Path to Success
Developing foundations for professional success as a college student is essential. This essay will analyze and address a personalized understanding of being the most successful student possible, why the hospitality management program is the correct enrollment choice, professional goals, and how to achieve them by discussing the source material provided.
How to be a Successful Student
Understanding your learning style, utilizing provided source materials, and strengthening hard and soft skills while enrolling as a student and throughout life are necessary to become successful. This essay will address specific examples of these areas and how my success as a student will look.
Personal Learning Style
Understanding your personality and learning style is key to becoming the most successful student. To effectively understand and analyze this, the examples provided will be personal assessments of my learning style. Based on the evaluation at learningstyles.webtools.ncsu.edu, my results reveal that I am more active than reflective, intuitive than sensing, visual than verbal, and global than sequential. These results were not surprising.
According to whatismylearningstyle.com, the assessment stated that my learning style is visual. The information provided shows visual learners remember 75% of material read or seen. Visual demonstrations such as whiteboards, graphs, or other visual aids are helpful for visual learners. As a global learner, processing pictorial information rather than printed text is simpler. Personally, this makes a lot of sense, as I struggle with dyslexia being a challenge to overcome in a learning atmosphere. As a visual learner, projects and presentations are preferable formats for learning new material to me than others. Solo learning environments work best for me, where focus comes naturally and allows me to take notes with excessive detail. Written instructions with detailed timelines lead to the most successful assignments for me.
The 16personalities.com free personality test confirmed that my personality type is INFJ-T or advocate. It is my understanding that INFJs are the least common personality type. These personality types tend to be labeled as idealistic and empathetic, albeit emotional, imaginative, and loyal, sometimes to a fault. Understanding the motivations of those around me comes naturally, so providing support when needed does not feel like work, even if it leads to feeling overwhelmed. Retaking this assessment and reviewing the details regarding the INFJ-T personality was very insightful. For introverted people, meaningful relationships and social interactions are preferable to busy environments. My intuitive sense confirmed my open-mindedness and my natural feelings made me sensitive and cooperative. My Judging Tactics make perfect sense as skills such as being organized, decisive, and thorough, and my innate desire for structure and planning will not change. The T on the INFJ-T analyzes identity. The assessment showed me that feelings of self-conscientiousness, sensitivity to stress, and being a highly success-driven perfectionist are traits someone with this personality type will have to overcome.
My influential traits include being a visionary analytical person, an empathetic collaborator, a purposeful-driven professional, an insightful communicator, one with deep self-awareness, genuinely compassionate, idealistic, self-improver, emotionally connected, intuitively understanding, resilient, loyal, confident, controlled, thoughtful, and authentic. The opposite side of that coin is my weaknesses, which include being a perfectionist, conflict-avoidant, sensitive to criticism, and guarded. Fortunately for me, self-awareness is second nature, and my ability to apply these assessment results to my student role, career, and life comes easily to me.
Utilizing Source Material
The next step in being the most successful student I can be is to strategically, efficiently, and effectively utilize the resources and materials I am provided as a student. Examples of these resources include the following websites and their uses. Libguides.bellevue.edu/HMGT is a valuable online guide to the Bellevue University Library. This site has a function with five modules that take the students through a simple-to-follow guide on how to utilize the tool effectively. These modules are – Getting to Know the Bellevue University Library, Planning Your Project, Locating Information, Citing Your Sources, and Putting it All Together.
Another resource that will prove valuable is the textbooks we utilize for learning. For example, we used the APA guidebook in this class and were provided with a Business Communication for Success PDF generated by saylor.org, available at content.bellevue.edu/cas/guild/ca150/business-communication-for-success.pdf. This text covers topics such as effective business communication, how to deliver your message, understanding your audience, writing preparation for business writing, revising and feedback, developing presentations, informative and persuasive writing, and presentations, and more.
This textbook will be valuable throughout my education and beyond college. It will remain a reference tool for an entire career. A final example of a resource provided to students that will apply to this course and others is writingcommons.org. This website provides a list of articles on various relevant topics, including Writing with AI, Workplace Writing, Rhetorical Moves in Academic Writing, Finding the Bunny: How to Make a Personal Connection to Your Writing, Counterarguments – Rebuttal – Refutation, Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World, Rhetorical Appeals: An Overview, Using First Person in an Academic Essay: When is it Okay? The Ultimate Blueprint: A Research-Driven Deep Dive into the 13 Steps of the Writing Process, Felt Sense, The Elements of Style – The DNA of Powerful Writing, and Audience Awareness – How To Boost Clarity in Communications. These articles interest me, and I intend to read them for academic and personal use.
Strengthening Hard and Soft Skills
Being self-aware of my learning style and utilizing resources alone will not make me the best student possible. I will also need to improve various hard and soft skills, including self-management, problem-solving, organization, time management, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, procrastination avoidance, online learning, and stress management.
Mymanagementguide.com is an excellent resource for students looking to improve their self-management skills. Self-management is a highly sought-after skill among employers and is challenging to train new employees to have, so students need to develop this skill early. Effective self-management includes stress resistance, problem-solving, communication, time management, memory, and physical activity. My Management Guide suggests the following steps to becoming a successful self-manager: Make a to-do list, prioritize and schedule tasks, and be flexible.
Problem-solving can be difficult for some because the first step is recognizing a problem to solve, which does not always come easy. Often, the entirety of the problem is not always visible. There are several problem-solving methods, many of which are discussed in the uk.sagepub.com Chapter 11 pdf provided in our source material. Organization and time management are vital skills for student success. Understanding your time personality, how you spend your time, exercising fundamental principles of planning, utilizing academic strategies, combating procrastination, and utilizing a calendar are all effective ways to improve organization and time management as a student. The Time Life Needs, ccc.edu Time Management, and unco.edu SAS Time Management pdfs provided as source materials are great resources for students who need practice with these skills. With these sources and the activities provided, it became clear that my understanding and application of these skills are strong and practical.
Improving the skills discussed in this section will be simpler for most students once they understand the best study environment for the learner. For example, my ideal study environment is a cozy, quiet coffee shop. Spaces that allow comfort, minor background noise, space to move around, and things to look at when needed are all conducive to me as an introverted visual learner. Additionally, caffeine and snacks are always a perk! The document Metacognition and Learning provided as source material for this section details the importance of organizing your space for learning and cautions students about potential distractions.
Emotional intelligence and relationship building are soft skills that are becoming increasingly necessary to most employers. The key points to improving one's EQ are self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship management. According to – helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/emotional-intelligence-eq – My emotional intelligence is high based on the EQ assessment on verywellmind.com. The response confirms my comfort with dealing with social or emotional conflicts, my ease at expressing my feelings even in difficult or awkward situations, and that my friends rely on my support because of my ability to assist them. I must continue practicing self-awareness, self-reflection, and emotional confidence to maintain and expand my EQ.
The Psychology Today online articles provided as source material cover the topics of self-regulation, procrastination, and stress management. The elearningindustry.com article on stress management for e-learners also offered valuable insight for students like me. As an INFJ-T, self-regulation is a skill that requires practice, as it is more natural for me to focus on my feelings rather than physicality and values. When it comes to education, procrastination is simply a non-issue personally. Making education a priority and not giving in to procrastination makes me a better student. The details listed as advice for stress management in the provided source material go hand in hand with the information previously discussed in this essay. Specifically for online learners, stress management includes working in a comfortable environment, utilizing time management skills, avoiding procrastination, not over-pressure yourself (avoiding perfectionism), smiling, engaging in yoga or meditation, and getting adequate rest. These suggestions are great for online learners and anyone with a remote career working from home, primarily on a computer or online.
Why is the Hospitality Program right for me?
This section of the assignment will address my past employment, education, and passion for service. My present desire is to continue learning, why accelerated online learning is proper for me, and my motivation for growth. I will summarize my future, detailing potential career paths and professional goals and why Bellevue University will be the path to get me there.
Past: Employment, Education, and Passions
The beginning of this story starts in the summer of 2009; at a mere fifteen years old, my first place of employment was as a prep cook at a summer camp. This is where I learned all the foundational skills in the kitchen, who I was as an employee and a coworker, and the work ethic needed to succeed. Though it was for little money, I loved the work environment and community and am grateful for the passions I developed in that role. The following summer of 2010, I was prepared to return to this summer camp; however, I was given the opportunity to live in London as an in-home nanny for a two-year-old. This was an opportunity I could not say no to. This experience made me enthusiastic about travel and ingrained a deep desire to see the world. The food and hospitality I provided for the child and the family I stayed with was an experience of a lifetime.
From 2011 to 2017, I gained various education and work experience but did not have a direction or specific goals. I worked as a lifeguard and swim coach, which taught me the value of mentoring and leadership. I held many jobs at coffee shops, cafes, juice bars, and dive bars, leading me to a line cook opportunity at a favorite local business. My passion for cooking was rekindled there, and I finally decided to enroll in culinary school in January 2018.
I quickly adapted to the learning environment and was eager to impress my instructors. I earned my Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Hospitality Management in June 2019. I was fortunate to accept a position at the Great Plains Culinary Institute, where I proudly opened a coffee shop on campus. Here, I could practice creating something from scratch, expand upon my coffee knowledge, and share my experience with others. I spent six months developing and opening the coffee shop over the fall and winter of 2019. In January 2020, I enrolled as an online student in the Business Management program at Southeast Community College. This program taught me how successful I could be as an online student. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rest of the world and I had a challenging year, but we persevered. As a remote learner, I completed my Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, graduating in December 2020. I knew then further education was a path I would continue down.
I have developed a strong passion for service throughout my education and career growth. After achieving my second degree, I pondered what the world would be like post-pandemic. What new opportunities will arise? What challenges? Despite many answers to these questions, my passion never wavered. Then, I decided to open my own small coffee roasting business, utilizing the government assistance check given during the pandemic. I started this small business from my kitchen. It was with passion and dedication to my craft that I could grow my business over two years.
Present: Education and Growth
This stage of the story brings us to the present. I am proud of the accomplishments I achieved as a small business owner. As difficult as it was to develop a small business, deciding to take a break was even more difficult. I am still uncertain if my company is closed for good or on hiatus, but I am now refocusing and excited for the next step in my career, leading me here as a student. As an employee of the Great Plains Culinary Institute, I knew that it was my ambition to enroll in the Hospitality Management program at Bellevue University. I hoped to become a full-time employee of the Great Plains Culinary Institute and be granted the benefit of tuition reimbursement, but unfortunately, that never became a reality. It took time, but I am glad to have re-evaluated my position and found a way to continue my education.
I have an ardent desire to continue my education. I have dozens of subjects of interest, and I genuinely believe I could enjoy being a student for as long as possible. This program is right for me because of the online learning format and accelerated pace. As previously stated, online learning is excellent for me. I have the discipline for it, am comfortable being self-taught, and am eager to move on to the next subject at every step. The cohort system Bellevue University offers is fantastic for my lifestyle. I like that we spend six fast-paced weeks on one topic and then go to the next one.
My motivation for enrolling in this program is to search for growth opportunities. It is thrilling to have classmates across the country with a wide range of experiences. Making connections is extremely important to me, and I believe if done correctly, these relationships can lead to fantastic growth opportunities.
Future: Career Paths, Goals, and Bellevue University
Specific career path options and goals must be addressed regarding my future and why the Bellevue University Hospitality Management program is right for me. I could see myself utilizing this degree in a variety of ways. One track would be as an employee of a major hotel chain. This degree would make me a qualified candidate for a Food and Beverage Operations Manager position. Another path I am interested in is a market research role within a hotel or a food or beverage corporation. It would be of great interest to me to be responsible for researching new viable locations for potential business sites. A third option I could see myself enjoying is a role as an event coordinator in a large-scale tourism industry. Each of these fields would provide me with the specific goals I intend to achieve.
My career goals are not that different from those of most who choose this industry. I will graduate with a bachelor’s in hospitality management and continue to achieve a master’s in organizational performance. I will be hired in a position that will fulfill my desire to travel. I will build a career, achieving new stages of education, growth, and achievement in the hospitality industry. I will enjoy a job that offers me financial security and work-life balance. I will continue to develop new goals and grow personally and professionally. Bellevue University is the right choice for me and my goals because of everything it offers. The cohort and online learning opportunities are ideal for me personally and professionally. The resources provided by Bellevue are thorough and helpful. The connections to students across the country will lead to unknown career opportunities.
Professional Goals and How to Achieve Them
This essay's concluding section will address my professional goals and how I plan to achieve them. I will explain these goals by applying the assessment results described in part one and utilizing my experience explained in part two to support my further education and career growth.
Ten Year Plan
Fall 2025
One year from now, in the fall of 2025, I will be nearing the end of the Hospitality Management Program. It is then that I will begin applying for employment in applicable fields. I will have spent my time as a student becoming an expert in Hospitality Management, making myself a qualified candidate for roles such as a food and beverage manager, a market researcher, or a venue manager/event coordinator. In the fall of 2025, I will also prepare to apply to Bellevue University's Organizational Performance Master’s program. One additional personal and professional goal is to visit Canada for the first time in 2025.
2030
By 2030, I will have achieved a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and a master’s degree in organizational performance. At this stage, I will determine if a doctorate in business administration or a PhD in human capital management are viable continuing education opportunities. With the education I will have accomplished by 2030, I will be employed in a growing career that provides me with financial stability, compensatory benefits, work-life balance, and the ability to travel. My rotating vacation plan will allow me to visit seven new states in these five years and fifteen new countries. I will enjoy smaller trips in familiar locations, too.
2035
Ten years from now, I will have a thriving career and be an industry leader. My personal and professional goal is to publish a book at this stage. The topic of this book will focus on my professional experiences in an autobiographical self-help format. It will include details of how I achieved success in the hospitality industry and details of how the industry is an ever-evolving space. By 2035, I will have added ten more states and five more countries to my travel destinations. Much of my book will be about travel and experiences in new locations.
Motivators and Action Plan
My motivation to achieve these goals is simple. Seeing the world, developing a sense of success, and creating constant evolution of self and personal growth. My travel plan is to enjoy a one-night trip every seven weeks, a three to four-night trip every seven months, a seven to eight-day trip once annually, and a one-month trip every five years. In 2025, for example, I will visit Westin, MO, in January for one night, Orlando, FL, for three nights in February, Des Moines for one night in April, Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, for a total of eight nights in June, Sioux Falls SD for one night in August, the Black Hills for three nights in September, Kansas City for one night in November, and Omaha one night in December. I have planned many of my destinations for years and am determined to travel following this plan.
My drive to achieve a sense of success is deeply ingrained in me. Not only do I intend to be a lifelong learner, but I also intend to be a lifelong achiever. I aim to expand and share knowledge by making valuable connections with the people I meet and work with throughout my career and travel. I will achieve this by being open-minded and focused on personal growth, viewing every day as an opportunity to gain experience. I will reach the goals detailed in this section by being a resolute student, seeking employment with growth opportunities, and making valuable connections every chance possible.
Conclusion
In summary, to be the most successful student possible, it is essential to understand one's learning style, utilize the resources provided, strengthen skills in strong self-management, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, procrastination avoidance, online learning, and stress management, and demonstrate practical writing skills. Enrolling in the most effective program that is the right fit to develop current passions, expand upon the motivation for growth, and be a stepping-stone toward the future, where an established plan of smart goals is in place, will lead to overall success. Developing foundations for professional success as a college student is essential.