PART II. 3: Self-Development Competencies---Competency Three (3): Human development and career choice

Competency 3: Human Development and Career Choice

Introduction

One of the most fascinating aspects of life has to do with human development or growth.

All the way from conception, to birth, and then, childhood, teenage, adulthood, etc., every stage

is full of surprises even mysteries. And as one develops, there are multiples choices to make left and right, voluntarily or involuntarily, yet they are to be made because, even not choosing is a choice which can be very risky and detrimental if not well thought through.

Some key question remain, though, and that is: How can one get the best formation for a nice career? How can one make judicious choices particularly when in comes to employment and career? These pertinent questions, though not easy to answer will constitute the essence of this competency paper.

Definitions

Before attempting to understand and know what human development and career choice is like, I think that it is always good to first proceed with the definitions of some key terms in order to be on the page.

Human development

Maryville University (2022) considers human development as “a branch of psychology with the goal of understanding people—how they develop, grow, and change throughout their lives” (p. 2). Moreover, Wake Forest University (nd) stresses that “humans spend their lives transitioning through phases of their development . . . human development is a lifelong process and includes cognitive, behavioral, physical and emotional growth . . . [In short], the essence of life comes from constant changes . . . [which] impact the psychological and mental parts of the human body ” (pp.1, 2).

Personal development

To the question, “what is personal development?” the UK College of Personal Development (nd) answers the following way: “Personal development is the conscious pursuit of personal growth by expanding self-awareness and knowledge and improving personal skills . . . It is the process of realizing capabilities, unleashing potential, and achieving goals, personally and professionally. You must be willing to pursue the journey of personal growth by becoming more self-aware and learning” (pp. 1, 5).

Moreover, I’ve found a very interesting definition of personal development from Stunning Motivation: The Kick you need in Life (2022, March 3) which I think needs the attention of the reader. It goes as follows: “Although most people have no idea what exactly personal development is and they don’t have a clear plan for it, it is a topic I believe we all must understand because life itself is continuous learning progress. And so if you ignore or you don’t consciously make plans for improvement, you may eventually wake up one day and discover that you’re actually living a life that you don’t like and it may be too late to change by then” (p. 1). I think this is very true and profound. It somehow actually happened to me. I will explain it in the main body of this paper.

Student development theory

Patton, et al (2016) define student development theory as follows: “Student development theory is a collection of theories related to college students that explain how they grow and develop holistically, with increased complexity, while enrolled in a postsecondary educational environment” (p. 6).

Any difference between self-development and personal development?

The UK College of Personal Development (nd) finds that there is a difference between the two. “Personal development focuses on adding new skills and ways of achieving goals in life. Self-development is focusing on improving the things that are already in your life” (p. 5). That’s quite interesting. At first, I didn’t see much difference but they were able to bring it out.

Career

A career is “a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling . . . a field for or pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement especially in public, professional, or business life”—Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Community service

Community service is a kind of “work that is done without pay to help people in a

community”—Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Volunteer experience

Volunteer experience is “an unpaid structured learning experience where individuals donate their services to nonprofit or public-sector employers for civic, religious, or humanitarian objectives” Law Insider (p. 1).

Some competency components

The various components of this section of study are basically built upon the following concepts: (1) continuous learning and personal development, (2) career choices, (3) community service & volunteer experience.

Continuous learning & personal development

From the Berkeley Well-Being Institute, we read that “personal development can be any skill that you want to develop to improve yourself. But it doesn't really matter which skills you want to improve, the key to personal development is taking the right steps — steps that help ensure that you reach whatever goal you are pursuing (p. 2).

According to the UK College of Personal Development, personal development is defined as “a powerful process that can enable deep positive and lasting change to how we see ourselves and the world . . . Personal development is the conscious pursuit of personal growth by expanding self-awareness and knowledge and improving personal skills” (pp. 1, 2). Here too, we are told that “personal development is a lifelong process” (p. 2) as human development, and quoting Carl Gustav Jung, the UK College of Personal Development wrote a saying at the beginning of their presentation that somehow sums things up: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate” (p. 1). Additionally, Stunning Motivation: The Kick Your Need in Life (2022, March 3) gives seven “(7) reasons why personal development is important to your success” (p. 1) which are: (1) expands your perspective, (2) improves your mental strength, (3) grows your confidence, (4) makes you gritty, (5) provides a sense of direction, (6) improves your focus and effectiveness, (7) makes you more successful (pp. 2, 3). From my personal experience, I can see that I identify with all the above.

Student development theory

This section deals with a specialized group of the humankind. As it was already presented by Patton, et al (2016) in the definition section above, the definition of student development theory is “a collection of theories related to college students that explain how they grow and develop holistically, with increased complexity, while enrolled in a postsecondary educational environment” (p. 6), it becomes more evident that it is an attempt to explain how a college student grows as he/she increases in his/her knowledge intellectually, socially, emotionally, even physically.

Eriksonian theory and other theories of human development

Erik Erikson, known as ego psychologist came up with his eight stages of human development: (1) Infancy: Trust vs Mistrust; (2) Toddlerhood: Autonomy vs shame and doubt: (3) Preschool years: Initiative vs guilt; (4) Early school years: Industry vs inferiority; (5) Adolescence: Identity vs role; (6) Young adulthood: intimacy vs Isolation; (7) Middle adulthood: Generativity vs Stagnation; (8) Late adulthood: Integrity vs Despair (see Maryville University, nd, pp. 6).

Apart from Erikson, there are other theories that are worth mentioning so as to get acquainted with them as well. Jean Piaget and his Cognitive development in three stages (sensorimotor, preoperational, and concrete operational).

Another theorist is Lawrence Kohlberg and his Moral development (preconventional, conventional, and postconventional).

Then we have Sigmund Freud and his Psychosexual Theory (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital).

There was also John B. Watson and his Behavioral Theory (Asocial or pre-attachment—birth to 6 weeks old; indiscriminate attachment—6 weeks old to 7 months old; specific or discriminate attachment—7-9 months old; multiple attachments—10 months old and later).

Another theorist is known as Albert Bandura and his Social Learning Theory (attention; retention; reproduction; motivation).

Lev Vygotsky also developed a theory called Scociocultural Theory. There are many more but let me stop here and say that all these are fields for study and improvement to acquire more knowledge in those various areas as far as I am concerned. I would comment any further because I am waling on Jay Brand’s sacred ground.

Career choices

Following the definition of “career choice” above, it becomes very clear and important that the career one choses is of great importance in one’s life. The career choice needs to be in line with one’s aspirations, motivations, and passion that one would like to achieve in life. Otherwise, instead of finding satisfaction in that line of activity, it rather becomes a burden, a form of curse since one is not free in performing and growing in that career. There are many testimonies of young people who happened to earn a degree of their parents’ choice but their passion was somewhere else. This can be seen as some waste of resources (purpose) because such a person will not be happy and able to produce the best of himself/herself since the driving fuel (passion) is lying dormant, waiting for the right choice and motivation to be unleashed.

Community service & volunteer experiences

Community service and volunteer experience constitute a very important aspect of one’s

life. In fact, Brunner (nd) argues that “volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, and it also has numerous benefits for you as an individual” (p. 1). In addition, Brunner points out some important benefits that are related to volunteerism such as (1) Volunteering offers you the opportunity to gain skills that are transferable into formal employment . . . (2) Learning how to work together with others to achieve a common goal is a basis tenet of the workplace—showcasing your volunteer work in your resume signals to a recruiter that you’re capable of working in a team for the good of an organization, institution, or a company . . . (3) Volunteering says a lot about you as a person It can help present you in a more positive light while improving your professional standing . . . (4) It makes your resume stand out . . . (5) It broadens your perspective in allowing you to work with people you wouldn’t be able to meet and work with otherwise . . . (6) It gives you a chance to network, etc. (pp. 2-6). I like volunteering to serve during events such as Andrews University “Change Day” every September and Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC—“Village Spruce Up” every November), etc.

Acquisition of competency

I came to acquire competency in the area of human development and career choice when it was almost too late. Fortunately, being a Christian believer (and a gospel minister for that matter), I believe the Lord Christ Jesus saw my real need (my passion for knowledge and the truth from childhood), and He allowed me to leave my leadership position and come back to school. When I arrived at Andrews University on May 6, 2016 to start the Summer program with the English as a foreign language to brush up my English (being French speaking), I discovered that the knowledge industry had gone far, and I was left far behind. I then had to try catching up because while I was in the mission field, the knowledge industry business (at least concerning Adventist education) had moved from the lecture system (knowledge consumption) to the research system (knowledge production), and I was lost. I quite clearly remember when Randy Siebold advised that should take some independent courses with Dr. Tevni Grajales which I did (two courses), starting with EDRM 505 Research methods (see materials here), then EDRM 605 Qualitative research methods (materials below), followed by EDRM 611 Applied Statistics I (materials below), and EDRM 712 Applied Statistics II (materials below), with Dr. Jimmy Kijai. That is how I eventually managed to upgrade myself.

However, there was another big gap that needed filling, and that was the online system with the course materials and the assignments, not given the students by the lecturer/professor in the classroom but those were to be found online (through the LearningHub). Here too, I was completed lost. My very first class was EDAL 535 Principles of academic writing with Becky de Oliveira (see materials below). I called Becky and wanted to book for an appointment with her but she was not available because she was in Colorado. She then told me that I would be able to see her during the 2017 Summer program, and here I was in her class in Fall 2016. I was, sincerely speaking, desperate because during our time (the lecture system which I jokingly call “the Old Testament time”), the smart student would spend his/her first class meetings to study the lecturer or professor as Christensen and Eyring (2011) presented it so well concerning the approach to study whereby, Clark’s uncle advised his nephew, Clark: “Don’t courses, take professors” (p. 252), and it did serve him well at that time. I was used to that too. So far, it had served me very well. Now, I could not even see the teacher. Fortunately, everybody in my Department saw how depressed and desperate I was, and they all rallied around me to assist me, and little by little, I was able to come out of that horrible academic crisis.

I still have a lot to learn, and I believe this human or personal development competency is fundamental for everybody to embark upon in order to acquire and master more knowledge.

Future plans

My God is big, very big, and almighty. Therefore, I always dream big and do it multi-dimensionally as listed below.

Socio-cultural

Developing a social network

I intend to develop a social network of retirees so as to tap the knowledge and the know-how of those who are still strong to prepare for the launching of the ministry that I am planning to put up (see under “Denominational”).

Engaging in social welfare

I can see that the social welfare is more or less left with the Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA). I would like to establish one that will minister alongside with ADRA but focusing on both the relief and the developmental aspects of human transformational life for a holistic approach to development, ministry as well as the plan of redemption.

Denominational

Completing the 65-year policy in the ministry

I need to go back to Africa in order to complete my mission over there in fulfilling the 65-year policy for duly processed retirement to the glory of my Lord, King and God.

Creating a ministry

The ministry will be established to fulfill the social welfare project in order to attend to people needs and dreams to change their lives for the better and bless others while waiting for the appearing of King Christ Jesus. I am still working on the logo. As soon as it is ready, I will have it registered before launching it. I am very excited about it because it will couple both Theology and socio-economic welfare as Jesus used to minister to people during His earthly ministry.

Intellectual (mental)

Writing devotional books

God has done so much in my life. I have so many testimonies to put down in writing to encourage other people while I am still around and when I will be gone.

Keeping on growing intellectually

My intellectual growth must carry on. I don’t want to experience what I experienced in 2016 any longer. I should keep pace with the knowledge business industry as long as my God allows me to be around and able to function.

Completing my formation in diplomacy

I am planning to enroll into the Institute of International Relations in my home country in order to complete my formation in diplomacy. During my leadership, WAD office became the only Division out of the 13 world divisions to have a diplomatic status in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (signed in 2012—see below).

Sharing knowledge in teaching

Teaching some of the competencies that I presented in the portfolio for sharing knowledge with others.

Writing academic articles and books

I am planning to contribute to the knowledge business industry in writing and publishing articles and books for my contemporaries and following generations.

Conclusion

As it is commonly said about human muscles that “a muscle that does not work atrophies,” this same principle can apply to human life. People who do not keep on working and developing end up weakening themselves, becoming irrelevant, useless, and very soon, they will discover that they have become outdated, obsolete. I think no one would like to feel or be seen as such. Therefore, it’s a very good thing to keep learning, developing oneself for our own good, our family, and for the good of society as a whole, and this as long as we can.

That’s why, I keep on moving. After the DMin in 2010, I found myself back to school in 2016, and now, by the grace of God, I have gone through the PhD in Higher Education Program. What’s next? I don’t know. However, I will keep on improving upon the skills I have acquired in order to make them sharper, more useful for my own satisfaction, and for the blessing of humanity. No more staying out of the knowledge industry business as I did some years ago. I don’t want to go through the same bitter experience I went through before I could catch up after a lot of hard work. It is far better even critical to remain current.

Reference

Christensen, C. M., Eyring, H. J.. (2011). The innovative university: Changing the DNA of higher education from the inside out. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Davis, T. (nd). Personal development: Definition, skills, and plan. Berkeley Well-Being Institute. Retrieved from (https://www.bing.com/search?q=Definition+of+%22volunteer+experience%22&search=&form=QBLH&sp=-1&pq=definition+of+%22volunteer+experience%22&sc=10-36&qs=n&sk=&cvid=81FA639662A3479FA2BC80BD0A70C72A&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=.

Law Insider. (nd) Retrieved from https://www.bing.com/search?q=Definition+of+%22volunteer+experience%22&search=&form=QBLH&sp=-1&pq=definition+of+%22volunteer+experience%22&sc=10-36&qs=n&sk=&cvid=81FA639662A3479FA2BC80BD0A70C72A&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=.

Maryville University. (2022). What is human development and why is it important? Retrieved from https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/human-development-and-family-studies/resources/stages-of-human-development/.

Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M. & Quaye, S. J. (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

ProfileTree. (2022). Personal and Professional Development (PPD): The ultimate Guide.` Retrieved from https://profiletree.com/personal-and-professional-development/#:~:text=Essentially%2C%20personal%20and%20professional%20growth%20is%20all%20about,find%20ways%20of%20working%20faster%20and%20more%20effectively.

Stunning Motivation: The Kick You Need in Life. (2022, March 3). 7 reasons why personal development is important to your success. Retrieved from https://stunningmotivation.com/personal-development-important/#:~:text=7%20Reasons%20Why%20Personal%20Development%20is%20Important%20to,...%207%207.%20Makes%20you%20more%20successful%20.

Wake Forest University (nd). What is human growth and development? Retrieved from https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/human-growth-and-development/.

EDAL 675: College Student Development Theory (Personal Reflection)

EDAL 675: College Student Development Theory ( Spiritual Development)

EDAL 675: College Student Development Theory (Cross cultural interview)