If you include your Skills Analysis “as is” in your Digital Portfolio, be sure to provide links to the actual documents,
presentations, photos, videos, etc. Also be sure that whenever possible they are in a format that all (or almost all)
users will be able to access.
Name
Digital Portfolio
February 8, 2010
Skills Analysis
Skills Analysis
My post-secondary plans are to pursue a career in the medical field. The skills that I feel are most important in this endeavor
are Oral Communication, Collaboration, Work Ethic, and Critical Thinking. Doctors have to be able to think on their feet,
address problems quickly and clearly, and be able to work with others in the hospital to help as many patients as possible.
Below is an analysis of my skills in the four learning outcome most important to me and evidences that will depict how I have
learned to master these skills.
Collaboration
Collaboration is an important aspect of life because teamwork can lead to outstanding accomplishments. This learning
outcome applied to the individual’s ability to play an active role in getting tasks organized and completed, demonstrate a
willingness to help others, and create a positive work environment. Being able to cooperate and work in a respectful and
productive environment with others is not only useful for me right now, but also in the future. Collaboration has been
fundamental skill taught to students at Taylor since our school was first developed. From the very first day of my academic
career at Taylor, I have been exposed to collaboration. From working on science protocols to assembling PowerPoints for
projects has all been the product of collaboration. This skill will forever be with me in the future. Whether you’re a doctor,
engineer, scientist, lawyer, or construction worker, all of these occupations require for you to work with other people in order
to produce the best results. Collaboration goes hand in hand in the medical field because I will need to work with others
doctors in order to make the best decision for my patients.
Evidence
Since my first year at Taylor, I have maintained an “A” average in the category of collaboration for all of my classes. Ranging
from science fair projects to social studies fair projects to research projects; I have always been able to make use of my
collaboration skills. I have worked on various group based projects with classmates. I feel that the overall outcome of these
projects were a success due to our collaboration.
Work Ethic
In order to be successful in anything that one commits oneself to, high work ethic will ensure that the commitment is
accomplished in the highest degree. This learning outcome category applies to the student’s ability to be prepared to work
each day, arrive on time to a scheduled appointment, stay focused on the task, follow directions, and meet all deadlines set.
There cannot be enough stress placed upon this skill. I believe that in order for me to succeed in the medical field, I must
demonstrate great work ethic. There will be numerous people depending on me placing their lives in my hands. I cannot
become lazy and lack work ethic because I am not only risking my job, but I am also risking my patients’ lives. Work ethic is
a reflection of who I am as an individual; therefore, I must place great importance on it. It is crucial that I display positive
work ethic right now because my grades depend on it. If I become lazy now; then I will not be able to complete my dreams
and aspiration for the future.
Evidence
I have always worked very hard on every task given to me. Even from elementary school I would submit my work in on time
and follow all directions given to me. I have maintained above 95% in work ethic for all of my classes during high school.
With every commitment that I make, whether it is organizing prom or Ring Ceremony, I have always come through in
completing them.
Oral Communication
Communication is the key to every job. This is because without communication between people nothing can get done
correctly. Oral communication is the ability to communicate effectively during presentations or projects, including such
aspects as eye contact, awareness of the audience, and posture. Oral communication is the way we communicate with one
another and get our ideas across in the best way possible. The incapability to orally communicate with co-workers will limit
me in my career. Without oral communication skills, I will not be able to communicate with other doctors and specialists to
detect the illnesses of my patients and help them in the most effective ways possible. The mastering of oral communication
is a key for me to be able to provide my services to my patients. It is essential that I can communicate with my patients to
explain to their prognosis and how to cure them of the problems that they are experiencing.
Evidence
My oral communication skill has improved greatly over the years. In the past, I was too timid and nervous to speak in front of
people and in public. I have overcome this challenge due to the extensive stress on oral communication at Taylor. I have
had to present numerous presentations that required me to speak publicly to a large audience while maintaining a strong
tone and limiting my verbal fillers. I was able to go through numerous interviews with panels, such as the Senior Project
Panel and the Jefferson Parish Student of the Year Panel, both which commended me for my oral communication skills.
Critical Thinking
Being able to think critically is more than just knowing the content materials of a subject. It applies to the ability to analyze,
synthesize, and evaluate information in a logical and meaningful manner. Critical thinking skills will allow me to go beyond
the surface content areas and make the further useful inferences. This is essential in the medical field. I must be able to
analyze data and procedures in order to synthesize the best treatment plan after diagnosing a patient. Without critical
thinking, I will have the content that I need to help and patient but I will not know how. I will not be able to apply my
knowledge and give the best prognosis. Illnesses can be complicated and unpredictable; therefore, thinking critically will
ensure that I can be the best of my job in the medical field.
Evidence
Since coming to Taylor, I think more deeply about assignments and problems that occur in my life. In a typical school,
content is the main focus, unlike Taylor. For example, instead of writing a paper about global warming, I must also devise
ways to solve this problem. Being able to practice this skill has given me the opportunity to apply it to my Senior Project. I
have received high scores in critical thinking maintaining an “A” average during my academic career at Taylor.
Every skill that we have obtained in life is important, but some can be more beneficial than others. I feel that skills such as
critical thinking, oral communication, work ethic, and collaboration are important in making me a better person and will help
me achieve my goals. These essential skills are not only helpful in school, but for me as an adult in the future.