Introduction

Hello, my name is Christine Lee Boyle (ECU Student Id: 2033868) and this is my portfolio.

I have completed a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in Accounting and International Business and a Bachelor of Arts Psycholgy degree at Edith Cowan University. I am currently completing Honours Psychology also at ECU to meet the Australian Psychological Society requirements so that I can onde day register as a Psychologist if I choose to. I have been studying at university since 2003, whilst also participating in various work opportunities based around my mode of study. My employment history includes various industries such as retail, hospitality, travel and administration, as I chose to undertake new opportunities if they became available to me, to assist me in identifying areas of employment I am competent at and enjoy.

I also participate in volunteer programs from time to time if I feel I am in a position to help others or to further my self-development. Previously, I have undertaken academic workshops to assist me in my studies and elective training for work to gain skills and qualifications that have allowed me to perform additional tasks in my employment, such as a RSA and LLC certificate that made it possible for me to provide alcohol to guests after hours while working in a hotel. I am currently a Peer Mentor in ECU's Resistance and Persistence Transition Support Program (RaPTS) and help first year psychology students with their transition into university.

I am interested in pursueing a career in psychology as I find it intriguing that there remains so much in this field that is unconfirmed about how and why individuals act the way they do. Also, I have observed many members of my family, including my mum and dad in how they have been affected by the negative and harmful relationships they had with their parents. This encouraged me to study psychology so that I can one day help other families and protect children from abuse. It is also a career I believe I will find enjoyable and rewarding each day.

The aim of this portfolio is to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies I have developed over the nine years I studied at ECU and in my work experience. I expect it will convey who I am as a person, what I hope to gain from my studies and self-development and my goals for the future to develop the necessary skills and qualifications to pursue a career in psychology and child welfare. I believe these are important to improve my employability on both a personal and professional level.

Personal Development Plan

Career options considerations
I have decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree and subsequent post-graduate studies at Edith Cowan University, because I am very interested in human behaviour and helping people (School of Psychology). I want to be able to support individuals and families who require help with personal development, referrals, advocacy and general welfare to improve their circumstances.

Brief timeline for next five years:
November 2011 - successful completion of my E95 Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree with a course average above 70%
2011 - 2013 - continue employment as Ward Clerk at Bentley Health Service, while I complete my studies part-time
February 2012 - commencement of 4th Year Honours at ECU
August 2012 - get married to my fiance Nathan at the Peel Manor House in Karnup, with forty of our closest friends and family present to witness and celebrate with us
November 2013 - complete 4th Year Honours Psychology with a HD average
November 2013 - attain employment as support worker in children and family welfare after completion of post-graduate studies
October 2014 - travel overseas to Cook Islands at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa to celebrate my first year wedding anniversary, contact Aitutaki Lagoon Resort
June 2015 - travel overseas to UK and Europe to visit family and to do a food tour through France, Spain, Italy and Morocco, contact Gourmet Safari

Goals for the next three years:
Goal: To get married
Competency being addressed:  Research, planning, organisation and confirmation
Action / Strategies:
  • Create a budget planner as a checklist of things to organise and the cost limits for each item.
  • Read magazines, attend expos and talk to friends who have organised weddings to gain insight, ideas and tips. This includes keeping up to date with ideas at Easy Weddings and Bride To Be.
  • Organise visits to prospective locations for the ceremony and reception to be held and liaise with the co-ordinators.
  • Hire a wedding planner.
  • Research bridal stores, florists, photographers, celebrants, caterers, cake designers, entertainers, stationery, transport, accommodation and book them for the day. My favourites so far are:
    • Gently Bentley Chauffeur cars, phone: 0417 814 991
    • Starfish Lane Invitations, phone: (08) 9228 3011
    • Fun Shots Photo booth, Fun Shots $1,500
    • Peel Manor House, Peel Manor approx $8,000
    • Lighthouse by Cyrus photographer, Lighthouse Photography
    • The Bent Spoon cakes, Kathleen Stone, phone: (08) 9444 9019
    • Celebrant, Michelle Adams, phone: 0414 353 646
    • Singer/DJ/MC, Stephen Michael $2,500
    • Samantha Wynne Bridal, Samantha Wynne or phone: (08) 9441 9866
    • Book honeymoon package for the UK and France through Globetrotter Corporate Travel, Globetrotter
    • Set up a saver account with the ANZ Bank to save money for the wedding and honeymoon. This will include setting my savings account to debit $800 per week and automatically deposit it into the saver account, to attain a minimum of $20,000 budget for the wedding by June 2012.
Results expected: A memorable fun day celebrating our love and friendship with our close friends and family.
Support required achieving action: clear communication, flexibility between my fiance and me, availability of our preferred professionals on the day, assistance by family members in the planning, maintaining costs within budget, high level of organisation to keep on top of my to do list.
Action review date: 1st April 2012

Goal: Employment in Children Welfare
Competency being addressed: Career development and management
Action / Strategies:
  • Successful completion of units with HD grades; PSY5188, PSY4153, PSY4144, PSY4128, PSY4160, PSY4161, PSY4162, PSY4163 to complete my Honours Psychology post-graduate studies by November 2013.
  • Keep updated with the developments of UnitingCare West and Australian Psychological Society.
  • Participate in the Homeless Connect volunteer program on 16 November 2011 to gain additional experience for my resume and to further develop my interpersonal skills. I need to express my interest through Tom Pavlos.
  • Complete the ADS1151 Addiction Studies summer school course at ECU between 12th and 16th December 2011 to gain knowledge about alochol and drug abuse, as this may be beneficial for my career in the future. Enrol after 24th October 2011 at Simo.
  • Continue participating in ECU's Resistance and Persistence Transition Support Program (RaPTS) as a Peer Mentor as this is excellent practise for my career. Keep in contact with Kate McGurk.
  • Become a student member of APS and begin to attend networking events to gain industry contacts that could lead to potential employment positions later. I need to send an application form through to Memberships fee is $75.
  • Speak to Trudi Cooper, Associate Professor in children and youth studies, to see if she can provide direction that will help with my employabiity in children welfare. email Trudi or phone: (618) 6304 5637
  • Speak to Career Advisor by making appointment by logging into CareerHub via ECU Career Services to gain career direction and clarity into the path I need to take, should I one day want to register and practise as a psychologist.
  • Apply for graduate positions as a Child Support Worker or Family Services and prepare for interviews by keeping my resume updated, writing potential cover letters for differing jobs (see the exert written for family member that saw them attain the job) and preparing my portfolio and potential questions and responses that may be asked during the interview. use websites for my job search, such as Career One, Psych Exchange, Grad Connection.
Results expected: attainment of a post-graduate degree in Psychology, network contacts and relevant experience gained to improve my employability.
Support required achieving action: Ongoing support from my fiance/husband and family during my studies, flexibility in work commitments to complete studies and undertake additional volunteer opportunities, support and information from the staff at ECU so that I understand what is required of me after I graduate to enter the workforce.
Action review date: 1st November 2013

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