Identity Portfolio Part 2: Professional Self

1. What is your purpose to work? Identify at least three reasons. (1 paragraph) My purpose to work is to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I want to support and advocate for families, children, and populations in need. There are many different populations in need such as low-income families, children, and youth experiencing abuse, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and etc. These groups each have unique needs and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. When we uplift these vulnerable populations our society as a whole improves as well.
2. What motivates you? Identify at least three reasons. (1 paragraph) My motivation is becoming closer and closer to meeting my goals. It took a lot to get where I am today as a first-generation student with my loved ones supporting me so I want to become as great as I can be. Whether that means growing in my internships, pursuing my master’s, or even eventually climbing the chains of command. Being a first-generation student is a huge responsibility because I want my younger sister, niece, and nephew, and my future children to know higher education is possible. I also want to make the people who have supported me throughout this entire process to be proud.
3. How does your “why” impact your career path? Identify at least three reasons (1 paragraph) My why impacts my career because it’s all I can imagine doing with my life because it aligns with my values, my personal connection with social work, and my passion for working with children. My personal values include compassion, empathy, and service. I feel my purpose is to serve others while practicing both compassion and empathy. Social work has also had a huge impact on my own personal life so I feel like I can better relate and understand my future clients. I am also motivated to work with children because I want to be able to protect them and give them a voice.
4. What jobs/experiences have made you feel fulfilled? Identify three (1 paragraph) Once I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and helped build homes for low ses populations. This was very fulfilling because we met the people we were building the houses for and got to see how grateful they were. A fulfilling moment while working at Target was being a personal shopper for a woman with visual impairment. It felt good to provide assistance and to be there for someone in need. Another experience at Target that made me feel fulfilled was being recognized for the extra work I would help with.
5. How can a future career align with those experiences?  Connect the three above with future career alignment (1 paragraph) My future career aligns by serving others through selfless acts and compassion. I think my experience at HFHI aligns oftentimes I will be able to see my clients progress throughout intervention. Being a personal shopper will also align because my career will provide me the tools to continue to meet people’s needs. And finally, my work will be easily recognizable consistently when reviewing agency goal progression.
6. Reflect on the work/volunteer experiences you have had?
   1. What did you enjoy? Identify three (1 paragraph) I currently work at Shogun Steakhouse as a server and I enjoy the fast-paced environment, social interaction, and the teamwork. The fast-paced environment helps me stay busy and feel productive. I enjoy the social interaction between customers and my co-workers because I would describe myself as a social person. I love learning more about the people I talk to. I also enjoy the teamwork it makes me feel supported and cared for.
   2. What did you not enjoy (Identify three (1 paragraph) Working as a server also has its cons like overwhelming responsibilities, unguaranteed pay, and a constant need for a positive attitude. Some of my responsibilities include not only tending to tables but also multiple side jobs. In order to close on time we must make time to finish all necessary tasks. A servers pay also depends on the decision of the customer, so even if issues occur not involving the server it can put our pay in jeopardy. Also regardless of what is going around you, you are expected to maintain a positive attitude which can be difficult sometimes.
7. What hard and soft skills do you possess?  Identify three each. Soft: emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication. Hard: computer technology, research, and academic writing.
8. If someone were to describe what you were good at, what would they say? Identity three things (1 paragraph)
9. Who do you know that has the coolest job you have ever heard of?  Why is it so great? What about your potential career path/major aligns with this job?  1 paragraph The coolest job I have ever heard of is a zoo keeper. I think it is the coolest because you get paid to tend to animals and can work with some of the most exotic animals. I love many types of animals and have always enjoyed caring for my pets. I think this job can align with my major because I can practice earning trust and meeting one’s needs.
10. Take the top four NACE career competencies.  How has something you have done show that you have that competency? 1 paragraph Critical thinking as an employee involved problem-solving when mistakes were made at work while still managing to meet the guest’s needs. Professionalism as an Intern consisted of coming to an interview prepared and ahead of time. Communication as an employee required when going back to school for the fall I communicated with my boss about the dates of my absence. Teamwork as a student involves working on group projects we divide up tasks fairly and make sure all input is taken into consideration.
11. Identify 3 people who you can connect with to ask about their career journey.  You want to list their name, occupation, and contact information. Dr JoEllen Pederson, Associate Professor of Sociology, pedersonjg@longwood.edu. Professor Ian Danielsen, Associate Professor of Social Work, danielsenim@longwood.edu. Lee Kendall, Early Intervention manager, leekl@longwood.edu.