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Personal development guide

AIESEC provides you with unique opportunities to explore who you are. You can discover what potential you have and explore opportunities to increase your knowledge, develop competencies, skills, attitudes and values that will support you in to achieve your future goals and create a positive impact in society.

Several times you may ask yourself:


How do I know that by being in AIESEC I have gained anything? How will I know what competencies, skills and experiences I need to have in order to accomplish my goals for the future? As members of a high performing organisation, we continually identify, develop and improve the skill and competencies necessary for individual and organisational success, both now and for the future. The answer is simple and is within your reach. If you are going through this personal development guide, it is because you have taken your AIESEC competency assessment and now know what your stronger and weaker competencies are. With this personal development guide, you are able to track the competencies, experiences and key learning points you have gained in AIESEC and other areas of your life that will help you further build your competencies. The personal development guide is a self-directed guide designed to help you plan your learning activities to develop and enhance individual and team capabilities and become an agent of positive change in society. It will support your personal development process by providing relevant tools and knowledge you can use when planning your goals. This guide helps you map out your path in AIESEC based on the output you get from your competency assessment. The Personal Development plan Helps you create synergy between Organizational Goals and Individual Goals Guides you through the creation, design and implementation of action plans for professional development at all levels Empowers you to become career resilient or able to adapt to changing work environments Supports you to build competencies by taking advantage of learning activities

AIESEC experience principles


Your individual AIESEC experience should be guided by five principles. Living these principles will ensure that you make the most out of your experience while still in AIESEC:
1. Take an active role in your learning and the learning of others You are responsible for creating learning opportunities for yourself and helping others learn more by playing an active role in their learning. Why is this important to the outcome of the learning process? Many education systems are often passive towards learning; this is complemented in AIESEC by a proactive attitude towards learning. The world is dynamic and is changing very fast, so we must always be proactively learning. 2. Challenge your worldview

All new information is interpreted by you through your current worldview, which is shaped by your past experiences, emotions, attitudes, values. It affects what and how you learn; what you direct your attention and actions to in different situations. Challenge yourself to look at things from a different perspective and observe the connection between these elements, your actions and results. Why is this important to the outcome of the learning process? It is not sufficient to be aware of the problems of the world to achieve change; you must also understand the causes and possible solutions. This requires thinking about and understanding many different points of view It requires skills, confidence and diverse experiences to build a worldview oriented towards positive change

3. Meta-cognition and regular personal reflection Build your capacity to recognise and evaluate your own thoughts, values, emotions, motives, goals and actions. Your goals are a manifestation of your vision and help in making sure that your day-to-day actions are driving you in the desired direction. Regular goal setting, review and reflection will help you in understanding your personal leadership path. Why is this important to the outcome of the learning process? These skills allow someone to really take advantage of the AIESEC experience, since it allows them to analyze their actions and those of others Facilitates the creation and completion of goals, values and the will to follow them through.

4. Increase practical and theoretical knowledge Take learning into practical application, for personal and professional skill development. to actually put your opportunities to learn more about your area of interest and create opportunities Why is this important to the outcome of the learning process? With more skills, we increase our capacity to have an impact in the world Learning increases when there is an opportunity to apply and put into practice what you have learned in theory

5. Create a network of contacts: Constantly work at finding and connecting with a group of like-minded people, whom you can share your ideas and perspectives with and who are interested in seeing you make the change you want to see in the world. Why is this important to the outcome of the learning process? Having contacts and networks all over the world increases your ability to bring about the desired change that you want to see in the world

The Learning Environment - the way to live your experience


What makes a learning organisation different from other organisations is how unique and different its learning environment is; and for AIESEC, it is our global learning environment. The learning environment is a medium through which members are able to live and learn from the AIESEC experience. It enables individuals to reflect, learn from others, participate in groups and contribute to physical and virtual forums as well apply their learned skills. knowledge in an area that interests you. It creates the space for innovation and activity which makes it the hub for enterprise in the organisation. Learning circles: These are local learning communities which are formed by local, national and international AIESEC members who share a common interest in gaining knowledge, experiences or networks in a common sector or topic. They are informal and dynamic to allow freedom in exploring different topics you are interested in. Conferences and seminars: AIESEC holds over 350 national and international conferences every year, and they serve as a major organisational activity support. AIESEC members are able to gain high quality information and training from alumni, partners and experienced members through this element in addition to engaging with our stakeholders within the learning environment. Mentoring: This process removes you from your comfort zone that is enough to help you gain objectivity over yourself. Mentorship advances your personal awareness and further develops your potential by gaining professional or experienced advice and guidance from your mentor based on your goals and personal plans. Virtual spaces: This is the online platform that enables us to share and explore information among the AIESEC members. This is through MyAIESEC.net features as wikis, forums, blogs etc.

Individual discovery and reflection

T
Team Experiences Learning Circles

Mentoring Conferences and Seminars

Virtual Spaces; forums, blogs and resource sharing

The AIESEC learning environment has 6 elements: Individual discovery and reflection: Being able to draw your own conclusions and big picture understanding regarding your surrounding is crucial to your self development. Through self discovery at each stage of the AIESEC experience, you are able to drive your own learning to complement your personal development. Team experiences: This is the basis of our current organisational structure. This environment gives you the opportunity to apply what you learn and helps you gain desired experiences, skills, network and practical

Knowing who you are


The AIESEC competency assessment tool consists of a set of questions to assess your behaviour in a range of situations. The behaviours exhibited result in a consolidated output showing the competencies linked to the change agent characteristics. Please use the space below to analyse and reflect upon the results of your self assessment output. What are my three strongest competencies according to my competency What my three weakest competencies according to my competency self assessment output? self assessment output?

What are some of the activities/opportunities I can take up from now on What are some actions I can take to overcome the challenges I face with to help me build my competencies further? my weaker competencies?

Others portrait of you


The AIESEC competency assessment tool allows you to take a 360 assessment and thereby allow others to contribute to your assessment. You will therefore be able to see how others view your competencies. Please use the space below to analyse and reflect upon the information from your 360 assessment output. What are my known strengths according to my 360 assessment output? What are my hidden strengths according to my 360 assessment output?

What are my blind spots according to the 360 assessment output?

What is my perception of my hidden strengths and blind spots?

Plan your development in AIESEC


Based on your intent to be the agent of positive change that you want to be, use this space to map out all the competencies that you will need to develop through your AIESEC experience to bring the change you want to see in your society. The competencies I want to develop Activities/opportunities I can take to ensure that I gain the competencies I want to have at each stage of the AIESEC experience, this allows me to plan ahead. (Also refer to the assessment tool for different activities you can do at a personal, interpersonal, team and organizational level).

Turning goals into action


Create your action plan and turn your dreams into reality! Complete all the columns for each of intended competencies so you can keep planning and tracking them to show you are achieving them. Make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities AIESEC provides you with to ensure you gain all the competencies required to be that change agent that AIESEC wants to provide the world. Make sure you review your goals regularly! Good luck! Competency I want to develop Opportunities I will take Start date End date

Shaping your future


As you develop, you may be thinking about the future, and the career direction you want to take. You will need to plan your development, make some decisions, set goals for yourself, and really start to explore the opportunities in the wider world to prepare for your future.

Opportunity awareness audit - Market trends - take a look at where opportunities are emerging Key Questions
Where is there a demand for talented workers?

Hints &Tips

- Use global and national sources of employment data or other statistical information to understand the trends from your country or region. Which market sectors are expanding or declining? - Conduct a PEST analysis to help you understand the big picture forces that are, or will impact on Which rare skills/capabilities are employers finding future trends. hard to recruit? Political What are the predicted employment trends over Economic the next few years? Socio-cultural Technological

Career choices - explore the possibilities Key Questions


Does your combination of capabilities, interests, values and aspirations suggest particular career choices? What sorts of jobs or careers are there? Do you want to become a technical specialist or expert with an in-depth understanding of your subject? Are you attracted to becoming a general manager, leader or entrepreneur? What sort of work life balance do you want?

Hints & Tips


If you do not have a clear sense of career purpose yet visit CiZone and use the career selfassessment tools. To explore a range of careers or jobs, whats involved or required visit http://www.prospects.ac.uk / http://www.quintcareers.com Many people are highly satisfied by becoming very specialised in one field, this usually involves in-depth training and professional accreditation. Sometimes the route to promotion and career advancement is by becoming a manager. Look for organisations that have technical career paths. Consider your skills and competencies. Do you enjoy leading others? Are you drawn to power and influence? Do you value hierarchical status or simply want to run your own enterprise? When looking at your life and career goals think about the things you enjoy doing. Consider whether you want work in an environment which is highly demanding of your time and energy.

Career sectors- explore the type of industry, organisation and work options available to you
Key Questions
Do you want to work with enterprise or the service sector?

Hints & Tips


Re-visit your values again. What is important to you? Conduct an informational interview with people who work in both sectors doing similar work, what are the differences

What types of organisations are there? Which is right for me?

Identify different employers across different sectors and visit their web sites, look on the external careers section which will provide you with more information You dont necessarily have to opt for a traditional employment contract, what about flexible working, or annualised hours, opportunities for career break, explore the possibilities with different employers Are you motivated by travel, working away from your own location or being based in an office? Consider the pros and cons, talk to someone who works in this way

What sort of employment deal do I want?

How wide are my horizons

Making it happen - Your development options


How else can I develop myself for the future?
Your personal development plan will need to take your strengths and weaknesses into account and also your future aspirations about the type of career you seek. Whilst your AIESEC experience will allow you to develop in a number of ways you can also take advantage of other types of development as follows:-

Building capability through work experience/voluntary work


It is well established that on the job learning is one of the main ways to develop new skills and confidence. It also provides an opportunity for you to try out working in new environments on different challenges, which can help you make informed career choices. Working with a range of employers or voluntary groups will also help to expand your network of contacts. Having credible work experience (paid or unpaid) is also essential as far as potential employers are concerned. It can help differentiate you from other candidates.

Top Tips
Where possible gain experience in the industry/ sector that you want to develop your career in Try and involve employers in your academic studies to start to build relationships e.g. if you are doing some research work choose a topic that is relevant to an employer and seek to get them involved During your work experience, always be willing to take on extra tasks, volunteer yourself for something different, and try and build relationships with as many people as possible Build a positive reputation by performing well Identify someone who could act as a mentor to you Capture your learning as you go along, write it down for future reference Ask those around you for informal feedback on how you are performing Keep in touch with people once you have left, and thank them for any help they gave you

It can be difficult to find interesting and challenging work experience, where this is the case consider offering your time on a voluntary basis or ask if you can come along to work shadow someone in their job.

Self-directed learning modules/training opportunities


You might want to get ahead in terms of building your skills and capabilities through taking part in some on-line self-directed learning tools. Lots of these are available via the web; check out what is available in your own locality via your university.

Building your profile/ personal portfolio


Document your experiences, and build a profile to share with potential employers. As a minimum you should try to produce: A compelling CV/resume A range of covering letters for writing to potential employers A list of what you can offer and why (giving evidence to support your claims) A rationale for the career direction/choices you are making Go to these links for specific advice on CV/resume writing; http://cizaiesec.careerinnovation.com/search/cv.asp and http://www.jobhuntersbible.com.

Networking & informational interviewing


Informational interviewing involves finding out more about a career, industry or organisation by talking with people who are currently working in that field. It is a bit like being a mini-investigator as your prime focus is to try and understand more about the world in which they work. It does not include asking for a job though and is not like going for an interview - as you are the one who is asking the questions. Key benefits to be gained: Gives you some real insight into different jobs and organisations to help you make informed career decisions Helps you to build a network of contacts Gives you more clarity about the needs of employers Helps to build your confidence in being able to have positive conversations with experienced people By asking people for information and advice you are not putting pressure on them to find you a job, and most people are very motivated to talk about themselves and their work. However, whilst it is essential that you do not ask for a job, you may be lucky enough to form a good impression, at the right time, and gain access to the hidden job market in the organisation.

The hidden job market represents all the vacancies that exist, but that never get advertised. It is much easier to get a job via the hidden job market because there is limited competition. For tips on how to set up informational interviewing go to http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html

Support from others- Peer Coaching


What is Peer Coaching?

At any time during your AIESEC experience you may want to have an opportunity to talk with someone about your development and your career. There will be a number of people available to do this, including project leaders, mentors, and line managers. Those of you who have completed the AIESEC competency assessment are also encouraged to set up a peer coaching relationship with one of your colleagues to specifically discuss the outputs from the tool. Peer coaching happens informally all the time between close colleagues and friends, and involves having conversations that are mutually beneficial and supportive. As part of the AIESEC experience we see peer coaching as:A semi-structured opportunity for individuals to reflect on their strengths and areas for development, to explore their goals and identify opportunities in AIESEC that will further both their personal objectives and the goals of AIESEC. Key benefits to be gained? Increases your own self-awareness Helps you explore and identify options and actions to take forward Widens your professional network Builds close and mutually supportive relationships Helps keep you motivated and committed to actions Helps you take advantage of the many opportunities available in the AIESEC experience. The assessment tool also gives you access to a Peer Coaching Guide which gives you more information on how peer coaching can work, including the need to set up a peer coaching agreement. Please ensure that you go through the peer coaching guide for detailed peer coaching tips. An important consideration is for you to choose someone who you would like to act as your peer coach.

Use the checklist below to help you identify a colleague who might be suitable. Peer coach characteristics Rating 1- 4 ( 4=highly suitable) Peer 1: Peer 2: Peer 3:

Is able to be discrete and confidential Is accessible, and has the time available Is able to listen well, without being judgemental or too directive Is willing to share some of their own experiences and learning Is highly motivated to be involved in peer coaching, can see the benefits Is reliable, meets obligations Is able to build rapport and put people at ease TOTAL SCORE (out of 28)

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

The purpose of this guide was to support you by: Giving you the space to reflect deeper on your competencies. Identifying opportunities that you may want to take up in AIESEC to enable you develop your competencies further. Guiding you with practical tips that you can take up to support your further development. Providing you with qualities to look for when choosing a peer coach for a successful coaching experience. Make sure you follow up on actions steps that you have identified in each section of this guide to ensure that all that you have planned to enhance your development fall through.

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