My Leaning Line

My VARK Score

The VARK test is a test to determine a person's strong points comprehending information.  The categories are Visual, Aural, Reading, and Kinesthetic (hence V.A.R.K.)    

My VARK score after completing the questionnaire was as follows:

Vs = 5
As = 9
Rs = 9
Ks = 6

I do not totally agree with this description. Visual would be not be my least effective method of obtaining information. I do take in information from charts, graphs, pictures etc. I would say just as much as read/write if not more. I would say that read/write is a learning skill that I know works for me but it would be the least attractive learning style for me to use as my mind gets distracted easily when trying to learn from reading/writing. I like to listen to lecturers to take in information as long as I can ask questions and interact so as not to get left behind as I loose concentration if this happens. I also learn from the hands on approach and interaction in a practical sense. I would have expected my scores to be around the same level for each action as I am a multi-modal learner and do use all techniques at different times to take in information.  

My MBTI Personality Type

E = Extravert       I = Introvert
S = Sensing         N = Intuition
T = Thinking       F = Feeling
J = Judging         P = Perceiving


ESTJ

Practical, realistic, matter-of-fact. Decisive, quickly move to implement decisions. Organize projects and people to get things done, focus on getting results in the most efficient way possible. Take care of routine details. Have a clear set of logical standards, systematically follow them and want others to also. Forceful in implementing their plans.
(Taken from www.myersbriggs.org)


I calculated myself as someone with the personality of ESTJ. I have taken an exert from myersbriggs.org on an explanation to this character. This definately does describe my personality very well as I do implement all these traits in my everyday working and social life. 

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a useful tool for taking stock of your situation. It is a simple way of analyzing your level of readiness for a new task. It can take you to the core of an issue very quickly.

SWOT stands for STRENGTHS, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES and THREATS.

As I begin my university career what am I…….

STRENGTHS: such as personal qualities, skills, experiences, knowledge, resources and support.

WEAKNESS: such as personal qualities, skills, experiences, knowledge, resources and support.

OPPORTUNITIES: Look at what you might think that university life may offer you in the long term.

THREATS: what worries you, what do you find a challenge etc.

Strengths

Professional, Reliable, Hard Working, Punctual, Honest, Trustworthy, Electrical installation and technical knowledge, Financial and managerial knowledge, Dedication, Able to listen, Patient, Open minded, Organised.  

Weakness

Engineering and technical knowledge. Loose track sometimes if I feel I am getting left behind academically. 

Opportunities

Greater career prospects, Wider knowledge field, Better understanding of my chosen engineering career path.

Threats

Being able to find enough time because of work and other commitments to study out of university hours, being able to keep up with the mathematics. 

About Me

Hi

My name is Jordan Holtby-Smith. I am 27 years old and have been a self employed qualified electrician for 7yrs. Up until this April I was the MD of Nomak Electrical Ltd which was created as a partnership 4yrs ago by myself and a friend. I took over the sole directorship of this company after 1yr as the partnership did not fully work out. Nomak Electrical Ltd preceded to do very well and at one stage had 8 employees. Due to the recession and lack of work this and the previous year I had to cease trading in April 2010 and return to acting as a sole trader. I do not regret starting or trying to make this company work as it has taught me a lot of valuable skills in business in a very short space of time which I do not think I would have gained otherwise. I was responsible for the daily running of the company along with sourcing work, creating and managing all paperwork, dealing with all employees and existing clients and also paying wages, dealing with multiple invoicing and dealing with all HMRC tax/vat payments.

This September I have started a 6 year part time BEng (hons) degree in integrated/mechanical engineering with Anglia Ruskin University. My career goal is to be a registered Incorporated Engineer with the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) and to move into the electrical engineering/design career field. I know this is a good career step as I already possess a substantial amount of knowledge of the electrical industry and I can use this knowledge as a good stepping-stone to gaining a degree. 

If you have any questions, views or queries please don't hesitate to contact me.

Many Thanks,

Jordan.