language is an advantage.

The list of questions can go on and on. The most important thing it to be one the lookout for opportunities.

Important: It’s great if an opportunity matches your strengths. But sometimes great opportunities arise in areas that don’t match your skill set.

Be aware of THREATS

As you are completing your personal SWOT analysis, think of yourself as a “product” and assess yourself against others that are competing for similar opportunities. This way it makes it easy for you to identify threats.

Answer each of the questions below in complete sentences with a full explanation. For example, don’t simply answer a question with “yes” or “no.” As you answer the questions, think about how you might learn to recognize threats so that you can eliminate (or be better prepared to address and minimize) the ones that you can!

· In your workplace, is one of your peers doing a better job than you in a similar role? Are both of you competing for the same promotion or future opportunity?

· Is popularity of new technologies or demise of old technologies threatening your career? For example, recently UTA switched learning management systems from Black Board to Canvas. How quickly did you navigate the learning curve? Are you familiar with Canvas now? Did you take time to do the recommended training for students? Do you think people who work in IT are usually resistant to change, or do they embrace it due to the fast-paced progress in technology?

· Are your personal traits hurting your career advancements?

· What are the obstacles that prevent you from achieving your goals? Could be at work or in your personal lives.

Important: When it comes to eliminating threats one of the easiest to look inward and address negative personality traits. We all have those! Think about what is holding you back from reaching your potential!

Your Personal SWOT Analysis Template

Now you know how to do it, it’s time to create your own personal SWOT analysis diagram. Use the editable template below to create your SWOT analysis.

Conclusion

Include one to two paragraphs. This writing needs to be in your own words. Create a brief summary of your personal SWOT Analysis in the context of how you will use it to prepare for a job interview, apply for a promotion, or incorporate what you have learned in continuing your personal growth and professional development.

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KINE 4354 Assignment 2.1 Personal SWOT analysis