Personal Development Analysis

Naturally, I always expected university to be a challenge and now that I am in my second teaching block, my expectations have not changed. This essay intends to clarify my development over my first year at university. For this reason, the main points of focus will be firstly my personal development, secondly feedback and finally group work. These factors will subsequently be analysed in detail.

To begin with, I will identify my personal development. Initially I was scared to start university because I did not know what to expect, but I was still excited and felt that I was ready for the next step of my life.

Having to build an entirely new network of friends was going to be difficult. However, I soon learned that surrounding myself with

I have not only grown academically but university has taught me how to be confident, independent and dedicated. I consider these to be my strongest attributes, most importantly the independence I have taken on. This has stemmed from the switch from being mothered and encouraged by school teachers to holding big responsibilities. The independence I have established has helped me come to grips with the fact that It is up to me to study and complete my assignments on time and to the best of my ability. I understand that I must maintain these skills to be successful at university.

Commercial awareness is an area of law that does not interest me and a skill that I lack. I assumed that it was only commercial firms that looked for this skill. However, I have come to realise that this is a skill needed in all areas of law. I hope to increase this by attending any commercial awareness events. Nevertheless, if there are no events available then I would have to start staying up-to-date on daily happenings in the commercial world. I could do this over the summer by watching business news and researching, to eliminate any concerns for 2nd

At first I thought this could be a weakness for me in group work. However, I overcame this issue in the Art of Persuasion (AOP) which required me to perform speeches and presentations. This experience gave me confidence and I rapidly established the role of a leader within the ELS group work. This was perhaps due to no one initially adopting this role. Having held this role, I would feel comfortable holding this role again. Although I will not have AOP next year, I intend to retain my confidence in ‘Advocacy and practice theory’. This group work has made me realise that leadership comes naturally for me and it can be used positively within a