SWOB Analysis
In order to complete the SWOB analysis ( Strengths , Weaknesses , Opportunities and Barriers ), you will need to take an honest and critical view of yourself .
You may find it useful to refer back to the ratings you gave yourself in the Skills Assessment : Planning Ahead to help identify some of your strengths and weaknesses .
Completing the SWOB analysis will enable you to :
• Reflect on , and analyse more deeply , your current strengths and weaknesses in terms of skills , knowledge and personal attributes .
• Identify areas for improvement and further development .
• Consider the opportunities you may have during your work experience to improve in the areas identified .
• Recognise any barriers to success that you might experience and ways of overcoming these .
• Consider other opportunities for development ; example : volunteering , student societies or community involvement .
TOP TIPS
STRENGTHS - what do you feel are your current strengths ? These can relate to particular skills ; for example , oral presentation , qualities such as reliability and confidence , or knowledge .
WEAKNESSES - what do you consider are your current weaknesses ? Again , relate to skills , attributes or knowledge . For example , you may feel that you need to increase your confidence in dealing with people face to face . Please remember to be specific about the area you need to improve rather than give a broad description .
OPPORTUNITIES - what steps can you take to improve on the weak areas identified ? For example , if you have identified a need to increase your confidence with people face to face , what scope is there to practise during your placement ? What sources of help can you draw upon during your placement ?
BARRIERS - are you likely to encounter any difficulties in reaching your goals ? How might these be overcome ? You may not have the opportunity to practise , so think more widely about how you could achieve your goals through other activities , for example , when you get back to University . Would involvement in a University club or society help you ?
See the SWOB template and example .
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