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Individual Career Goals and Learning Plan Paper Tammara Boudoin COM/505 July 25, 2010 Dr. Christine Enslin Individual Career Goals and Learning Plan Paper My career plans and how I was going to achieve them was something that I have always thought about before I enrolled in school at the University of Phoenix. I have my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services grom Southern University, and I decided to return to school to pursue my Master’s of Science Degree in Psychology at the University of Phoenix.
My plan is to become a counselor, whether it is a rehabilitation counselor, mental health counselor, substance abuse counselor, or behavioral counselor. I chose to pursue this career because I enjoy working with people. I have worked with children and adults with different issues. I have worked with individuals who have mental health, substance abuse, behavioral as well as those with disabilities.
My plan for academic success at the University of Phoenix is to use the resources and tools that are available to me by the university. In pursuing my career as a counselor, a master’s degree is usually required to be a licensed or certified counselor. Most programs in getting an education to be a counselor are in the field of psychology, education, or human services. I was able to complete the Multiple Pathways to Learning and the Personality Spectrum in Chapter Two of my text.
The results of the Multiple Pathways to Learning in each category are Bodily-Kinesthetic (underdeveloped), Visual-Spatial (underdeveloped), Verbal-Linguistic (moderately developed), Logical-Mathematical (moderately developed), Musical (moderately developed), Interpersonal (highly developed), Intrapersonal (moderately developed), and Naturalistic (underdeveloped). The results of the Personality Spectrum in each category are Organizer (strong tendency), Adventurous (minimal endency), Giver (moderate tendency), and Thinker (moderate tendency). There are different ways that I can meet my course requirements. I can meet the course requirements by organizing, disciplining, utilizing the resources and tools available by the university, and managing my time. I have to be organized and disciplined because not only do I have school, but I also work and take care of my family. One reason why I have to be organized and disciplined is because then I would probably be procrastinating.
Procrastinating can cause all kinds of problems especially if there was ample amount of time to get something done, and I waited until the last minute to finish the work that need to be completed. By utilizing the resources and tools available to me by the University of Phoenix, I will be able to have help with my writing assignments, check for plagiarism, check for grammar and spelling, and communicate with my instructor as well as my peers. My learning style varies depending on what I am learning or doing at that time. I learn by communicating verbally and nonverbally.
Sometimes, I learn by viewing things from other people’s perspective. Some of the techniques I use are discussing the information with my peers, take notes, or work hands on. I also enjoying helping others because not only do I help that individual, but I am also learning from that individual too. The different methods I can use to retain information for this course. I can communicate with my instructor and my peers about the topic being discuss in class. I can ask questions if I need additional help. I can learn how to strengthen the areas that I need to work on.
Also, it can help me with pursuing my career. The adult learning theory can helps influence how I learn in different ways. It can teach me how to be prepared in class, participate in class by asking questions about the topic or discussion, and get feedback from my instructor. I was a little nervous and excited at the same time about going back to school; however, there are many resources and tools to help me at the university. Time management is needed in order for me to succeed not only in this course but through my field of study.
Before I started school, I already had a tight schedule between my family and work. Since I have decided to go to back to school, I had to rearrange my schedule to put school in the equation. As far as leisure time, I take the time out for that when available. In order for me to meet the course requirements, I have a few time management strategies that I use. The strategies I use are keeping a calendar, organizing and planning, setting boundaries, and sometimes I have to turn down doing things that will put me off schedule.
If I am not able to manage my time, I will lose focus on what it is that I am suppose to be doing. The journey I will be taking to getting my master’s degree with take a lot of hard work. I know I have been out of school for about ten years, but I have the support from my family, friends, and co-workers. This is a new learning experience for me, and I will do my best. There are many different resources, tools, and techniques that I can use that will help me along the way.
These methods will help me with pursuing my Masters of Science degree at the University of Phoenix as well as achieve academic success in my course requirements for my field of study. My career plans are to become a counselor. I can get the knowledge and skills I need from school through my field of study and also through my profession. I am open-minded and willing to accept criticism and feedback that will help me improve my learning. Most of all, I have learned that it is important to manage stress.
Stress can be managed in various ways, but it is up to me to figure out what works best in the situation I am in at that time. In closing, learning is a life-long process. If I knew everything, what would my purpose be in life? My plans are to stay focus, stay organized, manage my time, and enjoy this new learning experience. I believe that pursing my master’s degree in the field of psychology with benefit me personally and professionally. I would like to say thank you to the University of Phoenix for having an online program that allows me to be able to school and pursue my degree as well as further my education.