Based on the commentary and videos introduced and reflecting on the variety of intelligence skills needed to succeed within institutional research (IR), I can identify some personal strengths within the technical and analytical intelligence. I am intellectually curious and honest while having an easiness to learn new technology. I am extremely systematic, organized and held an effortlessness predisposition to extract and manage information. I have the ability to manipulate different database systems and enjoy finding mining from data research. Another strength identified that fits right within issues intelligence is possessing the ability to analyze day to day challenges and tasks at a higher level, and being able to detect larger patterns and forces that underlie specific issues. I am usually able to see the complex and bigger picture while coming up with alternative proposals and solutions. I am always seeking to use knowledge about formal or informal processes that can support initiatives for decision making, as well as to implement change and promote further advancement within my organization.

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An area that I found a need for further growth in IR is within contextual intelligence, especially since this is something that is developed through experience in the field. In addition, I can benefit from further development by learning how to better present data and communicate meaning effectively to others, including describing quantitative data and qualitative methodologies to help monitor what is occurring within the organization and be able to address chance and probability.

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Although I am not looking to master or completely immerse on pursuing a career in the IR field, in order to attain my professional goals, as a future Administrator Professional, and to become a well-rounded and informed Administrator/Leader; I need to be capable to self-understand and analyzed data results to be able to communicate informational needs effectively to researchers, use data to help me identify gaps, areas for improvements, advanced institutional goals, and monitor organization accountability. To accomplish this, I will need to learn some basic statistical tools, some techniques and principles of effective presentation, formula base predictions and progression predictions, further learn to interpret data analysis, learn how to communicate information and understand results of subsequent research needed.

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My plan of action involves completing my Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration/Leadership at Penn State and include the courses Designing Institutional Research Studies (HI ED 830) and Planning/Resource Management (HI ED 810) as part of my curricular study program. I may also take a course in Applied Statistics (STAT 500) and definitely attend seminars that include data analysis training. I would also continue to take advantage of future professional development opportunities at my workplace. In addition, I will continue to steadily develop my knowledge and key issues by regularly reading the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed. publications to help me stay on track with current stories and events, examine academic journals and absolutely attend conferences offered by membership organizations that I participate such as NASPA, NAFSA, NACADA that promote further learning.

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I am confident that by acquiring and maintaining a well-rounded combination of resources, by becoming more acquainted with the processes that involves IR and by getting a deeper understanding of how the types of data research can be used within organizations, the different techniques, and tools used for data collection, as well as learning to interpret effectively data results to aid in decision making will greatly advance my competence in the Academic Administration Leadership field and position me as a valuable asset and stakeholder within my current organization.

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