FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITYSCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS *** ASSIGNMENT Subject: Career Development Skills Topic: Four-Year Personal Development Plan at FTU Name: Phạm Sơn
Trang 1FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
***
ASSIGNMENT Subject: Career Development Skills
Topic: Four-Year Personal Development Plan at FTU
Name: Phạm Sơn Huy Class: Anh 03 – CTTT Kinh tế đối ngoại – K63 Student ID: 2412140048
Lecturer: Vũ Kim Dung
Hà Nội, ngày 7 tháng 11 năm 2024
Trang 2Student image
Trang 3TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIRST YEAR: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION 2
1 ACADEMIC GOALS 2
2 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2
3 EXTRACURRICULAR GOALS 2
SECOND YEAR: EXPANDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 3
1 ACADEMIC GOALS 3
2 CAREER ORIENTED - GOALS 3
3 EXTRACURRICULAR GOALS 3
THIRD YEAR: GAINING PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SPECIALIZATION 5
1 ACADEMIC GOALS 5
2 CAREER ORIENTED - GOALS 5
3 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS 6
FOURTH YEAR: PREPARING FOR GRADUATION AND CAREER LAUNCH 7
1 ACADEMIC GOALS 7
2 CAREER ORIENTED - GOALS 7
3 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS 7
MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN 9
1 TRACKING PROGRESS ANNUALLY 9
2 SMART - BASED SELF - ASSESSMENT 9
CONCLUSION 10
Trang 4Having a structured plan for university is essential for achieving academic, personal, and professional growth University life presents numerous challenges and opportunities, and a well-thought-out plan ensures that each step taken contributes meaningfully toward broader aspirations By setting clear objectives, students can maximize their time and resources, making the most of their educational experience Adopting the SMART model—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—helps in creating focused goals that are not only ambitious but also realistic This model supports students in tracking progress, adjusting efforts as needed, and ultimately achieving success With specific goals, one knows exactly what they want to accomplish; measurable goals offer a way to gauge progress; achievable goals prevent unrealistic expectations; relevant goals keep actions aligned with personal values; and time-bound goals create a sense of urgency to encourage consistent progress This approach provides
a structured roadmap for students, which is particularly valuable during the dynamic, formative years at university
The Foreign Trade University (FTU) offers a vibrant environment filled with unique opportunities for growth in academics, cultural engagement, and career development Known for its academic rigor and emphasis on international business, FTU attracts students from various backgrounds and promotes an inclusive and competitive learning culture With its strong connections to global markets, FTU provides access to internships, industry partnerships, and networking events that are invaluable for students aiming to pursue careers in foreign trade, economics, and business The university’s diverse clubs, organizations, and student-led initiatives encourage active participation in both professional and personal development activities Over the next four years, I plan to engage deeply with these resources, participating in workshops, networking events, and international programs that will enhance my skill set and broaden my global perspective By utilizing FTU’s unique offerings, I can cultivate essential skills and experiences to excel in my field and build a solid foundation for a successful career after graduation
Trang 5FIRST YEAR: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION
1 Academic goals
To build a solid academic base, I aim to excel in foundational courses, setting a target GPA of 3.5 or higher Achieving this requires a focused approach, including attending office hours, dedicating extra time to difficult subjects, and forming study groups for collaborative learning To keep on track, I’ll closely monitor my performance in each course, using regular assessments as indicators of progress My goal is to complete all introductory courses by the end of the first year, ensuring I’m well-prepared for advanced coursework
2 Personal development goals
Developing essential skills like time management and organization is another priority Using a planner, I’ll outline weekly tasks and deadlines to stay organized I’ll start with simple habits, like scheduling study blocks and planning assignments
in advance, gradually working toward more comprehensive time management strategies By the end of the first semester, I aim to master the basics of these skills, which will serve as foundational tools for balancing academic and personal responsibilities throughout my university journey
3 Extracurricular goals
To build a social network and enhance my overall university experience, I plan to join at least two student clubs: TEC FTU and FBN FTU My goal is to attend at least one meeting per week for each club, allowing me to engage meaningfully without overwhelming my schedule Selecting clubs that align with
my interests and academic goals will ensure relevance, while consistent participation will help me integrate into the FTU community By the end of the year, I aim to become an active member, establishing connections that will support
my academic and career aspirations
Trang 6SECOND YEAR: EXPANDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
1 Academic goals
In the second year, my primary academic objective is to delve into advanced coursework related to my major This coursework is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the field, equipping me with the knowledge necessary for more complex, specialized topics in the future To maintain or improve my GPA, I’ll set aside dedicated study hours for each class and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and difficulty Regularly monitoring my grades and seeking feedback on assignments will help me stay on track toward my goal For challenging subjects, I will consult professors for guidance, especially during office hours, to ensure I grasp complex concepts and continue to excel My target is to complete all core major requirements by the end of the year, positioning me for advanced courses and electives in my third and fourth years
2 Career-oriented goals
A key career goal this year is to secure an internship or volunteer position within a field related to international trade Gaining practical experience early on is crucial for building a competitive resume and establishing connections in the industry To achieve this, I will attend career workshops offered by FTU, which provide insights on networking, interviewing, and resume development By the end
of the first semester, my aim is to apply to at least five positions, targeting companies or organizations that focus on international trade, economics, or business Throughout this process, I’ll seek feedback from FTU’s career advisors and refine my applications to ensure they reflect my skills and ambitions My goal
is to complete a professional experience by the end of the summer, ideally in a role that provides exposure to global trade operations, negotiations, or economic analysis This experience will be invaluable as I continue to build my career pathway
3 Extracurricular goals
In addition to academic and career goals, my second year presents an opportunity to develop leadership skills within student organizations I plan to take
on a leadership role in one of the clubs I joined during my first year Holding a leadership position will allow me to contribute more actively to the organization, organizing events, and guiding newer members To balance this responsibility with
Trang 7my coursework, I’ll implement effective time management practices, such as setting specific hours each week for club activities and delegating tasks where possible My target is to lead or co-lead at least one event or project, helping me to build teamwork, decision-making, and event-planning skills By the end of the second semester, I aim to secure a leadership position, which will enhance my confidence and professional experience Leading a club project will also expand
my social network and allow me to apply the interpersonal skills needed in international trade, such as communication and collaboration
Trang 8THIRD YEAR: GAINING PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND
SPECIALIZATION
The third year of university marks a transition from foundational knowledge to advanced specialization and hands-on professional experiences This year, my goals are centered on deepening my expertise in international trade, securing a substantial internship, and developing essential professional skills These objectives will prepare me for the final stretch of my studies and the challenges of the job market
1 Academic goals
This year, my academic focus will be on specialized courses within my major (Logistics and Supply chain management, Global Business, Marketing, Global Finance, etc), providing a comprehensive understanding of critical concepts
in international trade Specialization is essential for advanced career preparation, as
it allows me to develop skills that are directly applicable to the industry To succeed, I aim to maintain a high GPA (over 3.5), especially in these specialized courses, which will be instrumental in demonstrating my expertise to future employers Engaging in group study sessions with classmates will allow me to benefit from diverse perspectives and reinforce my understanding of complex topics Additionally, I will seek mentorship from professors who have industry experience, as their guidance can provide valuable insights and help clarify areas of interest within the field By setting aside dedicated time for each course and actively participating in discussions, I intend to complete all specialization courses
by the end of the year, positioning myself for further advanced studies and career opportunities
2 Career-oriented goals
Securing a more advanced internship in international trade is a top priority this year Building on the experience gained from my previous internship, I plan to take on a role that offers greater responsibility and direct exposure to trade operations, market analysis, or supply chain management To maximize my chances, I will apply to at least eight internships or co-op programs, targeting companies that align with my career aspirations Throughout this process, I will
Trang 9refine my applications, incorporating feedback from career advisors and networking events Additionally, I will participate in industry seminars and career fairs hosted by FTU, which are excellent platforms for networking and gaining insights into current trends in international trade Completing a second internship before my final year is crucial for honing my skills and strengthening my resume, ensuring I’m prepared for full-time opportunities post-graduation
3 Personal development goals
Developing strong communication and networking skills is essential for success in international trade, where building relationships and conveying ideas effectively are key This year, I aim to enhance these skills through active participation in networking events and industry seminars To make this goal measurable, I plan to attend at least three professional events, starting with smaller gatherings to build confidence before expanding to larger ones These events provide a platform to connect with professionals, exchange ideas, and gain insights into industry practices Furthermore, I will conduct informational interviews with at least five industry professionals, learning about their career paths and seeking advice on skills essential for my field These conversations will not only build my network but also improve my ability to communicate professionally and adapt to diverse interpersonal dynamics
Trang 10FOURTH YEAR: PREPARING FOR GRADUATION AND CAREER
LAUNCH
1 Academic goals
In my final year, my academic objective is to complete any remaining major and elective requirements with high grades to bolster my cumulative GPA A strong academic finish is not only a personal achievement but also enhances my resume and demonstrates my commitment to academic excellence To reach this goal, I plan to seek guidance on any capstone or final projects, as these are often essential components of the fourth-year curriculum and offer an opportunity to showcase the depth of my knowledge For example, if my capstone involves an in-depth analysis of a specific international trade issue, I’ll meet regularly with my advisor to ensure I’m approaching the topic from a relevant and academically rigorous perspective Additionally, I’ll continue to apply the study methods that have worked well for me, such as group study sessions, targeted review schedules, and periodic assessments of my understanding in each subject By focusing on these approaches, I aim to complete all graduation requirements by the end of the year, ensuring that I am academically prepared and positioned for my post-graduation plans
2 Career-oriented goals
My primary career-oriented goal for this year is to secure a full-time job in international trade or a related field, or to gain acceptance into a graduate program that will further enhance my skills To achieve this, I will begin by researching potential employers, job roles, and graduate programs that align with my career ambitions, creating a list of at least ten positions or programs to apply to I will leverage the connections and experiences from my internships, as well as guidance from FTU’s career services, to strengthen my applications Additionally, I’ll polish
my resume and practice for interviews with career advisors to ensure I present myself effectively This year, I will also attend career fairs and industry events to network with potential employers, showcasing the skills and insights I’ve developed through my coursework and internships My goal is to secure a job offer