BA(Hons) Professional Practice (Work Ethos)
Rationale:
“Work Ethos” is drawn directly from the title of my proposed project: The Impact of Unemployment on the Work Ethos of Professional Classical and Contemporary Dancers. It is a theme on which I will focus directly; investigating work ethos within the context of professional dancers whilst holding an acute awareness of its relevance to all members of society.
In selecting a full award title I considered both the focus of my proposed project and the credentials that permitted my inclusion on the degree course. My project is based on three elements, as depicted in its title: “unemployment”, “work ethos” and “dancers”. My diploma, and therefore training, is also focused on the latter of the three, being a National Diploma in Professional Dance. Three options are thus provided for my award title, although a degree concerned with unemployment may not be viewed favourably by potential employers. ‘Work Ethos’ and ‘Dance’ therefore stand as the two rational contenders for my award title.
The BAPP course is designed to “achieve the development objectives of organisations and individuals” (Middlesex University). This notion of personal development was my primary reason for taking the course, and one that I would like my degree to reflect.
For this reason I have not proposed ‘Dance’ as my award title. My training, diploma and work experience all clearly demonstrate my extensive involvement in dance. If the focus of my degree was to be stated as ‘Dance’, a continuation of learning in a specialised area would indeed be expressed, but no other merits gained throughout the course, or my vocation, would be represented. For a degree course designed to stimulate and accredit development in an individual’s professional practice, I believe an award title reflecting the key driving force of professional practice would be of greater relevance, and certainly more noteworthy.
As stated above, ‘Work Ethos' is the central focus of my proposed project. Moreover, my training and work have enabled me to understand the components of a good work ethos, as well as those of a poor one. Observing my own work ethic and those of my colleagues has taught me a great deal about its key role in the career of a professional. I consider my project to be the missing piece of the jigsaw in learning about and achieving a good work ethos. A professional’s work ethic must be maintained, and ideally improved, throughout the three common components of a career: training, work and unemployment. In studying the matter amongst unemployed dancers, I will be completing my understanding of the trilogy of circumstances to which work ethos is so relevant. Hart considers acquiring an overall “understanding of your topic” to be “part of your academic development – of becoming an expert in the field” (Hart 1998: 1). I believe my endeavour to achieve an inclusive understanding of work ethos promises sufficient personal development to warrant its place in my award title.
When applying for this course I expressed in my personal statement that I was keen to “continue fostering my academic ability” due to my concern that a career in dance is not representative of my “academic potential” (Bentley 2009: 1). I have thus chosen an award title which demonstrates a facet to my character besides that of my ability to dance. Furthermore, this facet has been crucial to my progress as a dancer, as well as to any other venture undertaken. Work Ethos is a phrase that incorporates my eight years of professional training and the development of my work ethic during subsequent jobs. It also recognises the studies undertaken through this degree course, especially with regard to the core focus of studying and improving professional practice.
For the reasons stated above I consider my chosen award title to be an accurate reflection of the project I am undertaking; representative of the objectives of the degree course, and an embodiment of a major aspect of my vocation. When placed together with my diploma, training and work experience, it observes capabilities and interests besides that of dance, whilst still acknowledging my background due to its auxiliary role in my vocation. I also believe the title to be a sensible choice with regard to approaching potential employers. It recognises a vital component of my professional practice, but in a way that is accessible to a wider field of work.
Sources:
Bentley, L, 2009, Personal Statement [essay]. Submitted to Middlesex University: June 2009
Hart, C, 1998, Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination. London: Sage in association with The Open University
Middlesex University, 200? probable decade, Excelling at University Level-Learning in the Workplace [online]. London: Middlesex University. Available from:
