Semester Portfolio

Skills, Attributes and Strengths

When looking at the strenghts I posses I believe my communication skills are at the top of the list. I have always focused on the way I speak, my tone, attitude, and the words I use are specifically chosen to match the message I am trying to convey as well as the audience I convey it to. Communication is probably the largest aspect in the business world, with out communication skills you won't be able to pitch or spread your ideas successfully. Along with my communication skills, my leadership skills are at the top of the list as well. I have always found myself to be an individual who is trusted by others to lead them in the direction they want to be lead. Problem Solving is another one of my greater chracteristics. I am a very prestigious individual who is engaged by the difficulty of coming up with solutions. Other than those, some strong attributes I posses are my soft skills such as confidence, I understand the feedback and criticism that I receive, and I am very flexible meaning I can take on many different tasks. However at the top of my attributes list is that I am a team player and I have everyone's best interest in mind. I believe this trait alone makes me unique amongst many others. Not many people are wanting to see others become successful, however that is exactly what I want. I understand business is business, but I am willing to do my part as well as more to see others succeed. This trait is very important for teamwork in the business world, with the mindset of seeing others succeed and putting your trust in them there is so much more potential. As for my major and future career of being a hospital CEO, I will need to improve all of the traits I posses to the max. I will have to be able to lead and communicate with my hospitals team of doctors, accountants, etc. I will need the confidence to make tough decisions and the mind to solve problems within. However the most important will be being a team player. Without doing my part, and having the best interest for my team my business will not be successful, and I will need this attribute to see even the slightest of success.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strenghts: My greatest strenghts are my communication and leadership skills. I understand what it takes to be a leader I believe I am one. I am very organized and detail oriented, everything task has to be completed to perfection to meet my standards. I understand my priorities, and always put others above myself. Building a network has come naturally due to my communication skills.

Weaknesses: One of my weakest points are my time management skills. I am very bad at managing my time, and in most instances procrastinate to complete tasks. I do not consider myself a very artsy or creative individual. Judgement is another weakness of mine, I am quick to judge individuals. I am not much of a risk taker, but more of an individual who chooses based on previous success.

Opportunities: There are many opportunities not only at UTD but around my communty that can guide me to achieving my goals. There are clubs dedicated to my major of healthcare management, as well as professionals from the field all over the city and on campus. There are many internship opportunities at inssurance agencies as well as at hospitals. I need to hurry and puruse these opportunities before they slip away.

Threats: The only threat visible to me at this moment is competition. Healthcare management is a rather new major at UTD however the occupations are not. Other schools may have advantages, or other students at UTD who have backgrounds in the field. In order to make sure I am just as competetive I will need to engage more into the available opportunities and build a connection in the field.

Grit and Mindset

Grit is basically a personality trait, individuals that posses it usually demonstrate passion and perseverance toward a goal despite obstacles and distractions that may come in their way. Individuals who posses grit are able to diligenlt continue working on a task thats needs to be completed without needing positive reinforcement. In class we learned grit is the main trait that separates the winners from the losers. If you do not have the will to keep going whether you are being recognized for your work or not you can not be successful. I believe I am a very gritty individual and am willing to complete tasks by avoiding distractions and focusing solely at what needs to be done. As part of the course we took the grit assesment and based on the results I would say I am fairly gritty. As for my mindset I have a very positve, hardworking attitude. I keep my target insight and do whatever I can to reach my goal.

Time Management

It can not be stressed enough. Time Management is Key! Coming from Richland Collegiate High School I was already trained in managing my school work and my social life with my other life obstacles exactly like a college student would. Unlike highschool in college you are given certain due dates and alot of the time there are large gaps between those due dates. Being able to keep up with those dates is fully your responsibility. Time mangement was a great leanring aspect of this Business Basics course, as it was stressed over and over again throughout by Professor Henry as well as by the presenters. One of the key learning points was to learn how to prioritize, and facing the fact that it has become our responsibilty as college freshmen to do so ourselves.

Although Time Management is one of weaknesses I have learned how to somewhat manage my time in order to complete my school work on time. I believe the best method I learned was to just set a certain time and date to complete the task. What I currently do is mark my assignments on a calendar, and I do not go onto other things until I have completed it. When looking for methods to better manage your time it just comes down to prioritizing. When you believe something is important you will get to finsihing it as soon as possible. There is no point of adding unnecessary stress to your life when it can all be avoided. With the right mindset and the ability to prioritize managing time will not be an issue.

Degree Plan

As an incoming freshmen I have completed about 72 credit hours. While I was at Richland Collegiate High School I chose to take the classes that were needed for my major, and because of that I am looking to graduate by the end of my sophmore year. This allows me to make a choice of whether entering the work field or double majoring or even going for my masters. As you can see from my degree plan, I have the senior and junior level classes remaining. I am also thinking about taking some of these classes in the summer in order for me to complete my course work even faster. I will be speaking to advisors on any suggestions. As of now I am planning to take electives from the degree plan, as well as some from other majors. Listening to the entrepernuership and global business presentations sparked some interest and I am looking forward to enrolling in classes that could teach me business skills that would assist me in reaching my goals.

Extracurricular Activities

As of now I am currently apart of two clubs on campus. The healthcare management club and the Muslim students association (MSA). I understand in order to build connections and a network I should be more involved but due to school work I haven't been able to. I am beginning to get the hang of things and am prioritizing better so as of next semester I will be joining more organizations. I am planning on playing intramural sports this semester as well as next, specifically basketball. I want to join any honors clubs, and the entreprenuership club. I am very interested in creating my own start up and believe that joining the innovation club would be my best bet to get steered towards that goal. I have heard of a networking club, not sure how to join but I will be looking into it since it will help me with my career. I was thinking about joining a frat mainly for building connections, but with the course work, and the required internship next year I do not want to stress myself out. If I do end up joining organizations, I will make sure that they aren't taking my focus and time from school by limiting them to about 4 to 5 hours a week. I am not plannning to study abroad, but am looking for internships in the area. Currently I am a volunteer at Medical City Dallas Hospital, and am the president of a club at the hospital as well. I hope to find leadership opportunities on campus as well as it will only make my resume look much better. I am currently working part time on the weekends, which is already hard enough to juggle, but when the time comes I will drop my job for an internship inorder to get the experience I need for my career.

SMART GOALS

Strenghts:

Enroll in professional speech class

- Enrolling in a professional speech class will provide me with the tools I would need to understand how to effectively communicate with all types of listeners, as well as help me when speaking during presentations and interviews

Get Out Of My Comfort Zone

- Escaping my comfort zone will prepare me for the real world, and will allow me to become a more risk taking person rather than trying to stay safe

Weaknesses:

Joing Creativity Clubs or Art Clubs

-Joining a creativity based will club will help me expand my narrow mind, and overcome my weakness of creativity.

Give Large Presentations

- I am not to fond of speaking in front of large crowds, or to random individuals. Getting involved in giving large presenations will hopefully get rid of the fear, and will allow me to be more comfortable around strangers

Opportunity

Joining as many clubs as possible

- By joining all the clubs that are public I will be able to build connections with the others that will help me in the future

Taking Advantage of Internships

- Gaining experience through an internship will help me alot in my future career, and will basically guide me to my career

Threats

Get to know the professionals

-With my future intended career becoming a popular choice lately, many individuals are getting familiar with professionals. I will need to do the same in order to be successful.

SMART GOALS Translation

My SMART goals are basically a reflection of my SWOT analysis. I used the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to make goals to overcome and improve each of those categories. The SWOT analysis I did relates to me academically, professionally and personally. Since I have set goals based on the SWOT I should be able to overcome any weaknesses potentially improving me in each of those three categories (academically,professionally,personally).

Areas of Additional Help

As of now in my academics I am not currently needing assistance, or any other aspect on campus. However the only additional help that I can think of is the need of a mentor. Although I already have a mentor in the professional field, it is always better to have the advice of another. Currently I am looking to get closer with Dr.Berrett as he has already accomplished the goals I want to achieve.

Senior Interview

For the interview I conducted for Business Basics I decided to interview a friend of mine named Ahmed. However this was Ahmed's first year at UTD as well so the purpose of the interview was kind of defeated. Although he was not a senior he did provide me with good advice, which he had gotten from his older friends. We are currently pursuing the same degree and he gave me tips he received from his elder brother who also has a BS in healthcare management. The advice he was giving me all gravitated around getting involved on campus and in the community. He mentioned networking is a huge deal, and getting involved will help me build the network I need. I was also recommened clubs and organizations to join, as well as professors and professionals on campus to speak to for advice. Other than that the interview covered most of the basic stuff you would guess like, getting work done ahead of time, becoming familiar with your professors, and prioritizing. In the interview we also covered the fac that I should socialize and get to know people on campus. Honestly lack of socializing is what I hear about alot while on campus whether it be from students or staff. Although you do want to keep to yourself and be responsible for your studying, interacting with others on campus will keep you from going insane. In simple words, from the interview I learned that socializing and building a network for the future will definitley help me and that should be one of my top priorities.

SMART GOALS

Smart goals that would lead me to an entry level job:

- Double Majoring

-Pursuing My Masters

- Internship with a professional company

- Reccomendation from well-respected professional

- High GPA

- Build a powerful network

I believe if I can accomplish these goals, by the time I graduate I should have someone waiting to hire me right away. With the double major I will automatically draw much more attention, and with the masters I will draw even more. The internship will help me gain the experience I need and will have me ready to go work at a moments notice. If I can get close to a specific individual who has the experience in this field to guide me through the obstacles will be a great advantage on my side as it will help me prepare and overcome anything that is thrown at me. With a high gpa I will be able to impress employers because it will reflect my work ethic, especially from a respected school like UTD. And the most important of them all building a network. I have mentioned this many times, and can't empahsize it enough. Without a network you can't get the level of success you want.

First Job

My ideal first job with my healthcare management degree, would be in the administrative level of a hospital or a clinic. There is also the option of working for an issurance company like Blue Cross Blue Shield. One of my sisters friends actually has a BS in healthcare management and she graduated last spring. She is currently working for BCBS. This is actually a pretty realistic first job that I could be offered, since it isn't too high level so it does not require much experience like other positions. Also some companys like to bring in younger people like myself not only because they know we will take much lower pay than someone with experience, but because it also brings in a younger presepective. The requirements for the position will most likely be a bachelor's degree, some type of experience whether internship or previous job relating to the job offer. A realistic pay for this job could be anywhere from $65,000 to $85,000. Skills that would be needed to develop would be managerial skills and leadership skills. Internships that would prepare me for this job would be anything dealing with a managing or teamworking base. This job like I mentioned is an administrative job, and my skills fit perfectly since my strengths are leadership, communication, and being a team player. As for the managerial part, I am very organized and a great problem solver meaning I will be able to overcome all obstacles

BA Lab, Bloomsberg & Johnny Bunko

From the BA Labs, Bloomsberg newsweek articles, and Johnny Bunko , I have learned a great deal about the skills and strengths required for anyone to start up a successful business. Personally, I believe the lab section presentations are the most helpful of the entire course. The presentations in the lab section have allowed JSOM freshmen to understand the different majors, careers, and opportunities available. Through the presentations conducted by the heads of these departments the amount of information us students have been exposed to is tremendous. They have changed my focus from pursuing one major to double majoring. Hearing it from professionals from the field you get to hear the truth about the careers, and the way Dr.Berrett described the job of a CEO has become motivation for me to work even harder and to take advantage of all the opportunities that can help me achieve my goal. From the Bloomsberg articles, I was able to understand in depth why some certain business skills are required. The articles gave me an idea of what I needed to work on, and what I could improve in order for me to have the best business etiquettes. As for Johnny Bunko, although I did disagree with some of the tips, I had to accept that it was expert advice. Taking whatever I can from those who are experienced will only increase my business knowledge. In all honesty, I will remember the six tips given in the book and hopefully one day I will be able to put them to use.

Industry SWOT Analysis

What would an industry SWOT analysis look like?

Well basically it would include the four basic components, Strengths of the industry, Weaknesses of the industry, Opportunities of the industry, and the Threats of the industry. It is very common for a business to use a SWOT analysis chart in order to understand the strengths, weaknesses and the potential that specific business holds. The main point of the SWOT analysis is to layout the information needed to have the business reach its potential layed out infront of the owner. From their on the owner of that business can use that information to their advantage making improvements where needed, taking advantage of the opportunities presenting themselves, and cancelling all threats.

Long Term Goals

At this point I don't feel like I would need any promotions to further my interest in the field of Healthcare management. Through this BA 1100 course I have learned as much as there is possible about this major and the opportunities it brings forth. I am highly motivated to work my hardest to get to where I want to be. As for future promotions, just knowing that I can help others with this career is enough to keep me going.

When I first decided that I wanted to pursue a business career, the only goal I had for myself was for me to become financially successful. Over the years I have grown to understand along with money there are other things I should strive for. So as of now my long term goals are to achieve whatever I set as my goal. This is the most important, because if reaching my goal isn't my goal, how would I ever get there. Professionally I want to become the CEO of a hospital, this has been a goal of mine and one day I will achieve it. Personally, I want to be able to put other before myself. I want to be financially successful, only to take care of my family and those in need.

Community Impact

Everyone is in need of healthcare. Everyone deserves healthcare. With my specific career I will be able to make that happen. As the CEO of a hospital it will be my responsibility that the patients walking into my hospital will not be turned away due to financial struggles. I will be the one who will provide ways for them to get the medical care they need. I personally believe I am a generous individual and I will use my generosity and my career to provide for those in need. My skills of leadership, communication and problem-solving will help me achieve this goal, as they will allow me to reach others and install this same mindset into them as well. I have always been told by my family that when I do choose a career path to go down, that I should make sure I can use that career to benefit others.

Healthcare Management Journal

Innovation and Entreprenuership Journal

Johnny Bunko Journal

Insurance and PD Journal

Events Attended

- Business Idea Competition Kick Off

- Global Business Event

- Real Estate Roundtable

- Supply Chain Management Webinar