Critical Evaluation

A critical evaluation of my career plan.

Long and short term goals
I have always had a passion for food and how it changes the way we live our lives. I have realised the ever growing importance of nutrition, which is why I would like to pursue my long term goal of becoming a dietitian. My own knowledge to date has been based around personal research, which I have applied to myself and family and we have reaped the benefits. Since having my daughter I have become even more interested in nutrition and researched in great detail the positive and negative effect food has on a young baby.

My current job as general manager of Revolution, has given me the confidence to be able to speak to people in a supporting and encouraging manner, which
I feel will be essential in the field of dietetics. I know I have the desire to become an excellent dietitian and be able to make a difference to people’s lives.

Becoming a dietitian will take a lot of hard work and commitment, however, before I can continue on my chosen career path I need to complete the following:

Complete the Access course by achieving the following: (i) Hand work in on time (ii) Attend all classes (iii) Ask for guidance and feedback to improve my grades.

Assuming I get a interview for university – Be prepared.

Strengths and Weaknesses
In order to become a lifelong learner it is essential to identify your own personal and academic strengths and weaknesses and action each one, so goals can be achieved more easily.

My greatest strengths are my positive attitude, ability to manage my time effectively and my organizational skills. My positive attitude has enabled me to work most evenings until late, to ensure that deadlines are met and all work is up to date. Although I am only in college one day per week, I spend 5 nights per week working on assignments. I am a single mum with a 9 month old daughter to look after and by planning my week in advance this enables me to enjoy my time with Isabella and have a bit of ‘me’ time without feeling guilty. Every week after college I write a homework plan, so I can see what needs doing and by when, so I can prioritise my workload. I also allocate one day per week of cleaning and general household chores, as I have a moto of ‘tidy house – tidy mind’

I believe life is a learning experience and we all have certain strengths and weaknesses, however, recognizing them and having the desire to improve them will make us better people. Like everyone I too have weaknesses which, if they are not identified and actioned, could hinder my long and short term goals.

For example, using the Driscoll model of reflection (2000)
What?
I over analyse things, I feel guilty in asking for help from my family and I lack work experience relating to my degree.

So what? By over analysing assignments I create more work for myself, which sometimes leaves me anxious of my work load. There has been occasions when I have had quite a lot of college work on and I have struggled through, trying to balance my time with Isabella and college work. I feel guilty in asking for help from my family, as it was my decision to come to college and I feel I should be able to cope. I feel the lack of experience will hinder my chance of a university place.

Now what? On each assignment, I need to carefully go through the title, identifying the key words and completing a plan for each one. I also only need to research what is needed, should not go off on a tangent. I have a fantastic family and I should not feel guilty of asking for help, like I do. My parents love spending time with their grand-daughter, so I should use this time effectively for studying. I have completed a two day placement in the dietetics department at North Staffordshire hospital; however, I have applied to the hospital for voluntary work. I am hoping if I am successful this will help towards my university
application.

I am aware that if my weaknesses are ot actioned, this will jeopardise my short and long term goals.