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Personal Information

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• Name: Christopher Hancock

• Degree / Future Field of Work: Bachelor of the Built Environment (Architecture)

 

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Core Literacy   

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Believing in yourself (self-esteem):

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Self-esteem has been a long and winding road for me and something that I still struggle with.

It took time to find my career path, but my journey ultimately led me to architecture.

My Diploma in Building Design provided me with real-world skills, particularly in documentation and client collaboration. Over the past couple of years I have gained confidence in my technical abilities, particularly in drafting, modelling and architectural visualisation. 

While I am comfortable with my technical ability, I am still honing my skills to present ideas confidently and communicate effectively in professional settings.

 

Strengths

• Confidence in drafting, modelling and architectural visualisation

• Experience working with clients and teams in professional settings

 

Areas for Improvement

• Strengthening public speaking and communication in design discussions

 

Self-Rating: 4/6
Career Importance: High

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​​​​Knowing your career strengths and challenges:

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My strengths lie in my grit and patience, allowing me to overcome roadblocks. I have come to realise that this skill is valuable in design, as architecture is inherently about problem-solving. Additionally, I have a strong ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, incorporating them into my workflow to improve my efficiency and client outcomes.

One of the main challenges I face is communicating ideas clearly, particularly in using the correct architectural language when discussing design concepts. I’m focused on improving this by building my vocabulary, practicing design discussions and learning from feedback.

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Strengths

• Resilience and patience

• Adaptability to new technologies 

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Areas for Improvement

• Developing confidence in presenting creative ideas

• Strengthening architectural vocabulary 

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Self Ratings - 4/6

Career Importance - High

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Understanding how your studies relate to your future career:

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As mentioned, my Diploma of Building Design provided me with strong technical ability in drafting and documentation, forming a solid foundation for my future in architecture. However, I realise that to become a well-rounded designer, I need a deeper understanding of design principles and the decision-making processes that shape the built environment.

I am confident that pursuing a degree in architecture will provide me with a well- rounded perspective needed to approach design thoughtfully and with confidence.

 

Strengths

• Practical skills in drafting and documentation

• 3D visualisation

 

Areas for Improvement

• Developing a broader knowledge of design 

 

Self Ratings - 5/6

Career Importance - High

 

 

 

 

Rhetorical Literacy   

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Communication, leadership, and teamwork:

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Working in a professional setting has strengthened my ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team. My experience with Goodwood Cabin Co. has allowed me to take the lead on design, liaising directly with clients and builders to develop modular housing that meets project requirements. Additionally, my role as a co-designer with DISSH has provided me with valuable insight into interior design and retail architecture. In this role, I work closely with other designers and both internal and external stakeholders to meet tight project deadlines and budgets.

While I feel confident working within a team, I am focused on strengthening my communication skills when expressing design ideas. I recognise that clear and effective communication is essential in architecture, not only for collaboration but also for presenting and justifying design decisions.

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Strengths

• Strong ability to collaborate and work in a team

• Leadership experience in design projects at Goodwood Cabin Co., liaising with clients and builders

• Teamwork in retail architecture through work with DISSH

 

Areas for Improvement

• Developing stronger persuasive communication skills for presenting design decisions

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Self Ratings - 4/6

Career Importance - High

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Problem-solving and decision-making:

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I struggle with on-the-spot problem-solving, particularly in high-stress, fast-paced environments. I tend to troubleshoot more effectively when I have time to step back and reflect before arriving at a solution. Once I have had the space to process, I feel more confident in my decision-making.

In team settings, I naturally take a quiet, more observant approach to problem-solving, which allows me to process information before contributing. While this works well for me, I recognise that developing the ability to think quickly under pressure is an important skill.

This is an area I am actively working on, and I believe that university is helping me strengthen my critical thinking skills, which are linked to making informed decisions and improving my problem-solving abilities.

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Strengths

• Strong reflective problem-solving skills

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Areas for Improvement

• Improving on-the-spot problem-solving 

• Adapting to fast-paced environments

• Becoming more vocal in team problem-solving

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Self Ratings - 3/6

Career Importance - High

 

 

 

 

Learning Literacy  

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Goal-directed behaviour:

 

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Choosing to pursue an architecture degree was a carefully considered decision. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to change careers and start anew, and I am committed to making the most of my time at university. My career path and goals are clear, and I strive to continually improve my skills and knowledge.

Having not finished high school (c.2003), I am driven by the challenge of studying at university, proving to myself that I can succeed in an academic environment. I look forward to a future in architecture where I can apply my creativity alongside like-minded individuals.

 

Self Ratings - 5/6

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Academic self-efficacy (study confidence):

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In the spirit of transparency, I often doubt my ability. However, this self-doubt pushes me to work harder, double down in my studies and dedicate extra time to ensure that I am putting my best foot forward.

I take pride in my commitment to learning and self-improvement - seeking out resources, feedback and new ways to strengthen my understanding. Over time, I have seen that persistence, preparation and trust in my abilities contribute to both my competence and confidence in academia.

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Strengths

• Strong commitment to self-improvement

• Actively seeks feedback 

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Areas for Improvement

• Building confidence in abilities without doubting myself

• Trusting self-assessment 

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Self Ratings - 4/6

Career Importance - High

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Learning mindset (ability and willingness to learn):

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Although it takes me time to grasp certain concepts in lectures, my dedication to learning remains strong. University is my top priority and I make a conscious effort to fully understand each subject. I am driven by a desire to explore topics in depth and I am committed to continuous learning and always seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge, particularly in new architectural technologies.

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Strengths

• Strong willingness to learn and expand knowledge

• Prioritises learning and takes time to fully understand topics

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Self Ratings - 4/6

Career Importance - High

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Emotional Literacy  

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Understanding and managing the emotions of self and others:

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I consider self-awareness to be one of my strengths - though at times it can work to my detriment. I am mindful of how my energy impacts those around me and make a conscious effort to bring positivity to the workplace and  classroom, regardless of my personal circumstances. Additionally, I have a strong ability to sense how my peers and colleagues are feeling and naturally approach conversations with empathy, ensuring they feel heard and understood. 

 

Strengths

• Strong self-awareness

• Ability to actively listen

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Self Ratings - 5/6

Career Importance - High

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Career Literacy  

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Career mobility:

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Throughout the years, I have worked across trade, warehouse, retail, and design. These diverse experiences have helped me develop a broad skill-set and the ability to work with and understand a wide range of people. This exposure has given me valuable insight into various workplace cultures and strengthened my career mobility.

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Career identity and commitment:

 

​Having had an extensive career history, my decision to pursue a degree in architecture and design was a deliberate one as it aligns with my creativity. I am fully committed to working in this field and have already taken steps to advance my career in the right direction.​

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Career exploration and awareness:

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Exploring different pathways in architecture has helped me understand where my skills and interests align. Attending industry talks, networking and staying updated on new technologies and trends have helped inform my career direction. Through this, I have discovered a passion for architectural visualisation and am actively working to strengthen this skill to improve my design communication.

 

Strengths

• Diverse career experience across multiple industries

• Clear commitment to pursuing architecture 

• Active engagement with industry trends and continuous professional learning

 

Areas for Improvement

• Gaining more practical industry experience within a team to grow career confidence​

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Self Rating - 5/6
Career Importance - High

 

 

Ethical Literacy  

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Upholding ethically, culturally and socially responsible behaviour:

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I am committed to behaving ethically, responsibly and respectfully in all areas of my life. I value cultural diversity and always strive to treat others fairly. My goal is to design architecture that positively impacts people and communities through inclusivity and connectedness — we are all one.

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Strengths

• Strong commitment to ethical and respectful behaviour

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Areas for Improvement

• Learning how to effectively implement good intentions into practical actions

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Self rating -4/6
Career Importance - High.

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Digital Literacy  

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Using digital technologies for work and learning:

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Digital literacy is an area where I excel. I am proficient in Revit, Lumion and SketchUp, and am comfortable using the software within the Adobe Suite. Additionally, I actively study 3ds Max and Blender outside university to expand my knowledge in industry-relevant software. Once I've built confidence with these programs, I plan to learn ArchiCAD to further enhance my skill set and employability.


 

Strengths

• Proficiency in Revit, Lumion, SketchUp and Adobe Suite

• Proactive in learning software outside university (3ds Max and Blender)

• Strong motivation to expand skills with industry-relevant software 

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Areas for Improvement

• Gaining proficiency in ArchiCAD to broaden skill-set

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Self Rating - 5/6

Career Importance - High

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