Professional
Audit
scroll
As part of the Professional Practice unit, I have prepared a professional audit.
Auditing myself professionally
My career up until now
Christian Ronning is a student at the University of Canberra (UC), where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Communication and Media (Corporate and Public Communication).
As an accomplished chef prior to beginning my studies at UC, I had a successful career. As a chef, I have served meals to a number of well-known celebrities and well-known people, including the former Governor-General, his excellency, Major General Michael Jeffery.
My experience at the University of Canberra has given me an insight into the possibilities and career opportunities within the field of communication and media. I am hoping to find a company or organisation where I can contribute to the promotion of the hospitality industry after completing my studies.
It has been an interesting experience to engage in a professional audit. This has caused me to question the direction of my 35+ year career as a chef, along with how I am being asked to reconsider my career path.
Conducting a professional audit
Reflecting upon my past and current circumstances, I find that I will have to rebuild my professional network again, reorganise my time and resources, and better understand work-life balance. Currently, I am rebuilding my personal and professional lives from the ground up.
During the skills audit, I was able to identify my perceived levels of proficiency and skills in various areas, including life skills and communication abilities. Furthermore, this audit provides insight into where I need to improve and concentrate my efforts.
The process of auditing myself professionally also allowed me to refresh my resume. Despite having an established outline, it tended to focus predominantly on work in the hospitality industry. The newly updated and improved version of my resume focuses now on transitioning into the communication and media sector.
Finally, this audit uncovered areas in which I need to improve, and these are areas that I am always looking to improve upon:
-
Written communication skills
-
Social media analysis
-
Digital marketing skills
-
Digital design skills
To make informed decisions and to exercise critical thinking, it is essential to conduct research or acquire knowledge. When you do not know where to go for information, gathering it can be daunting. Therefore, the process can be simplified into steps for gathering information, asking the right questions, identifying irrelevant information, utilising my own experiences and knowledge of the topic, and considering other and reliable resources, such as books and journal articles.
My goal is to work as a freelance consultant using my degree in Communication and Media, along with my expertise as a chef, to help promote the hospitality industry. Through the development of these new skills through my university education, I am able to generate a creative approach to an issue the hospitality industry has been grappling with for some time. The industry is losing many people, but I want to improve it by promoting the fun part of the industry, the crazy side of it, as well as raising awareness of the subject of “Are You OK?” To achieve this goal, I will have to meet with the Board of Directors of the Australian Culinary Federation and craft a strategic plan.
Public speaking is among my greatest fears. As soon as I get up to speak, I become nervous, frustrated, and my hands sweat. Practising public speaking is the only way to improve my public speaking skills; despite my dislike for public speaking, I know this is a requirement of my communications and media career.
As I continue to pursue my degree program, participating in online learning opportunities will allow me to gain a greater understanding of these fields. I understand that all of this is part of the learning process, and I am looking forward to acquiring new skills.
Professional Skills Competencies Audit
Here is a copy of my Skills Competencies Audit for reference.
Resume
Christian Ronning
Phone: 0429545150 | Email: auzziemedia.yahoo.com | LinkedIn
Career Objective
Professional with 30+ years experience in hospitality, seeking a transition to the public relations field. The University of Canberra will award me a Bachelor of Communication and Media in 2022, including a major and a minor in Public and Corporate Communication. To apply my newly acquired skills in public relations and develop my business skills, I am seeking to join a team of diverse communication professionals.
Education
2020
Google Ads
Google Ads Search Certification
Google Ads Measurement Certification
University of Canberra
2020
Hootsuite - Social Marketing Training
Social Marketing Certification
Hootsuite Platform Certification
University of Canberra
2018 – Current (Graduating 2022)
Bachelor of Communication and Media (Corporate and Public Communication)
University of Canberra
2009
Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Quest
2005
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Canberra Institute of Technology
Professional Experience
2020
Internship
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
During my first semester at the University of Canberra, I was able to work as an intern through the FARE internship program. My responsibilities were office administration, research and outreach activities, and writing blog and social media posts. This internship provided me with valuable insight into what it is like to work in a professional environment. Upon completing my degree, I am looking forward to further opportunities in the communications field
October 2014 - Current
Contract Chef, Canberra
Contract chefs perform various tasks, including preparing food, delivering it, and maintaining hygienic conditions in commercial kitchens. Among other credentials and experience, I have more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. In addition, I have had the responsibility to prepare lavish courses for significant social events. Aside from this, I can conduct effective kitchen stock audits, saving venues money and preventing stock from spoiling.
Skills and Attributes
Staff Management
Having managed small teams on several occasions, I have gained experience in managing staff; among the skills that I feel competent in regarding management is dealing with confrontations in the workplace. For me, communication is the key to effective leadership.
Technical Skills
With experience using Microsoft Office, I also have a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite. Besides my existing skillset, I am also learning how to use Google Ads and Hootsuite. However, this is an ongoing process, and I am a fast learner, and I can pick up the skills necessary to become a valuable team member.
Content creation
I have demonstrated knowledge and skills and can create and maintain e-portfolios and blogs using various social media platforms.
Teamwork
It is my firm belief that teamwork makes a dream come true. It is enjoyable to be part of a team where everyone has a voice and contributes to the team's success. Working in a kitchen has allowed me to develop interpersonal skills, which have made it easier for me to join new groups.
References
Available on request.
Here is a copy of my resume for reference.