Section 5: Where am I now?
Following an in-depth analysis of my personality, I need to reflect on my current position and how I can utilise this towards my goals. The SWOT analysis was pioneered by Albert Humphrey in the 1960s (Friesner, 2011). The basis use for the method of analysis was identify businesses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and potential threats. I have used the SWOT analysis to assess myself and current situation.
The self SWOT analysis (see fig 9) is used in a professional and career context; I wanted to focus particularly on the weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Recognising these sections encourages me to use the time on the course to work towards these areas. With the COVID19 uncertainty, preparation for any outcome needs to be considered.
As a resourceful person, I plan to use and adapt to the Coronavirus pandemic. Work experience in the near future realistically is unlikely, therefore I will focus on growing my skill set and keep my part time job. By using the range of courses available to me on LinkedIn Learning, I will focus on Adobe software refresh courses and marketing essentials. Acknowledging that I am quite broad in my professionalism, I wanted to identify potential agencies I would aspire to. This not only will motivate me, but I can follow them for when I am ready to contact them. The local agencies are:
Core Marketing: https://www.core-marketing.co.uk
Paperock Creative: https://www.paperockcreative.com
Green Room Design: https://greenroomdesign.com
Keane: http://www.keanebrands.com/work/
Clevercherry: https://clevercherry.com/careers
Sketch Creative: https://www.sketchcreative.co
Networking is a key skill, especially within the industry. My current network map (see fig) is limited, however ranges within creative industry. Therefore, I aim to network and follow connections to help prepare myself for work experience opportunities and potential work for the end of my course. Figure – shows my current network map.
Although my map isn’t enormous, I have good or guaranteed contact with everyone on there. There are a range of industries from YouTubers, a retail designer, youth work and an actor who is based in LA. However, I need to network more within sectors I aspire to work in. This means branding, marketing, space design, interior design, architecture, experience design and account management. Lynee Elvins is a design manager/consultant based in Bristol who I was in contact with last year. By remaining in touch with her I was chosen to take part in a weekend workshop in Bristol called workhouse.
(https://www.werkhouse.co.uk). Werkhouse invites 20 students and 20 creative directors take part in a design thinking, collaborative project over the course of the weekend. Many students then gain work experience, jobs or project work. However, due to Coronavirus the weekend was cancelled for June 2020.
LinkedIn is growing as a platform with opportunities and activity growing on the site. My current profile is up to date (see appendix 4) however, lacks activity and could be further developed. I aim to use the platform to promote myself, learn and keep updated within industry and dream agencies.
I also aim to develop my personal branding further. In my personal opinion, portfolios, CVs and cover letters will become slightly outdated. However, they are still essentials when applying for a job or work experience. My online presence needs to improve with an online portfolio. When approaching companies, I want to stand out, agencies are bombarded with hopefuls trying to gain work experience. My goal is to grab their attention and not waste time. Therefore, I will perfect my elevator pitch and use that as my introduction.
GOALS TILL THE END OF THE COURSE
1. Develop my personal brand with online presence and social media. Create an identity and portfolio incase it is required.
2. Use LinkedIn Learning to learn new Adobe software skills and marketing essentials for potential job roles.
3. Gain work experience within an agency
4. Learn to drive and have my first car. This allows me to apply for jobs on a wider radius.
5. Connect with at least 150 people on LinkedIn, however, keep it relevant and don’t be afraid to contact them!