My Individual Strengths and Weaknesses

Communication Skills

Reading and Writing

Strengths

  • When I took IELTS, I scored 8.5 in Reading and 7 in Writing. Thus I believe that I have sufficient skills in both areas.

Weaknesses

  • English is not and never will be my first language, so it might be that I'll never be able to match the skill of a native speaker (or writer, as the case may be).
  • When presented with a large block of text, I will resolve to skim-reading it.

Opportunities

  • Finding myself in a country where English is used on a regular basis, I have an excellent opportunity to practice writing and reading it regularly.
  • My university offers a service called Study Skills Plus, which I could use to improve in these areas, especially Academic Writing.

Threats

  • Skimming through text could result in either loss of potentially useful information or misinformation.
  • Using informal words in academic writing could result in a loss of marks.

Listening, Discussion and Presentation

Strengths

  • When I took IELTS, I scored 8.5 in Listening and 8 in Speaking.
  • I am used to speaking in front of large groups of people, since I used to attend poetry reading competitions.
  • I have previously made presentations as part of my elementary and secondary education.
  • I consider myself to be a good listener.

Weaknesses

  • English is not and never will be my first language, so it might be that I'll never be able to match the skill of a native speaker, or at least the confidence of one.
  • Despite the fact that I attended poetry reading competitions, I still get anxious before public speaking.

Opportunities

  • Creating a group presentation is part of the Core Skills module, as well as an excellent opportunity to improve in all three areas.
  • Books on this subject area are available in John Smith's Bookshop. I can buy these books using my Books Plus Card.

Threats

  • My shy nature could possibly hamper any opportunities for discussion.

Time Management Skills

Strengths

  • I always make time for my coursework.

Weaknesses

  • I often find myself procrastinating, occasionally leaving things unfinished until the last minute as a result.
  • I don't get as much sleep as I should.

Opportunities

  • My university offers a service called Study Skills Plus, and access to skills4studycampus, which I could utilise to improve in this area.
  • Attending all my lectures and tutorials should help me stay on track.

Threats

  • I could potentially spend less time than is necessary studying, by volunteering and socializing excessively.
  • On the other hand, I could spend too little time volunteering and socializing, which I believe to be crucial activities to a fulfilling and successful student life.

Skills in Software Applications

Strengths

  • I am somewhat experienced in using Adobe applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Flash.
  • I have sufficient experience working with Microsoft Office applications.
  • I have basic understanding of video editing software, such as Windows Movie Maker.
  • I am efficient at browsing the Internet through browsers and searching for relevant information using search engines.

Weaknesses

  • I am inexperienced when it comes to using and running software on operating systems other than Microsoft Windows.
  • I am largely unfamiliar with 3D modelling software.

Opportunities

  • Anglia Ruskin University offers a service called Study Skills Plus, as well as unlimited access to video tutorials on Lynda.com, which I could use to further develop my skills in this area.
  • The Internet offers countless opportunities to improve in using all types of software.
  • Some software, which has to be purchased or subscribed to, is available for free on university owned computers and Remote Desktops.

Threats

  • Some of the resources available online could be outdated.
Written on September 30, 2016 | Tagged: Core Skills