This demonstrates areas of reflection you may find beneficial to include in your portfolio.
PERSONAL
Think about you and what you want to achieve in the future.
Answer the following two questions:
Where do I want to be in 5 years time?
What do I want to achieve in the future?
Now focus on a minimum of 3 of the following questions and write a short statement.
What inspires me the most?
What do I enjoy doing?
Who has been the influence in my life?
Who do I admire the most?
When I was younger what did I want to be when I grew up?
Has this changed and why?
Why did I choose this degree?
Was it the right choice?
What do I want to be when I graduate?
What do I like to do when I am relaxing?
What are my hobbies and interests?
Am I involved in extra curricular activities?
What does success mean to you?
LEADERSHIP
You’ll need to prove that you have the potential to motivate teams and colleagues. It’s about delegating tasks well, setting deadlines and leading by good example.
When have I led a team?
What was the outcome?
Was I able to lead effectively?
Was I able to motivate my team?
Was I able to set deadlines and were these achieved?
What would I change if I were to lead a team again?
PROBLEM SOLVING
You need to display an ability to take a logical and analytical approach to solving problems and resolving issues. It's also good to show that you can approach problems from different angles.
When have I had to use my problem solving skills at Uni or school and how did I solve them?
When have I had to use my problem solving skills when I was at work and how did I solve them?
How do I go about solving problems?
ORGANISATION
This is about showing that you can prioritise, work efficiently and productively, and manage your time well. It's also good to be able to show employers how you decide what is important to focus on and get done, and how you go about meeting deadlines.
How do I organise and manage my time effectively?
What methods do I use to organise myself?
Give examples of when you have to organise and manage your time
How do I prioritise my time?
Give examples of when you have to prioritise your time.
ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE
This is about keeping calm in a crisis and not becoming too overwhelmed or stressed.
Give examples of when you have worked under pressure and how you were able to keep calm and not stress out.
How do you deal with pressure and how does your behaviour change when you feel under pressure?
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS
This is about knowing how a business or industry works and what makes a company tick. Showing that you have an understanding of what the organisation wants to achieve through its products and services, and how it competes in its marketplace.
Where do I see myself working when I graduate?
What do I know about the company I want to work for?
What makes the company unique from the others offering the same service?
What skills do I need to work for such a company?
What is happening in the world which might impact in the world which might impact either positively or negatively on me when I Graduate?
Which companies stand out to me compared to others?
TEAM WORK
You will need to show that you're a team player but also have the ability to manage and delegate to others and take on responsibility. It's about building positive working relationships that help everyone to achieve positive goals and business objectives.
Use the questions below to help you write your statement.
Give an example of a good team
Give an example of a bad team
What teamwork have I done?
How does my behaviour change when I am in a good or bad team?
What role do I usually take in a team?
COMMUNICATION
This covers verbal and written communication, and listening. It's about being clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listening to the views of others.
Use the questions below to help you write a statement.
List the types of communication
What type of communication do I use most?
Which type of communication am I happiest with?
What examples can I use for each type of communication
Verbal
Written
REFLECTION
What have you gained from being at University?
What do you feel you have achieved so far?
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
MOTIVATION
Employers will look for someone who is enthusiastic and has a bit of get up and go! They are also looking for someone who is able to motivate others.
What gets me out of bed in the morning?
What motivates me?
When have I motivated others?
What has been the outcome?
How did I feel?
What demotivates me and how do I deal with feeling demotivated?
Hints and Tips
Use the following model as a guide to writing your statements:
S.T.A.R.
Situation – briefly outline the situation.
Task – briefly explain what you had to do.
Action – state what you did.
Result – explain the outcome & what you learnt.