PERSONAL SWOT ANALYSIS

The purpose of a SWOT Analysis is to evaluate your past, present, and future position in the job market. This analysis will provide you with some
insight on what you do well (your strengths), what challenges you may face (weaknesses and threats), and what opportunities you can take
advantage of. When conducting your SWOT Analysis, think about what you want to achieve and answer the questions with that goal in mind. Be
honest and objective – try to see yourself in the eyes of a colleague or classmate.

Strengths Weaknesses
Think about your strengths in relation to the people around you. For example, if you're a great Again, consider this from a personal/internal perspective and an external perspective. Do other
mathematician and the people around you are also great at math, then this is not likely to be a people see weaknesses that you don't see? Do co-workers consistently outperform you in key
strength in your current role – it may be a necessity. areas? Be realistic – it's best to face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible.

1. What advantages do you have that others don't have (for example, skills, 1. What tasks do you usually avoid because you don't feel confident doing
certifications, education, or connections)? them?
2. What do you do better than anyone else? 2. What will the people around you see as your weaknesses?
3. What personal resources can you access? 3. Are you completely confident in your education and skills training? If not,
4. What do other people (and your professors, in particular) see as your where are your weakest points?
strengths? 4. What are your negative work habits (for example, are you often late, are
5. What are you natural-born gifts or talents? you disorganized, do you have a short temper, or are you poor at
6. Which of your achievements are you most proud of? handling stress?
7. What values do you believe in that others fail to exhibit? 5. Do you have personality traits that hold you back in your field? For
instance, if you have to conduct meetings on a regular basis, a fear of
public speaking would be a major weakness.

Opportunities Threats
Also, importantly, look at your strengths, and ask yourself whether these open up any Performing this analysis will often provide key information – it can point out what needs to be done
opportunities – and look at your weaknesses, and ask yourself whether you could open up and put problems into perspective.
opportunities by eliminating those weaknesses.

1. What new technology can help you? Or can you get help from others or 1. What obstacles do you currently face at school or home?
from people via the Internet? 2. Are any of your classmates competing with you for projects or roles?
2. Is your industry growing? If so, how can you take advantage of the 3. Is your major (or the demand for the things you do) changing?
current market? 4. Does changing technology threaten your position?
3. Do you have a network of strategic contacts to help you, or offer good 5. Could any of your weaknesses lead to threats?
advice?
4. What trends (management or otherwise) do you see in your major, and
how can you take advantage of them?
5. Do you attend networking events, educational classes, or conferences?
6. A new role or project that forces you to learn new skills, like public
speaking or international relations.
7. Are you part of a network that no one else is involved in? If so, what
connections do you have with influential people?
PERSONAL SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths Weaknesses
Think about your strengths in relation to the people around you. For example, if you're a great Again, consider this from a personal/internal perspective and an external perspective. Do other
mathematician and the people around you are also great at math, then this is not likely to be a people see weaknesses that you don't see? Do co-workers consistently outperform you in key
strength in your current role – it may be a necessity. areas? Be realistic – it's best to face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible.

Opportunities Threats
Also, importantly, look at your strengths, and ask yourself whether these open up any Performing this analysis will often provide key information – it can point out what needs to be done
opportunities – and look at your weaknesses, and ask yourself whether you could open up and put problems into perspective.
opportunities by eliminating those weaknesses.