MGF 5992 Professional Development
Written by Dr Zen Goh


Assessment Guide


In this unit, you will complete the following assessments. Each assessment is explained in detail in the
following pages. Please read them carefully.

Templates have been provided for you on Moodle, Assessments tab, please use them.

Moodle activities ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Reflection ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Professional Dashboard ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Video CV ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Submissions policies ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Late submissions .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Extensions ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Remarking ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8




Moodle activities
These activities are largely designed to test your basic understanding of key concepts and cover the
compulsory readings (found in Reading list, under Unit Information) and slides for the weeks stated. There may
also be other activities that we consider important for your development.
Instructions: Each week, there will be Moodle activities for you to complete.
Format: These activities will have different formats. Simply follow the instructions.
Grading: These activities are automatically graded. Each week’s activities are worth 1% each.
Reflection
Reflective writing assists you in developing self-awareness and making more intentional career choices, which
are vital for professional growth. It also enhances practical skills needed in the workplace, like following
instructions, working within a structure, and communicating your ideas clearly and convincingly. These skills
are crucial when applying for roles, preparing for interviews, and navigating your professional path.

Instructions:
Write a reflective essay with a clear structure. If you're unsure about writing a reflective essay, helpful resources are
available through the Monash Library. To help you in your reflection, a tracker is provided for you to complete,
allowing you to gain more awareness and insights into your experience. Only the reflection will be graded.
In your reflection, provide a critical discussion of 1-2 real-life examples, using concepts, definitions, and
evidence to interpret and analyse them with the support of relevant academic references. Include at least 8
academic references. Academic references include peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books, and
conference papers. Grey literature (e.g., reports, policy documents) does not count toward your 8 required
academic references and should only be used to support academic sources. Ensure references are
paraphrased in your own words and use direct quotations sparingly. For guidance on distinguishing
between academic and grey literature, refer to Monash University's Scholarly Sources Checklist.
• The essay should be formatted in APA 7th style, double-spaced with an appropriate font.
• You have a word limit of 1500 words (+/- 10%, excluding tracker and reference list).

There are 3 options for you to choose from – Pick only ONE.

Submit: Submit the file as “studentID_reflection” and in PDF format.
Grading: see below
Reflection (35%) High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Fail (N)
Reflection
Summary
(25%)
Reflection and insight
development taken to
the next level with a
sophisticated use of
examples
demonstrating a
thorough
understanding of the
literature in relation
to self.
Excellent balance
between use of the
literature and
reflection.
Good level of
reflection and insight
development, with
clear and detailed
examples
demonstrating a
strong understanding
of the literature in
relation to self.
Good balance
between use of the
literature and
reflection.

Some attempt at
reflection and insight
development, with
some detailed
examples to
demonstrate good
understanding of the
literature or self.
Some balance
between use of the
literature and
reflection.

Reflection
demonstrates a
limited degree of
understanding of self
and the literature/
Mostly descriptive
and very few
attempts at reflection
and minimal insight
development.
Imbalance between
use of the literature
and reflective writing.
Reflections does not
demonstrate an
understanding of the
literature or an
application to and
reflection on self.

Expression and
presentation
(10%)
Excellent use of
language includes a
strong writing style.
Grammar,
punctuation, and
spelling are without
error. Format and
structure are
excellent.
References more than
8, formatted with no
errors, high reliance
on academic sources.

Format requirements
fully met.
Very good use of
language; includes a
strong writing style.
Grammar,
punctuation, and
spelling include few
minor errors. Format
and structure are very
good. References
more than 8,
formatted with few to
no errors, strong
reliance on academic
sources.
Format requirements
mostly met.
Good use of language,
with a few grammar,
punctuation and
spelling errors.
Format and structure
are good.
References more than
8, some errors, some
reliance on non-
academic sources.

Format requirements
partially met.

Appropriate use of
language, with many
grammar,
punctuation, and
spelling errors.
Format and structure
are appropriate.
References at least 8,
some errors, strong
reliance on non-
academic sources.

Format requirements
partially met.

Inappropriate use of
language, with
grammar,
punctuation, and
spelling errors
throughout. Format
and structure are not
appropriate. Did not
provide minimum of 8
academic references,
nor used them
correctly.

Format requirements
not met.


Professional dashboard and Video CV
For these two assignments, we want you to prepare for a specific job or industry of your choice. A specific
and tailored application highlights that you have understood the company's needs and are able to meet
them. Thus, you are bringing value to the company by solving a very specific staffing issue with your skills
and experience.
We have 10 REAL companies and job advertisements for full-time positions that you can choose from (See
separate document: 10 job ads for your choosing, under Assessments tab). Choose only ONE job to
respond to for your assignments. If you have a specific job you already want to apply to, you can do so.
Please select a job advertisement that has details – the company name, selection criteria, etc. Look at our
examples to see what an acceptable job advertisement is to respond to for the assignment. Please get
written permission via email from your lecturer if you choose your own job advertisement.
Complete your assignments like you are applying for your selected job – how would you tailor your
application to present your best self to the company as an excellent candidate who suits their needs?
Professional Dashboard
The Professional Dashboard is a dynamic career development tool that you will create and maintain
throughout this course, and hopefully throughout your career. It is a compilation of materials that exemplify
your brand, values, beliefs, skills, qualifications, education, training, and experiences. This task helps you
prepare for professional life as it requires you to practice presenting a professional identity and portfolio to
prospective employers and recruiters. This also provides you with an opportunity to utilise the personal
insights gained through the weekly activities and workshops to communicate your unique value proposition to
prospective employers effectively.

With the job you are applying for in mind, reflect and note how you can use the content in the dashboard to
help you craft a narrative and personal brand suited for the job/career you are applying for. This dashboard is
designed to help you capture content, thoughts, and strategic actions to achieve your desired goals. You can
update this frequently

Instructions: You are to complete the professional dashboard template (available on Moodle).

Your information must be factual – all information must be accurate and real. It should be written
professionally, ensuring correct spelling and grammar. The purpose of this task is to curate your
information in a way that highlights your suitability and interest in a specific industry or career. This is not
simply a listing exercise, but a way of shaping your professional narrative through the judicious use of the
sections, examples, experiences, and language to create a clear, positive professional package that
communicates your interests, capabilities, and suitability for a particular career. There is an expectation
that in developing your dashboard you will reflect findings from the workshop activities; this includes
results from personal insights exercises.

Submit: Submit the file as “studentID_dashboard” and in PDF format.
Grading: see below
Dashboard (25%) High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Fail (N)
Professional Professional photo. Professional photo. Professional photo. Professional photo No photo and/or lack
Presentation Overall profile is Profile is generally Writing and included. Grammar of professional
(5%) written in a highly written in a expression can be and expression need presentation.
professional manner; professional manner; further improved to improving. Profile is Copyediting and
has a consistent and has a narrative and sharpen completed but with proofreading sorely
clear narrative and shows suitability (i.e., professionalism; may minimal effort. needed. Profile might
shows obvious key word match) to show a consistent Factual but without a be incomplete.
suitability (i.e., key the role being applied narrative across consistent narrative
word match) to the for. Excellent sections of the profile and/or does not
role being applied grammar and and/or suitability (i.e., show obvious
for. No typos, expression. Profile key word match) to suitability (i.e., key
excellent grammar suggests a positive the role being applied word match) to the
and expression. A professional identity. for but lacks a clear
professional identity.
role being applied
for.


strong, positive
professional identity.

‘Personal brand’ ‘Personal brand’ ‘Personal brand’ ‘Personal brand’ Completed ‘Personal Did not complete
Section section is written, section is written section needs some brand’ section but ‘Personal brand’
(10%) with a strong unique professionally but improvement to needs significant section. Provided
voice in a highly provides unique grammar and improvements to the minimal information
professional manner, insight into who the expression. grammar, expression, with no clear
succinctly explaining student is and what Explains factually, but and structure. reference to a
who the student is their professional positively, who the While some professional identity
and what their expertise, student is and what information was nor a personal unique
professional experiences and their professional presented, it is not voice. No alignment
expertise, ambitions are. expertise, clear who the student with selected role.
experiences and Aligned with selected experiences and is and what their
ambitions are. role. Clear positive ambitions are. professional
Summary conveys professional identity However, does not expertise,
what kind of with some insights to portray a strong experiences and
professional and the student as a positive narrative, ambitions are.
person the student is. person. Grammar personally and/or Superficial alignment
Clearly aligned with and expression professional. Some with selected role.
selected role. improvements alignment with
needed to sharpen
the narrative.
selected role.
Experience, These sections are These sections are These sections are These sections are Multiple sections
Education and completed with clear, completed with completed with completed with basic incomplete or
certifications, concise information relevant information relevant information information, that completed with
Skills, in a coherent, in a coherent, in a coherent highlights some minimal factual
Honours & curated manner. manner. Aligns with manner. Loosely competencies, information.
Awards, Aligns closely with the summary and aligns with the experiences, job ad
Projects the summary and paints a consistent summary and covers key words, and
sections paints a strong and professional professional measurable
(10%) consistent narrative. expertise and achievements. Does
professional Descriptions include experiences, without not support a positive
narrative. relevant and a strong positive professional identity.
Descriptions include measurable professional identity.
relevant and achievements, linked Descriptions include
measurable to some key words in some/few relevant
achievements, job applied for, and and measurable
strategically uses job demonstrate some achievements, job ad
ad keywords, and skills and expertise. keywords, and
depict a curated set demonstrates some
of skills and
expertise.
competencies.


Video CV
Video CVs are becoming more common in graduate recruitment and are often used by employers to assess
candidates before interviews. They allow you to showcase qualities that aren’t easily captured in a written
CV, such as communication skills, confidence, and your ability to present yourself professionally.

This assignment gives you a chance to practise presenting your experience, strengths, and self-awareness in
a clear, authentic, and structured way. It will be assessed as if it were a real job application, so it’s important
to prepare thoughtfully and present yourself professionally. It also helps you build key skills for the
workplace, including effective communication, following instructions, and reflecting on your professional
development.

Video Criteria
• Your video CV should be between 4:30 and 5 minutes in length (maximum 5 minutes) and must
address all four key sections. Adhering to the time limit supports a coherent, well-organised
response that demonstrates your ability to prioritise relevant content in line with the assessment
criteria.
• Each of the four parts must be clearly introduced—either verbally or through basic video editing
(e.g., text transitions). Avoid excessive editing, such as spliced audio or visual filters, as these can be
distracting and may undermine the professional impression expected in a corporate context.
• Wear professional attire, ensure a clean, distraction-free background, and position the camera at eye
level to maintain viewer engagement. Video and audio should be high quality. Do not use
PowerPoint presentations, as the focus should remain on your personal presentation and
communication.
• Do not use Generative AI or Powerpoint presentation as your video – we want to see you in person
and how you present yourself professionally. You may use technology to help you enhance the video
e.g., to add subtitles or animations.

Your video CV should demonstrate your ability to present yourself confidently and professionally across the
four required parts, which are outlined below.

1. Introduction
Clearly state the role you are applying for (this should be the same role you completed your professional
dashboard for) and introduce yourself. Highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications, and show how
they align with the key selection criteria for the role.

2. Self-awareness and Application of Learning
Choose a topic or concept from this unit (MGF5992) that has helped you better understand yourself in a
professional development context. Explain how you have engaged with this concept in practice, supported
by a concrete example from your own experience. Then explain how this insight could support your
effectiveness in the role you are applying for.

Avoid general or theoretical descriptions; your response should reflect a personal connection to the
concept. For example, rather than stating “Resilience is important,” explain how you demonstrate resilience
in your own life or work, and how it relates to the demands of the role.

Strong responses also reflect on both the strengths and potential challenges of the concept. For instance,
you might identify honesty as a strength but explain how being too direct caused issues and how you’ve
learned to apply it more constructively. Ensure the concept is drawn specifically from this unit and used to
reveal something meaningful about how you work.

3. Behavioural Question (STAR Model)
Select a real and specific situation in which you experienced genuine stress or pressure. Use the STAR model
(Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Briefly describe the situation and your role in it,
but keep the focus on the action, how you recognised and managed the stress.

Avoid routine examples (e.g., heavy workload or exams) and instead choose a scenario that meaningfully
tests your emotional or professional resilience. Your result should clearly explain the outcome of your
actions and reflect on what the experience demonstrates about your ability to manage pressure. High-level
responses will provide concrete, credible examples and demonstrate genuine insight into your coping
strategies and their relevance in professional contexts.

4. Question for the Interview Panel
Develop a well-considered question for the interview panel that demonstrates your understanding of the
company’s goals, values, and current focus. High-level responses will reflect recent research, for example, by
referencing current news or developments relevant to the organisation or industry and will link this to the
specific role you are applying for.

Avoid generic or overly broad questions (e.g., on long-term strategy, AI use, or promotion pathways).
Instead, ask something that shows genuine curiosity about how the company’s current work connects with
the role and your professional interests.

Video Format and Submission
• Upload: Via Moodle
• Format: Check accepted file formats on the assignment submission page. Mac videos can be
difficult to upload
• File name: “studentID_VideoCV”
• File size: Max 500MB (max 5 minutes)
If there are technical issues uploading, contact your tutor or course coordinator before the deadline.

Tips
• Position the camera at eye level and avoid looking down at the camera. It doesn’t matter if
the video is filmed horizontally or vertically.
• Ensure the audio and video quality is clear before submitting.
• Avoid splicing, speeding up audio or editing the video in a way that looks unnatural or overly
edited. This may impact how understandable it is.
• Professional attire and background are important.
• Practice your delivery, confident speaking, eye contact, and a steady pace; all matter.
• Ensure smooth, obvious transitions between the four sections. You may lose marks if the
question you are answering is unclear.

Format: Submit the file as “studentID_VideoCV” on Moodle, with a maximum of 500MB in file size.
**Please check acceptable formats. Mac videos tend to be difficult to upload.

Grading: see below
Video CV (25%) High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Fail (N)
Introduction,
presentation,
body language
and video
quality
(10%)
Professional
presentation,
interesting and
positive. Clear and
concise overview of
candidate, job roles
and measurable
achievements. Clear
and evident
suitability to the role.
Well presented. Good
overview of
candidate, job roles,
measurable
achievements.
Suitability to the role
demonstrated.
High quality video,
e.g. each section
shows question being
Some preparation
evident.
General presentation
of candidate and/or
job role and/or some
achievements. Some
suitability to the role,
but not all aspects
addressed.
More preparation
required. Limited
evidence of
candidate’s
measurable
achievements and /or
suitability to the role.
Video quality could
be improved e.g.
quality or background
Limited preparation
and information on
interviewee
Poor video quality.
High quality video. responded to; it is
clear which role is
being applied for.
Good video quality.
Clear which role is
being applied for.
noise or background
distractions (e.g. dirty
dishes in
background).
Self-awareness
question
(5%)

Full discussion that
showed a real
awareness and full
description of
themselves. Able to
show both a positive
and a negative in a
good light.
Good discussion that
showed an
awareness as well as
the ability to describe
one’s value to the
job/company.
Some good
discussion that
showed their
awareness and ability
to address the
application and value
to job/company, but
still needed more
detail.
Seemed to be unable
to discuss this in
detail, did not show
how they can provide
value to the
job/company OR
unclear which
question was being
answered.
Unable to answer
question OR skipped
this question.
Behavioural
question
(5%)

Answered question
fully using STAR.
Situation, Task Action
and Result explained
fully with verifiable
examples.
Answered using
STAR, Situation, Task,
Action and Result.
Perhaps needed
more information to
fully explain the
situation and result.
Some aspects of STAR
used, Situation, Task,
Action and Result.
Needed
improvement
Did not use STAR,
Situation, Task,
Action and Result.
Answered question
poorly.
Unable to answer
question OR skipped
this question.
Question about
the role (To the
interview panel)
(5%)

Astute question, well
prepared, some
obvious research
done to understand
the company and its
values/focus and/or
industry-relevant
information from
recent press.
Good question, well
prepared, some
obvious research
done to understand
the company and its
values/focus.
Some preparation
but questions do not
show any research
about or interest in
the company.
Question too
superficial or not
specific.
Did not ask any
questions
Submissions policies
Late submissions
Please see https://www.monash.edu/learning-teaching/teachhq/Assessment/marking-and-grading/how-
to/calculating-late-penalties for late submissions.
Extensions
Please see https://www.monash.edu/students/admin/assessments/extensions-special-consideration for
details.

Remarking
Please see https://www.monash.edu/business/current-students/assessments-exams-and-
results/assessment-
feedback#:~:text=Request%20a%20remark%20due%20to,on%20your%20unit%20Moodle%20site for
assessment feedback and marking matters. Please approach your staff member in the first instance for
feedback. If the matter is raised to the CE, the CE will have the final call. A review of marks may result in an
increase or decrease in the marks awarded. The final result obtained after the review of marks will stand.



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