This Professional Development Plan will follow a qualitative approach; as human behaviour can be difficult to quantify, particularly when studying and researching yourself (Jenn & Kenn Visocky O’Grady, 2017). The explorative study will take a triangulation method of literature review, primary research and self-reflection, alongside the use of theoretical models. Focusing on myself in a professional context, I will reflect and self-assess upon the literature and theorist throughout. This will also incorporate primary research findings on the feedback I have received. I will be following a self-ethnography strategic method. The strategy helps identify the relationship between human behaviours and culture. This focuses on myself in a work, career and professional aspect. This deep level of study can “provide a personal lens into the world of the user” (Jenn & Kenn Visocky O’Grady, 2017). Typically, ethnographic methods need ethical consideration, however as this is a self-analysis this is not needed. The basis of an ethnographic study is participant observation, the researcher is part of the setting to understand those in the study (Moerman, 2016). Jenn & Kenn Visocky O’Grady (2017) talk about basic research as a “method to gain new knowledge within a specific area, or research undertaken to satisfy the curiosity or personal interest of the researcher”. I will be using this approach as I hope to gain insights of myself as I immerse myself within the research findings. Understanding and gaining new knowledge on how to reach my goals and develop myself professionally and personally.

To gain an array of research I will use multiple forms of secondary research (see fig 1), this will allow me to compare insights and theorist. Along my secondary research I will conduct primary research from friends, family and professional relationships.