SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 19
CPD Session for
Ambitious Futures
AUA Conference 2017
Manchester
Nicola Owen
Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary
Lancaster University
Kim Bailey
Careers Consultant
University of Manchester
Develop a greater understanding of the AUA’s updated CPD framework
and its relevance to your own experiences and aspirations
Use the framework to
− highlight your strengths and areas for development
− identify which areas of the framework are most important to roles
you aspire to and your current/next placement
− practise applying and take away some career planning and
development tools and techniques
Consider how you can use the AUA (and conference) to support you
career
Objectives for this session
What is the CPD framework?
The basis for a common national approach which builds on existing good
practice
Behaviour patterns that exemplify the AUA’s professional values
Universal across all professional services roles
Strengths as important as areas for development
Flexible – HEIs may develop further
on existing good practice
Features of the professional
behaviours
How the framework fits with the job
JOB
DESCRIPTION
CPD
FRAMEWORK
PERSON
SPECIFICATION
The tasks that
need to be done
and overall
purpose of role
How the job needs
to be done and the
behaviours that underpin
effective performance
Role-specific skills
and knowledge
required
to do the job
COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF THE EXPECTATIONS OF
EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE ROLE
Applying the professional behaviours in your world
Centre = 0
Outer edge = 10
How
confident
do you feel
now?
How
confident
would you
like to be?
What
timescale?
What competencies does your project or job require related
to the framework? (Job description or
expectations/objectives of your manager?)
How does this relate to your own self-assessment?
In terms of your next career move, what might the roles you
are looking at require?
How can you use your next placement to close the gap?
Using the framework
Career is?
their own careers (97%)
Individuals need to be more proactive
in looking after their own careers (97%)Career support is critical (9
Career support is critical (90%) critical (90
Employers increasingly use lateral job moves to develop people
(86%)increasingly use lateral job moves to develop people (86%)
Less clear career paths on offer in organisations continuing in the
future (73%)
Increasingly, employees are having to change organisations to
move up the career ladder (68%)
Recent trends in career
management
My
Top
Tips
Making the most of the next placement
• Say yes
• Areas for development
• Reflect
Applying for the next role
• Analyse job descriptions at higher grades
• Keep an open mind about roles
• Go for it!
• Move around to move up
• Eventual goal or seeing where things lead?
My trainee placements
• Research and Graduate Services, University
of Nottingham
• Career Development Service, University of
Leicester•
•Campaign and Alumni Relations Office,
University of Nottingham
What could be next?
• Regional Officer (Europe)
• Press and Communications
Officer
• Senior Residential Life Co-
ordinator
• Registry Administration Manager
• Project Coordinator (Careers-
Extra Curriculum)
• Careers Consultant
• Policy Advisory at HM Treasury
• Consultant at QA Consulting
1 year 10
months
• Project Officer
(Curriculum)
• University of Leicester
1 year and 2
months
• Quality Enhancement
Officer
• Manchester Met Uni
8 months
• Careers Consultant
• University of
Manchester
1 year 3
months
•Governance
Administrator
•Queen Mary,
University of London
11 months
•Regional Officer
(Central and South East
Asia)
•Royal Holloway
1 year 7
months
•Senior International
Recruitment Manager
•Royal Holloway
11 months
• Annual Fund
Officer
• Lancaster
1 year 6
months
•Regular Giving Officer
•University of
Manchester
1 year 3
months
•Senior Residential Life
Coordinator
•University of
Manchester
Jonny Marshall
Trainee placements
• Information System Services, Lancaster
University
• Alumni, University of Salford
•Web development and Comms, University of
Lancaster
Hayley Williams
Trainee placements
• School of Life and Medical Sciences, UCL
• European Study Abroad Office, Kingston
University
•Research Applications and Services Team,
UCL
Selling Ambitious Futures to future
employers
What are the unique characteristics of AF?
Networking
Identify
goals
Follow up with
contacts made
Live
tweeting?
Introduce yourself
to everyone!
Find common
interests
How could you
help them?
Ask questions
at conference
sessions
Maintain
professionalism!
Seek
introductions
LinkedIn
Opening
In the coffee queue/chance meetings!
‘Hi, how is it going so far? Have you been to any interesting
workshops/ what did you think of the keynote?’
Targeted approach- ‘Hi, I was just in your workshop about X, I’d be
really interested to find out more about…’
Targeted approach – ‘Hi, I notice you work at Y university. I’m looking
to apply for roles there when I finish my trainee scheme. What is the
culture like there?...I hear you have a new Vice Chancellor…. Do you
enjoy your role?’
Get introduced – ‘Hi can I introduce X, who is also a Ambituous
Futures trainee, he’s working in marketing at University Y
Closing
‘I hope you enjoy the rest of the conference and perhaps we’ll
bump into each again! Are you on LinkedIn? …Great I’ll add you
and do feel free to contact me if I can help with anything’
‘It’s been really interesting chatting with you, and it would be
great if we could stay in touch/we could talk again sometime.
Would you mind sharing your details with me? (business card,
email, LinkedIn)’
‘I’d really like to find out more about X. Would it be possible to
arrange call/visit so we can talk in more detail when we have
more time?’
The Wheel of Fortune!
Career and
Personal
Development
Ongoing
Opportunities
Workplace
Opportunities
Opportunities
leading to Awards
& Qualifications
External
Opportunities

More Related Content

What's hot

Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...
Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...
Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...Association of University Administrators
 
2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...
2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...
2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...Association of University Administrators
 
"Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni...
"Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni..."Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni...
"Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni...Association of University Administrators
 
How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...
How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...
How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...Association of University Administrators
 
Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...
Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...
Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...Association of University Administrators
 
Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...
Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...
Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...Association of University Administrators
 
Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...
Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...
Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...Association of University Administrators
 
Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...
Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...
Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...Association of University Administrators
 
Surviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of Bath
Surviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of BathSurviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of Bath
Surviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of BathAssociation of University Administrators
 
Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...
Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...
Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...Association of University Administrators
 

What's hot (20)

Building Change Capability - Jess Annison and Jan Jayes
Building Change Capability - Jess Annison and Jan JayesBuilding Change Capability - Jess Annison and Jan Jayes
Building Change Capability - Jess Annison and Jan Jayes
 
Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...
Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...
Breaking Down Silos How to bridge the gap between academic departments and ce...
 
2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...
2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...
2014 Development Conference- Leadership session slides - Gemma Elliott and Ja...
 
Managing Change Open Forum: Supporting your team
Managing Change Open Forum: Supporting your teamManaging Change Open Forum: Supporting your team
Managing Change Open Forum: Supporting your team
 
Enhancing the Student Experience through Partnership Working
Enhancing the Student Experience through Partnership Working Enhancing the Student Experience through Partnership Working
Enhancing the Student Experience through Partnership Working
 
"Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni...
"Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni..."Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni...
"Challenging traditional program design and delivery to better support wideni...
 
HE Course and Module Evaluation Conference - Kate Little
HE Course and Module Evaluation Conference - Kate LittleHE Course and Module Evaluation Conference - Kate Little
HE Course and Module Evaluation Conference - Kate Little
 
How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...
How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...
How can mentoring and a programme like this support the challenges that we fa...
 
Siân Lunt - Organisational Change
Siân Lunt - Organisational ChangeSiân Lunt - Organisational Change
Siân Lunt - Organisational Change
 
Midlands Conference, Restructure and Reorganisation, Paul Travill
Midlands Conference, Restructure and Reorganisation, Paul TravillMidlands Conference, Restructure and Reorganisation, Paul Travill
Midlands Conference, Restructure and Reorganisation, Paul Travill
 
Postgraduate Experience Report Final
Postgraduate Experience Report FinalPostgraduate Experience Report Final
Postgraduate Experience Report Final
 
Becoming Leeds Beckett University - Victoria Sanderson * Clare Jackson
Becoming Leeds Beckett University - Victoria Sanderson * Clare JacksonBecoming Leeds Beckett University - Victoria Sanderson * Clare Jackson
Becoming Leeds Beckett University - Victoria Sanderson * Clare Jackson
 
Ellie Russell - Student Voice in Evaluation
Ellie Russell - Student Voice in EvaluationEllie Russell - Student Voice in Evaluation
Ellie Russell - Student Voice in Evaluation
 
Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...
Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...
Development Conference 2014, The Professional Behaviours Framework,Ian Darker...
 
Leading Change in Universities Today - Peter McCaffery
Leading Change in Universities Today - Peter McCafferyLeading Change in Universities Today - Peter McCaffery
Leading Change in Universities Today - Peter McCaffery
 
Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...
Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...
Changing Processes Changing People - Liz Hunt and Lynsey Hopkins, University ...
 
Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...
Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...
Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2013: Wendy Purcell - Disruption and Disti...
 
Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...
Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...
Finding Flow: Improving Student Experience by Improving Staff Experience; Fro...
 
Surviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of Bath
Surviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of BathSurviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of Bath
Surviving a Change Management Project - Loretta Gibson, University of Bath
 
Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...
Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...
Transforming the Approach to Change Using Lean to increase participation and ...
 

Similar to CPD Session for Ambitious Futures

Midlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experience
Midlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experienceMidlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experience
Midlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experienceAssociation of University Administrators
 
Brazilian delegation January 2016
Brazilian delegation January 2016Brazilian delegation January 2016
Brazilian delegation January 2016Alejandro Armellini
 
University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)
University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)
University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)Aventis School of Management
 
AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015
AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015
AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015EmmaAGR
 
Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?
Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?
Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?University of Edinburgh
 
CDAA ECU Career Development Research Topics
CDAA ECU Career Development Research TopicsCDAA ECU Career Development Research Topics
CDAA ECU Career Development Research TopicsBarry Horne
 
Lifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development Strategies
Lifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development StrategiesLifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development Strategies
Lifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development StrategiesNayanee Silva (FCA)
 
Tools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in California
Tools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in CaliforniaTools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in California
Tools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in CaliforniaKuder, Inc.
 
"Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen...
"Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen..."Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen...
"Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen...Seelio
 
Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...
Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...
Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...Andrew Jang
 
FMS Learning & Teaching forum
FMS Learning & Teaching  forumFMS Learning & Teaching  forum
FMS Learning & Teaching forumSarah Chesney
 

Similar to CPD Session for Ambitious Futures (20)

Midlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experience
Midlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experienceMidlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experience
Midlands Conference 2013 - employability at the heart of the student experience
 
Newcomers session
Newcomers sessionNewcomers session
Newcomers session
 
Marketing overview nu
Marketing overview  nuMarketing overview  nu
Marketing overview nu
 
Brazilian delegation January 2016
Brazilian delegation January 2016Brazilian delegation January 2016
Brazilian delegation January 2016
 
RU MBA 2018/2019
RU MBA 2018/2019 RU MBA 2018/2019
RU MBA 2018/2019
 
Roehampton London MBA 2018/19
Roehampton London MBA 2018/19 Roehampton London MBA 2018/19
Roehampton London MBA 2018/19
 
University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)
University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)
University of Roehampton London MBA (Part-time Singapore)
 
AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015
AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015
AGR Diversity Forum - Bank of England Slides 04.03.2015
 
Career Development for Masters Students
Career Development for Masters StudentsCareer Development for Masters Students
Career Development for Masters Students
 
Career planning
Career planningCareer planning
Career planning
 
PG_Induction_Sep_2016_v6
PG_Induction_Sep_2016_v6PG_Induction_Sep_2016_v6
PG_Induction_Sep_2016_v6
 
Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?
Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?
Where will your LEL (Linguistics and English Language) degree take you?
 
Mentoring Westmiinster Skills Academy May 2014
Mentoring Westmiinster Skills Academy May 2014Mentoring Westmiinster Skills Academy May 2014
Mentoring Westmiinster Skills Academy May 2014
 
CDAA ECU Career Development Research Topics
CDAA ECU Career Development Research TopicsCDAA ECU Career Development Research Topics
CDAA ECU Career Development Research Topics
 
Lifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development Strategies
Lifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development StrategiesLifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development Strategies
Lifeskills : Higher Education & Career Development Strategies
 
Tools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in California
Tools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in CaliforniaTools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in California
Tools and Resources for Career Readiness and Career Satisfaction in California
 
"Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen...
"Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen..."Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen...
"Mapping the Student Lifecycle from Inquiry Through Graduation" [CAHEA Presen...
 
Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...
Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...
Finding a Teaching Job in BC Public Schools and First Nations Schools | SFU E...
 
FMS Learning & Teaching forum
FMS Learning & Teaching  forumFMS Learning & Teaching  forum
FMS Learning & Teaching forum
 
How has validation of employability skills enhanced CMS?
How has validation of employability skills enhanced CMS?How has validation of employability skills enhanced CMS?
How has validation of employability skills enhanced CMS?
 

More from Association of University Administrators

Global Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International Experience
Global Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International ExperienceGlobal Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International Experience
Global Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International ExperienceAssociation of University Administrators
 
International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...
International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...
International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...Association of University Administrators
 
The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...
The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...
The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...Association of University Administrators
 
Cross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case study
Cross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case studyCross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case study
Cross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case studyAssociation of University Administrators
 

More from Association of University Administrators (20)

The 2017 AUA Study Tour of Switzerland and Germany
The 2017 AUA Study Tour of Switzerland and GermanyThe 2017 AUA Study Tour of Switzerland and Germany
The 2017 AUA Study Tour of Switzerland and Germany
 
Global Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International Experience
Global Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International ExperienceGlobal Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International Experience
Global Trends in Study Abroad: Student Engagement in International Experience
 
International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...
International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...
International Student Mobility Trends: Can National Policies Support (or Obst...
 
Go International@ Stand Out. Is the UK Making its Mark on Mobility
Go International@ Stand Out. Is the UK Making its Mark on MobilityGo International@ Stand Out. Is the UK Making its Mark on Mobility
Go International@ Stand Out. Is the UK Making its Mark on Mobility
 
Co-designing space that works for everyone
Co-designing space that works for everyoneCo-designing space that works for everyone
Co-designing space that works for everyone
 
"So What Do You Do?" - Building an External Reputation
"So What Do You Do?" - Building an External Reputation"So What Do You Do?" - Building an External Reputation
"So What Do You Do?" - Building an External Reputation
 
The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...
The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...
The 5 lessons learnt through a critical investigation of professional develop...
 
Enhancing public speaking skills using improvisation techniques
Enhancing public speaking skills using improvisation techniquesEnhancing public speaking skills using improvisation techniques
Enhancing public speaking skills using improvisation techniques
 
Cross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case study
Cross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case studyCross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case study
Cross departmental effectiveness to improve the student experience: a case study
 
Creating an Engaged and Effective Technical Team
Creating an Engaged and Effective Technical TeamCreating an Engaged and Effective Technical Team
Creating an Engaged and Effective Technical Team
 
Celebrating 15 Years of the AUA PgCert
Celebrating 15 Years of the AUA PgCertCelebrating 15 Years of the AUA PgCert
Celebrating 15 Years of the AUA PgCert
 
Mark of Excellence
Mark of ExcellenceMark of Excellence
Mark of Excellence
 
Beyond Brexit – Post EU Scenarios for Higher Education
Beyond Brexit – Post EU Scenarios for Higher EducationBeyond Brexit – Post EU Scenarios for Higher Education
Beyond Brexit – Post EU Scenarios for Higher Education
 
Strathclyde’s Distinctive Approach to Enhancing Students’ Experience
Strathclyde’s Distinctive Approach to Enhancing Students’ ExperienceStrathclyde’s Distinctive Approach to Enhancing Students’ Experience
Strathclyde’s Distinctive Approach to Enhancing Students’ Experience
 
Find Your Presenting Style
Find Your Presenting StyleFind Your Presenting Style
Find Your Presenting Style
 
Becoming an AUA Accredited Member or Fellow
Becoming an AUA Accredited Member or FellowBecoming an AUA Accredited Member or Fellow
Becoming an AUA Accredited Member or Fellow
 
AUA Networking
AUA NetworkingAUA Networking
AUA Networking
 
Building an External Reputation
Building an External ReputationBuilding an External Reputation
Building an External Reputation
 
UCAS Presentation - Clare Marchant ARC 2017
UCAS Presentation - Clare Marchant ARC 2017UCAS Presentation - Clare Marchant ARC 2017
UCAS Presentation - Clare Marchant ARC 2017
 
Hot topics: ARC Assessment & Quality Practitioner Group Updates
Hot topics: ARC Assessment & Quality Practitioner Group UpdatesHot topics: ARC Assessment & Quality Practitioner Group Updates
Hot topics: ARC Assessment & Quality Practitioner Group Updates
 

Recently uploaded

Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfAdmir Softic
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsTechSoup
 
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdfMicro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdfPoh-Sun Goh
 
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POSHow to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POSCeline George
 
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please PractiseSpellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please PractiseAnaAcapella
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfciinovamais
 
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17Celine George
 
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptxSKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptxAmanpreet Kaur
 
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning PresentationSOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentationcamerronhm
 
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.pptApplication orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.pptRamjanShidvankar
 
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptxGoogle Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptxDr. Sarita Anand
 
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the ClassroomFostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the ClassroomPooky Knightsmith
 
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functionsSalient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functionsKarakKing
 
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...Association for Project Management
 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.MaryamAhmad92
 
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - EnglishGraduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - Englishneillewis46
 
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxBasic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxDenish Jangid
 
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...pradhanghanshyam7136
 
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024Elizabeth Walsh
 
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdfVishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdfssuserdda66b
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
 
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdfMicro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
 
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POSHow to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
 
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please PractiseSpellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
 
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptxSKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
 
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning PresentationSOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
 
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.pptApplication orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
 
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptxGoogle Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
 
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the ClassroomFostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
 
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functionsSalient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
 
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
 
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - EnglishGraduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
 
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxBasic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
 
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
 
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
 
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdfVishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
 

CPD Session for Ambitious Futures

  • 1. CPD Session for Ambitious Futures AUA Conference 2017 Manchester Nicola Owen Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary Lancaster University Kim Bailey Careers Consultant University of Manchester
  • 2. Develop a greater understanding of the AUA’s updated CPD framework and its relevance to your own experiences and aspirations Use the framework to − highlight your strengths and areas for development − identify which areas of the framework are most important to roles you aspire to and your current/next placement − practise applying and take away some career planning and development tools and techniques Consider how you can use the AUA (and conference) to support you career Objectives for this session
  • 3. What is the CPD framework?
  • 4. The basis for a common national approach which builds on existing good practice Behaviour patterns that exemplify the AUA’s professional values Universal across all professional services roles Strengths as important as areas for development Flexible – HEIs may develop further on existing good practice Features of the professional behaviours
  • 5. How the framework fits with the job JOB DESCRIPTION CPD FRAMEWORK PERSON SPECIFICATION The tasks that need to be done and overall purpose of role How the job needs to be done and the behaviours that underpin effective performance Role-specific skills and knowledge required to do the job COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF THE EXPECTATIONS OF EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE ROLE
  • 6. Applying the professional behaviours in your world
  • 7. Centre = 0 Outer edge = 10 How confident do you feel now?
  • 8. How confident would you like to be? What timescale?
  • 9. What competencies does your project or job require related to the framework? (Job description or expectations/objectives of your manager?) How does this relate to your own self-assessment? In terms of your next career move, what might the roles you are looking at require? How can you use your next placement to close the gap? Using the framework
  • 11. their own careers (97%) Individuals need to be more proactive in looking after their own careers (97%)Career support is critical (9 Career support is critical (90%) critical (90 Employers increasingly use lateral job moves to develop people (86%)increasingly use lateral job moves to develop people (86%) Less clear career paths on offer in organisations continuing in the future (73%) Increasingly, employees are having to change organisations to move up the career ladder (68%) Recent trends in career management
  • 12. My Top Tips Making the most of the next placement • Say yes • Areas for development • Reflect Applying for the next role • Analyse job descriptions at higher grades • Keep an open mind about roles • Go for it! • Move around to move up • Eventual goal or seeing where things lead?
  • 13. My trainee placements • Research and Graduate Services, University of Nottingham • Career Development Service, University of Leicester• •Campaign and Alumni Relations Office, University of Nottingham What could be next? • Regional Officer (Europe) • Press and Communications Officer • Senior Residential Life Co- ordinator • Registry Administration Manager • Project Coordinator (Careers- Extra Curriculum) • Careers Consultant • Policy Advisory at HM Treasury • Consultant at QA Consulting 1 year 10 months • Project Officer (Curriculum) • University of Leicester 1 year and 2 months • Quality Enhancement Officer • Manchester Met Uni 8 months • Careers Consultant • University of Manchester
  • 14. 1 year 3 months •Governance Administrator •Queen Mary, University of London 11 months •Regional Officer (Central and South East Asia) •Royal Holloway 1 year 7 months •Senior International Recruitment Manager •Royal Holloway 11 months • Annual Fund Officer • Lancaster 1 year 6 months •Regular Giving Officer •University of Manchester 1 year 3 months •Senior Residential Life Coordinator •University of Manchester Jonny Marshall Trainee placements • Information System Services, Lancaster University • Alumni, University of Salford •Web development and Comms, University of Lancaster Hayley Williams Trainee placements • School of Life and Medical Sciences, UCL • European Study Abroad Office, Kingston University •Research Applications and Services Team, UCL
  • 15. Selling Ambitious Futures to future employers What are the unique characteristics of AF?
  • 16. Networking Identify goals Follow up with contacts made Live tweeting? Introduce yourself to everyone! Find common interests How could you help them? Ask questions at conference sessions Maintain professionalism! Seek introductions LinkedIn
  • 17. Opening In the coffee queue/chance meetings! ‘Hi, how is it going so far? Have you been to any interesting workshops/ what did you think of the keynote?’ Targeted approach- ‘Hi, I was just in your workshop about X, I’d be really interested to find out more about…’ Targeted approach – ‘Hi, I notice you work at Y university. I’m looking to apply for roles there when I finish my trainee scheme. What is the culture like there?...I hear you have a new Vice Chancellor…. Do you enjoy your role?’ Get introduced – ‘Hi can I introduce X, who is also a Ambituous Futures trainee, he’s working in marketing at University Y
  • 18. Closing ‘I hope you enjoy the rest of the conference and perhaps we’ll bump into each again! Are you on LinkedIn? …Great I’ll add you and do feel free to contact me if I can help with anything’ ‘It’s been really interesting chatting with you, and it would be great if we could stay in touch/we could talk again sometime. Would you mind sharing your details with me? (business card, email, LinkedIn)’ ‘I’d really like to find out more about X. Would it be possible to arrange call/visit so we can talk in more detail when we have more time?’
  • 19. The Wheel of Fortune! Career and Personal Development Ongoing Opportunities Workplace Opportunities Opportunities leading to Awards & Qualifications External Opportunities

Editor's Notes

  1. DO INTRODUCTIONS (AF should know each other?) HAVE PRINT OUT OF CPD FRAMEWORK READY TO READ AS PEOPLE COME IN
  2. Nicola Get to know the refreshed AUA Professional Behaviours framework Understand the relevance of AUA Professional Behaviours in the context of your own experiences and career aspirations Reflect on your individual development requirements in response to the framework and in the context of o your experience, o the challenges facing you in your placement now o your career aspirations Consider ways of developing yourself – how will you get the most out of conference
  3. Nicola Does everyone recognise this? Show of hands History. Summary: We researched other bodies and competency frameworks We worked from our own experience and expertise We consulted members We consulted other professional bodies We have developed and tested the application of the framework Details: We looked at Council for Administration National Occupational Standards for Business & Administration, and the Chartered Management Institute National Occupational Standards for Management & Leadership We looked at various competency/capability frameworks across the sector, including the HEA Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education, we also looked at frameworks in other public and private sector organisations Builds on AUA’s Values We surveyed all HEIs (42% response rate) to get their views and find out existing practice, and sent the draft framework to them for consultation We had input from 7 professional bodies, including ARMA, AUDE, UPA (now UHR), AHUA … We held workshops and focus groups across the UK – total of 96 members of administrative staff Based on 9 key professional behaviours – talk through these – refer to detailed handout There are nine key behavioural groups: Managing self and personal skills Being aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.   Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.   Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.   Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.   Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.   Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.   Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.   Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.   Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.   Each behavioural group has been divided into three aspects. Self: behaviours that may be observed whatever the working situation Others: behaviours that may be observed when interacting with and influencing others, or when managing colleagues Organisation: behaviours that may be observed when influencing at organisational level or representing the organisation
  4. Nicola Not ‘what’ needs to be done in a role, but ‘how’ it needs to be done As much emphasis on strengths as on areas for development Applies to all administrative roles at all levels – some HEIs are considering applying it to academic roles as well The behaviours are universal and apply to all roles, but of course some are more important than others, so in working with the framework the first stage is to determine the importance rating for the job – to rank the behavioural groups 1-9 The behaviours are split into three areas: Self – behaviours that can be observed whatever the situation (hence they apply to us all) Others – behaviours that can be observed when interacting with / influencing / managing others Organisation – behaviours that can be observed when influencing at organisational level or representing the organisation This is why we’re here today – Bath is adapting the framework as part of the AUA’s CPD Framework implementation project (we are one of 21 institutions involved). We are aiming to add generic knowledge and skills and tailor the framework for our context. Individuals and managers will then identify other layers – eg specialist or departmental-specific KSB Explain about generic layer and later add a prof layer. Use me in HR as an example. May develop tools to help managers/individuals to create the prof layer?
  5. Nicola So, what does the framework add? JD / PS – we’re all used to these tell us what needs to be done and what the skills & knowledge are essential to do the role CPD – a behavioural approach - adds the how and together these three docs provide a comprehensive picture …
  6. Nicola Practical self-reflection exercise. Everyone gets a blank sheet. Go through example first.
  7. Nicola Worked example Use coloured pens if possible – 3 required. If not use an unbroken line People to work through each behaviour, individually or if it helps speaking to neighbour to reflect outloud… be honest and try to use your instinctive response – no false modesty … Remember – this is how you feel at the moment in your current role.
  8. Nicola As previous Use 2nd coloured pen if possible –. If not use an dotted line This is your aspiration in relation to your current role – helps to define what you need to work on – your personal sense of your immediate goals
  9. Nicola Use the framework to reflect on and articulate what you have learnt to articulate for your next role? Use the framework to reflect on and plan your development needs?
  10. Kim Ask delegates to think of metaphors to do with careers & jot down in pairs- then animate the images to discuss each one briefly -Finding the right fit/match -Upwards ladder or more like a climbing frame – sideways movement -Career journey/ path – forks in the road- different routes to take -Learning how to tell your story – will focus a little bit today -The career game?- certainly some rules of engagement when applying for roles - responding to the job description but do need to maintain yourself & don’t compromise your own values -Career is a network?
  11. Kim Grounded in research, before moving onto my own reflections AF encourages you to take all the development opportunities available and go on courses, but it can be harder to pursue on your own- reflect on training budgets etc. Career Support comes in lots of different forms – find a mentor & champion in the sector, someone at another university can be a good choice – outside the day to day Link lateral moves to climbing frame analogy Less clear ‘path’ , changing organisations – can show you how this works in practice with case studies later
  12. Kim KIM TO LEAD, NICOLA TO USE EXAMPLES ON GAINING MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE Say yes – exam invigilation, clearing, open days, helping at a careers event. And if these opportunities don’t come your way – ask! Identify where you need to develop & actively seek opportunities – use AUA behaviour activity What have you enjoyed about each role so far? Find more of what you like What boxes do you need to tick to move up and how can you achieve these? Kim to ask Nicola to reflect on how to gain the relevant skills to apply for a management role… MYTH BUSTING – HOW DO I GET TO HAVE A ROLE WITH LINE MANAGEMENT WITHOUT LINE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE What examples do you have where you need to draw together other staff to help you with delivery, how do you motivate, influence and feedback? Seek out: opportunities to lead projects or aspects of projects (directing, monitoring, delegating); are there opportunities in the university to get involved in voluntary events (e.g. Team lead at graduation; community activity events; open days); can you offer to be a mentor/support induction; are there specific courses on aspects you haven’t had experience of (initial line management; dealing with difficult conversations etc); get involved in interview panels; any extra-curricular examples – coaching a team, leading a community group Even if you don’t tick all the criteria apply for the role. A maternity cover could be the way into a permanent role. Outside HE? Don’t be afraid to move – if you’re in a role you don’t enjoy or can no longer grow in then move What am I enjoying about my job? What am I not enjoying? How will this influence the next job you apply for? Keep a record of what you’re doing Both are valid ways to build a career, and don’t worry if you don’t have an eventual goal. Planned Happenstance- continue to develop a broad range of experience or developing expertise in a field?
  13. Kim Trainees both inside and outside HE Make the point that some individuals have had several different roles since leaving the scheme, whereas others have stayed in one role – role can change and develop with you- may want to build expertise. Lots of reasons outside career progression why people move or don’t move – may have to consider other priorities in your life too. Trainees often ask about how long to stay in roles/how to progress upwards. I thought a few case studies could help here. Also mention my PGCert in Career Education, Information and Guidance – quals can help you move up – commitment to the role
  14. Kim
  15. Kim Explain concept of the elevator pitch (give an example?)- can be useful at networking, but also when applying for jobs – why are you right for this job question, could be answered incorporating your AF background and benefits this will bring 3 mins to mindmap ideas & feedback Holistic view of HE Build bridges between Project management Similarities and differences between institutions – what can we learn from others? Springboard Challenging institutional behaviours Innovative ideas – come up with 30 sec/1 minute pitch pitch per table? Example interview answer I would have used: ‘Whilst I haven’t worked directly in Quality Enhancement before I have developed all the skills required for the role through my 18 month Ambitious Futures Graduate scheme. To tell you a little bit about that I’ve been working in short placements across a range of professional support services at two different universities. Through these experiences I’ve really developed my report writing skills which I know are a key part of this role. I’ve been present at various high level committees and have been responsible for minute taking, as well as working in data analysis. To give you a quick example, in one of my placements I was working with the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology to apply for the University’s Athena Swan Silver Award, which involved collecting, analysing and selecting data, which will be applicable to analysing student survey results in his role. Overall I’d say the Ambitious Futures Scheme has helped me hit the ground running in each new role, as I moved onto a new placement every 5 months, so I’m able to quickly settle in, adapt to the team’s way of working and suggest improvements’.
  16. Nicola Before sharing these tips ask trainees to share best practice on the table- what tips can they give each other? What do they think effective networking is?
  17. Nicola & Kim Different types of ‘networking’ – purpose of each is a bit different Take every opportunity. Sitting down at a workshop table or in the coffee queue- just a nice little icebreaker – have you been to Manchester before? How long have you worked in HE? Any advice for me? Follow up with workshop speakers if you are interested to find out more- at the end of a session ask if you can take their details and get in touch at a later time if appropriate. (Kim – note – I actually met my current manager at a conference a few years ago, after I presented a workshop. He got in touch with me the have a phone call about some work I was doing at the time. 2 years later I applied for this job, and he remembered me!) Look at delegate name badges- try to find people at your target universities to get the inside scoop! Don’t just ask ‘do you know if there are any jobs available’- this may come naturally in the conversation. Try to get a feel for the place – you might pick up useful information which could inform your application. People like to talk about themselves! Ask them how they like working in that role/organisation Use each other! Introduce other trainees to your colleagues.
  18. Nicola & Kim Carpe Diem! Self directed approach to be alert for opportunities and capitalise on them