Skills Audit 2020

Name: Mohammed Zain Date: 14th October 2020

Course: Level 3 Business Studies

Competencies rating
1 - No experience
2 - Some experience
3 - An experienced student
4 - A competent and confident student
5 - A truly outstanding student – able to confidently enter the world of work
with a high level of competency.
TRANSFERABLE
SKILLS

Please see cover

page for
Be able to
More specifically how to rate Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate: yourself
My competence
•Be an effective member of a team I have taken part in a team where I had to raise money for a
to achieve a successful outcome 1 2 3 4 5
charity called Samaritans. We did this and we raised over £150 in
total. I worked together with my peers and we raised a good
amount of money for the Samaritans.
• Understand your individual role and When we did the charity project I had to work by myself and we
contribution to a team. were all given specific roles and we had to carry out these roles
1 2 3 4 5 and come together in the end. I have also done this in my
placement and we are constantly given tasks to carry out and we
Teamwork have to bring everything together in the end.
Again an example of this is the charity projects we have done
• I understand my behaviour and impact within College. I had to make sure that I was working hard and
on others when working in and contributing 1 2 3 4 5
had the right attitude and this ultimately, benefited the team
to the success of formal and informal teams because we got everything done quicker.
• Able to listen, give and receive feedback ​I feel as though I haven’t really achieved these skills however,
and respond perceptively to others. 1 2 3 4 5
during the Charity projects we had to give feedback to each
other and we have had to do this in our classes when we have
been working but I think there’s big room for improvement.

• Able to produce a well-structured and well ​I have been producing many assignments in businesses and
written report of substantial length. 1 2 3 4 5
financial sides of things and being able to write factual
Communication - information and reports are always part of my assignments. I am
written confident that I have done a lot of this.
Write clearly and in a
• Have confidence and control when writing ​I have written various different types of documents for example
style appropriate to
different types of documents in various styles. my Cv, assignments, reports and my personal statements. I feel
purpose, e.g reports, 1 2 3 4 5
as though I have done a very good job when writing these and I
assignments, letters. am confident when doing these.
 • Able to demonstrate proficient report writing ​I have written some reports in my assignments and in general
skills. 1 2 3 4 5
and so I think I’m decent at this however, I think there’s room for
improvement and this is why I haven’t given a higher mark than
I'm in the centre.

Communication – • Able to communicate own ideas verbally, ​I have had to communicate ideas in charity projects however, I
verbal with proficiency and confidence. am not that confident when it comes to these types of situations.
Construct coherent 1 2 3 4 5 I need to put myself in more of these in situations to become
arguments and more confident so I can give myself a higher mark. This is
articulate ideas certainly something I need to improve on.
clearly to a range ​I feel confident in explaining ideas to a small group and a smaller
of audiences, formally • Able to explain my ideas at a range of levels. audience however, when it comes to a bigger audience I feel less
1 2 3 4 5
and informally confident. Confidence is key and mine certainly needs
through a variety of improvement.
techniques • Able to construct arguments and present ​Similar to the previous one I am less confident when it comes to
these to a range of audiences. larger audiences however, in a small group I can explain and
1 2 3 4 5 construct arguments to them in detail on a particular task. Again
this requires some improvement and this can be done in my
placement and college.
Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
• Show evidence of presenting information ​When it comes to presentations I am not so confident. I have
effectively to groups. only done some in college when we have done charity projects
1 2 3 4 5
and in front of my class however, I haven’t done this in front of
large audiences and this is why I have given myself a lower score.
• Able to produce well-constructed clear ​Once again I haven’t done this infront of large audiences and
Presentation skills presentations and use audio-visual aids where this has only been done in my classes and I have done a couple in
1 2 3 4 5
appropriate e.g. PowerPoint. front of governors within my college and this requires more
work.
I have given myself a low score again and this is because I am not
• Able to present work fluently and confidently, so confident when it comes to these situations and this is
and able to respond clearly and persuasively to 1 2 3 4 5
something I need to improve because this is required in
questions and comments. University and when it comes to getting a job
 • Able to plan, organise and evaluate a In my first year modules I had to evaluatge and organise the
given project. projects and this gave me some experience in organision and
1 2 3 4 5
planning however, I need to do more to get better at this and
this is a good skill to have and is required in University.
Project management
skills • Able to execute a project plan which
follows a designated schedule to produce a ​When we did the charity project in college I raised money for
Apply effective project 1 2 3 4 5 the Samaritans and we had to evaluate the project. Again we did
management through finished piece of work within a given time
the project in one of the units and more of this required for me
the period to become better at this.
setting of goals, ​When I did the project within one of the units we had to make a
intermediate • Able to set and prioritise a number of schedule and gantt charts to make sure all the events were going
milestones and intermediate goals within an individual 1 2 3 4 5 to run smoothly. However this wasn’t the case when we did the
prioritisation of or group project and to develop an effective Charity project for the Samaritans because we did this on short
activities strategy and timetable for meeting them. notice.
• Able to make plans and balance competing When I am doing work on my placment I have to hand it in on
demands on time effectively. 1 2 3 4 5 time and I am always punctual and on time when it comes to
going to college and on placement.

• Build and maintain cooperative networks and

relationships with tutors, peers and corporate
1 2 3 4 5 ​I have good relationships with my tutors and my work
representatives.
placement colleagues and I am always in touch with who I work
Networking with on my placement and my peers within college
• Able to promote my unique selling points
in a networking situation with prospective I have had numerous interviews where I have had many
1 2 3 4 5
employers. complements and I am confident in myself to promote myself
and what makes me unique from other students.
Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
• Understand what effective negotiation
requires. ​I know different techniques when it comes to negotiating
1 2 3 4 5 because I have been educated in college but I haven’t done
enough actually to give myself a higher score and I need to
actually carry this out.
Negotiation skills
 • Demonstrate where I have carefully explored
my position and the other person’s position, ​I know different techniques when it comes to negotiating
with the goal of finding a mutually acceptable because I have been educated in college but I haven’t done
1 2 3 4 5 enough actually to give myself a higher score and I need to
compromise, that gives us both as much of
actually carry this out. This is something that definately needs
what we want as possible.
improving.
• Have negotiated in a situation where you
have found what the other person wants
matches what you are prepared to trade, and 1 2 3 4 5
that you are prepared to give what the other
I had to negotiate in my own project as to why people should
person wants.
buy from us however, similar to the last to this needs more work
• Able to demonstrate my awareness of the Again I have had to negotiate in my own project as to why
power dynamic in a negotiating situation and 1 2 3 4 5 people should buy from us however, similar to the last to this
how this can impact on me winning or losing a needs more work. This requires more to get a higher mark; this
negotiation. may come from my placement.

• Able to work effectively unsupervised. I have worked unsupervised at college and on placement and I
think I have succeeded in this skill because in the first year of my
1 2 3 4 5 business course I achieved 9 distinctions from 9 units.

• Able to manage competing demands on your ​I feel as though I am excellent when it comes to meeting
Managing self time. deadlines and hand in dates and this is shown in my assignments
1 2 3 4 5
because they were always on time and done to the best and
highest grades they could be.
• Able to efficiently prioritise tasks
​When it comes to assignment and other tasks I am very good at
1 2 3 4 5 staying organised and prioritising certain things over others and
again this is shown in the quality of my work in my assignments

Managing others • ​Understand the skills and attributes of a ​I am more than aware of what it takes to become a leader as I
leader. 1 2 3 4 5
have lead a somes things in the past also I have picked up and
learned information in college and from my peers and the
leaderships skills they have
 • Have experience of managing or leading
I have occasionally lead projects and group work in the past so I
another team or group. 1 2 3 4 5 have a good understanding of what it takes to be successful but
this is something I can certainly improve on and will improve on
• Have experience of motivating a group and
giving them responsibility. 1 2 3 4 5 ​Again I have managed some group work and some projects with
others however, I haven’t done much to get a higher mark.
• Listen to team members and encourage
​During the charity project for Samaritans we had to organise
involvement. 1 2 3 4 5 each other and give responsibilities to each other and I am very
encouraging to team members if they are struggling to cope.
• Experience of training or coaching people to
equip them to succeed 1 2 3 4 5 I have a coached a tiny bit in high school in physical education
however, no where near to get even half way in terms of marks
• Plan the work of a team, considering all that
This was done in the charity project we carried out and we had
must be accomplished, the various deadlines
1 2 3 4 5 to manage deadlines and tasks and each of the events that were
or timeframes to be met, and the work steps taking place.
required.
• Delegate tasks and review progress to I have reviewed my progress when it comes to my assignment
achieve goals. 1 2 3 4 5 and if they are not to standard first times and this again was
done in the charity projects.
• Able to demonstrate awareness of individuals I have most certainly encouraged team members but not
in a team, learn their strengths and 1 2 3 4 5 actually challenged them as much however, I always try to
weaknesses and challenge them to achieve to understand their strengths and weaknesses and what roles
the best of their abilities. suit them.
• Can demonstrate fairness and impartiality
​When we did the project everyone knew what was expected of
and be consistent when holding everyone to 1 2 3 4 5 them and this was carrying out their roles and being quick and
the same standards and expectations. organised as well as coummunicting with guests.
• Have proven ability to challenge and/or
I have never been put in this situation before and I have never
discipline a team member for failing to adhere 1 2 3 4 5 actually disciplined anyone for failing to adhere to standards as
to standards and expectations the things we’ve done are not as serious as this.
Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
Application of IT • Effective use of Microsoft Office including
​I have used Microsoft Office many times in my high school years
Word and Powerpoint. 1 2 3 4 5 and I have a good understanding of how everything runs and a
decent understanding of excel and how it runs.
• Able to use Excel and develop and
​I have used Excel in the past however, I feel as though I can get
manipulate spreadsheets. 1 2 3 4 5 to grips with it easily so I have gone down the middle in terms of
marks.
• Proficient in the use of email and Internet.
1 2 3 4 5 ​I am constantly using email and the internet and this is
something that is easy to handle and I know my way round.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and how
to troubleshoot. 1 2 3 4 5 ​I have very little knowledge of how to troubleshoot computer
hardware and so this skill needs massive improvement.
• Can use printers and photocopiers efficiently.
​I usually am good when it comes to using printers and
1 2 3 4 5 photocopiers however, I can need a bit of help the first time
round if they are new.
• Able to access online research databases
1 2 3 4 5
I have a tiny bit of experience with research databases.
Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
• Able to raise vital questions and problems,
​I am good at seeing problems in projects and I feel as though I
formulating them clearly and precisely. 1 2 3 4 5 am quick to react. I usually give good ideas and this has been
done in high school and college in projects.
• Gather and assess relevant information,
using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively. I have had to evaluate information many times during my time in
1 2 3 4 5 college during assignment and so I feel quite experienced at
doing this.
• Come to well-reasoned conclusions and
Critical thinking solutions, testing them against relevant criteria
and standards. 1 2 3 4 5
Critical thinking is something I have used in college but I think I
require more to actually secure these skills.
 • Think open-mindedly within alternative
systems of thought, recognising and assessing,
as need be, your assumptions, implications, 1 2 3 4 5
and practical consequences. When I have had to evaluate marketing campaigns for Dairy milk
and other brands we had to critcally think but this again can be
improved.
• Communicate effectively with others in
figuring out solutions to complex problems, 1 2 3 4 5
without being unduly influenced by others' I am currently having problems in college when it comes to
thinking on the topic. assignments and this will be the case in my work placement.

Problem solving • Able to identify, clarify and describe a

problem (s). 1 2 3 4 5 ​I have sometimes pointed problems in projects and I am quick to
react to problems when they occur.
• Ability to analyse the causes of a given
problem(s). 1 2 3 4 5 ​I have had to figure out the cause of some problems during my
assignments and so I have some experience
• Ability to identify and assess alternative
solutions. 1 2 3 4 5 I am good at given my opinion and feedback to problem but I
feel I can improve so I have given myself a lower course
• Able to choose a solution and implement it.
I haven’t actually made big decsions in the past and I often need
1 2 3 4 5 some help before making one so that I know I am handling things
properly.
• Able to evaluate whether the problem(s) was
solved or not. 1 2 3 4 5 I have some experience when it comes to tasks and if they work
or not but sometimes I can misevaluate things.
Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
• Able to generate new ideas and approaches.
1 2 3 4 5 ​I always contribute ideas and put them forward when it comes
to working in a team and example is the charty project in college.
Creativity
 • Able to develop new methodologies as
required. 1 2 3 4 5 I tend to develop new ideas more than methods and this is a big
difference and so this is why my mark is lower.
• Able to find and implement solutions to
difficult problems. 1 2 3 4 5 ​I am very good at finding solutions to problems but I haven’t
actually implemented them.

• Demonstrate self-awareness and the ability

to identify own training needs. 1 2 3 4 5 ​I am aware of where I need to improve and this skills audit is a
good step in terms of where I am.
Lifelong learning
• Pursue appropriate training to develop skills
and knowledge. 1 2 3 4 5 ​This is a skill I haven’t any experience on but I may during my
work placement and when I find a job.

Ethics and social • Have a clear understanding of

responsibility the theoretical meaning and reference 1 2 3 4 5 I will have to follow my work placements morals when I am
of moral propositions and how their “truth working for them. I’m not sure about the meaning of theoretical
values” (if any) may be determined. morals.
• Familiar with the practical means
of determining a moral course of action. 1 2 3 4 5 ​Again I will have to follow my work placements morals when I
am working for them.
• Are aware how moral outcomes
can be achieved in specific situations. 1 2 3 4 5 ​I will have to follow the morals and the course of actions in my
placements with clients face to face or over the phone.
• Understand ethics in a business
context. 1 2 3 4 5 ​The only real experience I have is when I studies Business ethics
within my Business course
• Understand corporate social
responsibility (CSR). 1 2 3 4 5 I will have corporate responsibility at my work placements in
terms of dealing with clients in the correct manner
 • Have freely contributed to the
community through activities such as 1 2 3 4 5 ​I have done volunteer work in my area and we did a car wash in
volunteer work. which we raised thousands of pounds for a charity.

CAREER
MANAGEMENT

Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
Appreciate the need for • Active member of a professional
and show commitment
​I have looked at possible businesses that I could represent and I
institution or body. 1 2 3 4 5 have job offers like Morrisons and I am going to represent a care
to
company for my placement.
continued professional
development. • Regularly attend seminars or
presentations outside formal 1 2 3 4 5 ​I have been to meetings and the occasional university but I need
curriculum timetable. to attend more to get some more experience.
• Have ownership of, update and
regularly review a Personal Development 1 2 3 4 5 I have my own pdf and I update this on a regular basis and stay
Plan (PDP) on top of this.

Take ownership of and • Aware of potential employers, general ​I am always on the lookout for jobs and I have had offers from
manage one’s recruitment practices and effective 1 2 3 4 5
Morrisons however, I have turned this down but I know what
career progression, set job hunting techniques. employers want and expect and have had loads of information
realistic and achievable given to me.
goals, and identify • Have considered own career direction
and develop ways to post-graduation and set realistic and 1 2 3 4 5 ​I know that I want to go into Accounting or something in
improve employability achievable career goals. business and finance and my 5 year plan is in place.
 • Have identified ways to improve your
employability and acted upon them. 1 2 3 4 5 ​I have looked at employability and I had a recent interview and
the person said I am easily employable.
Be able to
More specifically My competence Where and how have I developed this skill?
demonstrate:
Demonstrate an • Aware of the range of career
insight into the opportunities within and outside
1 2 3 4 5 ​Their is less opportunity now because of the pandemic however,
transferable nature the property sector. I am confident I can get employed and I do research all the time
of skills developed on my sector.
as part of your degree • Fully able to demonstrate the
to other work transferable nature of the skills developed
environments and the as part of your degree to other work
1 2 3 4 5
range of career environments. ​Since beginning college I have improved my skill set heavily and
opportunities within this is going to be further improved from my work placements
and outside the sector. because I will pick up so many skills.

Present one’s skills, • A broad knowledge of types of CV's,

personal interview techniques and standard 1 2 3 4 5 ​As I have said I regularly update my CV and it is updated to date
attributes and questions and recruitment techniques always. I have good knowledge of how interviews work and I
experiences through such as psychometric testing. have many .
effective CVs,
• Able to create a targeted CV which effectively
applications and
presents your skills, attributes and
interviews 1 2 3 4 5 ​I think my Cv is good and I recently had an interview with one of
experiences.
the governors incoleage and she said I am easily employable and
I have clearly showcased my skills on the cv.
• Able to present your skills, attributes and
experiences effectively in a job interview
situation. 1 2 3 4 5
​I recently got a work placement and they looked at my cv and
what skills I have to offer.

Commercial • Know where to look to find what channels

Awareness exist so I can keep up to date within my
specialism. 1 2 3 4 5
​I am not so aware of what specialist magazines are and I look at
BBC usually for news or sky news.
• Research events within organisations
which offer students opportunities
1 2 3 4 5
to get involved. ​I will be getting involved when I start my work placement and I
will be working with other colleagues around me.
• Aware of membership bodies which I am able
to join or get support from. 1 2 3 4 5 Shipley college and others sources like connexions can help me
in terms of offering information and direction
• Use social networking to keep in touch with
the latest trends within my specialism.
1 2 3 4 5
​I always look at social networking sites and try to look out for
stories relating to different organisations and businesses.