Business Management graduate talk about personal development plan
Mabaso believes that the South African educational system should include a personal development plan to teach learners at the early stages of life
Mthokozisi Mxolisi Mabaso is a Business Management graduate. He is currently an intern at RIMS Group where he facilitates an online Google programme.
He writes:
It all starts with setting a goal. People with a goal are more connected to their strengths than their weaknesses. In high school, I used to look up to people like politicians, attorneys, doctors, judges, accountants, etc.
All the ‘so-called high-profile careers. I used to ask myself- how did these individuals develop themselves to be what they are now?’ Years later, I came across a Personal Development Plan (PDP), a simple one-page document showing the steps a person needs to take to reach their career goals. The simplest way to explain it is a personal development plan is when an individual drafts a plan on how they will better themselves to achieve their desired goals.
I found that by developing a personal development plan, individuals shape themselves mentally, physically and emotionally for their betterment. The South African educational system needs to include a personal development plan. School pupils should be taught to be fully aware of their strengths or what duties energise them and which duties drain them. What their goals are, and what they are doing to fulfil those goals. Children should be taught to create a personal development plan to teach them when and how to say no, including extra lessons on communication to enhance communication skills, as they are essential at their later stages.
In the professional space, people compile a personal development plan that can be edited to suit one’s career aspirations. It briefly includes a set of headings and questions that makes you think about your objectives and how you will achieve them. The PDP also helps to answer the questions about accountability tools, which will shape you into becoming what you aspire to be.
Some of the important things to consider when compiling a PDP:
- Professional goals
- Talents or strengths
- Development opportunities
- Objectives and action steps
Others include personal life and health as part of their personal development plan to take charge of their social life and keep fit for their career goals.
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