SWOT Analysis

CHOSEN MAJOR: Behavioral Science (AS)

COURSES TAKEN:

• Introduction to Writing
• Intermediate Writing
• American National Government
• Ethics & Values
• Personal Health & Wellness
• Intro to Eastern Religions
• Photography I
• General Psychology
• General Biology
• Intro to Meteorology
• Social & Cultural Anthropology
• Intro to Sociology
• Social & Cultural Anthropology
• Intro to Sociology
• Human Sexuality
• Marriage Relationship Skills
• Intro to Interior Design
• Stress Management Hardiness
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• Foundation of Human Nutrition
• Humanities Through the Arts
• Sociology of the Family
• Foundations for Algebra ( MAT 0950)
• Introductory Algebra (MAT 0990)

COURSE LEFT TO TAKE:

• Math 1040 (Fall Semester 2010)
• Introduction to Geology (Summer Semester 2010)
• Interpersonal Communication (In Progress)
• Career & Major Exploration (In Progress)

STRENGTHS:

• I have a strong desire to assist others in finding peace with themselves.
• I enjoy studying behavior and the mind.
• I have a personal connection to this area of study including addictions in the family, and mental illness.
• Advantages of this degree would be helping others find hope in recovery and fulfilling my need to share what I have learned.
• This has been a lifetime goal of mine, and I know I possess the personality, passion and talent to succeed in this area of study.
• I sincerely care about those who are struggling with addiction, mental illness, and relationship issues.
• With this degree, I can not only use it for income, but in my everyday life experiences as well.

WEAKNESSES:

• Although I would love helping others, I am introverted, fear public speaking, large groups, and leading.
• I do not like complicated research, and would dislike writing professional research papers.
• I am afraid a lot of the courses that require research, internships, community hours, presentations, etc., will intimidate me so much that I will get discouraged.
• I am a stay-at-home mother now and do not seriously see myself applying this degree until later years when parenting does not take up all of my time.
• I am almost done with my AS degree. However, most careers in this area require a BS or higher which will take more time and money. I can see myself postponing my BS until I have more free time.
• I am committed to completing this degree (and eventually a BS or Masters) but I would rather be a mother for now if I had to choose.
• Although I have had personal experiences, I fear my introversion and lack of assertiveness will possibly keep me from achieving my ultimate dream of really applying my degree.

OPPORTUNITIES:

• By getting this degree, I will be able to work in a wide variety of settings working with those affected with mental illness, behavioral disorders and addictions. Entry-level positions will easily come with an AS. I will need to achieve my BS for more opportunities.
• I hope to gain a wide variety of tools that I can use in my day-to-day encounters with others, my family, and eventually with the people I will work with professionally. I hope to learn how to better persuade, mediate, solve conflict, and socialize with others comfortably.
• Because of my related personal experience, I know several people who are successful therapists, social workers, and counselors who have helped me. This opens up many doors for professional guidance with my career goals.
• I will receive my Associates of Science degree the end of the Fall 2010 semester if I make passing grades in my courses.

THREATS:

• Lack of motivation to further my education because motherhood is more fun.
• Not knowing where my husband’s career will take us (relocation).
• As our family grows, time will grow more scarce.
• The needs of my children are placed before mine.
• Lack of financial support.
• Low self-esteem.