Introduction
Welcome aboard to my ePortfolio which is a reflection of my journey, accomplishments and future dreams. I am Keenan Walker, and I currently live in Washington, D.C., with almost ten years in security. I am currently engaged in Capitol security, helping Capitol Police to ensure the safety of Capitol Hill grounds and Congressional Members. As a citizen, my responsibilities are best illustrated by the fact that I possess a Public Trust and Secret Clearance, which shows that I have accountability and security qualifications. Besides work, I am an enthusiast of reading, running, and sports as well, especially cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and North Carolina Tarheels.
I am pursuing an associate degree in business cybersecurity to cross over into IT and cybersecurity jobs, with the US Capitol and the Library of Congress as major players. This turning point in my career is the result of my goal to serve my country and to apply my extensive security experience to safeguard the infrastructure of the nation. My wife, who is pursuing her graduate studies at Howard University, a Master's Degree in Nurse Management and my daughter, studying at Mountain Saint Mary's University in California., are the sources of inspiration and support in fulfilling my dreams.
Ultimately, my mission is to contribute and make a difference by helping myself, and others achieve self-actualization, respect and conserve natural resources, to instil and maintain an unwavering drive for continued improvement. This mission serves as a driving force in terms of my objectives, standards and conduct, hence preventing me from wavering or losing my focus. This ePortfolio reflects my professional endeavors, my leadership vision, and my educational objectives, therefore providing a full assessment of my efforts towards my personal and professional enhancement.
Professional Profile
Over the years of working in a security post, I have accumulated a number of skills, which include monitoring security gadgets, controlling access to restricted areas, and handling emergency situations. My role as a security officer at Defense Information Systems includes monitoring the CCTV cameras, fire systems, and building alarms to make sure the safety of both people and property is ensured. Apart from working at the National Institute of Health for almost two years, I have had hands-on opportunities at Washington Hospital Center and Trinity University which both sharpened my skills in maintaining safe environments and in support of emergency operations. At Washington Hospital Center, I was an Operating Suite Materials Handler, which means I helped the surgeons during operations, and a Dietary Aide, where I had to have confidential relationships with patients. In my role as a Special Police Officer at Trinity University, I conducted security surveys and pointed out safety concerns, showcasing my capability to deliver a comprehensive campus security system. Moreover, my position as a General Maintenance Worker at Mount Baptist Church included enhancing route efficiencies and best practices, which displayed my wide-range experience and constant aspiration for operational excellence.
Skills and Abilities
Over the duration of my career, I have continuously shown great respect for ethics, and interpersonal activities have been one of my greatest strengths. My precision in carrying out my duties alongside my certification in first aid and CPR has shown my readiness for handling all abnormal security situations. Being knowledgeable about CCTV surveillance and having worked with the processes and procedures in the security field as my background, I consider myself a security specialist. Besides my workforce skills, I am also enthusiastic about reading. In addition, I am a runner and sports lover; I especially enjoy the Dallas Cowboys and the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Personal Mission Statement
My personal mission is helping myself and others realize their potential, utilizing available resources responsibly, and keeping ambition alive for personal development while embracing change by creating a positive influence on everything around me. It defines every decision that comes across my mind, either at work or home and the guiding principle behind it. I have also made a commitment to create a secure and supportive environment. With my skills, I am able to impact positively on those around me. My personal goal is centered on the alignment of my goals, core values, and personal traits so as to remain focused amidst the challenges that may come along.
Using My Personal Mission Statement to Define My Future
To guide several aspects of my life and career plan, it is my hope that I will be using my personal mission statement. Incorporating the mission statement into the vision board will help me never lose sight of what I want in life and ensure that I stay on track till it reaches its destination. The inclusion of such a mission statement in one's CV or resume can help potential employers understand what an individual wants in their career and how they can contribute towards achieving it. Also, while developing these goals, one must be guided by one's personal mission so that every step taken can lead one closer to creating a better future for themselves and others.
Five Strengths Test Results
The results of My Five Strengths Test bring to light some personal traits that matter in the workplace as a leader. Through my problem-solving ability, I know how to detect issues and discover the right ways to solve them. Through my strategic thinking, I am able to plan out in advance and create long-term goals for my achievement. I endeavor to become a lifelong learner who is always striving to enhance my knowledge and explore the endless possibilities of learning. In my capacity as a peacekeeper, I ensure that each party feels heard and any conflicts are resolved smoothly. Furthermore, as a thinker, I like to engage in intellectual activities such as deep thinking and reflection on complex issues, which in turn improve my decision-making process.
Inspirational Leader: Mary Barra
Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, interests me for a number of reasons. I find her journey and the positive impact she has had on GM very impressive. She faced harsh criticism over decisions that led to job losses in the United States; however, she displayed an extraordinary level of endurance, proving that these were worthwhile actions. Her ability to deal with difficult situations and still remain a good leader motivates me to develop my own leadership skills.
My Leadership Style
I am democratic in terms of leadership, as it is all about collaboration and inclusiveness. As a team player, I believe in collective idea generation in order to complete tasks efficiently. My leadership style also embraces adaptability, whereby I listen to others' opinions and encourage them to take part in decision-making processes. I am approachable because I am friendly, which promotes open communication and strong relationships with colleagues who openly approach me with their issues. Thus, this entitlement enables me to learn from my peers, improving my leadership effectiveness over time.
Improving Leadership Effectiveness
To become a great leader, one must work on improving certain things like time management and decision-making. Effective time management involves assigning appropriate time for tasks and delegating responsibilities when necessary. With practice on task blocking, I aim to be better at managing my time efficiently (Gardner & Stough 2002). Furthermore, effective leaders make hard choices without feeling guilty. Using decision trees during analysis has also enabled me to make informed decisions even under challenging circumstances. Therefore, using decision trees when analyzing different options helped me choose well despite facing challenging situations. These goals will help me improve myself for better potentiality as a higher leader in future organizations while also creating positive changes at my current workplace.
Conclusion
My ePortfolio reflects the growth and development of a hardworking security guard and an aspiring cybersecurity specialist. It focuses on my years of ensuring people and property safety, all stemming from my service with the Capitol Police, Defense Information Systems, and other top jobs. These encounters have taught me several skills for security and emergency protocols, including access management, which I will need in the future as I pursue my studies in cybersecurity.
Throughout my career and in my personal life, I have a clear objective: to bring about a positive change, thus helping myself and others fulfil their potential and use resources wisely. Through my abilities in problem-solving, strategic thinking, lifelong learning, peacekeeping, and critical thinking, I am well-prepared to approach my professional life with excellence. Imagining a successful leader like Mary Barra, I am determined to master my time management and decision-making abilities, and I will strive to be as effective and influential as possible.
By getting an associate degree in business cybersecurity, which is aligned with my long-term career goals, I will have the competence to make a better contribution to national security. This educational competency, coupled with my professional experience, gives me the required skills for prestigious positions like those of the US Capitol or the Library of Congress.
My ePortfolio is not only a record of my accomplishments but also an indicator representing my dedication to personal and professional improvement. It symbolizes my expedition, ideas, and commitment to being a member of the cybersecurity world and driving progress. The ePortfolio has been an incredible journey for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer my thanks and appreciation. I look forward to any feedback that can come from this comprehensive look at my professional and personal life.